TOTTENHAM have entered the race for Inter Milan’s Diego Godin but face competition from Manchester United, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho was snubbed by the Uruguayan when he was manager at Old Trafford but the Special One will go after the veteran defender again.
Mourinho was snubbed by Godin when he was United manager two years ago
Mourinho was raging two years ago when the 34-year-old used interest from the Red Devils to land a new deal at Atletico Madrid.
The Spurs boss claimed Godin’s agent used United to secure a new contract for his client, saying the Uruguayan was keen to come to Old Trafford and that a deal could be done.
United subsequently made an offer but just hours later the centre-back had signed a new contract on improved terms of around £130,000-a-week.
The Uruguayan ace left Diego Simeone’s side on a free transfer to Inter last summer but could be available when this season eventually ends and Tottenham are eager to bring him in, according to the Mirror.
Serie A has been suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus crisis, which has put football across Europe on standby with campaigns possibly finishing throughout the summer.
The Special One is keen to re-shape his defence and is looking at replacements for Jan Vertonghen who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches and Godin’s experience and leadership has seen his touted as a potential candidate for Mourinho’s struggling backline.
Godin has a contract until 2022 but according to Corriere dello Sport it now appears unlikely that he will see out the remainder of his deal in Italy.
The former Atletico man has only played in 16 Serie A games out of a possible 25 for Inter this season and it seems boss Antonio Conte would not stand in his way if he were to seek a move away.
Mourinho’s successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may well be the man to finally bring Godin to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are also said to be interested in the veteran defender and may look to swoop in for Godin a second time to bolster their ranks at the back.
Solskjaer spent heavily last summer on Harry Maguire but is still seeking a settled centre-back partnership.
Eric Bailly’s return to fitness has given the Norwegian another option at the back having played Victor Lindelof for much of this campaign.
LaLiga side Valencia are also rumoured to be interested in bringing the Uruguayan back to Spain and he could favour a return to a Spanish-speaking country.
Godin spent nine years at Madrid and captained Simeone’s side, winning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana and the Europa League twice.
He remains captain of Uruguay and was part of the squad that secured the Copa America title nine years ago.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
