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Tottenham is reportedly looking for a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembélé. The 30-year-old Belgian is entering the final 18 months of his contract, and a new contract hasn't been signed yet.
He joined Spurs in 2012 from Fulham for a fee of £15m. He has been a key player in the team ever since as his dynamism helps Spurs to retain rhythm and shape. His ability to hold possession and to take on opponents has made him a favourite among Tottenham fans.
Dembélé's injury problems and age have forced the club to look for a long-term replacement.
Here are five players who could replace him:
#1 Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan but on loan at Valencia)
Tottenham wants the French international to replace Dembélé according to Sky Sports.
The French international was a target for Tottenham while he was at Monaco. He then rejected a move to the Premier League to join Inter Milan and had good spells in Serie A until he joined Valencia on loan this summer.
He has impressed in La Liga this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist from 14 games this season. His form has caught Tottenham's attention, who wants to sign him next summer as his physicality and passing range make him an ideal signing for Pochettino.
Valencia claims they have an agreement to make the move permanent which could complicate things for Tottenham.
"[Valencia] have a right to buy at the end of the season and already have an agreement with Kondogbia, should we exercise the option," confirmed Valencia general director Mateu Alemany.
#2 Yves Bissouma (Lille)
Tottenham is keeping tabs on the Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma as well as the Lille youngster has been impressive since he joined the club in 2016.
He enjoyed a breakout season last year making 27 appearances and his performances have earned him a 2017 African Footballer of the Year nomination.
His pace and physical presence make him an ideal player for Tottenham. The versatile midfielder can also play as a right-back and centre-back if needed.
Like Dembélé, Bissouma is entering the final 18 months of his contract. This could force Lille to sell him should Tottenham make a significant offer in January.
They will need to be sharp to snap him up as Inter Milan failed to sign him last summer but could try again in January. Watford are also said to be keen on the player.
#3 Matteo Guendouzia (Lorient)
A baby-faced, curly-haired fierce competitor, Matteo has received a ton of praise this season and is said to have many admirers.
The 18-year-old midfielder burst onto the scene last season, making eight appearances. He has become a key figure at this season as they look for promotion back into Ligue 1.
The PSG academy product's attitude has earned him many fans among from his current employers.
"Moving from a first professional contract to a starter in Ligue 1 requires a very special attitude. Few young players are capable, we have the deep conviction that (Matteo) is up to the challenge," said Lorient academy chief Régis Le Bris.
Known for his pace and aggression the 18-year-old will fit perfectly into Pochettino's system.
His calmness on the ball and ability to break up opponents game could be an asset for Spurs in the years to come.
#4 Steven N'zonzi (Sevilla)
Ever since he left Stoke City to join Sevilla in 2015, N'zonzi has been linked with a move back to Premier League.
His falling out with the manager Eduardo Berizzo could force him to leave Sevilla next month.
The French international in a recent interview said: “My future is somewhere else."
"We just have to wait until December is over, and everything will be done."
“I hope Sevilla qualify in the Champions League and have good luck in the future, but I will not be part of that adventure."
“What hurts is the way everything is going to end. It hurts, of course, but for now, the team is functioning."
"There’s only a short time left, just December to pass, and it’s better that my time at Sevilla stops then.”
Tottenham's North London rivals Arsenal are said to be keen to sign the midfielder in January. Liverpool and Juventus are also said to be keen on him.
Tottenham yet to be linked with the player.
N'zonzi's already knows Premier League well. He can hit the ground running which will be huge for Tottenham who are trying to get their season back on track.
#5 Fabinho (AS Monaco)
Fabinho was one of the few players who decided to stay put at AS Monaco after winning the title last season.
But in a recent interview with L’Equipe, he confirmed that this would be his last season in France.
"Normally, it’s my last season at Monaco. Nothing is signed," he said.
He also confirmed that chairman has agreed to sell him with PSG, Atletico Maid and Manchester United reportedly keen to sign him.
Fabinho's strength and passing range make him the ready-made replacement for Dembele. Coupled with his Champions League experiences, he can be a huge asset for an evolving Spurs side.
