It would never have happened in ‘Arry’s day, a quiet January? Do such things happen in London? Well, it appears so. ......................................................................... arsenal
On a day which normally sees plenty of action, there were only a handful of players coming in and out of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, but could it be a trick missed as they look to stake a claim for a top four finish?
The only player brought into the squad was highly-rated MK Dons youngster Dele Alli, who was immediately loaned back to his former club for the rest of the season. The midfielder will certainly be one for the future having made 76 appearances for the League One outfit despite only approaching his 19th birthday, but with five players heading out of the club, perhaps there was more scope for additions at the Lane, particularly coming out of the summer £10million in profit.
Yevhen Konoplyanka
One of the transfer rumours which Spurs fans would have loved to see plastered all over the back pages was Yevhen Konoplyanka and he would have been perfect for a side that has seen great success with wingers this season, with the likes of Nacir Chadli and Erik Lamela impressing.
The Ukranian international has been continually linked with Spurs, although with his contract at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk up in June, Pochettino could be waiting until the end of the season to make a pounce for the 25-year-old.
A move this January could have been another string in Tottenham’s bow, being the feeder for Harry Kane, and banging in a few himself, something he’s well capable of.
Emmanuel Emenike
There’s no denying Spurs need a striker right now, with only Harry Kane pulling his weight up top. They couldn’t get rid of Adebayor in January, and Roberto Soldado has just four goals to his name this season.
Emenike appeared to be the answer Spurs were looking for and just a snip for £15million, but a deal was never done for the Fenerbahce man. It could be a costly move for Pochettino, particularly if Kane was to pick up an injury over the final months of the season.
Bookmakers such as 365 Bet already have the side behind Southampton and Liverpool to finish top four as well as Manchester United and Arsenal, and if they were to miss Kane’s goals, could find them sliding even further down the pecking order.
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot looked all set to join the North London club on loan, signing one of PSG’s most exciting talents, but pulled out as to not upset their relationship with PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi.
The central midfielder has a clause in his contract automatically allowing him to go on loan until the end of the season, and it seemed the 19-year-old was keen with the promise of more playing time. He’ll certainly be one for the future and is well worth keeping an eye on, but for the meantime he’ll be plying his trade in Ligue 1.
Pochettino seems very clear on his squad this season, and have picked up some fantastic results of late with only Crystal Palace blemishing their record. You’d have to be worried about their top four place though should any of their attacking talents pick up a long-term injury, and with games now coming thick and fast it could well happen.
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