The itchy feet of Emmanuel Adabayor appear likely to be hitting the road again, as a few good end of season performances have failed to wipe away the memories of what was at best a mediocre season for the Togo international. It’s likely that Daniel Levy will think the value simply isn’t there. Also likely to be moving on are forgotten goalkeeper Huerelho Gomes, out-of-favour William Gallas and the almost invisible David Bentley. There will however also be some higher profile outgoings.
With Danny Rose likely to make his loan move to Sunderland permanent if a fee could be agreed, and England international Scott Parker also approaching the end of the road,, the third member of the first team triumvirate to depart could be American Clint Dempsey. With plans afoot to bring in a new strike force, there’s need to create room within the squad – but more on arrivals later. Perhaps the biggest surprise move could be Tom Huddlestone. The big midfielder has played a prominant part in the Spurs’ efforts this season, but talk is that he too could be set for a move away from the club.
With regard to acquisitions, the club is determined to build on the progress of this season, and are looking to add more firepower. Towards thre end of the season, when the crunch games came along, the weight of responsibility on Bale s the main source of goals proved to be the club’s undoing. It’s a situation that can’t be allowed to be repeated if Spurs want to take that next step. Lined up are Barcelona’s David Villa, and Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke. Should Villas-Boas be able to persuade Villa that a season in the Europa League is not the end of the world, a deal for the Spaniard could be forthcoming, but the player is used to dining at Europe’s highest table, so it’s far from a done deal. Benteke is rather more of a hot property. His goals this season in a struggling Villa set up illustrated the sort of return he could muster given the enhanced service that top team would provide. With the midlands club anxious to retain him, and rumours of talks well advanced on a new deal, this one might be out of Spurs’ reach, at least in the short term.
If Spurs want to keep Bale longer than one more season however, they’re going to need to prove to him that he can achieve the things that his talent deserves, without leaving the the club. To do this, they will need Champions’ League qualification next year as a minimum, plus acquire the players that can drive the club forward. If not, this time next year could see Gareth decide to Bale out.
The paper claims that Levy will make a statement by 'Giving Bale, the Professional Footballers' Association player of the season and young player of the season, terms worth about £150,000 a week.' Indeed so. Of course with the likes of Real Madrid apparently keen, this doesn't mean that Bale will stay for a long time, but it does suggest he'll be at Spurs for another season at least. Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror suggests there might be a wee clear-out at White Hart Lane, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Clint Dempsey, Scott Parker, William Gallas, Tom Huddlestone, Heurelho Gomes, Danny Rose and David Bentley (yep, he's still there) could all leave.
Christian Benteke, David Villa, Hulk and Lisandro Lopez are all mentioned as potential arrivals.
Source: DSG
