Skipp's emergence comes at just the right time to replace Dembele

By Sam Preston

Monaco are interested in taking Mousa Dembele from Tottenham during the January transfer window, according to a report from French outlet Le 10 Sport.

The Belgian international has been edging closer to the exit door due to a combination of his injury problems and his expiring contract and he looks to be in search of one final big contract.

The report claims that he is exactly what Monaco are looking for as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s side have endured a nightmare start to the season and are looking to improve in the second half of the campaign.

Dembele is still an elite performer, as underlined by his displays at this summer’s World Cup, but as Tottenham have become increasingly resigned to losing him, they have not moved any closer to securing a replacement in the transfer market.

(Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

But Oliver Skipp has been integrated into the first team picture at the moment and Mauricio Pochettino has made a habit of promoting from within during his reign, whereas other clubs dip into the transfer market.

Skipp could be the next cab off the rank, and he has impressive assurance and poise in possession.

He cannot be expected to perform at Dembele’s level straight away, but if Pochettino is in need of another body in midfield – especially in the middle of the season – then Skipp has timed his emergence prominently.