Tottenham transfer news: Tanguy Ndombele could join Barcelona in player-swap deal for Philippe Coutinho

French midfielder joined north London club from Lyon last summer

Barcelona are willing to take Tanguy Ndombele off Tottenham in the next window – but only as part of a player-swap deal.

While Jose Mourinho denied a rift with the midfielder on Tuesday after his side’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, Ndombele has struggled for action this season, despite many raving about his obvious talent.

The Independent understands that the French international wants to leave Spurs, and has attracted the interest of Barcelona.

The Spanish champions are themselves operating with a very tight budget, however, and would only be willing to do a deal if it involved some kind of player exchange.

They Catalan club are prepared to put forward Nelson Semedo or Philippe Coutinho.

Spurs would clearly attempt to recoup the fee paid to Lyon for Ndombele if they decided to sell, which may make any swap unlikely. Mourinho may however decide that it is better to switch the squad around.

Ndombele was signed for £55 million in the summer of 2019 in what was seen as a coup, but the 23-year-old has not yet settled at Spurs under either Mauricio Pochettino or Mourinho.