Since the quick turnaround of replacing Andre Villas-Boas in December, Sherwood's strong start as manager has quickly clouded over the criticism of the club's lavish spending in the summer. The excitement of the seven arrivals has been overshadowed as these players have taken their time to gel as AVB original failed to scope together his best eleven. Les Ferdinand has declared both he and Sherwood have distinguished who is their first choice players which has seen a winnable blend in recent weeks.
Although there has been plenty of circulation of potential targets, no formal contact has been made with any player in the early stages of the market. From Ferdinand's point of view, speaking to the media of late, it appeared that Spurs are in no rush to bring in the numbers as they look continue with their recent consistency.
Spurs now sit within sight of the top four following some impressive results in Sherwood's first batch of Premier League games as the front-man. Having made some strong moves to improve the figure of the squad, Spurs fans may find their club having a quiet window as they will not want to complicate things as they had been.
The danger of not considering further options could see Spurs miss out on their UEFA Champions League ambitions but finding a balance may be the priority this season. Recent January markets have been renowned for the country’s higher profile sides not to dwell in transfer activity as they tend to buy who they require prior to the season's inception period. Spurs have found the latest winter windows to be less successful with poor buys including Louis Saha and Ryan Nelson under the Harry Redknapp era.
Sherwood will have to be smart, with many top European players including club targets Hulk, Javier Hernandez and Freddy Guarin cup tide due to European club tournament participation, staying homegrown may be the wisest decision. Interest has seen the likes of Luke Shaw, Ross Barkely and Adam Lallana up for mention but competition amongst other teams and reluctance to sell from parent clubs may prove too fierce for Spurs to make an approach. The lower league will not be considered an option for the manager with the club now having a reputation of looking for quality from overseas.
There are certain areas of the pitch that do need strengthening. Left back is proving an issue, with Danny Rose in and out from the sidelines through injury and there does not seem much of a hurry to recall Beniot Assou-Ekotto from his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers. Centre back Jan Verthonghen is being used in this position which does not always bring out the best in the highly rated Belgian.
Another striker would also go down well with the fans and with Jermain Defoe likely to leave for the MLS to play for FC Toronto cover for Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor will be required. Again another large bid for one of the world's better strikers will be expected for the likes of a Javier Hernandez from Manchester United, Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella or Fiorentina's in form but injured striker Guiseppe Rossi due to similarities in height to Defoe. Quagliarella and his Turin strike partner Marko Vucinic have been hugely targeted of late which would create huge competition for places up-front. It was well highlighted how complex Tottenham's striker search became in the summer with Soldado the only player from a hefty list of names.
What is your opinion on Tottenham's January targets?
Who should Tottenham Hotspur buy in this winter market? Do Spurs need to strengthen or should they continue to concentrate on their current squad? Who need’s to leave the club and who should be considered as their replacements?
