With January rushing into sight pretty quickly, the transfer rumours have already emerged throughout football, with many people trying to guess who their club should sign or even who should be sold. Tottenham look ready to endure an especially important month of negotiating and decision making as Pochettino looks to solidify his squad for the second half of the season.
There is already obvious concern at White Hart Lane that there is a considerable amount of deadwood throughout the squad. An obvious name that is clearly excluded from any kinds of future plans at Spurs is Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Cameroon international who featured at the World Cup in Brazil has not even been included in Tottenham’s 25 man squad for the 2014/2015 Premier League season. Furthermore, with him not featuring in the reserves, it really is a wonder what he is doing still at Tottenham. With his contract up at the end of the season, Pochettino could decide to let him leave on a free in six months, but if possible would probably prefer to let him go now and get a decent fee for the full back. Additionally, it is also difficult to pinpoint the future of hit and miss striker Emmanuel Adebayor. After a leave of absence that saw him return to Africa for family reasons, he no longer seems in Pochettino’s frame for a starting XI, with him also failing to achieve regular starts in recent weeks due to the form of young Harry Kane. If Pochettino does decide to shift on the Togolese forward, it would be a position that would definitely need strengthening. Another future at Spurs that may be in doubt is that of Kyle Naughton. With young MLS star DeAndre Yedlin now joining the club in January after being granted a work permit and Kyle Walker’s return to full fitness, the 26 year old full back could be on his way out. Swansea City held interest in the summer and could come in for the defender again in January in Garry Monk sees fit.
As always, Tottenham have been linked with many players already even before the transfer window opens. An area that many feel needs attention is defence, especially with the recent performances of newly appointed captain Younes Kaboul. While Jan Vertonghen and Federico Fazio appear to be forming a solid partnership, other options Vlad Chiriches and Eric Dier have often been utilised at right back due to suspensions and injuries and the former especially has been less than convincing in both positions. With Dier linked with a slightly surprising loan move away from White Hart Lane, Pochettino may feel the need to strengthen his back line. Two names that have been mentioned often are Aymen Abdennour and Hector Moreno, from Monaco and Espanyol respectively. Although the latter is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained last season, the Tottenham boss could look to bring in the Mexican early to allow him to settle quicker.
As mentioned earlier, Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way out of Tottenham which would mean reinforcements would have to be introduced to accommodate the sale. A player that Pochettino is clearly very fond of is the currently injured Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez. Although also currently injured and apparently suffering a slight set back in his comeback, it is rumoured Spurs may attempt to bring the Saints man in as soon as possible, however Koeman’s asking price of £20m may be too steep. Another name that is being tossed around is that of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon. The French club have reportedly said he is not for sale, but a substantial bid could convince them otherwise.
Main photo:
