This summer’s transfer window saw Tottenham Hotspur become the first team in Premier League history not to add a single player to their playing squad.
In recent weeks Spurs have been linked with several players, notably Cengiz Under from Roma, an attacking midfield player with an eye for goal, and all-action central midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon.
Both players fit the well-established Tottenham transfer policy of bringing young talented players and nurturing them into stars.
Tottenham have a few areas of concern that Mauricio Pochettino has mentioned himself, the biggest being that they carry too many non-homegrown players. Three too many in fact that they had to leave Juan Foyth, George-Kevin N’Koudou and Vincent Janssen out of their Champions League squad.
In addition, it is clear that neither N’Koudou, Janssen or in fact Fernando Llorente are part of the club’s long-term plans and would be available for the right offer – as they were in the summer.
It is a difficult balancing act for the Tottenham board and Pochettino. They will need to assess if any youth-team players are close to a first-team breakthrough that will soon be part of the first-team squad.
Although Under is a very talented young player, I do not see this position as a priority for Tottenham at present.
Central midfield a far bigger concern, especially as both Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele have struggled with fitness. Dembele has also been on record indicating that his body can no longer cope with the demands of the Premier League.
I believe a move for Ndombele is far more likely, he is the kind of player that Pochettino loves – strong and physical. In France he is being compared to N’Golo Kante.
He is known for his speed breaking defence into an attack at breakneck speed. The Lyon man is comfortable on the ball and uses it well. Off the ball, he offers energy, physicality and discipline.
Ndombele has been watched on numerous occasions by Tottenham scouts, although they are not the only clubs keeping a keen eye on him, with Manchester City and Barcelona also strongly linked.
Sources close to us at White Heart Lane have indicated to us that the club has been talking with Lyon since the summer and are desperate to do a deal before he is priced out of their reach.
Pochettino no doubt will also be looking for another central attacker and possibly a fast energetic and dynamic full-back. Any signings in these areas though are most likely to be homegrown. Enabling the club to rebalance the squad too and reduce the number of non-home grown players.