Welsh defender Rodon leaves Spurs for Rennes ahead of World Cup

Welsh defender Joe Rodon has been granted a season-long loan from Tottenham to Rennes, with a permanent option included.

The 24-year-old leaves Antonio Conte's side in search of more regular opportunities ahead of Wales' World Cup campaign, which will be the country's first since 1958.

Rodon made just 10 appearances for Spurs last season, including in the Conference League against Rennes, amid fierce competition for first-team football - and the signing of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona the pushed further down the pecking order.

Opportunities should be more open with the Ligue 1 side, who hold a clause to make the deal permanent next year for a fee of £17million.

The former Swansea City defender is a key part of Rob Page's international setup, forging a partnership with Spurs' Ben Davies at the heart of the Wales backline and earning 28 caps to date.< /p>

Wales sealed their place in Qatar with a play-off win over Ukraine and will be in Group B alongside England, Iran and USA.

A move to Rennes will also provide the opportunity for European football, with a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season securing a place in the Europa League.

Rennes technical director Florian Maurice said Rodon had "no hesitation" in joining.

"He's a real central defender who likes to defend, he has that aggressive side that we need to allow us to be even more effective defensively," said Maurice.

"He is an international, a starter with Wales and he will certainly be called up to play in the World Cup in November."