Micah Richards has claimed that Matt Doherty is 'on his way out' of the club following an unimpressive display at the north London derby. The 31-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Tottenham, with his contract set to expire in 18 months.
Doherty has featured 15 times for Spurs this season, directly contributing towards just one goal from right wing-back. Opportunities have been relatively hard to come by amid competition with Emerson Royal but, even when called upon, the Irishman's performances have cast doubt over his long-term prospects at N17.
So much so that Antonio Conte is said to be in the market for a new right-back this month. football.london understands that the Italian has has two priorities this month; to sign a new attacking player and a right wing-back.
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It's believed that the Lilywhites will be looking at both permanent and loan deals in order to grant Conte his wish. Tottenham hold strong interest in Sporting star Pedro Porro, with Fabio Paratici a big fan.
With a number of clubs - such as Chelsea - beginning to rival Spurs for the 23-year-old's signature, the north Londoners could risk missing out. If Tottenham were to sign Porro, who has a £39.7million release clause, then Conte would have a staggering four senior right-backs at his disposal.
Speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club, Richards stressed the importance of Spurs signing the players Conte wants after his side failed to impress against Arsenal. The former Aston Villa and Manchester City defender said: "We’re talking about what he’s dealing with.
"We have to be honest. It’s easy to say they’re not playing well, but he’s not been able to rely on what would be his 'best XI' - and we’re only halfway through.
"Spurs are going through their dip and they’re boring to watch and they’re not giving the fans what they want to see. But a manager is working with the squad that he has and he’s working with a system that has worked in the past.
"I believe Spurs will come good because the manager says that. At this moment in time, if you’re looking at the players who played the other day – Doherty is on his way out, [Ryan] Sessegnon is in and out, he has some really good games but he’s not [consistent]."
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