Rennes eyeing Sanchez as replacement for Liverpool target Theate

Stade Rennais are considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur outcast Davinson Sanchez as a possible replacement for highly sought-after Arthur Theate, according to Foot Mercato.

Theate is subject to substantial interest from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig with multiple reports claiming they have lodged a bid for the 23-year-old.

Premier League giants Liverpool are also interested in the Belgian international, who has been hugely impressive since joining Rennes last summer.

Theate cost the French club around €19 million when he joined from Serie A side Bologna just over a year ago and has made 44 appearances for Bruno Genesio’s side.

However, he could be on his way out of Roazhon Park before the transfer window closes, with Leipzig determined to capture his signature. 

The DFL Supercup winners have submitted a loan proposal to Rennes that includes an obligation to make a permanent purchase in a deal worth €30m.

Rennes are yet to respond to their offer but have already begun scouring the market for a potential replacement, with Sanchez firmly on their radar.

Sanchez has been offered to Rennes by his agents in a desperate attempt to get him off Tottenham’s payroll after falling out of favour in North London.

The right-footed centre-half can operate in any role at the heart of the defence, making him an appealing option for Rennes director Florian Maurice.

Sanchez has failed to live up to his valuation after joining Tottenham from Ajax in a deal worth around €42m in the summer of 2017.

Over the past few years, the 27-year-old has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Ange Postecoglou’s arrival has signalled the end of his time with Spurs.

Sanchez was expected to join Russian side Spartak Moscow, but that transfer failed to materialise, and Rennes could yet make a move for the underwhelming defender.

He played a part in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Brentford but started the 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the bench.