It has taken the best part of two months, but Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino finally secured his first two signings of the summer earlier this week when Swansea City duo Michel Vorm and Ben Davies made the move to White Hart Lane.
However, despite the Argentine insisting that there won't be mass changes in North London, those two transfers are likely to spark more activity through the door, with Spurs potentially requiring replacements for the players that have been linked with moves away from the club.
With that in mind, Sports Mole have put together three names that Pochettino should bring in if he wants to mount a challenge for the top four in the Premier League table this season.
1. Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa
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After an average couple of years with Aston Villa, it seemed unlikely that defender Ron Vlaar would be attracting much interest from some of Europe's top teams, but after the club skipper enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, he has become one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League. It's far from a certainty that the 29-year-old will replicate his performances in Brazil when he returns to action in August, but after he excelled against the likes of Spain and Argentina, a number of clubs have signalled their intent on taking a calculated risk on the former Feyenoord man.
Despite having the final say on Vlaar's destination for the upcoming campaign, Villa will be wary of the fact that their main defensive asset has just 12 months remaining on his contract, and if they fail to convince the Dutchman to pen a new deal, it could force the West Midlands outfit's hand when it comes to cashing in on the player rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Southampton and Queens Park Rangers are known admirers in the Premier League, but with the lure of Europa League football, Tottenham would surely be able to secure their man for a fee below £10m if they make a strong effort for his signature. The potential deal would rest on the departure of Michael Dawson, but if the long-time servant leaves, Vlaar would be an excellent replacement, while he would also bring the added bonus of being able to play as a left-sided centre-back.
2. Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton
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Ever since his departure from Southampton, Pochettino has been linked with several of his former players at St Mary's Stadium. However, with Adam Lallana securing a move to Liverpool and Dejan Lovren potentially following him to Anfield, his options for a reunion have been restricted, but with the new White Hart Lane boss said to be keen on improving his options in the centre of the park, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin could be a likely arrival at the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
The French international, who represented his national team at the World Cup, is attracting a number of admirers that could offer him Champions League football, but he would likely find himself involved in a squad-rotation policy if he opted for a big-money transfer to a European giant. However, a move to Tottenham would see him reunited with a man who has helped advance his career and who is aware that the 24-year-old knows how to fit in with his philosophy. Arsenal are rumoured to be ready to offer Schneiderlin the chance to sign a contract at the Emirates Stadium should they fail in their pursuit of Sami Khedira, but the former Strasbourg man has reached a stage in his career where he will expect full faith from his manager, and rather than play a bit-part role at the Gunners, he is likely to favour a switch to Spurs.
3. Javier Hernandez, Manchester United
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When Spurs purchased Roberto Soldado for £26m last summer, they believed that they had found a goal-scoring solution for the next few years, but the Spanish international has failed to adapt to English football, and he managed just two goals from open play during his first Premier League season. The 29-year-old's poor return was pushed into the background due to the form of the unpredictable Emmanuel Adebayor, but if the Togo player isn't on one of his hot streaks, Spurs struggle for goals from their forward line and strengthening that area should be one of Pochettino's priorities as he tries to formulate a plan to overtake North London rivals Arsenal.
One player that could be available at a cut-price fee is Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez. The Mexican endured a frustrating campaign last year under the guidance of David Moyes, and with the 26-year-old likely to find starts hard to come by under Louis van Gaal, it could be the right time for him to depart Old Trafford. While it's unclear what fee would be high enough to tempt United into a sale, Spurs should press forward with a bid for a player who, before last season, had netted 50 times in three seasons in Manchester and who would provide the pace, flexibility and movement that Soldado doesn't possess. Any fee spent on Hernandez could be offset by selling Soldado, and if Pochettino is prepared to give the striker a run of games to build up a run of form, any potential transfer could prove to be quite the coup for the Lilywhites.
Darren Plant
