Tottenham saw their top four hopes all but disappear yesterday, as Tim Sherwood came back to haunt his old club and lead Aston Villa to a 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane.
Pochettino’s men now sit seven points outside the top four as Manchester City prepare to face Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford.
Despite the best efforts of 29-goal Harry Kane, Tottenham look as though they are destined to fall short this term, but supporters can hopefully see that progress has been made.
Pochettino is leading the youngest squad in the Premier League, and with the right additions in the summer and the further development of some of his young talent, there is every chance Tottenham can mount a serious assault on the top four next term.
A lot will depend on the quality of the signings in the summer, and here we have identified an XI of transfer targets.
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Click on Mauricio Pochettino to reveal the transfer XI Tottenham could have this summer
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Asmir Begovic
Tottenham fans will be hoping they can keep Hugo Lloris for another season at least, but the lack of Champions League football next season may make it difficult.
The Frenchman is said to be Manchester United’s first choice to replace David De Gea should Real Madrid come calling, and that would leave Tottenham needing to enter the market for a new goalkeeper.
Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic has been a consistent Premier League performer for years now, and was previously linked with a move to Tottenham before Lloris signed in the summer of 2012.
Benedikt Howedes
Reports suggest Tottenham are considering a £13million bid for Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes, a man who is capable of playing at both right back and centre back.
Howedes has been consistent in the Bundesliga for several seasons, and may well fancy a new challenge. He would provide some much needed experience at White Hart Lane, having experienced World Cup success with Germany only last summer.
Kevin Wimmer
The 22-year-old has emerged as a transfer target in recent months, having established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga with Cologne.
The Austrian has been very vocal on his desire to move to the Premier League, describing a possible switch to Tottenham as a ‘dream’, however the sides are yet to agree a fee. They are expected to do so with minimum fuss once the transfer window opens next month however.
Fabian Schar
Tottenham fans may well recognise the young defender from a European tie against Basel last season, in which Schar was exceptional as the Swiss champions pulled off a shock victory.
Schar is a full Swiss international, and has played his part in some famous victories in Europe over English sides for Basel in recent seasons, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and most recent Liverpool all defeated.
The 23-year-old is expected to move on in the summer in search of bigger and better things however, and Tottenham have registered their interest previously.
Daryl Janmaat
It is looking as though the 2014-15 season is going to end as another campaign to forget for Newcastle, and Tottenham have set their sights on landing a couple of their best players in the summer.
Dutchman Daryl Janmaat only completed his move to St James’ Park from Ajax last summer, and has been one of the most consistent performers in the north East.
Capable of playing anywhere across the back four, Newcastle have shown in the past they do not excel in keeping their best players at the club when someone comes calling, and Tottenham will no doubt have that in mind.
Moussa Sissoko
The Frenchman is another of Newcastle’s most valuable assets, and one that Tottenham have set their sights on if reports are to be believed.
The Magpies look set for a bottom half finish this season, and the uncertainty surrouding the long term managerial position has cast doubt over Sissoko’s future.
Tottenham are in need of some more experience in the middle of the park, having relied heavily on youngsters Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb this season.
Sissoko’s all action style would really suit them, however they may need to battle north London rivals Arsenal for his signature.
Victor Wanyama
Tottenham spent all of last summer chasing Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, but expected failure to secure Champions League football means the club have turned their attentions to teammate Victor Wanyama.
The 23-year-old has impressed in the Premier League since his arrival from Celtic, and has been a key part of the side that has challenged for the top four this season under Ronald Koeman.
Whilst Schneiderlin remains a top target, Wanyama may well be easier to tempt to White Hart Lane in the summer for the right price.
Adrien Rabiot
Tottenham have invested heavily in young talent over the past couple of transfer windows, and this one looks set to be similar.
PSG’s teenage midfielder Adrien Rabiot is understood to be a top target, with the Frenchman reportedly eager to leave in search of regular first team football.
Rabiot has not agreed a new deal in the French capital, and seems to have his heart set on a move to England. However once again Tottenham may need to battle their bitter rivals Arsenal to secure his services.
Jay Rodriguez
The Southampton striker is a player Pochettino knows well from his time on the south coast. The former Burnley striker has been out of action for a year with a serious injury, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped Tottenham in registering an interest in a summer transfer.
Rodriguez excelled under Pochettino during his time at Southampton, and finished only second to Daniel Sturridge as the top English goalscorers during 2013-14.
The fact he is capable of playing either side or central of a front three makes him an appealing signing for Tottenham given their style of play.
Saido Berahino
The West Brom striker angered supporters and Tony Pulis at the turn of the year when he gave an interview claiming he hopes to move on to ‘bigger and better things’ at the end of the season.
With the Baggies now all but safe, Pulis seems happy to let the England Under-21 striker leave for the right price.
Berahino has enjoyed a fine season in front of goal, with 18 strikes to his name in all competitions.
Had it not been for the heroics of Harry Kane, he may well have got a senior call up to the England squad already under his belt, but Tottenham hope pairing the two at White Hart Lane next season will boost his international chances.
Memphis Depay
The Dutchman announced himself on the scene at last summer’s World Cup, becoming the youngest goalscorer at the competition in the Netherlands history.
That caught the attention of Tottenham and Premier League rivals Manchester United, and both appear ready to make a bid this summer after the pacy winger has continued his progress with Dutch giants PSV.
Tottenham may feel they will hold the upper hand in negotiations however, as they will be capable of offering the 21-year-old more regular first team football next season.
