What latest Spurs man can offer to improve the Hull midfield

Liverpool have certainly not been shy of raiding Southampton for players in recent seasons. Over the past three summer transfer windows Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane have all made the switch from St Mary’s to Anfield.

Another two clubs to have joined forces in regular transfer business are Hull and Spurs, with the former making a habit of pillaging the London club for squad players struggling for game time.

Since the start of 2013, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Michael Dawson have all made the move north and become regular starters for the Tigers. The latest transfer speculation is that Ryan Mason will be the next to do the same.

Prior to the arrivals of Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Victor Wanyama, Mason was a regular in the Spurs engine room, combining tidy and decisive distribution with energetic pressing and an urge to make forward runs.

However, he was plagued by injuries for much of last season, which prevented him getting regular matches under his belt to boost fitness.

Now, at the age of 25, Mason is no longer a young player that can afford to wait for his chance – he is entering the peak of his career. Yet, he is fifth choice for one of Mauricio Pochettino’s two deeper midfield slots, while 20-year-old Harry Winks is also knocking on the door for more matchday-squad inclusions.

Hull may have won their opening two Premier League outings of the season, but they are still 19/20 to suffer relegation and 15/4 to finish bottom in the final standings.

A midfielder that can better control a game in the opposing half would be a welcome addition to Mike Phelan’s ranks. David Meyler and Tom Huddlestone have been the midfield pairing of choice so far and have completed only 46 passes in the half of the opposition.

Over 20 midfielders in the Premier League can better this total on their own.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.