5 players Tottenham Hotspur could have signed in the 2022 January transfer window

Not all is well between Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte. Spurs crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, which was their third league loss on the trot.

It came on the back of another stinging result against Southampton, with the Saints scoring twice in the last ten minutes to snatch a 3-2 win. With Manchester City up next this weekend, Spurs' losing run could well extend to four games.

The twin setbacks have left Conte's side in eighth place with 36 points from 22 games, seven behind fourth-placed Manchester United. On the bright side, Tottenham Hotspur have three games in hand over Ralf Rangnick's men.

However, sixth-placed Arsenal also have three games in hand, and are currently three points ahead of Spurs. The race for fourth is set to go down to the wire, with West Ham United and Wolverhampton also in the mix along with the aforementioned trio.

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Antonio Conte blasts Tottenham Hotspur for their transfer business in the 2022 January window

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal spent most of the winter transfer window locked in futile efforts to make additions to their squads. While both clubs missed out on their primary targets, Spurs could complete a couple of signings late in January. However, Antonio Conte is less than happy.

"What happened in January was not easy. We lost four players, four important players for Tottenham, and we brought in only two. So even just in terms of numbers, rather than reinforce the squad, we on paper weakened it. That's the issue. This is the vision and the philosophy of the club. I have realised now that this is the vision of the club," said the Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Italian's claims have been vindicated by recent results as Tottenham Hotspur face a tough battle to secure European football next season. On that note, here's a look at five players they could have signed in the winter window:

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#5 Adama Traore

Adama Traore drives forward against Tottenham Hotspur.

In December last year, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before Adama Traore would join Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old Spaniard was unhappy at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and was pushing for a move. Spurs' initial bid of £15 million was reportedly rejected, but rumours claimed the London club were on the verge of sealing a £20 million deal for the winger.

Unfortunately for Tottenham fans, Traore's boyhood club Barcelona swooped in to sign the wide man on a loan deal. With Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal struggling on the right flank, Spurs could have benefitted from Traore's pace, dribbling and penetration.

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#4 Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele in action for France

Unlike Traore, there isn't much to suggest Spurs were interested in signing France and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

The 24-year-old's contract situation in Spain meant Barcelona offered him to numerous Premier League clubs. The Blaugrana were reportedly desperate to recover even a fraction of the £126 million they paid to Borussia Dortmund for his services in 2017.

With just 130 appearances, 30 goals and 23 appearances in nearly five years, Dembele's numbers do not inspire confidence. His well-documented hamstring ailments and other injury issues only make him a less appealing prospect.

Although Tottenham desperately need reinforcements on the right wing, Dembele hardly fits Conte's requirements. So it isn't surprising that the club decided against a move for the Frenchman.

#3 Ollie Tanner

This one was a bit of a head-scratcher from Tottenham Hotspur. Lewes FC's 19-year-old wide man Ollie Tanner is a neat player. However, it's difficult to see why a club of Spurs' pedigree would look to sign a non-league player, especially with Tanner's controversial history of online comments against Harry Kane.

Nonetheless, Tottenham failed to agree personal terms with the player, much to the relief of their fans. It was another unnecessary and inexplicable episode in a frustrating January for the London club.

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#2 Franck Kessie

Franck Kessie takes a penalty for AC Milan

AC Milan's 25-year-old central midfielder Franck Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season.

With Tottenham Hotspur looking thin in the middle of the park, this was a potential deal that made sense for both parties. AC Milan were open to negotiating a cut-price deal in January rather than risk losing the Ivorian for free at the end of the season.

Spurs, meanwhile, were looking to offload Giovani Los Celso and record signing Tanguy Ndombele.

The Frenchman, who arrived in London for £54 million in 2019, turned out to be a big disappointment. Although the duo have now left Spurs, the London club reportedly explored the possibility of a swap involving Ndombele and Kessie earlier in the window.

The Ivorian, who has scored 36 goals in 208 appearances for Milan, would have been a valuable addition to Spurs' lightweight midfield.

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#1 Luis Diaz

Liverpool's Luis Diaz (in red) is tackled by Inter Milan's Ivan Persisic

Missing out on the talented 24-year-old Colombian winger was bad enough, but the manner in which their move for Luis Diaz collapsed would have hurt Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs did all the hard work, and, to be fair, a move for the then-Porto man made complete sense. Diaz enjoyed a sensational start to his 2021-22 campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists in just 18 league games.

With Spurs sorely lacking options on the right flank, targeting the left-footed winger was a no-brainer.

Although Spurs were willing to match Porto's £40 million asking price, Diaz reportedly wasn't thrilled at the prospect of joining Conte's side. Instead, he rejected Spurs in favour of a transfer to Liverpool, who moved quickly to complete a deal.

The unexpected collapse of the transfer after doing all the hard work will sting Daniel Levy and co. It also shows that despite their strong showings in the 2010s, Tottenham still lack the allure and aura of England's elite teams.