Are Tottenham in danger of being left behind in the title race?
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Manchester City have signed Riyad Mahrez to add to their title winning team. Liverpool and Arsenal have done some smart, early business as well.
But it’s been very quiet over at Tottenham Hotspur.
As they prepare to return to a refurbished White Hart Lane, Spurs fans are still waiting for their transfer window to take shape.
We weigh up whether their lack of business in the transfer market is denting their hopes of a title challenge before the season has begun…
Strong spine of players
Even if Spurs do end up selling Toby Alderweireld they still have a strong core of players. The likes of Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier form a resolute defensive spine.
The trio have been key players in Spurs’ rise to become top four regulars and in recent times, title challengers.
However, it’s the attacking duo of Dele Alli in support of Harry Kane that’s got people talking.
Mauricio Pochettino’s innovative style as well as the new stadium means it appears they’ll retain their lucrative talents for at least one more season.
Spurs are 16/1 to win the title, but their first eleven will be a big threat to any team in the Premier League.
Strength in depth?
During their 1-3 defeat to Man City at Wembley in April Spurs didn’t have a centre-back on their substitute’s bench.
Pochettino’s stand-off with Alderweireld may be a large part of this. But it highlights their lack of strength in depth.
City had thirteen players who played at least 1,500 minutes or more in the league last season, compared to only ten for Spurs.
This is exacerbated by the Lilywhites being the only team in the Premier League yet to sign a single player.
Last season’s acquisitions of Lucas Moura and Serge Aurier solved issues on the flanks.
But reports suggest Moussa Dembele might also be departing. This means Chairman Daniel Levy may have no choice but to get his cheque book out.
Big week ahead
There’s still time to do business. But transfer inactivity and loyalty to their current crop could prove fatal.
If the Alderweireld deal to Manchester United goes to the wire, it’ll give them little chance of snaring a replacement.
Mathhijs De Ligt has been mentioned but it could be too soon for the young defender.
Spurs will want to wrap up a deal for either Jack Grealish or Wilfried Zaha before the deadline.
Their hefty wage bill means players will have to depart first though. And with Danny Rose’s future still undecided it could be the England man who goes.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
