New wide player a priority in what could be a big month for Spurs
Thomas Frank is eyeing January reinforcements
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Matt Verri
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January is set to be a crucial month for Tottenham and Thomas Frank.
The pressure is on the Spurs boss, who is adamant the club will be active in the transfer window to try and get the season back on track.
“We will definitely be in the market, no doubt about that," Frank said this month.
Spurs’ owners injected £100million into the club earlier this season, but it is understood that figure should not be viewed only as a transfer kitty.
The potential departure of sporting director Fabio Paratici to Fiorentina is not ideal.
But the Lewis family have been keen to push the idea of a “new era” at Spurs. The January window offers a first real test of that.
Top priority
A top-quality winger has to be high on the wishlist for Frank.
Spurs were keen to sign Manchester City's Savinho in the summer and they are expected to be in the market for a wide player against next month.
Omar Marmoush has been linked with a move to Spurs
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Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson have all been unconvincing on the left, with Spurs far too reliant on attacking down their right.
A reliable option out wide would bring some much-needed balance to the Spurs side.
What else they need
Whether it comes in January or in the summer, the midfield needs work.
Spurs need a player with ball-playing qualities who can better get them up the pitch and progressing through the lines.
Better full-back depth would also be good. Destiny Udogie has regular injury problems and Ben Davies has not started a Spurs match this season.
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Questions remain over Guglielmo Vicario, but that does not feel like a priority for this window.
Possible ins
Spurs have no hope of signing Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65million release clause that is active for the first two weeks of January.
Another move for Savinho looks unlikely, after he signed a new contract in October, but Spurs could instead look for a more central forward and shift Richarlison or Randal Kolo Muani out wide.
Omar Marmoush is another Manchester City player linked with Spurs.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a January move to Spurs
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Porto striker Samu Aghehowa has been linked, though he has an £87m release clause. They have also been linked with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a January move to Spurs as he eyes a No1 spot ahead of the World Cup.
Possible outs
Brennan Johnson could be on his way out, with Spurs open to selling for the right price.
He has struggled to make an impression under Frank and Crystal Palace are believed to be pushing to sign the winger in January.
Spurs want to find a buyer for Yves Bissouma, who is out of contract in the summer.
If they cannot not sell in January, Spurs could trigger a 12-month extension option to protect the midfielder's value.
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