Tottenham Hotspur supporters are anticipating an announcement regarding the future of Mousa Dembele now that the World Cup has reached its conclusion, with recent reports hinting at a probable departure from North London.

According to a report from FootballFanCast published in June, Mousa Dembele will depart Tottenham this summer and join Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League. No official announcement has been made as of yet, but with rumours concerning a whole host of potential replacements dominating the transfer window in recent weeks, it's fair to say all signs are pointing in one direction.

A recent report concerning Tottenham's plans for life after Dembele was published in TyC Sports over the weekend, with the media outlet claiming Spurs are interested in signing Wilmar Barrios from Boca Juniors.

Tottenham's interest is hardly surprising given Daniel Levy's shrewd approach to the transfer market and Barrios' supposed 18 million euro release clause (£15.9 million), but with Harry Winks already residing within the squad there is reason to suggest that the signing of Barrios is far form necessary.

First and foremost it's important to appreciate that Dembele is a unique talent, a one of a kind, a simply remarkably gifted left-footed player who cannot be directly replaced.

But signing a player from South America is certainly not a wise way to approach the situation Tottenham are likely to find themselves in this summer, so Pochettino should instead place his trust in Winks and lend him the opportunity to develop through increased exposure to regular first-team opportunities.

Despite a promising opening to the previous campaign which saw Winks claim his first ever England cap, the 22-year-old faded into obscurity as the season developed but, following a return to full-fitness and with a full pre-season under his belt, he should be ready to take on greater responsibility next season.

Although there are few similarities to be drawn between Winks and Dembele, there's no doubt that the academy product possesses a composure in possession and a willingness to receive possession in tight spaces which would hold him in good stead to fill the void left by the Belgium international.

Filling Dembele's boots is a task which very few players would want bestowed on their shoulders but, based on his development in the game thus far, Winks certainly has the potential to take a huge step up next season at the heart of Tottenham's midfield.

Tottenham fans - thoughts? Let us know below!