Tottenham are in transition this season and that means they could do with one or two additions in January to strengthen their push for a Champions League place.
Jose Mourinho likely would have expected a wealthy transfer budget to work with as there are a lot of areas in need of improvement, with Serge Aurier struggling at right-back for much of the season and the squad down to bare bones in attack with Harry Kane out injured.
However, according to French outlet FootMercato the North Londoners are interested in rivalling Arsenal for the transfer of midfielder Thomas Lemar, who joined Atletico Madrid for €72m (£61.2m) back in 2018.
That price indicates how highly the club rated him, but they are now reportedly keen to recuperate that expenditure by letting him go this month, and Spurs are an interested party – though it is suggested they will seek a loan move with an option to buy.
Some fans are sceptical about the credibility of the story, though, due to doubts that the club is currently in a position to make such a move.
There is a similar sentiment shared by other supporters, though their gripe is with the player himself, as many have taken the view that he is not good enough for Tottenham.
The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?
That may be because he is not an improvement on the likes of Son Heung-min, Dele Alli or Lucas Moura, or because he has flattered to deceive since his move to Spain. This term he has failed to score or assist in 15 La Liga outings.
However, he is still only 24-years-old and the fact he has 22 caps for the world champions suggests he has quality to add to the Premier League, and Mourinho may be capable of bringing it out of him.
With only 20 goals in 18 league games it is fair to say his current side are hardly an attacking, expansive team, and it is little surprise that he has been restricted on the goal front as a result, with just three goals and six assists for Atletico Madrid.
Such a deal could become more realistic depending on certain outcomes this month, as PSG have reportedly made a move for Christian Eriksen.
