According to a recent report by BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Dembele is close to sealing a move to Guangzhou R&F in what is reported to be an £11m deal. The same report has also revealed that the Belgian talent is looking to play in a less physical league and wants a significant pay rise, so it is no surprise that he is closing in on a switch to the Chinese Super League.
Dembele has been an integral member of the Tottenham first-team over the seven years since his move from Fulham back in 2012. He will be out of contract at the end of this season so it would be an excellent piece of business by Spurs if they can recoup £11m from his sale.
Here are three replacements for Mauricio Pochettino to consider during this January transfer window.
Ever Banega
The Argentine midfielder has been a fantastic asset for Sevilla over the past couple of years. He has also put in some eye-catching displays at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium during the course of this campaign. Banega has made 31 appearances for the La Liga outfit this term, scoring eight goals while providing five assists across all competitions.
He will be a suitable replacement for Dembele due to his ability to create chances while operating as a deep-lying, holding midfielder. Spurs need some more invention in midfield so the Argentine will be a shrewd, short-term addition for Pochettino’s side.
Sami Khedira
The German talent has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus and needs to play more regularly to reignite his career. Khedira is vastly experienced and knows what it takes to be a winner. Spurs need more experienced players like him in their squad so that they can start winning some trophies under Pochettino.
Moreover, the 31-year-old still has a few years left in him to play at a high level which Tottenham should look to capitalise on in the next few years.
Kevin Kampl
The Bundesliga talent has been enjoying a rich vein of form for Red Bull Leipzig this season after scoring two goals while creating seven assists in 26 matches across all competitions. Spurs will undoubtedly bolster their midfield options if they can find a way to lure him to North London during this ongoing transfer period.