The start of the new Premier League season is nearly upon us and whilst most sides are finalising their last bits of transfer business, Tottenham Hotspur still have a lot of work to do before the September 1 deadline.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking to finally stamp his effect on the club he took over as manager last summer.
The focus at White Hart Lane so far has been about removing some of the dead wood in the squad, with a number of fringe players including Vlad Chiriches, Younes Kaboul, Paulinho and Etiene Capoue all moving on this summer.
All these outgoings have left Pochettino’s squad looking very bare and he faces a race against time to add to the early additions of defenders Toby Alderwiereld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier.
The side’s task becomes a lot more difficult when you look at the impressive purchases that league rivals Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have already made.
There is no doubting Tottenham need to add several quality players if they want to compete for European football again this season.
Here are four players they should consider to bring the side back in touch with their rivals…
Saido Berahino
Last season Harry Kane was the main striker at Spurs, scoring goals for fun, but there is no doubting he needs a partner to ease some of the pressure.
Berahino is a proven Premier League goalscorer and would be the perfect partner for the young striker.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has been a long time admirer of the striker and even made a failed attempt to sign the Baggies forward back in January.
Kane and Berahino have already developed a good striking relationship from their time with the England U21 side. The duo link up well together and play to each others strengths.
At 21, Berahino is still learning his trade. However, the player is already an extremely talented individual, his speed and clinical finishing are his best attributes, and he can be a complete nightmare for defenders.
West Brom are likely to put up a fight for their star striker but it is believed a bid close to the region of £20million could change their stance.
Moussa Sissoko
You cannot deny that Spurs’ central midfield needs strengthening. Currently Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb are the first choice pair. Whilst both are talented youngsters with a lot of potential, they should not be first choice for a top six Premier League side.
Moussa Sissoko would certainly offer a step up from the pair. The French midfielder is a very talented individual and has all the best attributes of a box to box midfielder.
He is impressive at both ends of the pitch whether it be trying to regain the ball, or bombing forward in support of the attack.
The 25-year-old has become a vital part of the Newcastle side in recent seasons. His work rate and ability on the ball are amongst his main attributes, the player is a nightmare to get off the ball.
Sissoko will be looking to showcase his talent this season in a bid to impress France manager Didier Deschamps ahead of next year’s European Championships.
Similar to Berahino his side are unlikely to want to part with the play maker but it is thought a bid of about £18million would be enough to secure the powerhouse.
Timo Werner
With the departures of back up strikers Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor imminent, Spurs strike force is looking very depleted ahead of the season start.
One man who would help fill the void is German wonder kid Timo Werner who is currently with VFB Stuttgart.
The 19-year-old is highly thought of in his home land and would be a decent addition to the squad.
The youngster is a very versatile player and is comfortable playing up front or in behind the striker as one of the attacking midfield trio, with his incredible pace and technical ability important qualities of his game.
The German has a great strike rate at a number of International youth levels, including scoring 18 goals in 16 games for the Germany U17 side.
Available for around £10million, the player would be a relatively cheap long term investment.
Ashley Young
Mauricio Pochettino has never been truly happy with his attacking midfield trio since taking over. The Argentine has tried a number of players including Christian Eriksen, Andros Townsend, Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli and Moussa Dembele, but has never found his perfect trio.
Only Eriksen and Chadli have shown any kind of consistency, and one man who could complete the trio is Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young.
Young has slipped down the pecking order at United and could be looking for a fresh move to strengthen any chance he has of making the England European Championship Squad next summer.
The winger is a pacey, skilful player with a great delivery on him, and the levels of service he provides could work wonders for Harry Kane.
The England international’s contract runs out at the end of the season meaning Spurs may be able to capitalise on this by securing the player for a discounted fee.
