Jose Mourinho has previously spoken of his admiration for Matt Doherty’s style of play

Add as preferred source on Google

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to The Independent. 

The report claims that Tottenham are ready to sign the Republic of Ireland international as a solution to their right-back issues this summer. The report claims Wolves want £20 million for the player but that Spurs are hoping to do a deal for much less. The Sun claim a deal is likely to be worth a figure closer to the region of £15 million. 

It could be a potential bargain buy for Tottenham and Doherty would provide Mourinho with a right-back solution as well as cover at left-back. 

Indeed, the Tottenham boss has briefly spoken about what Doherty brings to a team in the past. 

Speaking after Tottenham snatched a 2-1 win over Wolves in December, Mourinho praised his fallen opponents, with special mention for the full-backs. 

“They recover the ball so high, and the two Portuguese guys in midfield – (Joao) Moutinho and (Ruben) Neves are top players who move the ball fast,” Mourinho was quoted by i news. “Jonny and (Matt) Doherty project the way they do, and I don’t even want to speak about Adama (Traore) and Diogo (Jota), because I get tired just seeing them.”

So clearly there is an appreciation already present for Doherty from Mourinho, who is clearly of the belief that he will add considerable value to the right-back role ahead of current incumbent, the inconsistent Serge Aurier. 

Mourinho will just be hoping that Doherty can continue to ‘project’ his will into games at Tottenham in the same way he has done with Wolves.