While expecting Tottenham to overhaul their entire squad in order to suit Antonio Conte’s brand of football during the notoriously difficult January transfer window is outlandish, it’s surely important the club prove they are willing to back him.
Both Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino both called for rebuilds and Conte, though a man with a proven track record of improving what he’s got, does tend to challenge those above him.
So far, Spurs have been quiet but - as ever - the last week of the window could well prove more fruitful for the club.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Tottenham transfer news.
Luis Diaz
The idea of landing Porto forward Luis Diaz, who has scored 16 goals in 28 games across all competitions this season, is certainly exciting.
Still, a deal will be hard to pull off with Porto having snubbed an opening offer of £37m, reports Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick.
Sofyan Amrabat
Talks are taking place between Spurs and Fiorentina over a potential late loan move for Sofyan Amrabat, wrote Dan Kilpatrick earlier this week.
Conte considers the 25-year-old as a potential alternative to the likes of Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Winks and Amrabat could prove to be a more attainable target than some of the other names on their wish list.
Franck Kessie
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is a January target although Spurs’ chase of the Ivorian is a particularly difficult one.
Although there is a temptation to make a move now, the fact the midfielder is out of contract in the summer could tempt other leading European clubs to make a move at the end of the season. For Kessie, waiting to assess his options then seems like the wisest move.
Adama Traore
Often linked with Spurs, Wolves winger Adama Traore is “expected” to become the first signing of the Conte era, writes Dan Kilpatrick.
A deal of around £20m is likely to happen and Conte has plans to convert the Spanish international into a wing-back.
Ollie Tanner
Not quite as big a name clearly although Spurs have made an offer for Ollie Tanner of Lewes FC.
The 19-year-old has been training with the club’s development team while playing in non-league and has duly impressed. The offer, however, is still under review.
Dele Alli
Spurs are now ready to let Alli leave, although finding a buyer could well prove difficult.
While The Daily Mail claim up to five Premier League club are keeping tabs on his situation, the midfielder’s hefty wages could well prove to be a problem.
Giovani Lo Celso
Although Giovani Lo Celso hasn’t exactly endured a fall from grace ala Tanguy Ndombele, the Argentine just hasn’t worked out.
Perhaps it’s a case of the wrong man at the wrong time for the wrong club but Lo Celso’s time at Spurs looks unlikely to catch alight. According to CalcioMercato, he could be used a potential makeweight to bring Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos to the club.
Tanguy Ndombele
Arguably the headline potential exit from Spurs this month.
Booed off against Morecambe in the FA Cup earlier this month, Paris Saint-Germain are interested in bringing the midfielder back to France.
For their part, Spurs want to see Ndombele’s wages covered in full as well as an obligation to buy before agreeing to sanction any such deal.
