Ange Postecoglou is keen for Tottenham Hotspur to keep hold of Richarlison despite interest from Saudi Arabia.

That’s according to journalist Paul Brown, who claims that Ange Postecoglou is actually quite fond of the Tottenham forward.

Richarlison has endured a difficult start to the season after beginning the campaign as Spurs’ No9.

The 26-year-old failed to get on the scoresheet in the opening three games and Son Heung-Min has excelled since moving up front.

The Brazil forward has put in some promising displays on the left-hand side since. But he’s set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery earlier this month.

His mixed start to life under Postecoglou has led to suggestions that clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in signing the striker.

Yet, Brown would be surprised if Richarlison headed out the door anytime soon.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown shared an update on Richarlison’s future amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.

“I don’t think Spurs want to sell Richarlison and Ange Postecoglou has been quite happy with him since he came in,” the journalist said. “I don’t think that’s just manager talk to try and boost a player’s confidence.

“I do think he genuinely does like Richarlison as a player. His form improved in the last few weeks, and I’m still convinced he’s going to be an important part of the team this season.

“I’m not even terribly sure whether Richarlison would want to go to Saudi at this stage of his career. I think he’s got a point to prove in the Premier League and he wants to win things with Spurs and I’m not sure he would go for the money.

“I think he’s the kind of player that wants to be a success in the Premier League with a big team and I think Spurs is the right place for him and that he’s probably staying.”

Richarlison had looked bright on the left-hand side before the international break but was replaced by Brennan Johnson in the defeat to Chelsea.

He’s since undergone groin surgery and it remains unclear when he will return to action.

But as a player who is capable of playing across the frontline and never lacks in terms of effort, you can see why Postecoglou wants to keep him around for the time being.

Spurs only snapped the Brazilian up from Everton last summer and while he hasn’t managed to produce the form that earned him the move, he remains an important part of Postecoglou’s squad.