World Cup Year at Tottenham Hotspur: Vieira, Muntari In? Roman and Giovani Out?

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Sulley Muntari could be set to end his time in Italy and leave Jose Mourinho's Serie A champions Inter Milan for Tottenham Hotspur in January after the player's agent admitted the two clubs are in talks.

Spurs could also be adding ex-Arsenal veteran Patrick Vieira to their ranks as they look to make a concerted effort to break the top four.

Muntari has struggled as of late with Inter, and was roundly jeered off the pitch by his own fans last weekend after he was substituted in Inter Milan's win over Udinese.

The Ghanan international has found it difficult to break into Jose Mourinho's plans this season, and he initially rebuked Tottenham's approach in the summer as he felt he could break into the Inter team.

Earlier this season, Jose Mourinho caused much furor amongst Islamic imam after he substituted Muntari during a game and blamed the player's diet during Ramadan.

When managing Portsmouth, Harry Redknapp bought Muntari for a club record £7m. The powerful midfielder enjoyed a great season on the south coast of England winning the FA Cup before Inter Milan came in with a bid of around £15m for the player.

Initially the move back to Italy proved very successful and he scored the winner against Juventus in the Derby D'Italia.

He went on to become an important part of the Inter team that claimed their fourth Scudetto in a row, but has failed to make an impression this year.

During the summer, Spurs inquired about the midfielder's availability, and Inter gave them permission to talk to the player, but it is also believed that Mourinho wanted an exchange deal for Jermaine Jenas and cash before he would let Muntari leave.

Now with the player out of contention, Mourinho seems to have given Spurs the okay for a future move.

"The two clubs are still talking about this case. It could happen," said his representative Frank Schreier, when asked about the proposed move.

Muntari's signing would mean far more competition in central midfield, and could have ramifications for both Jermaine Jenas, as well as Tom Huddlestone, who has only really begun to establish himself at White Hart Lane this season.

It could also have an effect on Luka Modric on the left side of midfield, who is being widely touted as a replacement for Paul Scholes at Old Trafford.

In looking to strengthen centre midfield, Harry has also signaled that he is interested in signing Patrick Vieira. Although in the twilight years of his career, he would be seen as an immense influence on a team without many characters.

The ex-Arsenal player has also only played twice under Jose Mourinho this term, and with France on the verge of World Cup qualification, he knows he needs first-team football to gain a place in their squad for South Africa.

With that in mind, Spurs should have jumped Arsenal in the queue for his signature, as at the Gunners he would only be a bit-part player, signed chiefly for his influence, whereas at Spurs he would be an instant squad member.

"I think Patrick would improve us. He would give us a real presence in the team. He's been there, he's done it all, he's a fantastic professional. He's a leader," said Redknapp earlier this summer.

"You need people who have been there and done it and won it and that's what he would give you.

"He's got a good contract there (Milan) but he's definitely interested and I'm interested in him coming. The players will respond to him. He's a proper professional.

"He was a legend at Arsenal and he wants to come to Tottenham to play, not for the money. The money is probably a third of the money he was earning at Milan.

"He wants to come because he wants to play football. He would bring an awful lot to our football club."

The combative French midfielder was believed to be on the verge of a move to Spurs before his old mentor Arsene Wenger entered the fray.

But as Arsenal stalled on Inter's asking price, Mourinho pulled the plug on any potential deal.

Vieira's signing would have a massive impact on the future career of Spurs' prodigy John Bostock.

Since signing from Crystal Palace last year, the young star has been a huge part of the youth and reserve side.

The central midfielder put in a series of eye-catching displays as Spurs won their section of the Academy league before progressing to a playoff final against their bitter rivals Arsenal, where they were narrowly beaten 1-0.

Indeed, Redknapp has earmarked Bostock as a future captain of the club, and the potential Vieira signing would be have an immediate impact on him in two ways.

Firstly, it would move him further down the pecking order, leaving him with less opportunity to get into the first team. But more importantly it would give him direct contact to learn from one of the great midfielders of the 21st century.

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