An important transfer window lies ahead for Jose Mourinho.
A mixed run of form that has comprised two wins, one draw and one defeat since the reason restarted means that there is uncertainty over where Tottenham Hotspur will finish this season.
Whether they qualify for the Champions League, Europa League or neither, they will still be linked with transfers - and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg presents an interesting conundrum.
Recent reports from The Telegraph outline that Spurs will need to sell players in order to finance a move for the Southampton man, who has been valued at around £35-40million.
Despite a high valuation from the Saints, there are a number of ways that Mourinho could look to finance a deal. One method, perhaps the most high-risk option, would be to test Southampton’s bottle with a deal worth far less than what they will be likely to quote.
Hojbjerg has already voiced his desire to play at a higher standard and just one year left on his current contract means that the club could be forced to either sell him now or risk losing him as a free agent next summer.
Alternatively, Spurs may look to sell some unwanted players in the squad in order to get the funds together for the Denmark international.
With that in mind, these three Spurs players could be at risk of leaving the club.
Tanguy Ndombele
There has been much speculation around the relationship between Ndombele and Mourinho.
To a large extent, reported interest in Hojbjerg only intensifies the rumours that the French midfielder could be set for a premature exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium considering they play in similar positions.
Ndombele’s value in today’s market would most likely be far lower than the £54m spent on him last summer, yet there remains a large task ahead before the midfielder can leave.
If they are to sell the 23-year-old, Spurs could take a huge financial hit considering he signed a six-year contract last summer. Nevertheless, his departure could free up room for Hojbjerg to arrive and take his place.
Erik Lamela
Despite starting against Manchester United post-restart in the absence of Dele Alli, Lamela has played just 472 Premier League minutes under Mourinho this season - in contrast to Alli’s 1,470 minutes.
Therefore, a lack of game time in an attacking midfield role could lead to Spurs viewing him as a dispensable asset. At the age of 28 and just two years left on his contract, the club may view this as their final opportunity to get a respectable fee for him.
While Lamela has been a good performer since arriving from Roma in 2013, his lack of game time under Mourinho could indicate that a move is likely this summer.
Juan Foyth
The Argentine defender suffered a season-ending knee injury in June shortly after serious links with a move away from North London.
Reports via Leeds Live suggest that the 22-year-old could be on his way to Yorkshire with Leeds United interested in the youngster.
If Marcelo Bielsa’s side are indeed interested, earning around £10m for Foyth could be a vital contribution for funding a move for Hojbjerg.
