Former striker Darren Bent has called on Tottenham Hotspur to try to negotiate a player-exchange deal with Barcelona for Tanguy Ndombele.

Despite his big-money arrival last summer, the Frenchman has struggled to impress in North London, leading to criticism from manager Jose Mourinho.

Barcelona have been linked with an approach for the former Lyon star, although it has been claimed that they have no intention of including Arthur in any deal.

However, Bent feels that a part-exchange proposal would appeal to Spurs, providing that they are able to sign either Nelson Semedo or Samuel Umtiti.

Speaking to Football Insider, Bent said: "To be fair, that swap deal would cover up a lot of cracks and I think it would help. Centre-half, they've been a little bit weak this season and at full-back as well, they've been a little bit suspect. [Japhet] Tanganga's done very, very well but he's still quite young.

"Semedo a couple of years ago was absolutely brilliant for Benfica, absolutely brilliant. Went to Barcelona, struggled a little bit but that covers it.

"Umtiti as well, a World Cup winner of course. If you're getting Umtiti and Semedo, you ain't having to buy these players and that's two positions kind of sewn up."

Ndombele still has over five years remaining on his contract at Spurs.