Mauricio Pochettino hoping to strengthen his Tottenham squad
Friday 7 August 2015 13:47, UK
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he is still hoping to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Spurs have cleared out some of their unwanted players and bolstered their defence with the captures of Toby Alderweireld, Keiran Trippier and Kevin Wimmer but Pochettino has already admitted he would like to add to his forward options.
Roberto Soldado has been linked with a return to Spain and Emmanuel Adebayor could still move to Aston Villa - exits for that pair would leave Harry Kane as Tottenham's only senior striker.
However, the Tottenham head coach refused to be drawn on whether he has made a move for West Brom striker Berahino who has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane in widespread newspaper reports.
He said: "I think you know we need to bring some players. We work very hard for that. But always if we bring some player, the player who can help our squad is welcome."
Regarding Berahino, he added: "I never speak about rumours. If you check in the last few weeks, a lot of names are linked with us. But this is private, our target and I hope it can happen quick.
"I think our philosophy is to mix. To have the balance in between the young and the experienced player. I think our philosophy, our idea and it is good for the club and the future."
Pochettino also insisted Mousa Dembele has a future at White Hart Lane despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.
"Yes, he's in my plans, Dembele," said Pochettino, whose team begin the Premier League season at Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime, despite a late return from the Audi Cup in Germany.
"I think we need to try to provide him (with a platform) to show his real quality here. It's true the last season was difficult for him, but (not) only was it difficult for him at Tottenham - with his national team too.
"It's for that reason we need to try to provide him the best position on the pitch or try to find the best position for him, to show the quality that he has.
"We don't have doubts but if he doesn't play, [others believe we have] doubts. I think it is all about football. We need to try stuff to help every player and Mousa is another player we need to help to try to give him the chance of giving his best when he has the facility to play.
"Manchester United away is not an easy start. It is never easy in the Premier League and all games are difficult.
"For us it is better to start with Manchester United at Old Trafford. We have experience. We arrive from Munich and played Real Madrid and AC Milan, so we are fit to compete."
