Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 29
It's finally here. The transfer window opens this week, and it's time to replace rumour and transfer talk with genuine transfer news.
Although manager Mauricio Pochettino has ruled out any immediate transfer splurge, Spurs are sure to take some action this month.
Speaking to the media, per Sky Sports, after Spurs' 0-0 draw with Manchester United, Pochettino insisted that he was "happy with [the] squad."
Pochettino did admit that he will speak to the club about potential transfer targets. That admission alone is sure to fuel plenty of talk once the window opens.
Here are the best (and the worst) transfer rumours from this week.
This article will be updated with new information throughout the week.
Last updated: December 29
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Spurs Contenders for Celtic Centre-Back
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The pursuit of Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk by Premier League clubs has become something of a saga.
Spurs' interest in Van Dijk was first reported by Ian MacFarlane of the Daily Express in early December (h/t FootballFancast.com).
Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United—all of whom have pressing needs in central defence—have also been linked with the Dutch stopper.
The latest twist in this story, as reported by David Wright of the Daily Express, is that Celtic boss Ronny Deila has declared that he has spoken with Van Dijk and is "happy to have him."
In short, Deila is not keen to cash in on arguably his most valuable player but has not closed the door to a January transfer.
The reported £10 million fee may have to be increased to secure the Dutchman's signature in January.
Bleacher Report contributor Stewart Ross wrote an excellent assessment of Van Dijk's strengths (from an Arsenal perspective) in October.
Van Dijk is an excellent prospect, and at just 23, he has the potential to grow as a player. Already very impressive in the limited challenge of the Scottish Premier League, it is time for him to take the next step.
If Spurs are the club to bring him south, they will have an impressive defender that contributes in attack with plenty of room to develop.
Tottenham Miss out on Croatian Goal Machine
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Andrej Kramaric has emerged as a transfer candidate for plenty of Premier League clubs this season.
The 23-year-old has been prolific in Croatia's Prva HNL for several years. He has 27 goals already for the unfancied Rijeka this season.
The young star is certain to move on to bigger things in the near future, and Spurs had hoped to swoop in ahead of other major European clubs, but Chelsea appear to have beaten them to the punch.
Hrvoje Tironi of Goal.com reports that Chelsea have sent a delegation to Croatia to complete the deal so it appears as though Spurs have missed out on a hot talent.
Roma Beat Spurs to South American Starlet
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Argentinian giants Newell's Old Boys have confirmed that they are considering two offers for their young star Ezequiel Ponce.
The 17-year-old is nicknamed "The Tank" because of his muscular build and powerful shooting.
In widely reported quotes, Newell's president Guillermo Lorente confirmed on Sunday that both Tottenham and Roma have made "very good offers" for Ponce.
Unfortunately for Spurs, he also admitted that Roma have made "a more interesting proposal."
According to Football Italia (via Eurosport), Roma's bid would include loaning the player back to Newell's in 2015, something which Spurs have failed to add.
The youngster is certainly talented, but he has not earned the hype that the biggest South American talents often do.
Paul Brown of the Daily Star revealed in early December that he was offered to West Ham United for £5 million in the summer, but third-party ownership complicated the deal, which ultimately fell through.
The Canterbury Times though, has happier news. They suggest that it is Spurs who lead the race to sign a striker likened to Argentina and Serie A legend Gabriel Batistuta.
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