Atletico Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement to loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty for the rest of the season.
With Spurs known to be closing in on signing Sporting Lisbon's Pedro Porro, there has been the prospect of Antonio Conte having four right wing-backs at his disposal.
However, on Monday, it emerged that Djed Spence was in line to link up with Rennes for the remainder of the campaign in order to gain regular game time.
While there was the potential for Conte to continue with three options in that area of the pitch, it now appears that another of his players will exit the club.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Doherty has been allowed to sign for Atletico.
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World Cup winner Nahuel Molina is the established first choice at Wanda Metropolitano, with the versatile Marcos Llorente acting as backup to the Argentina international.
Nevertheless, it appears that Simeone wanted another option in that area of the pitch, potentially to allow Llorente to be used further down the flank.
Doherty is allegedly moving on a straight loan and is due to return to North London at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old has earned his fair share of game time during 2022-23, making 10 starts and six substitute outings in all competitions.
After Porro's expected arrival, however, the Republic of Ireland international would effectively become third choice in the pecking order.
Conte is able to call upon Japhet Tanganga, who can be deployed across the defence, at right wing-back if Porro and Emerson Royal are unavailable.
Darren Plant
