Tottenham suffered a blow in their bid to reach the top four this afternoon, going down to a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Spurs went into the game on the back of consecutive Premier League victories, and having won on their last two visits to Old Trafford.
But the game was over inside the first 45 minutes this afternoon, with United racing into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Maraoune Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.
The result leaves Tottenham six points behind United in the race for that final Champions League spot, and has left Pochettino’s side with an uphill battle for the remaining nine matches of the season.
There have been signs of improvement under the Argentine coach this season, but the general feeling around White Hart Lane is that Tottenham have been too reliant on both Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane this term, and will need reinforcements in the summer if they are to make it back amongst Europe’s elite.
Here we have identified five signings they should look to make when the transfer window opens once again.
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Click on Mauricio Pochettino to reveal 5 players Tottenham must sign in the summer
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Saido Berahino
The West Brom forward looks to be on his way this summer, having angered boss Tony Pulis in the season with comments he was hoping ‘to move onto bigger things.’
Tottenham are desperate for a striker to compliment Harry Kane, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado still unable to produce the goods.
Berahino’s form this season has been somewhat overshadowed by Kane, but 18 goals for a young English striker in a struggling team is not to be overlooked, whilst his pace in the final third makes him a priority signing for a few clubs this summer.
Jay Rodriguez
The Southampton forward has not kicked a ball this season having suffered a horror injury almost 12 months ago at Manchester City.
Prior to that injury, Rodriguez was behind only Daniel Sturridge in the list of top English goalscorers in the country, and was on the verge of being called up to Roy Hodgson’s squad for the World Cup.
Having enjoyed his best campaign in English football under Pochettino, Rodriguez may well be keen to reunite with the Argentine coach – whilst the fact he can play from either side as well as a central striker in a 4-2-3-1 system makes him an appealing signing.
Adrian Rabiot
The 19-year-old PSG midfielder is very highly rated, but has struggled for regular game time in Laurent Blanc’s star studded squad.
He is out of contract at the Parc de Princes in the summer, and has been linked with Tottenham as well as London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
Recent reports have suggested the club have been in contact with the players representatives to invite him to their training ground in an attempt to persuade him Tottenham is the place to be next season.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian defender has been impressive during a loan spell at Southampton this season from Atletico Madrid.
Alderweireld is capable of playing in a back three, as a centre back or as an attacking full back. Reports suggest his level of performance has caught the attention of Pochettino, who will look to sign him on a permanent deal from the current La Liga champions, who are understood to be happy to sell for the right price.
Southampton may well challenge for his permanent signature also, but Tottenham would certainly boost their hopes of winning the race if they could sneak that final Champions League spot ahead of Ronald Koeman’s side.
Javier Hernandez
Another player who has spent the season on loan but looking for a permanent move in the summer, is Javier Hernandez of Manchester United.
The Mexican made the somewhat surprising loan switch to the Bernabeu in the summer – despite complaining consistently of his lack of first team opportunities.
It has been the same story under Carlo Ancelotti this season, and Tottenham may well be willing to give him the first team run he craves and make the offer of a permanent transfer.
Reports suggest they will face competition from the likes of Everton and Stoke City however.
