Tottenham eye Villarreal defender Alex Freeman amid Pedro Porro exit talk

Alex Freeman has become one of Villarreal's most eye-catching developments this season and his rapid progress is drawing attention from the Premier League. Tottenham are leading the interest in the American full-back, mainly because Pedro Porro could leave the London club if a significant offer arrives in an upcoming transfer window. Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping track of the defender's development.

• Tottenham see Alex Freeman as a natural replacement if Pedro Porro is sold.
• Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring the Villarreal full-back.
• Freeman joined Villarreal in January from Orlando City for 3.5 million euros plus add-ons.
• The United States international is under contract at Villarreal until 2032.
• He has made 13 appearances and scored one goal this season, earning praise from manager Iñigo Pérez.

Why Tottenham see Alex Freeman as a Pedro Porro replacement

Tottenham's recruitment staff are working with the possibility of receiving a major offer for Pedro Porro, the World Cup-winning Spain international, and that has led them to identify right-side options who can maintain the team's attacking width. Freeman fits that profile because of his age, his ability to play in multiple positions and the speed with which he has adapted to European football since moving to LaLiga.

The Baltimore-born defender did not need a long settling-in period: he arrived at Villarreal in the final hours of the winter market and within months has become a regular presence, making him an appealing target for clubs that prefer to move before his value rises even further.

Freeman's move to Villarreal and his long-term contract

Villarreal paid Orlando City 3.5 million euros for Freeman's transfer, with a further 2.5 million euros tied to performance-related variables. The MLS club also retained a 15 percent sell-on clause on a future transfer, a common structure in deals involving Major League Soccer that could become relevant if negotiations with Premier League clubs gather pace.

The United States international signed a contract with the Spanish club until 2032. That long-term commitment gives Villarreal a strong position in any future talks, and the terms of the deal mean a departure would only happen if a substantial offer arrived.

Manchester United and Chelsea also tracking the American full-back

Tottenham are not the only English club to have placed Freeman on their radar. Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring his performances, according to reports in the British media, as part of a scouting process that has not yet led to formal negotiations. The player's versatility, able to feature as a full-back, wing-back or even in more advanced roles, makes him attractive to teams looking for flexible squad options.

Freeman's breakout season in LaLiga

Freeman has played in 13 matches for Villarreal this season and has scored one goal. His performances have justified the faith the club showed when they moved for him, and his development has been underpinned by the confidence of the coaching staff at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

He has a margin and a range in his level that is still to be defined. Humble, hard-working, you have to let him express himself and play with freedom. He can play in many positions.

Iñigo Pérez's comments highlight the headroom the coaching staff still see in the player. That assessment, combined with his instant adaptation and the physical qualities he shows down the flank, explains why Premier League scouts have added him to their reports ahead of the summer window.

The situation Villarreal face with Premier League interest

Villarreal are under no pressure to sell. Freeman's long contract, the sell-on clause held by Orlando City and the player's rising value leave the Spanish club in a comfortable position. Any move would depend on an offer matching the club's expectations and on the player's own wishes, with his current focus on establishing himself as a regular starter in LaLiga.

A potential departure of Pedro Porro from Tottenham is the factor most likely to accelerate the operation. If the London club loses its first-choice right-back, Freeman would move from being one name on a shortlist to a priority target, with United and Chelsea providing background competition.