The business end of the current Premier League campaign is approaching and as as result, teams are beginning to grasp exactly what they have to play for between now and the end of May. Upon reflection of the Premier League table, it is reasonable to suggest that every team between 15th and 20th is at risk of spending next season in the Championship.
Plenty of talented players are likely to suffer from relegation, and Tottenham Hotspur could pay attention by using the upcoming summer transfer window to target those who are good to enough to remain in England's top-flight. So which players from potentially relegated sides could Antonio Conte target at the end of the campaign?
Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
When Watford last suffered relegation from the Premier League, Ismaila Sarr was heavily linked with a transfer to a number of Premier League heavyweights, including Liverpool and Manchester United, but his club demanded an extortionate amount of his services and a move failed to transpire. Since then, he's continued to perform at Vicarage Road but with two years left on his contract this summer, Watford's position is less strong.
READ MORE: Roy Keane issues 'easy' Manchester United transfer message to Tottenham star Harry Kane
The versatility of the Senegalese international is notable. During his time at Watford, Sarr has scored 23 league goals while registering nine assists, having been deployed as a forward through the middle and on both flanks, with most of his minutes originating from the right side of the pitch.
Unlike the large majority of wide forwards, Sarr isn't limited to a role which allows him to cut inside. He's comfortable when hugging the touchline and stretching the pitch, and he has enough pace to beat most of his direct opponents.
Despite the recent form of Matt Doherty, Sarr's adaptable skill set could allow him to be tested as a right wing-back in Conte's 3-4-3 system.
Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United)
Kalvin Phillips could be perfect if Leeds United are unable to avoid relegation after recently appointing Jesse Marsch to replace Marcelo Bielsa. Phillips is a full England international, and he's also homegrown.
Still just 26 years-old, Phillips is entering what are typically understood to be prime years for a central midfielder, and he could spend those at Spurs. With a contract which is due to expire in two years, Phillips could be attainable.
He's aggressive, capable in possession and very versatile, having played as a centre-back, a holding midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder in recent seasons. He could bolster Conte's midfield department after the Italian showed that Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele weren't part of his plans in January.
David Raya (Brentford)
Hugo Lloris is currently 35 years-old but Spurs are in need of a long-term successor to the Frenchman, and David Raya could be the answer if Brentford continue to fall down the table. Still just 26 years-old, Raya has plenty of experience but he's also very young for a goalkeeper, and could offer plenty of years of service at a club in the top half of the Premier League.
He's an expert with the ball at his feet and would improve how Spurs build from the back. Earlier in the season, Jurgen Klopp praised the Spaniard after Liverpool faced Brentford, stating: "Their goalie should have No.10 on his back with the balls he played."
Raya has a contract which is due to expire in 2024. That suggests that if Brentford did suffer relegation, he could be attainable.
Richarlison (Everton)
Despite the players in Everton's squad, relegation seems to be a very realistic possibility at the moment. Frank Lampard's men are just one point clear of the relegation zone, and their fixture schedule is unforgiving.
If the Blues do go down, Richarlison will have plenty of suitors. He hasn't quite fulfilled his potential at Goodison Park but nevertheless, his level is high and his contract is due to expire in two years.
Still just 24 years-old, the Brazilian has plenty of time to reach his ceiling and under Conte, his qualities could be harnessed. Richarlison is aggressive, strong in the air and difficult to defend against, but his versatility could be most useful.
For years, Spurs have searched for a capable backup for Harry Kane but nobody who is good enough has been willing to settle for appearances from the bench. Richarlison is a flexible forward and would be able to occupy any of the offensive roles in Conte's 3-4-3, including deputising for Kane given his experience as a striker for Everton.
As an attacking option who can be used in a variety of different ways, he could be a great option for Spurs.
