The Spanish winger is expected to return home on a temporary deal despite featuring in the first team in the early stages of the new Premier League season. Valencia are expected to take Gill on loan, with Antonio Conte still concerned that the striker cannot cope physically with the demands of English football. And now Los Che boss Gattuso has given an insight into what’s going on with the transfer. Apparently, Spurs have informed Valencia that they will only let Gil leave if they can bring in a replacement before Thursday’s deadline. He told TMW: “For Brian it’s over, Tottenham have told us it’s 90-99% done. two or three days. Spurs have told us that before they let him go they need to get a replacement. We expect Tottenham to sign a player in that role.” In terms of replacing Gil as a wide substitute, links to Dan James, Anthony Gordon and Adama Traore make sense.
The James transfer is the most likely
Fabrizio Romano has already revealed that discussions have taken place between James and Spurs. At this stage, Anthony Gordon seems more likely to go to Chelsea. Traore, meanwhile, looks destined to remain on the Wolves bench. Replacing Gil with a proven Premier League player will also give Conte another weapon to use. Tottenham will fight on four fronts in a bid to win their first piece of silverware since 2008. They begin their Champions League campaign at the start of September, having drawn with Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting Lisbon and Marseille in the group stage. Conte already has Richarlison as central cover for Harry Kane, while the Brazilian can also play wide. But having an extra attacking option on the bench alongside Lucas Moura could be key to Spurs going deep in all competitions this season.
Gil more at home in Spain
In the limited sample sizes on offer, Gil just doesn’t look ready to feature every week in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has grown noticeably in the summer, but Conte clearly does not trust him. To that end, one more season back home makes the most sense at this stage of his career. However, Tottenham appear keen to keep the player long-term. Indeed, there is no indication that Valencia’s loan comes with an option to buy – not at this stage anyway. There is too much talent out there to throw away. But it is now up to Gil to finally prove he can adapt to the demands of the Premier League. READ MORE: Tottenham loanee claims on-loan star has no chance of earning £18m permanent move
