Tottenham Transfer Speculation: Erik Lamela, Andros Townsend
By Logan Holmes
The latest Tottenham transfer speculation and rumours concerns Erik Lamela, Michael Dawson, Andros Townsend, Roberto Soldado and Celtic goalkeeper Frazer Forster.
Erik Lamela
Having missed the second half of the season through injury, it was reported in the Daily Telegraph that Lamela is to train with River Plate in Argentina during the summer and then return early for pre-season training to give himself the best opportunity to be ready for the new season. He will train with the youth players at his first club in a special fitness programme, keeping in touch with the coaches at Tottenham.
It is hoped that the new Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino, will be able to get the best out of his fellow-countryman who cost a record £30m last summer when signed from Roma.
Today there is speculation on Talksport, that Lamela is the target for a number of clubs in Italy, including his former club, Roma, Napoli, Fiorentina and Perugia. Lamela had a disappointing first season in England but with this interest is still highly thought of in Italy.
Michael Dawson
Michael Dawson continues to be in demand with Harry Redknapp and Queen’s Park Rangers the latest club reported to be interested in signing the Tottenham captain and central defender who has made over 300 appearances for Spurs since signing from Nottingham Forest in January, 2005.
The Daily Express have reported that QPR are the third Premier League club to have been linked with Dawson, following earlier inter from Hull City and Crystal Palace. QPR wanted to sign Dawson in the summer of 2012 and Andre Villas-Boas was prepared to sell him but Dawson rejected the move and through time fought his was back into AVB’s team. It was a wise move by Dawson as Mark Hughes’ team struggled against relegation throughout the season and even the arrival of Redknapp in mid-season failed to save them.
Now having made an immediate return to the Premier League, with their late win over Derby County in last weekend’s play-offs, Redknapp is looking to strengthen his team and Dawson would be an ideal acquisition for the club with his experience and totally committed style of play.
Andros Townsend
Also rumoured to be on Redknapp’s radar is Andros Townsend who did so well while on loan at Loftus Road for the second half of Rangers’ relegation season. His performances drew the attention of Roy Hodgson with suggestions of a place in the England squad. When he started last season at Spurs his displays brought him that call up and he was instrumental in helping England in their final World Cup qualification matches.
Injury and lack of playing time frustrated Townsend in the second half of the season and a further injury which required surgery took him out of contention for the World Cup squad. If Redknapp were to follow up this rumoured interest, Townsend could be open to a move if he is guaranteed first team football.
In last weekend’s blog, following QPR’s return to the Premier League, I suggested, in jest, that perhaps Harry might take some of our surplus players – looks as if that might happen.
Escape Route for Roberto Soldado
The Tottenham transfer speculation in The Independent suggests that Atletico Madrid could provide Roberto Soldado with and escape route out of Tottenham. Atletico are requiring a replacement for striker Diego Costa who is expected to join Chelsea and could make a move for Soldado.
The Spanish striker lost his goalscoring touch at White Hart Lane, having averaged over 20 goals per season for Valencia in La Liga. Soldado managed only 2 goals from open play in the Premier League for Tottenham – one at Villa Park in October and a goal against Cardiff City at White Hart Lane in March. His tally of league goals was supplemented with 4 penalties and he scored 5 goals in the Europa League, including a hat-trick against FC Anzhi.
Twelve months ago Soldado was a member of the Spain squad playing in the Confederations Cup in Brazil but his loss of form this season put him out of contention for a place in this sumer’s World Cup squad. A return to La Liga could come as a welcome relief for the striker who cost Tottenham £26m.
Fraser Forster
Tottenham have concerns that Hugo Lloris might decide to move after the World Cup Finals. Their French international goalkeeper is thought to be settled in London and made encouraging comments, from a Tottenham perspective, last week but there is a worry that he might turn down a new contract offer, preferring to move to a club in the Champions League, with Paris Saint-Germain thought to be interested.
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According to the Daily Mail, Spurs are considering the Celtic goalkeeper, Fraser Forster who is in the England World Cup squad, as a possible replacement. Forster has had 4 seasons in Scotland and has been in recent England squads.
Tim Krul of Newcastle United and David Marshall of relegated Cardiff City are other possibilities. Both goalkeepers excelled in their displays against Tottenham last season with Krul exceptional in the game at White Hart Lane when he alone kept Spurs at bay as Newcastle held on to win having scored an early goal. Marshall had an outstanding season and was included in the SkySports Premier League ‘Team of the Season’.
Work for Mauricio Pochettino
There continues to be uncertainty about the future of a number of Tottenham players which will be one of the first decisions that Mauricio Pochettino will have to make. Chelsea have been reported to be interested in Paulinho, Sandro and Capoue have drawn interest from Inter Milan and Napoli.
All had difficulties last year with both Sandro and Capoue having their season blighted by injury. Limited opportunities under Tim Sherwood caused problems for all three and they will be anxious to avoid a similar situation next season and will be looking for a clear indication from Pochettino as to whether they will be part of his plans for the coming season before committing themselves to another year with Spurs.