Tottenham Identify Three Possible Replacements for Wantaway Defender – Report

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has asked his network of scouts to find a new left-back as he looks to replace Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

The Cameroon international has been heavily linked with a move to mega-rich French side Monaco and it seems the defender does not fit into the long term plans of the Tottenham manager.

Assou-Ekotto has struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team, with Villas-Boas using Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker at left-back at various stages of the season.

The 29-year-old has had numerous injuries throughout the season but it seems he is plotting a departure from White Hart Lane, with the Mirror suggesting he is keen to secure a move back to France.

Having previously spent three years at Lens in Ligue 1, Assou-Ekotto has spent the vast majority of his career in England and has been the first choice at left-back for Tottenham since the start of the 2008/09 season.

However, his game time has been limited this season and he has made just 10 appearances in the Premier League. This has reportedly led to the Spurs boss asking his team of scouts to identify a suitable replacement.

Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao has already been mentioned as one possible target, while there is also a feeling that Villas-Boas would like to be reunited with Porto left-back Alvaro Pereira.

The Uruguay international was a regular under Villas-Boas at Porto when the Portuguese club won the league title, their domestic cup competition and the Europa League crown.

Another option would be to hand a chance to Danny Rose who has regularly featured for Sunderland at left-back while on a season-long loan.

The Mirror believes that this is the less likely option as the Tottenham boss may well want a more experienced and defensive minded player to take over duties at full-back.