Paul O Keefe believes Tottenham do not want to sanction the departure of Oliver Skipp amidst interest from Premier League clubs.
Oliver Skipp’s future has been the talk of the town for some time now. While he came up the ranks at some pace and has been a part of their first team since the summer of 2018, the English midfielder has never really had an extended run in the first team. There is no shortage of interest in his services but according to Paul O Keefe, Tottenham are reluctant to sell their academy graduate due to concerns about meeting homegrown player requirements.
Last season, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder was involved in 24 matches but he was on the pitch for less than 900 minutes. While he still has three years left on his deal, Skipp is desperate to have regular first-team action. According to a report from The Telegraph, newly promoted Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton are all keen on signing the Tottenham graduate.
The Foxes parted ways with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and are looking at Skipp to reinforce their midfield. Ipswich manager Keiran McKenna wants to sign him after having seen him up close during his time at Tottenham as a player as well as a coach. Meanwhile, the Saints seek more depth in the centre of the park and they feel Skipp’s arrival could help their cause.
While there is significant interest from all three of the newly promoted clubs, O Keefe feels Skipp’s departure is quite unlikely. The North London club are not looking to sell him and only a massive offer could make them think twice. They have concerns about meeting homegrown player requirements and the 23-year-old’s departure could complicate things for them. Meanwhile, the player wants regular first-team action and he is happy to continue at Spurs if they promise him enough minutes.