How the Argentine’s summer of business could look if everything goes to plan.
It’s set to be a summer of change at Tottenham Hotspur in 2014 as new manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to put his own stamp on the squad.
The Argentine has been appointed as Tim Sherwood’s successor and will be expected to take Spurs back to the Champions League places in 2014/15.
After a sixth place finish in the Premier League last season this will be no easy task and Pochettino is expected to enter the transfer market to try and improve things.
Here are five players in and five out for the 42-year-old if everything goes to plan.
Players out:
Michael Dawson
Despite being the Tottenham captain and considered as one of most committed and hardworking players at White Hart Lane, Dawson’s defensive credentials are left somewhat wanting.
That is why bottom half clubs such as Crystal Palace and Hull City have been linked with the Englishman, who is perhaps at just too high a level currently.
Source: Sky Sports.
Heurelho Gomes
It’s already been confirmed that after falling to third choice in the list of goalkeepers at the club, Gomes would not be given a new contract this summer.
The Brazilian will leave the North Londoners on a free transfer and remove a hefty wage bill from their books.
Kyle Naughton
The full-back areas were a real issue for Spurs last term and this is something Pochettino is going to need to address if the team wants to improve.
One real weak link has been Naughton, who whether on the right or the left simply does not look good enough for a side chasing European football.
Source: Mirror.
Sandro
Despite being a fans’ favourite and a popular figure among the squad, this Brazil international has been looking to other options after a year of frustration.
Sherwood was not a fan of the 25-year-old and froze him out as a result and it’s believed Serie A duo AS Roma and Napoli are keeping tabs.
Source: Independent.
Andros Townsend
After what was a promising start to the 2013/14 campaign in which Townsend earned himself a call up to the England national team, things have gone downhill since.
The 22-year-old is often accused of being one-dimensional, with a lack of potency both at crossing and shooting.
Source: Mirror.
Players in:
Davide Astori, Cagliari
With Dawson on his way on and concerns over the capabilities of Younes Kaboul, it would be wise for Pochettino to acquire a new centre-back.
Vlad Chiriches impressed during his first year in England and Jan Vertonghen is considered a top-class star, but Astori could challenge both of them for a place in the starting XI.
Source: Daily Express.
Daley Blind, Ajax
As previously mentioned the full-backs are a cause for concern for the Lily Whites and despite impressing on-loan with Sunderland in 2012/13, Danny Rose was poor last term.
The Englishman floundered on the bigger stage and with bags of international and Champions League experience, Blind could be the ideal alternative.
Source: Daily Express.
Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
To the opposite flank now and although Kyle Walker is a supreme athlete, there are concerns that the England international neglects his defensive responsibilities.
That is why Pochettino may return to St Mary’s and sign one of his former players in the shape of Clyne, who has been very impressive at right-back over the past two seasons.
Source: talkSPORT.
Karl Darlow, Nottingham Forest
Although Brad Friedel signed a new one-year contract with Spurs on Tuesday, the 43-year-old is hardly a signing for the future and backup for Hugo Lloris is needed.
That is what has drawn Tottenham to Darlow, who at 23-years-old has plenty of game time ahead of him and may want to leave his Forest nightmare behind.
Source: Daily Mail.
Loic Remy, QPR
Finally attack is an area that also needs reinforcement, with too much reliance put on the goals of Emmanuel Adebayor last campaign.
Roberto Soldado has struggled since a £26m transfer from Valencia in 2013 and beyond that there is only the unproven Harry Kane, so signing Remy for his £9m release clause would be worthwhile – although Arsenal are also very keen.
Source: Goal.
READ MORE: Tottenham transfer news.
