Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty is set to join Atletico Madrid on loan for the remainder of the season, sources have told ESPN.
The two clubs have reached an agreement for the Republic of Ireland international to join the LaLiga side on loan, although the deal does not include an option for a permanent move.
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Doherty, 31, has seen limited playing time at Spurs this season and the imminent arrival of Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro.
Atletico are in the market for a right-back to serve as a backup to Nahuel Molina and have made that their priority ahead of bringing in an experienced centre-back, despite the expected exit of Felipe to Nottingham Forest.
Following Mario Hermoso’s improved performances for Atletico in recent games, Atletico decided against signing centre-back Caglar Soyuncu from Leicester City in this transfer window.
Instead, the Atletico will wait until the end of the season when the Turkey international’s contract at Leicester expires.
Doherty is Atletico’s preferred choice ahead of Roma’s Rick Karsdorp, with sources telling ESPN the relationship between Atletico and Spurs allowed for a deal to be reached quickly ahead of the January transfer deadline.
Atletico, meanwhile, are still hoping to find a club for midfielder Saul Niguez, who is a target of Valencia.
