Tottenham’s Andre-Villas Boas should be set for a busy few months as his side prepare for next season’s top four challenge.
Spurs have missed out on Champions League Qualification by the skin on their teeth in the last few seasons and AVB will be eager to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Obviously improvements will be needed if Tottenham are to challenge the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal next season. Brazilian midfielder Paulinho is set to become the first new face at White Hart Lane this summer and I’m sure we’ll see several new arrivals before the window reaches its closing point.
Here’s a look at the players Spurs are supposedly targeting.
Paulinho – Corinthians
Paulinho, 24, has been strongly linked with Spurs in recent weeks – publicly admitting at one point that Andre Villas-Boas’ side had tabled an offer for him. And it appears he will agree to terms and sign a deal once his international commitments with Brazil are completed.
The midfielder added that a move to White Hart Lane was attractive because the club has seemingly fended off any interest for their star assets this summer – showing they are serious about attempting to qualify for the Champions League, and even challenging for the Premier League title.
David Villa – Barcelona
Tottenham are closing in on a deal to sign David Villa after the Barcelona star confirmed he would like to move to White Hart Lane during talks with the player and his representatives.
The Spain striker has reached a broad agreement on personal terms to move to Spurs this summer and is eager to play in the Premier League.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has spoken informally to Villa on the phone while the club’s new technical director, Franco Baldini, has held productive discussions with the 31-year-old’s agent.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Shakhtar Donetsk
Tottenham are poised to hijack Liverpool’s £20million move for Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers looked to be pole position to land the talented attacking midfielder, but Spurs have now entered the race to land the Armenia international.
It is understood Mkhitaryan’s advisors have held initial talks with Tottenham chiefs regarding a possible move to White Hart Lane next season.
Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
Spurs’ lack of forward options cost them in key matches last season as they missed out once again on the Champions League, with Benteke impressing in his debut season at Aston Villa.
The Belgian’s height would help him lead the forward line at Spurs in a way Emmanuel Adebayor failed to do after securing his move, and with international team-mates Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele already at White Hart Lane, Benteke would be the perfect fit for Tottenham.
Leandro Damiao – Internacional
The Brazilian has long been linked with Spurs, allegedly coming close to agreeing a deal in the last two windows. His agent refused to quash rumours a few weeks back, indicating a move ‘can’t be ruled out’, despite Spurs’ failure to reach the Champions League.
The 23-year-old Internacional striker has 16 caps for Brazil.
Burak Yilmaz – Galatasaray
Tottenham Hotspur are setting their sights on Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz in a bid to add more firepower to their front-line this summer.
Reports from Turkish newspaper Aksam suggests that the north London club are preparing a £17 million move after an impressive first season with the league champions saw him notch 32 goals in 39 games.