Tottenham have kept themselves relatively busy in the transfer market this summer, spending around £20million on defenders Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Tripper whilst offloading the likes of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue, but there’s still some work to be done on the inward front.
Indeed, many a Premier League manager would argue no squad is ever truly complete. So ahead of a season in which Spurs fans will be hoping their club hones in on a top four finish after ending last term in fifth place, the Lilywhites roster is still far from perfect.
But fear not Spurs fans, for Football FanCast is here to help. Using our god-given powers of transfer know-how, we’ve listed FIVE potential signings that could leave the north Londoners with a well-rounded, complete squad.
Would you like to see some of these FIVE turn up at White Hart Lane in time for Spurs’ opening Premier League fixture against Manchester United next month?
JAMES MCCARTHY
James McCarthy has already been mooted as a priority target for Tottenham and it’s not hard to see why.
Dynamic energy, enthusiasm and tenacity was the main reason Ryan Mason held down a spot in the Lilywhites starting XI for so long last season and the Ireland international is of a similar mould; never more than a few yards away from the action and seemingly covering every blade of grass twice over the course of 90 minutes.
If there’s one criticism of the 24 year-old, it’s that he doesn’t score enough goals – managing just 26 in 336 appearances throughout his tenures with Hamilton Academical, Wigan, current club Everton and the Irish national team.
But that aside, McCarthy offers an impressive all-round game, blending his renowned athleticism with enough technical quality to feature at the epicentre of two Roberto Martinez sides.
Spurs are attempting to broker a deal that will see Aaron Lennon go the other way; but Martinez has insisted the midfielder isn’t for sale.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Although Harry Kane’s role at the spearhead of Tottenham’s attack is cemented for next season, the Lilywhites are in dire need of some better back up for the England international, currently relying on flopped duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado.
In terms of strikers with Premier League proven pedigree, they don’t come much better than Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez, who reached double figures in three league campaigns for the Red Devils despite predominantly featuring from the bench.
He’s got the pace to penetrate defences but it best known for his killer instincts inside the box – a real old-fashioned poacher who finishes as comfortably in the air as he does on the ground.
That could make the Mexico international an interesting partner for Kane, with their obvious contrast of styles, and I have little doubt Chicharito would comfortably score around 15 goals per season with enough game-time.
Spurs may have a tougher time than expected convincing the Old Trafford outfit to sell, however. Despite spending last term exiled to Real Madrid and now venturing into the final twelve months of his contract, reports today claim United want to hold onto the 27 year-old for at least another season.
RICKIE LAMBERT
A considerably cheaper and more available alternative to Javier Hernandez comes in the form of ex-Southampton front-man Rickie Lambert.
I know what you’re thinking; the striker is now 33 years of age and has just come to the end of a woeful season at Liverpool, managing just three goals in 36 appearances across all competitions – albeit predominantly reduced to featuring from the bench.
But not long ago the England international was one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino’s direction at St. Mary’s, claiming 28 goals and 15 assists in 75 appearances during his top flight campaigns with the Saints.
Although Tottenham fans might not feel too comfortable with him starting regularly, the former Football Leaguer is still a better option from the bench than Adebayor or Soldado in my opinion, having already proved himself compatible with Pochettino’s philosophy.
Furthermore, having signed him for just £4million and since completely ruined his career, Liverpool will likely let Lambert leave for a pittance this summer – especially after wrapping up a deal for likeminded Aston Villa target man Christian Benteke.
THIAGO MOTTA
Due to their drastic overhaul of players during the last two summers, Tottenham are now left with an exceptionally young squad – which could be made even younger if Aaron Lennon, Roberto Soldado, Moussa Dembele and Emmanuel Adebayor are all offloaded as expected this summer.
Some experience and natural leadership certainly wouldn’t go amiss, at which point I direct you to PSG’s veteran enforcer Thiago Motta.
The 32-year-old is about as proven as it gets, boasting titles in La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 from with Barcelona, Inter Milan and the Parisians, alongside two Champions League titles and 23 caps for the Italian national team.
Nabil Bentaleb is currently Mauricio Pochettino’s only real holding option, so in addition to balancing out Spurs’ youthfulness he’d also address a developing gap in their squad.
With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Motta has already admitted he’s likely to leave the French capital this summer.
VICTOR MOSES
Another target allegedly already on the White Hart Lane radar is Chelsea winger-forward Victor Moses.
The Nigerian international’s intrinsic weakness has always been output, netting just 43 times in 261 career appearances throughout his spells with Crystal Palace, Wigan, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City and the Super Eagles.
But blessed with great power, strength and dribbling ability, the 24 year-old’s contribution to build up play can be phenomenal; on loan with the Potters last season, he averaged 2.2 shots, 1.7 created chances and 3.3 successful dribbles per-match.
Mauricio Pochettino likes his winger-forwards to be dynamic and robust and Moses certainly falls into that category, whilst his all-round work rate is undoubtedly superior to the likes of Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend.
The tabloids claim Spurs have already launched a £7million bid – but Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes Moses could be in line for a surprise role in the Chelsea first team next season.
