Tottenham might miss out on bringing in additional midfield reinforcements in the coming days.
Tottenham are hoping to bring in some high-profile additions during the winter window for the second half of the campaign. The Lilywhites are desperate to return to winning ways in the Premier League after a disappointing defeat to West Ham last weekend. That loss has left the club languishing in 14th place in the table, having won just seven of their opening 22 league matches.
The North Londoners are keen to strengthen their squad by addressing several glaring issues within the team. They recently secured Conor Gallagher on a long-term deal from Atletico Madrid as a replacement for Rodrigo Bentancur. The England international has slotted straight into the starting eleven amid the ongoing injury crisis at N17, adding a fresh dimension to the midfield.
With Lucas Bergvall also sidelined following an injury setback, Spurs are now hoping to bring in an additional option who can operate as a progressive ball carrier. The Sweden international is expected to be out for three months, forcing the Lilywhites to remain active in the transfer market and consider spending on a short-term solution for the remainder of the campaign.
Tottenham face an uphill task of signing Manchester United talent Kobbie Mainoo
It comes as little surprise that Tottenham are targeting midfield reinforcements this winter, especially with Thomas Frank’s job at N17 coming under increasing scrutiny. Recent reports have linked the Lilywhites with £25,000-a-week Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The England international was reportedly keen on a move away from Old Trafford after slipping down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, with a loan switch seen as a way to keep his World Cup ambitions alive.
However, the dismissal of Amorim may have complicated any potential move for Mainoo. The England international has quickly established himself as a regular starter under interim head coach Michael Carrick, playing a key role in United’s victory over arch-rivals Manchester City last weekend. It marked his first start of the season and underlined his continued importance at M16 moving forward.
As a result, Manchester United may now look to ward off interest in Mainoo during the winter window. To further dent Spurs’ hopes, as per Sky Sports, the Red Devils are preparing to open formal contract talks with the midfielder’s representatives in the coming weeks. The club are keen to offer him an improved deal that reflects his growing importance under Carrick for the rest of the campaign.
This development suggests that Tottenham are set to miss out on the highly rated midfielder, despite spending considerable time pursuing a deal for him midway through the season. Spurs may now need to turn their attention to alternative targets if they are still keen on replacing Lucas Bergvall for the remainder of the campaign. Recent reports have also linked the Lilywhites with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, although securing his signature could prove equally challenging.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham act swiftly in the market to bring in a player who can immediately slot into the starting eleven and partner Conor Gallagher in midfield. For now, the club’s immediate focus must be on returning to winning ways and securing positive results under Thomas Frank, as only then will they be able to attract top-quality reinforcements.