Tottenham Hotspur have had a low-key transfer window thus far, with just two new names walking through the door at White Hart Lane, namely Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen.
However, despite the arrival of Wanyama, well known throughout his time at both Southampton and Celtic as a thoroughly effective midfield destroyer, Spurs have still been linked with another central defensive midfield player and have reportedly been offered the chance to sign France international midfielder Lassana Diarra on a free transfer.
Diarra, who has also been offered to Manchester United according to the same report, has played for near neighbours Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as Real Madrid and also Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup. He impressed for Marseille last season, despite the French club’s disappointing campaign, and can leave on a free as a result of a clause in his contract relating to European competition.
The Frenchman is a proven performer at a high level, representing some of Europe’s top clubs with real diligence, even if just as a backup player. He managed to force his way back into the France squad last season, although he missed out on a place in the Euros squad. His ability to break up play make him a good asset to a squad, especially on a free transfer. He would not be ahead of Eric Dier or Wanyama, especially at 31, but if Pochettino needs a backup option in midfield, then he could do a lot worse than Diarra.
Elsewhere in the Spurs midfield, the sale of Alex Pritchard to Brighton & Hove Albion may have taken a significant twist as Norwich City look set to hijack the signing. Brighton bid £8 million for Pritchard, which was accepted, but the Canaries have now matched the offer and are confident of securing a deal for the 23-year-old.
Pritchard, who has made just two senior appearances for Spurs, but is an experienced player at Championship level after a string of loan moves, would be a replacement for Nathan Redmond, now at Southampton, in midfield and would add a certain amount of quality to the canaries midfield.
Although he never really looked good enough for a regular place in the Spurs team, Pritchard certainly carries talent in abundance, and although the price is steep at £8 million, will add plenty of creativity to the Norwich City side. A good deal for all.
Finally, Spurs have been linked with a new goalkeeper recently, in the shape of 21-year-old Espanyol stopper Pau Lopez.
Lopez, who has made 38 La Liga appearances for Espanyol, is massively admired by Mauricio Pochettino, who may be looking for a new secondary keeper to replace 32-year-old Michel Vorm. As a youngster with plenty of game time under his belt already, Lopez may just fit the bill perfectly for Spurs.
Tottenham have yet to make a bid, and Espanyol are keen to hang onto the player, but Pochettino’s determination to sign Lopez as a long-term replacement for Lloris could swing the deal. One to watch over the coming weeks.
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