Tottenham are moving quickly to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool after an injury crisis that has left manager Thomas Frank finishing matches with makeshift lineups and a squad short on experience.
The north London club have approached Liverpool over the Scotland international, who is out of contract this summer. Talks are progressing at pace following the loss of Ben Davies to a broken ankle that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Frank’s resources have been severely depleted, with five injuries sustained across five matches. Lucas Bergvall is the latest casualty and faces up to three months out, forcing the manager to deploy right-back Pedro Porro alongside teenager Archie Gray in midfield during Tuesday’s victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison and Davies were already unavailable. Richarlison is expected to return first, though not until mid-March.
Spurs have completed the signing of 19-year-old left-back Souza from Santos in Brazil, who could be eligible to play at Burnley on Saturday if his international clearance and work permit are processed in time. However, there is no guarantee the teenager can adapt immediately to Premier League football.
Robertson, 31, would bring cover, experience and leadership to a squad that chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has acknowledged needs greater maturity. Venkatesham has spoken of the need for more leadership and quality in recruitment as Frank seeks to change the club’s culture.
Liverpool have entered preliminary discussions given Robertson’s contract situation and his stated desire to resolve his future. The club said no outcome had been reached and that they would consider both the interests of their squad and of a player they regard as an outstanding servant since his arrival in 2017.
