Tottenham – Possible Targets In The January Transfer Window

Having signed seven new players last summer it might have been expected that Tottenham would have a quiet January transfer window. Reports in the media, however, link Spurs with possible targets to strengthen a number of positions.

Spurs interested in FC Basel’s winger – Mohamed Salah and Basel at WHL last season [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]With the speculation in the press it would appear that Spurs may be adding to their striker force come January and they are also interested in acquiring a left back, a position where they were unable to make a signing during the summer.

A number of names have been suggested as possible Tottenham targets – in no particular order:

Strike Force

Javier Hernandez (Chicharito – Little Pea) – it was thought that Spurs expressed interest in signing the Mexican striker from Manchester United during the late August transfer dealings. He remained at Old Trafford but has had limited opportunities although he did score the goal in the Capital One Cup game against Liverpool. He has been with United since 2010 and has scored 51 goals in 121 appearances. He has played 53 games for Mexico and scored 35 goals. A proven goalscorer in England, at 25 years of age, he could be a good signing for Spurs and during the past week Hernandez admitted that he may have to leave United where he is fourth choice striker in order to get regular football. A difficulty which could hinder any transfer could be United’s unwillingness to sell to a Premier League rival.

Loic Remy – he is on loan at Newcastle United from QPR where he scored 6 goals in their unsuccessful relegation fight, having signed in January. He has scored 5 goals for Newcastle who are determined to hold on to him and prepared to fight off interest in him which according to the Daily Express is thought to be from from Spurs and West Ham.

Keisuke Honda – an attacking midfield player, his contract with CSKA Moscow runs out at the end of December which makes him available on a free transfer. Tottenham are one of a number of clubs who are thought to be interested in him. He has played 48 times for Japan and scored 18 goals. He was thought to be joining AC Milan during the summer but the deal fell through at the last moment. The Daily Express has reported that Tottenham are at the head of the clubs trying to sign him. Honda has indicated that he will be leaving the Russian club, saying,

"I have a number of options – when the time comes I will make a decision. I have now decided I will leave my club at the expiry of the contract, everything else will be decided soon."

Honda plays as an attacking midfielder either through the middle or wide on the right. Andre Villas-Boas is thought to be considering him for a more attacking role as he can also play up front.

Midfield Creativity

Andrea Pirlo – this past week, the Daily Mail reported that Tottenham were interested in signing the Juventus player. Pirlo’s contract runs out at the end of the season and there have been suggestions of contact between Spurs and the player who may want to test himself in England or Spain before retiring. He is 34 years old and has over 100 caps for Italy and is a deep-lying play-maker. Pirlo would appear to be a strange target, given his age and Spurs strength in midfield especially as central midfield is a very competitive area in the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah – Tottenham are interested in the Basel winger Mohamed Salah according to the Daily Mail. The 21-year-old impressed in Spurs’ games with FC Basel last season scoring their first goal in the 2nd leg in the Europa League match in Switzerland. He scored also in Basel’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Chelsea last month. The Swiss side value Salah at £15m but if Andros Townsend continues to develop this season and with Aaron Lennon recovered from injury, Spurs may decide they have cover in the wide area.

Left Back

Leighton Baines – left back is a position where Tottenham are keen to strengthen the team. Baines would be an ideal signing but after Manchester United spent the summer trying to sign him, it seems unlikely that he will arrive at White Hart Lane if he were to leave Everton. Last weekend’s Sunday People suggested that Tottenham will attempt to sign Baines after his talks with Everton over a new contract failed to reach any agreement. Baines could see a move to Spurs as being similar to being at Everton, a club constantly trying to break into the top echelons of English football and would probably prefer a club offering regular Champions League football.

There’s still over two months to the commencement of the transfer period in the new year but already possible targets are being identified in the media.