Tottenham transfer news: Spurs left Elland Road on Saturday with 61% of possession and nothing to show for it. Roberto De Zerbi’s side lost 1-0 to Leeds, with Noah Okafor’s late strike ending a three-match winning run, and they now sit 10th. The expected goals told the story, with Leeds on 2.05 and Spurs on 0.73, from only seven shots.

That lack of bite is significant because De Zerbi’s 3-2-5 shape relies on its wing-backs for width and delivery. On the left, Destiny Udogie has started just two of Tottenham’s first seven league games after missing the whole pre-season, and the manager has often preferred Andy Robertson, who is 32. Djed Spence has joined Inter and Souza has gone out on loan, so Spurs have two senior left-backs and doubts over both.

Udogie turns 24 on 28 November and has struggled to string together a fit run since arriving, while Robertson offers experience rather than a long-term solution.

Barcelona open the door

Tuttomercato reports that Tottenham are pursuing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, with the Catalans now open to a departure. The 22-year-old Spain international has yet to start a LaLiga game this season, sitting behind Joao Cancelo and academy graduate Xavi Espart.

Sport says Barcelona would prefer a permanent sale worth around £33m (€40m), but his agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly sounding out Premier League clubs about a loan with an option to buy. Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City are also credited with interest, and a decision is expected in December.

The profile is clear. Balde offers left-footed width, recovery pace and a readiness to overlap, with more than 170 senior appearances already. Injuries have interrupted several of his seasons, though, and last year’s FotMob data ranked him low among full-backs for aerial duels and defensive contributions.

Tottenham transfer news: Should Tottenham sign Balde to solve their left-back problem?

Yes, but on the right terms. A back three shields a wing-back’s defensive flaws, and Balde’s pace would give De Zerbi a runner who can attack the space Spurs keep failing to exploit. He would also force Udogie and Robertson to compete properly.

The caveats are real, though. He managed just two assists in 1,519 league minutes last season, so he will not fix Tottenham’s creativity alone, and he arrives short of rhythm. A permanent deal for a player who has not started a league game this season would carry more risk than the problem justifies, so a loan with a capped option is the version worth doing.