Tottenham Hotspur have a huge couple of weeks ahead of them, with situations on and off the pitch potentially playing a huge role in Thomas Frank’s tenure in North London.
The Dane has multiple key Premier League fixtures against West Ham United and Burnley, with a crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund in between.
However, if the Lilywhites are to have a better chance in any of the aforementioned outings, the hierarchy may look to back the manager in the transfer market.
Frank has been dealt numerous blows in recent days, with multiple first-team players set to miss key matches after various injury setbacks were confirmed this week.
With the window still open, the board have the chance to bolster the ranks in North London, which has seen numerous players appearing on their shortlist.
Spurs consider bid to sign young English talent
In the last couple of days, Spurs have been just one of multiple Premier League clubs touted with a move to land Monaco’s attacking sensation Maghnes Akliouche.
It’s not the first time Frank’s men have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, after previously trying to sign the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window.
However, he’s once again appeared on their radar this month, with a deal in the region of £43m being touted by various sources over the last couple of days.
He’s not the only young prospect currently in their sights, with Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney another player hugely admired behind the scenes in North London.
According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are exploring a move to land the central midfielder, who is also currently being linked with a transfer to Manchester United.
The report also states that the Championship club don’t want to lose their star man this window, but could be forced to cash in if a bid of £30m was presented.
Why Hackney is a bigger English talent than Gallagher
Despite the need for new additions this January, Spurs have already added Conor Gallagher to their ranks, with the Englishman joining the club from Spanish side Atlético Madrid.
Such a move set the hierarchy back a whopping £34m, after Frank’s men hijacked Aston Villa’s proposed transfer to land the 25-year-old on loan with an option to buy.
The deal will no doubt improve the options at the Dane’s disposal, after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for around three months after sustaining a hamstring injury.
However, some fans don’t appear fully convinced by the big-money transfer, which could open the door to added investment in such an area before the window slams shut.
Added depth and quality is also craved at the heart of the current squad, which could see the hierarchy pursue a late move for Hackney in the coming weeks.
At just 23, the midfielder has bags of time to develop in the years ahead, potentially becoming a bigger talent than Gallagher and a more important option than the new addition.
However, despite his tender age, the Middlesbrough star has already managed to outperform the £34m addition in multiple key areas, which no doubt showcases his incredible ability with and without the ball.
Hackney, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Statman Dave, has completed more progressive passes and key passes per 90, subsequently showcasing his incredible ball-playing ability.
The ball-winning ability of Joao Palhinha at the heart of the side has highlighted the need for a ball-player to help complement the Bayern Munich loanee.
The Middlesbrough star’s superb passing ability is further highlighted by his tally of 5.4 passes into the final third and 1.6 passes into the final third per 90.
Such numbers would no doubt help the club create more chances in attacking areas, subsequently solving another issue Frank wants to address this January.
Out of possession, Hackney has also been very impressive, as seen by his tally of 49% tackles won and 5.8 ball recoveries made - with both figures higher than those of Gallagher.
His dominance over the big-money addition is further demonstrated in his higher take-on success rate and higher tally of progressive carries made through the midfield third.
The £30m fee quoted would be another statement of intent from the hierarchy, but it’s a deal that would no doubt hand the side the needed ball-playing option they have lacked.
His stats from the current campaign certainly highlight his dominance over Gallagher in numerous key areas, with the youngster undoubtedly a bigger talent than his compatriot at present.