Scouting Tottenham Transfer Target Demarai Gray

The January transfer window is just days away, and Tottenham Hotspur are busily searching out reinforcements for what has been a strong start to the 2015-16 season.

Under Mauricio Pochettino's guidance, Spurs have been cautious in the transfer market. The Argentinian prefers to make no additions to his squad if the available players do not meet his specific vision. 

Happily, this makes sorting through transfer rumours far easier, as many supposed targets can be quickly discarded.

Saido Berahino, the No. 1 target in the summer, is likely to hold that same position in this window. But according to the Telegraph, Birmingham City's Demarai Gray is also high on Spurs' wishlist. 

Respected Tottenham blogger and academy expert Chris Miller explained that Spurs' interest in Gray predates the installation of scouting chief Paul Mitchell in November 2014.

"

@Nikhil_Saglani We've been watching Gray for at least two years...

— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) December 21, 2015"

Gray has been a highly regarded youngster for some time. He was promoted from City's academy when Nathan Redmond moved to Norwich City in 2013.  

His blinding pace and trickery have helped him to make 43 successful take-ons in the Championship this season, according to Squawka.

According to EPL Stat Man, Southampton's excitement machine Sadio Mane has made the same number in the Premier League. 

"

Successful Take-Ons This Season Mahrez 54 Zaha 51 Hazard 48 Alexis 46 Mané 43 Bolasie 40 Barkley 38 Dembele 37 Cazorla 36 Martial 34

— EPL Stat Man (@EPLStatman) December 17, 2015 "

Gray has scored just once this season in a solid Birmingham City side that sits eighth in the Championship but scored six times last season and is a consistent goal threat. 

A scouting report by the Daily Mail's Secret Scout identified Gray as possessing the technical qualities and discipline to fit into Pochettino's system.

He is also tactically flexible, comfortable in any position across the line behind the central striker. 

That has seemingly been a prerequisite for Tottenham's transfer targets under Pochettino. 

Gray also fills something of a hole in Spurs' squad. Beyond the out-of-favour Andros Townsend, they do not possess any classic wingers. 

Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli and Son Heung-Min all play in that position for Pochettino but prefer to drift inside and compress the game.

Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Gray can play in this role but is equally comfortable driving down the flanks and creating havoc in one-on-one situations with the full-back. 

His overreliance on his right foot is something of a concern but certainly shouldn't rule him out. 

At his best, Gray has been a match-winner for both club and the England under-20s. 

Blues team-mate Clayton Donaldson praised Gray's fearlessness back in September, per MailOnline, suggesting he thrives under big-game pressure: "He will want to try and perform in any game. He is not shy to take the ball and to bring it to the other teams."

The widely varied interest in his signature also justifies Spurs' attention. 

Midlands radio man Tom Ross reported the Blues rejected Bournemouth's approach last winter. 

"

I understand Blues have turned down a 5 million pound bid for Demarai Gray from Bournemouth. I think the message is he's not for sale #bcfc

— Tom Ross (@thegoalzone) February 2, 2015"

Leicester City too, made a failed attempt to sign Gray in the summer, according to the Guardian.

Even Bayern Munich have reportedly sent scouts to observe Birmingham City's rising star, according to the Birmingham Mail. 

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett gave an honest appraisal of the situation to the club's website (h/t Inside Futbol). 

"At some point a young player of his ability is not going to be a Birmingham player for the next 10 years," Rowett said.

With a reported release clause in the region of £4 million and his evident ability, Gray will have no shortage of suitors in January.

Early in December, Bleacher Report insider Dean Jones said Liverpool have the right of first refusal.  

This means Pochettino and Spurs would need to win over the youngster with the promise of greater first-team opportunities.

Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Tottenham can, of course, point to the example of Dele Alli as proof that Gray could be a regular starter despite making the jump from lower-division football. 

The signing of the 19-year-old Gray, possibly with an immediate six-month loan back to Birmingham City, would match the pattern of Spurs' most successful recent transfers. 

Young, British and experienced for his age, Gray has the tools to become a star. His low transfer fee means any investment would be relatively low risk, as his market price is certainly higher than the amount it would reportedly cost to acquire his services. 

This is precisely the kind of player Spurs pursue under Pochettino and shows the signs of being a shrewd transfer.