Daniel Levy is keen to give Ange Postecoglou a team that can contend for the Premier League’s top four finish, and Tottenham is still hoping to be among the busiest clubs in Europe this transfer window. Sources indicate that they are still in negotiations over a number of deals.
The North London team has had a lackluster and uneven season thus far, which is perhaps best demonstrated by their last two games, where they defeated Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, were held to a goalless draw a few days later, and then defeated non-league Tamworth in extra time in the FA Cup third round.
Tottenham chairman Levy is still hoping to make a number of new signings this month in an attempt to resolve those discrepancies, and negotiations have been going on with a number of potential targets. We are aware that Spurs prioritize acquiring a striker and a central defender, but they are also looking at a number of other options.
In the past two weeks, the club has reportedly spoken with six different players in an effort to negotiate the best terms and determine who they can acquire, according to sources. Beating the competition to players when multiple elite clubs are bidding for the same players is one of Spurs’ toughest problems.
A central defender, though, is seen as key and one area that Postecoglou is desperate to bolster having seen injuries to Micky van de Ven and Christian Romero proving his point and forcing him to play teenage midfielder Archie Gray as an emergency centre-half. The manager has eyes for Bournemouth man Ilya Zabarnyi, but he is one of multiple options according to those close to the club.
Spurs are eager to increase their attacking options as well, but they recently lost out on Randal Kolo Muani, who chose to join Juventus and play in Serie A for the remainder of the season.
The France international was a top target for Levy, according to sources, and Spurs made a lot of effort to close a deal but were ultimately unsuccessful. They are considering Nice’s Ivory Coast intern as one such player.
Spurs are sympathetic to Postecoglou but wary of potential transfer pitfalls.
Consequently, they keep searching for a range of options, whether it’s an attacker who is equally skilled at playing off the wing or an out-and-out striker. As a result, the club has been in contact with the agents of several players this month who have the potential to have an impact. Still, there is a general consensus that as the window closes, there is a high chance of being priced out.
Levy has made it clear that while he will support Postecoglou, he will not act foolishly or go to great lengths to acquire targets. However, we understand that the club will have to dip into the bank balance in order to have a successful campaign and bring in a number of new players.
This season, Postecoglou has faced some criticism due to Tottenham’s seeming difficulties and inability to build on a strong debut campaign. However, given the predicament the Australian finds himself in with regard to the number of injuries they are dealing with, there is some sympathy on the board despite the noises that are made in the media every time Spurs have a poor outcome.
Nevertheless, we are aware that Spurs, like any other well-managed team, has a backup plan in case they choose to relieve the Australian of his responsibilities.