Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has highlighted Manchester United’s signing of Casemiro as the type of transfer Spurs are not looking for in January.
The London club fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, meaning United stay fourth with a game in hand. Tottenham have failed to win either of their matches after the World Cup and Conte is facing calls to bring in reinforcement this month.
While the Italian may indeed be scouting the market, he said the club would not be signing an experienced head like Casemiro. The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid over the summer in a deal worth around £70m.
READ MORE: Casemiro explains how Marcus Rashford has surprised him
After a steadied start, the five-time Champions League winner has settled in well and has become one of the club’s players of the season. The 30-year-old is a key part of Erik ten Hag’s midfield trio alongside Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, who have also had exciting seasons.
But speaking after his side’s loss to Villa over the weekend, Conte identified Casemiro as the type of profile Spurs would not be chasing in the January market. He said: "I understand the frustration of the fans because the fans want to lift trophies.
“I understand everything and everyone. But at the same time, in my opinion and from what I have understood here, you have to be patient and you have to have time and try to improve.
"There are no mistakes to make in the transfer market and also be patient with the players you are going to sign, wait for them to develop.
“You can sign players with experience at age 30 and with great victories behind them, Casemiro for example. But this is not the vision of the club and that is why you have to continue working, be patient.
"I understand everyone, but at the same time this frustration cannot become a problem, but a push for me and the players, so that the club continues to improve, develop and reduce the distance with other clubs."
United claimed a 2-0 October win over Tottenham in what was Casemiro’s first home league win at United. The Reds but won’t play them in the Premier League reverse game until April.
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