Tottenham Hotspur insiders have made the club's feelings known about out-of-form star Son Heung-min behind-the-scenes, and it is believed Ange Postecoglou's side could turn to a £45 million star as a long-term replacement.
Son Heung-min criticised for recent form at Tottenham
The Lilywhites secured their captain's future for another campaign by activating the one-year extension clause in his contract, as it was previously set to expire at the end of this Premier League campaign.
Son was a key player for Postecoglou last season - bagging 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions as Tottenham finished fifth and qualified for the Europa League - but the South Korean's form has dwindled in recent months.
During what was a torrid time for Tottenham in terms of player availability, and a period where Postecoglou needed the very best from his big-name star, Son managed just one goal and an assist in the top flight from late December to now - with the forward attracting some criticism as a result.
“I’ve been taking so much stick from South Korea fans. I’ve been getting loads of stick 24/7 on my Instagram because I said Son’s not a captain, not a leader, and we have to start looking at a replacement for him," said pundit Jamie O'Hara on talkSPORT (via Tottenham News).
“He has been an unbelievable servant to the football club, and he’s a top player. He’s been world-class, but he isn’t anymore. He has lost a yard of pace. He doesn’t go past anyone. He doesn’t really make anything happen.
“Sometimes age gets the better of you, and you’ve got to start looking elsewhere. I think we’ve got to find someone else. I don’t think Son should be captain anymore. He shouldn’t be captain for Tottenham.”
Reports suggest that Tottenham have made contact with Antonio Cordero's representatives ahead of a potential free summer transfer (The Boot Room), with the Malaga winger seemingly among Spurs' candidates to succeed Son in the coming years. However, Postecoglou's side could also look for solutions internally.
What Tottenham are feeling about Son with Mathys Tel tipped to replace him
According to a report by GiveMeSport this week, Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel, who Spurs have an option to buy permanently for around £45 million, could be Son's long-term heir in north London.
The news outlet states that Tottenham are increasingly concerned about Son's form, and the versatile Tel, who can play both out wide and as a striker, is seen as someone who can step into the South Korea international star's shoes.
Tel has already agreed terms on a six-year Spurs contract, for if the club decide to trigger his buy-option and the Frenchman ultimately decides he wants to stay at N17 indefinitely.
The 19-year-old scored his first goal for Spurs in an FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, and has shown flashes of brilliance since deciding to take up Postecoglou's offer to join the club.
He could be an adept successor for Son, and GMS report that, when Dominic Solanke returns to the fold, there is a real possibility Tottenham's legendary winger could be dropped to the bench.