Tottenham Hotspur has initiated talks with Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur over a new contract.

The player’s current deal is set to expire at the end of next season. According to Mail Sport, discussions are still in the early stages, with no agreement close yet, but further meetings are planned in the coming weeks.

The club’s board considers Bentancur a key part of their sporting project and aims to offer him a long-term contract.

The 27-year-old has been an important part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad this season, featuring in 27 games across all competitions.

Real Madrid was linked with the former Juventus midfielder earlier in the season, but no concrete move materialized.