Report: Tottenham end pursuit of England U21 star, as Southampton open talks

Spurs have watched England U21 defender, Ronnie Edwards, closely but decided to not progress interest further as Southampton open talks.

Spurs were linked with Ronnie Edwards

Tottenham’s interest in Peterborough’s Ronnie Edwards has been well documented for some time with the now 21-year-old collecting various big clubs’ attention throughout the past few years.

Back when Nuno Espírito Santo had been installed as manager in September of 2021, Football Insider reported that Spurs had ‘set their sights’ on Edwards after scouting the player for Peterborough’s academy as well as his brief features for the senior side.

The Daily Mail also reported almost a year later that Spurs hadn’t lost their interest in Peterborough’s young star claiming that the club were ‘taking note of Edwards’.

Football Insider even claimed months later that Peterborough were ‘braced for bids from Spurs and other clubs’, with 2022 seemingly being the height of Tottenham’s interest, although it’s unclear as to whether a bid was ever made.

Newly promoted Saints in ‘pole position’ to sign Ronnie Edwards

Pete O’Rourke reported on Thursday (27/6/24) via Football Insider that Russel Martin’s Southampton are set to have the ‘financial flex to prise Edwards from London Road’ off the back of being victorious in the financially lucrative play-off final which will have granted Southampton more money to play with this summer.

Although the report confirms that Edwards is still held in ‘high regard’ among people at Spurs, the club has decided to ‘not pursue their interest any further at this stage’, freeing the path for Southampton to try and agree a deal for the defender.

The Posh defender has impressively already made 142 senior appearances for the club since joining from Barnet’s academy aged 17 in 2020 (TransferMarkt).

However, it appears as though the south-coast side will look for further defensive improvements with Joe Rodon being mooted as a potential signing as part of a swap deal involving striker Carlos Alcaraz. (Daily Mail)

Spurs Web Opinion

Edwards wouldn’t be involved in the England U21s for such a long period of time if he wasn’t a player of quality as well as tremendous potential, however, it’s likely that a move to a club like Southampton will better aid his development than likely being handed spare minutes at Tottenham.

Signing the Peterborough youngster would likely have cut off pathways for upcoming defensive Spurs stars, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington, with Edwards perhaps suiting a move to Tottenham in previous seasons, with the ship possibly having sailed now.

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