Report: Tottenham Plot January Move for Key Lens Midfielder | OneFootball

Tottenham’s January Transfer Plans: Midfield and Defence in Focus

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a potentially busy January transfer window as manager Ange Postecoglou eyes reinforcements to bolster his squad. With the north Londoners enduring a challenging run of form, having secured just one win from their last five Premier League games, Postecoglou has identified midfield and defensive areas that need strengthening. According to GiveMeSport, Spurs are keeping a close eye on Lens midfielder Andy Diouf, who could bring versatility and quality to Tottenham’s ranks.

Diouf’s Versatility Draws Interest

Andy Diouf, the 21-year-old Lens midfielder, has been making waves in Ligue 1 since joining from Basel for £13 million in 2023. Described as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diouf has impressed with his ability to play as both a No.8 and No.10, offering tactical flexibility. This versatility has not gone unnoticed by Spurs scouts, who monitored his performance in a Conference League clash against Panathinaikos earlier this year.

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Postecoglou sees Diouf as a potential solution to Tottenham’s midfield depth issues, particularly given injuries and the need to manage a demanding schedule. Despite prioritising defensive reinforcements, the club is prepared to test Lens’ resolve with a formal bid in January.

Competition for Diouf’s Signature

Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit of Diouf. London rivals West Ham United and Crystal Palace have also expressed interest, with both clubs reportedly keen to strengthen their squads in January. Convincing Lens to part ways with one of their key players mid-season will be challenging, especially as Diouf has been a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side.

Khusanov Also on Tottenham’s Radar

In addition to Diouf, Spurs are considering a move for Abdukodir Khusanov, Diouf’s Lens teammate. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international has emerged as a potential centre-back target for Tottenham. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven battling injuries, Postecoglou is eager to address the defensive frailties that have plagued his team.

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Khusanov’s relatively modest salary at Lens, reported to be under £2,500 per week, makes him an appealing option for Tottenham. However, Newcastle United are also interested in the young defender, setting up a potential transfer battle.

Balancing Priorities

While defensive reinforcements remain a priority, Diouf’s potential signing could add dynamism and balance to Tottenham’s midfield. Spurs’ ability to manage multiple transfer negotiations and fend off competition from other clubs will be critical as they aim to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.

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The 21-year-old’s ability to operate as both a box-to-box midfielder and an attacking option aligns perfectly with Ange Postecoglou’s fluid and dynamic system. Diouf’s age and potential for development make him a smart investment, particularly given Tottenham’s long-term ambitions.

However, the competition for his signature adds an element of uncertainty. West Ham and Crystal Palace are formidable rivals in the transfer market, and convincing Lens to part ways with a key player mid-season will not be straightforward.

On the defensive front, Abdukodir Khusanov’s potential signing could address Tottenham’s pressing need for centre-back depth. With injuries to key defenders like Romero and van de Ven, Khusanov represents a cost-effective solution with significant upside.

Spurs fans should be encouraged by the club’s proactive approach to recruitment, particularly under Postecoglou’s leadership. Both Diouf and Khusanov would bring youthful energy and much-needed depth to a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts. January could prove to be a decisive month for Tottenham’s season.