Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News: Latest on Isco and Bruma Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur could still have a chance to sign Isco, after Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed the Real Madrid attacking midfielder is still considering a move to the Premier League.

Balague, who provides updates and analysis on La Liga for Sky Sports, took to Twitter to spell out Isco's current situation with Los Blancos:

It's a positive update for Spurs, who have been on the case of Isco for some time. Back in October, the north London club were said to still be tracking the player, whom manager Mauricio Pochettino admires, per Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard.

However, there are those who doubt Tottenham possess the financial muscle to lure the 24-year-old Spain international from the Santiago Bernabeu. Among them, Paul Jiggins of the Sun believes Spurs don't pay the level of wages top players demand: "It is why Spurs had to settle for signing Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle in the summer and not Isco on loan from Real Madrid."

It's quite an indictment of the club's transfer policy. It's also something that must change if Spurs are ever going to truly compete at the UEFA Champions League level.

That's the view of former Tottenham striker Clive Allen. He insists the club, recently eliminated from the group stage of Europe's premier club competition, must invest heavily, per TalkSport (h/t the London Evening Standard's Sam Long): "There has to be a couple of important signings in January."

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Allen's view is echoed by sentiments from ex-Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann. He told Paddy Power (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express) that Pochettino must spend: "They needed to freshen things up and they need players to do that."

Isco would add the level of quality in the final third Tottenham could use in big matches. The one-time Malaga star hasn't always been one of Real manager Zinedine Zidane's first-choice players, but he's not lacking in creativity and class.

Those are two attributes Spurs have lacked when the pressure is on. There is plenty of energy, toughness and drive in Pochettino's squad but not enough flair to beat opponents who can stand up to those traits.

Unfortunately for Tottenham, Pochettino has revealed the club may not be in a position to spend the amount of money required to boost the squad. Speaking to Spanish publication Marca (h/t Sport Witness), Pochettino indicated how Spurs building a new stadium will restrict his ability to spend: "It is true that in the process of this club, with the construction of the new stadium, it somewhat limits the possibilities to invest more in the team."

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It's something the club can't avoid, but it's easy to believe Spurs will continue to struggle at the highest level without solid investment.

Bruma Backs Off from Tottenham Links

One player Pochettino may not be able to sign even if he has the resources is Galatasaray ace Bruma. The winger has distanced himself from links to Tottenham.

Speaking to Portuguese source O Jogo (h/t TalkSport), Bruma made clear how much he's enjoying his time with his current club: "I have a contract with Galatasaray, I'm happy because everyone loves me here. The fans treat me well, sing my name, they already treat me like one of their sons."

Like Isco, Bruma has been linked with Tottenham for a while. The Sun's Mike McGrath revealed earlier this month how Spurs have been tracking the 22-year-old wide man. Squawka's Greg Stobart reported the same thing in October.

Width is something Spurs have lacked since letting Nacer Chadli go this summer. Pochettino often deploys Christian Eriksen in a wide berth, but the Dane is better suited to central areas than on the flanks.

Spurs need to recruit, but Pochettino will need to continue to be selective and cautious with his spending. It will challenge the manager's judgement to unearth quality players others haven't noticed.