Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed an encouraging start to the January transfer window.
Spurs have already moved to address two key areas of the pitch, with Timo Werner joining from RB Leipzig on loan and Radu Dragusin snubbing Bayern Munich in favour of a switch to North London.
Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be satisfied with the club’s approach in the transfer market so far. Spurs find themselves in an exceedingly rare position having completed two signings in the opening 12 days of the January window.
Both Werner and Dragusin could be involved on Sunday at Old Trafford and you have to look back past 12 years for the last time a Spurs January signing made his debut that month.
But while Tottenham fans may be content with the club’s business so far, there’s still plenty going on behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, including contract talks, discussing new transfer targets and so much more.
The Spurs News has spoken exclusively to HITC Football’s Graeme Bailey to get the latest on Richarlison’s future, new contracts for Heung-Min Son and Yves Bissouma, as well as Tottenham’s interest in Conor Gallagher.
Jota remains of interest to Tottenham
We asked if Spurs are likely to do any more business after signing Werner and Dragusin. And despite already snapping up a forward this month, a move for former Celtic winger Jota can’t be ruled out.
“I wouldn’t rule it out. I think they are looking at all departments. The Jota one, upfront, is a player who Ange likes and I think if it became available, that might be one for the last week of the window.
“If he’s available, very cheaply, it won’t be free but I wouldn’t necessarily rule that out.”
New midfielder dependent on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future
When quizzed on Postecoglou’s desire to bring in another man in the middle of the park, Bailey hinted that may end up being one for the summer for Tottenham.
“Spurs have always said behind the scenes that if Hojbjerg stays, it’s unlikely. But they are assessing the situation.
“Again, if someone comes on the market and they like him, like the Conor Gallagher situation. If he becomes available at a price, they would try and do it.
“They do like him but there is a suspicion at Spurs and the other interested parties that he’ll likely sign a new deal. They aren’t entirely convinced he will leave but you’ve got to throw your hat into the ring.
“If Hojbjerg stays, they don’t see themselves doing much in the midfield department.”
Son and Bissouma to sign new contracts?
Spurs duo Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie have already committed their long-term futures to the club recently. We asked if Tottenham are lining up any more new contracts.
“Son’s one where it wouldn’t surprise me if he did sign a new contract when he gets back from the Asian Cup. I think that is in the works. There is an option to extend his deal but they wouldn’t just take up an option on him.
“I think that’s very much something they know will be a very easy deal to do with Son. They have to make sure any player is happy under Ange and he does love him. It’s going to make those deals all easier.
“I think before the start of the next season, Son will get a new big deal. They will tie him down for another few years because he would be a target for Saudi and elsewhere.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Bissouma [signed a new deal]. I’ve heard him mentioned. Spurs have learnt from other team’s mistakes, like Chelsea, who are not learning their lessons. Mount ran his deal down and Gallagher has run his down.
“Spurs aren’t getting caught in these situations, which I think highlights how well they’re doing off the field.
“From what I’m hearing, it wouldn’t surprise me if Son and Bissouma sign before the start of next season.”
Richarlison’s future amid interest from Saudi Arabia
Richarlison has been attracting interest from Saudi Arabia but when asked about the Brazilian’s future, Bailey said he’s content at Tottenham right now.
“He’s happy, the club like him. There is always that Saudi option there but they aren’t really going big this January, which was always the plan they wouldn’t go massive.
“Richarlison is one for the future as a target for them and they do like him. But with Spurs’ situation, they didn’t really replace Kane in the summer so I think Richarlison is a key player for them now.
“I don’t think he will be pushing for that move. But if they made a profit on him and got his wages out, they would look at him. But with Saudi, there aren’t many players in the world who aren’t for sale.”
Ange wants ‘quality, not quantity’
“From what I’m told, Ange is mindful of bringing in players for appearance’s sake. Unless you’re going to upgrade on the starting XI, he’s not going to force stuff through.
“He wants players, like a Dragusin or Van de Ven, who can push for a starting place. He wants quality, not quantity.”
Tottenham unhappy with Romero’s discipline
“I do wonder how long the fuse is with Cristian Romero at the club. I know they’re a bit upset with his discipline at times.
“I think if there’s anyone who can get Romero under control, it’s Ange. Spurs know what they’ve got there.”
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