Will Mauricio Pochettino convince Ndombele to sign with Tottenham?

Signing Tanguy Ndombele is currently Tottenham’s main priority, but whether their pursuit of the Lyon midfielder is successful could depend on Mauricio Pochettino’s ability to cajole the 22-year-old.

Juventus, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all shown interest in Lyon’s main asset. Talk about stiff competition.

Ndombele’s preference is a move to Spain, and it would be illogical for the highly sought after midfielder to turn down a transfer, if one was on the table, to Real Madrid or Barcelona. What young phenom wouldn’t want to ply his trade in sunny Spain, with the juggernauts of world football?

Spurs, though, also appeal greatly to Ndombele, who is impressed by the North London club’s ability to exceed expectations in the face of adversity, playing consistently with a comparatively skeleton crew.

Ndombele looks to Pochettino as the orchestrator of Spurs’ success, and is keen on developing under the maestro’s tutelage. The Argentine, therefore, holds the key to bringing Ndombele to N17. Even though the Evening Standard and the Independent report that Spurs are in pole position to sign the prodigy, convincing a player of his stature and skill set to disregard the allure of Madrid and Barcelona is no easy feat.

So, while considered frontrunners in the Ndombele sweepstakes, it still feels like the odds are stacked decidedly against Tottenham. Madrid or Barcelona can always swoop in and make a last-minute offer Lyon won’t be able to refuse. It’s the nature of the beast, which is why Pochettino’s influence is so important in securing the deal.

He’s the X-Factor in this negotiation, and it will be his ability to empower, inspire and motivate that gets it across the line. The club is offering £60 million-plus to land Ndombele, whose age and athletic ability make him an invaluable target for the North London club.

Champions League football for a player of Ndombele’s quality is a must, diminishing immediately Manchester United’s chances of signing him. How Juventus, Madrid and Barcelona proceed is out of Tottenham’s control. What is in entirely in their control, though, is Pochettino’s ability to convince, via his magical powers of persuasion.

Pochettino will need to use every tool at his disposal to convince Ndombele that Spurs is his best option, both for the present and future.

While Pochettino has his work cut out for him, you wouldn’t bet against him getting the deal over the line. Conversely, no supporter would be surprised if it goes the other way, with Madrid or Barcelona swooping in and plucking Ndombele from Spurs’ fingertips.