Tottenham Hotspur might not have signed anyone in the summer transfer market, but they currently occupy the fourth spot and look good for another decent finish in the Premier League. However, with a silent summer window, there is more possibility of some activity in January, and the latest reports from Ste Hoare from the MSN suggests that Spurs are interested in making a move for Declan Rice in the future.
It might be that the North London club could make a move for him next summer when the Irish midfielder becomes a free agent. However having entered the final year of his contract, it is being reported that the 19-year-old has rejected a new deal with the Hammers.
Rice has come up from the Hammers academy and has impressed in the last two odd seasons. Pellegrini has been using him in the defensive midfield role even though he started out as a centre back. However, his ball playing abilities makes him a decent player in midfield as well. That could be one of the reasons why someone like Tottenham are interested in him.
The likes of Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier might be useful on their day, but it seems like their powers are definitely waning and someone like Rice can be a long-term prospect for Pochettino.
One can understand why Spurs were silent in the transfer window as they are setting up a new stadium so the budget might be a bit tight at this point. However, the fact that Spurs managed to keep hold of all their major players in the summer was a big win for them. Not many would have said two years back that the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dembele, Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli and Harry Kane would all have stayed at the club. So in that regard, the club had a good transfer window with no major outgoing.
With Jan Vertonghen’s injury and Alderwieireld’s uncertain future, Rice can be utilised as a centre back as well, and maybe Pochettino is seeing him as a defender and not as a defensive midfielder. The Irishman would fit right into their system as the 19-year-old is comfortable on the ball and can build a move from the back, a thing Spurs often do.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham would sign him in January or for free in the summer. Other clubs are also definitely in the mix to sign this talented defender cum midfielder so Spurs might have to move in quick as clubs like Manchester United might beat them to his signature because of the extravagant wages which they can offer.
