Tottenham were handed their first loss of the season away to Watford on Sunday.

Spurs took the lead through an Abdoulaye Doucoure own-goal after a quiet first-half, but the Hornets hit back with Troy Deeney levelling the scoreline not long after. Things went from bad to worse as Craig Cathcart netted his first goal of the season to put the hosts in front. With little options on the bench, Mauricio Pochettino could do nothing to change the game and prevent his side tasting defeat for the first time this season.

Tottenham’s lack of spending in the summer transfer window might have cost them as the Argentine could do little to make an impact. The seven players on his bench managed just two Premier League goals between them last season, and Heung Min-Son was sorely missed in the attack. Fortunately for Spurs, the South Korean should be available for the visit from Liverpool on September 15.

Spurs are expected to add to their squad in January with reports suggesting Pochettino has been keeping tabs on Ajax midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, as Moussa Dembele’s replacement in centre-midfield. Should Tottenham move for de Jong, they should also target his team-mate – Matthijs de Ligt.

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, the 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in world football after graduating the Ajax youth academy. De Ligt has developed into a key player for his side and made 60 appearances in the top flight despite his young age. His performances have not gone unnoticed with Barcelona reportedly keeping tabs on his development.

De Ligt would slot seamlessly into the Tottenham defence and would be an excellent replacement for Toby Alderweireld who could leave. The youngster averaged 0.5 blocks, more than any other Tottenham centre-back, and 1.2 interceptions per game last year – a total only bettered by Jan Vertonghen. The Dutch international is also capable of playing out from the back, averaging 3.3 long passes and retaining an incredible 90% passing accuracy (WhoScored).

He wouldn’t be cheap, but Tottenham have the funds to get the deal done following a quiet summer window. Signing De Ligt could prove to be another masterstroke from Pochettino.

Tottenham fans, thoughts?