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Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a bright start to their 2021-22 campaign, winning their first three games to lead the league. However, a loss of form meant Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked, and Serie A-winning manager Antonio Conte was brought in to steady the ship.
The team appears to be on the right track under the Italian tactician, occupying seventh place in the league table after 17 games. However, Conte has said that he wants to make signings in the January transfer window to improve his team.
The Italian has hinted that a few players could be let go when the transfer window opens, saying:
"After only two weeks, I said we need to improve the quality of the squad. For sure we need to improve the quality of the squad. I was sure after seven days, 10 days, two weeks about this."
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"And then I make the evaluation who are the players I can count on and the players I can't count (on). This squad needs to improve the quality, but it is important before to think something (about) a different place in UEFA (Champions League, Europa League) or Conference League."
The Spurs manager has urged for patience from fans as he strives to build a quality team, saying:
"This league, the level is very high, and now you are in the middle. You have to think to build something important; for this reason I ask for patience and time. In this moment, the gap is very large, and we need to work a lot and also to try to build and improve the quality of the squad."
Spurs signed Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal and Pape Sarr in the summer. They are now looking to add the players Conte has his sights set on.
On that note, here's a look at the five best players who have been linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur in January:
#5 Dean Henderson
Tottenham Hotspur custodian Hugo Lloris has been doing well in goal. However, Antonio Conte is reportedly looking to sign a long-term replacement for the Frenchman.
Reports in the UK suggest that the Italian manager has Manchester United's Dean Henderson in his radar.
The English goalkeeper is looking to leave Old Trafford this transfer window, as he is frustrated with his lack of game time. He has been linked with Newcastle United as well, but Tottenham appear favourites to snap him up.
#4 Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski was signed with a lot of promise by Juventus, but the Swedish star has failed to make an impact. He has been used off the bench more often than not by Massimiliano Allegri, and now the Serie A side are looking to cash in on him.
Tottenham and Arsenal are said to be in the race for the 21-year-old, who can play in a central role or on the right wing. Reports suggest he cost around £40 million in January.
#3 Clement Lenglet
Barcelona fans have not been happy with Tottenham Hotspur-target Clement Lenglet at Camp Nou. They have been vocal about the Frenchman. The Blaugrana board has reportedly offered the defender for sale, and Spurs are looking to lure him to London.
Daily Mail say that Antonio Conte wants to add a defender in the upcoming window, and Lenglet is one he has his eyes on.
The Frenchman is reportedly open to leaving Barcelona, but might wait to access his options and not jump to a decision. The defender is currently out after testing positive for COVID19. He is expected to be back in action next week.
#2 Lorenzo Insigne
Lorenzo Insigne is reportedly in talks to join Toronto FC in MLS, but Tottenham Hotspur are not willing to give up on him. Antonio Conte is said to be keen on working with the Italian, and wants Spurs to make a move for Insigne in January.
Toronto FC are willing to wait till the summer to sign Insigne for free. So Tottenham are looking to negotiate a deal with Napoli and snap up the striker next month.
However, Sebastian Giovinco, another Italian who played for Toronto, has warned Insigne about moving to the MLS, saying:
"It's not real football; that's something else. However, they've got good infrastructure, and I'd make the decision again, especially for those figures. I advise this experience to anyone because my family and I want to live here; it's a beautiful city."
Tottenham are now looking to take advantage of the situation, and sign up Insigne, as Conte wants to add competition for places in attack.
#1 Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie is another Serie A player whose contract is coming to an end. The midfielder could leave AC Milan for free in the summer, if a contract extension is not agreed soon.
Tottenham are waiting on the wings to snap him up. Reports claim they are willing to make an offer for Kessie in January. The midfielder is one Conte wants in his Spurs side, but the London club are not the only ones chasing the player.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the Cote d'Ivoire star. Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on him. AC Milan are unwilling to give up without a fight. However, if Kessie doesn't agree a new deal and a suitable offer comes in January, he could be sold.
