Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 1

As we enter the busy December period, Spurs face a series of defining fixtures. Chelsea away to begin the week, a Capital One Cup quarter-final against Newcastle and a trip to Old Trafford on Boxing Day. 

Away from the pitch, though, the January transfer window may prove equally important as Mauricio Pochettino attempts to shape his team. 

Five wins out of six in November have Spurs racing up that table, but the same old weaknesses have threatened to spoil Spurs' improving form. 

In defence and attack, Spurs look a little short, so Pochettino will undoubtedly look to improve in both areas. 

The arrival of Paul Mitchell from Southampton means that Spurs will have begun finalising their list of transfer targets. 

Last updated: Monday, December 1 

Spurs Eyeing QPR Striker

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

In an ironic twist, Tottenham are reportedly aiming to sign one of Harry Redknapp's players, Charlie Austin. 

The striker has been prolific at every level of English football and was snapped up by QPR for £4 million in 2013 as part of their promotion charge. 

He responded by collecting 17 goals as Rangers won promotion through the Playoffs. 

Austin has continued that rich form with seven goals this term, which makes him the equal-highest-scoring English player in the Premier League. 

With only 18 months remaining on his contract, Austin could be acquired for a reduced fee. QPR have responded to the reported interest of Spurs and Liverpool by opening contract talks, but he could surely be tempted by the relative stability of north London or Merseyside. 

Austin is a prolific goalscorer with more than 100 goals across three divisions of football, but he offers little in terms of creativity or build-up. He is a different striker than Spurs have in their squad but would be unlikely to win a regular starting place. 

Stylistically, Austin is comparable to Jermain Defoe. 

He is capable of brilliance but is more likely to deliver a constant threat in the opposition box. 

If the price is right, Austin would be a handy member of Spurs' squad. 

Hugo Lloris the Apple of Man United's Eye

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The first of the inevitable rumours of Hugo Lloris' departure from Tottenham have arrived. According to the Daily Star, it is Manchester United that will attempt to take Spurs' best player. 

With Real Madrid rumoured to be after David de Gea, United will reportedly offer something in the area of £25 million to take Lloris to Old Trafford. 

Spurs are highly unlikely to be willing to do business with anyone over Lloris. 

He is their most accomplished player and vital to their Premier League campaign. 

According to the BBC, Gianluigi Buffon's move to Juventus from Parma in 2001 remains the world-record transfer. He moved for £32.6 million, and it would likely take a similarly gargantuan fee to move Tottenham to sell Lloris.

There are certain to be plenty more rumours of this nature, but Spurs are certain to dig in to avoid his departure. 

Pochettino Sends Scouts to Watch Salzburg Winger

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Spurs have been linked to several wingers of dubious quality in recent weeks. Another to add to that list is Red Bull Salzburg's Kevin Kampl. 

According to the Sunday People, Kampl has been watched by Tottenham scouts. 

The Slovenian wide man will be remembered by England fans for his recent performance at Wembley. Kampl wasn't the star of the show, but he was a threat to England's solid defence and made a handful of good chances. 

Transfermarkt.com compares Kampl to Spurs winger Andros Townsend as well as Germany international Karim Bellarabi and Borussia Monchengladbach star Patrick Herrmann. 

Kampl was raised in the Bayer Leverkusen academy but moved around several Austrian clubs before joining Salzburg in 2012. 

He enjoyed an excellent season in 2013-14 (scoring 14 goals) but has grown into an even more impressive player this term. In just 28 appearances, he has racked up nine goals and 13 assists. 

Former teammate Sadio Mane has excelled in the Premier League with Southampton, so it stands to reason that Kampl could equally thrive. 

There is no indication of a transfer fee, but the comparable size of Spurs and Red Bull Salzburg would seemingly make this a relatively straightforward move if Mauricio Pochettino's scouts have been convinced.