Tottenham transfer update: 5 moves Mauricio Pochettino should make

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Cody McDonald of AFC Wimbledon and Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon at Wembley Stadium on January 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Cody McDonald of AFC Wimbledon and Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon at Wembley Stadium on January 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Step Four: Purchase a Dembele replacement

Mousa Dembele played a terrific match against Everton this weekend. One match does not change the complexion of the Belgian’s season or career trajectory. The time is still ticking loudly on his Spurs career.

If Tottenham wait for Dembele to leave before acquiring his long-term replacement, it’s going to be a very expensive proposition for Spurs. Opposing teams will feel like they can ask for a fortune if they sense Pochettino has to fill a gaping hole in his starting XI.

That makes this January the ideal time to purchase a midfielder capable of filling Dembele’s boots. I realize that’s easier said than done. Dembele is a sensational talent. Purchasing a player who matches his talent level and readiness to contribute is never going to be a cheap purchase.

This is where Spurs should focus their January attention. Making a proactive purchase here could protect the club from a Dembele injury and save Levy lots of money in the long run.