Having qualified for the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Tottenham Hotspur, who have a real good chance of finishing in the top-4 this season, will believe that they can compete for silverware next season. However, Mauricio Pochettino will be aware of the shortcomings in the squad and is already looking at star players, who can improve his side next season.
But he should also keep an eye on his first-team stars, who might want to quit the club at the end of the season. The likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli are extensively linked with an exit this summer but one player who Spurs are desperate to retain beyond this summer is star midfielder Mousa Dembele.
Compared to the likes of Lionel Messi by his manager, the Belgian midfielder is easily one of the most important players for the North London outfit and is currently one of the best midfielders, not just in the league but also in Europe.
A creative yet robust midfielder with skilful feet and great understanding of the game, Dembele is effective at both ends of the field, as he can not only glide past opponents to create chances for his side but can also drop deep and act as a cushion for the backline, winning the ball back in the midfield and setting up his team on the attack.
He has great vision and even better technique and even at 30, has shown this season that he has what it takes to boss the top flight of English football at the moment. However, he is currently in the final few months of his contract with Tottenham Hotspur, who are desperate to keep him for at least another couple of season.
So it does not come as a surprise that Spurs are ready to open talks with the former Fulham man, over a contract extension beyond the end of the season. According to reports, Mousa Dembele will hold out on wages close to £100,000-a-week, which will make him one of the highest paid players at the club, which he thoroughly deserves.
His performance in the first leg against Juventus, which gave Spurs a real chance in the Champions League earlier this season, showed his class against one of the best teams in Europe and Spurs need more players of that kind, to compete with the best next season.
At 30, Dembele is no longer a long-term option but his experience and influence n the squad on the field and in the dressing room cannot be replaced. So Spurs should do what it takes to extend his stay in London.
