Tottenham Hotspur opened their 2016/17 Premier League campaign with a draw at Goodison Park against a spirited Everton side at the weekend, with an Erik Lamela header saving a point after a disastrous start to the game.
Midfielder Christian Eriksen took up his normal position on the opposite flank to Lamela, but some have been wondering how much longer the Dane may be occupying that position, with contract talks stalling and Juventus rumoured to be ready to match his large wage demands.
Eriksen is currently contracted until 2018, but the complications lie in the 24-year-old wanting a huge increase on his £32,000-per-week wages to around £150,000 over the same period. If Spurs fail to meet Eriksen’s demands and Juventus come calling with a big offer, it may be quite difficult for club and player to reject their advances.
However, Spurs will be very keen to keep Eriksen, who remains one of their stand out performers, at the club for a number of years yet. The Dane has excellent vision, long range shooting and ability from dead balls that creates Spurs numerous free chances over the course of the season. With a Champions League campaign to run alongside a possible Premier League title challenge, it is vital for Spurs that they retain the services of Eriksen.
Elsewhere, Spurs have been linked with a move for Portugal midfielder and Everton target Adrien Silva, but Mauricio Pochettino has been told that he must sell players to fund the move.
Pochettino has already added to his midfield ranks this summer in the shape of Victor Wanyama, but with Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb both being below the standard required from the Argentine, a move for Silva could be on the cards if they are both sold.
A fee of around £13 million has been mooted for Silva, which is fairly good value in the current market considering that he is a very tidy midfielder with a good range of passing and tackling abilities. Everton can pay the fee up front, unlike Spurs, which may limit their chances of a deal happening, but Silva would be a good fit for the North London club if Pochettino were to make a move.
Finally, Tottenham youngster Josh Onomah has received a boost from his manager this week after Pochettino told the 19-year-old he would be continuing his development at White Hart Lane, rather than heading out on loan for the season.
Onomah, alongside Harry Winks and Cameron Carter-Vickers, makes up a trio of talented youngsters who Pochettino believes can make an impact at White Hart Lane this season, and would be better off learning from the Tottenham coaches.
After giving Dele Alli the platform to shine last season, the Argentine is well known for his ability to bring through young players, and Spurs fans will hope these three are up to a similar standard and can make a big impact this season.
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