Fulham are interested in signing Tottenham’s Welsh international defender Joe Rodon – and Spurs are willing to let their ball-playing defender leave to play first-team football, according to an Athletic report this morning.

The 24 year-old has failed to establish himself in north London since his £11m move from Swansea in October 2020 and made just three league appearances for Antonio Conte last season. The Italian remains a huge admirer of the central defender, who was outstanding as Wales qualified for their first World Cup finals since 1958 earlier this year, but recognises that Rodon needs regular football both in order to remain in Rob Page’s international line up and to avoid career stagnation.

The 6ft 4 in centre half is under contract until 2025 and has attracted interest from Italy, but exploratory talks between Tottenham and Sampdoria have yet to prompt an offer from the Serie A side. Rodon is understood to prefer to remain both in London and the Premier League and Spurs are open to an initial season-long loan deal. Marco Silva is desperate to bring in centre halves to compete with Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream this term – and Rodon, a tall, quick, aerially strong defender with the ability to play off either foot – would fit the Fulham head coach’s bill.