What do Tottenham need before the transfer deadline?
Monday 29 August 2016 11:00, UK
We examine the ways in which Tottenham need to strengthen before the transfer deadline.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have taken five points from their first three Premier League games, but is there still work to do on their squad? Who are the possible targets?
We take a look at what they have already done, and what could happen before the 11.30pm deadline on August 31.
Ins
Victor Wanyama (Southampton, £11m), Vincent Janssen (AZ Alkmaar, £18.6m)
Major outs
Alex Pritchard (Norwich, £9m), Federico Fazio (Roma, loan), DeAndre Yedlin (£5m)
What they need...
Tottenham new boys Victor Wanyama and striker Vincent Janssen have made a positive impression in the first three Premier League games of the season. And while head of recruitment Paul Mitchell recently resigned, there could yet be more new arrivals as Pochettino continues strengthening his squad.
Their most pressing need is to increase their attacking options on the flanks, but Spurs are also light on cover in central defence, and they are in the market for a young goalkeeper too.
Who are the targets?
After a protracted transfer saga, Sky sources say Tottenham have finally agreed an £10.9m agreement to sign Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, with Clinton N'Jie heading in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
The club are also interested in Croatian starlet Ante Coric, although recent newspaper reports suggest Manchester City could win the race for the highly-rated midfielder. Braga's Rafa Silva is another option for Spurs.
Spurs could also land a young goalkeeper, with Sky sources saying they are chasing a deal for Pau Lopez, a 21-year-old shot-stopper who played in Espanyol's youth ranks during Pochettino's time in charge of the Spanish club.
What has Pochettino said?
"We hope to sign one, two or three players - or maybe no one. It depends on many things that will happen.
"We will try to find some players to sign."
What's the pundit view...
Matt Le Tissier: "I wouldn't be too fussed if I was Pochettino. They look very strong in the full-back areas, Wimmer provided good cover in centre-back when Vertonghen was out, Wanyama has strengthened their midfield and then Janssen coming in to support Kane means they haven't really got a weakness.
Pochettino has tweaked it rather than performed major surgery, which seems appropriate after last season.
"Pochettino has tweaked it rather than performed major surgery, which seems appropriate after last season."
