Rafa Silva is Pochettinio's top target

TRANSFER TALK


We are being linked with a few wide men and attacking midfielders, or players who could perhaps play both positions, Pochettino does like versatile players after all.

If you look at his signings they are all generally young players with room to grow and improve, which is basically our transfer strategy, player who can improve the squad but who will also increase in value. He hasn't signed a 27-year-old player yet and it would be a surprise if he were to do so now, although if reports from other clubs are correct we have been in discussions, not for daft prices though.

The likelihood is a 27-year-old will decrease in value in a couple of years so if there is a younger option then we would look at them first. our option behind our first choice attacking three, Lamela, Alli, Eriksen are not great, there doesn't appear to be the strength in depth that we need.

We have Son returning from the Olympics where South Korea have just lost meaning Son is still liable to have to do 2 years national Service. Chadli can score goals but looks to be surplus to requirements, Josh Onomah is making his way, we have already tried to sell Clinton Njie and are looking for a better deal to bring in Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.

Eriksen had one of his ineffectual displays yesterday so clearly an alternative is needed. he struggles against packed defences. That alternative may be Rafa Silva. I have heard that he will be our main target for what is left of the window, which is no surprise to me. I have been wanting him for two years now and Spurs have been watching him since he caught the eye in the Portuguese second Division earning his move to Braga

The 23-year-old (24 next May) won't come cheap, especially as he has third party owners we would have to buy out. There is plenty of talk he is going to Porto, but he hasn't signed yet and will know of our interest and situation. There has also been plenty of talk that he would be intersted in coming to the Premier League.

Porto made an offer to Sporting Braga for Rafa Silva in January 2016 of £13.54-million (€16m -AUS$23.63 - US$17.87) for 80% of his economic rights, which was turned down.

Russian side Zenit St Petersburg offered £12.69-million (€15m -AUS$22.14 - US$16.75) which was also immediately turned down.

Braga president, Antonio Salvador, has stated he wants the full termination clause amount in the player's contract £16.92-million (€20m -AUS$29.53 - US$22.35).

In today's market that almost looks cheap for a right footed player who primarily plays on the left but can play anywhere across the attacking three behind a lone striker. if we can sign him then I'd expect to see Chadli depart, if we don't Chadli might well be staying.

It would also probably mean that we do not sign Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, who a;so primarily plays on the left. That would mean we keep Clinton Njie. The left hand side where Eriksen plays is a problem slot it seems. Two players, both who play the same position, surely we are likely to buy one, not both. That would explain the renegotiation of the N'Koudou deal. Give us a good deal or we sign Rafa Silva. 

Is Silva waiting to see the outcome of that before concluding his future? We would certainly be keeping his agent informed so he knows his options, that is quiet normal. How long do we leave it before we switch attention, I believe that is about to happen, we'll see soon.