Tottenham plans to sign Jonathan David delayed by Premier League safety concerns

Tottenham Hotspur are facing new delays in their efforts to plan for the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

While Igor Tudor's side remain locked in a relegation battle, the recruitment team will remain unable to make clear targets to strengthen their squad at the end of the season.

A crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on 22 March could prove decisive, as the winning side will hand themselves a huge boost in the scrap for survival.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Spurs' Premier League status will be crucial to luring some of their top targets.

Having recently been linked with the likes of Juventus' Jonathan David, Tottenham are making ambitious transfer plans, but cannot act until their survival is confirmed.

Tottenham transfer plans delayed by relegation battle

Football Insider revealed on 21 March that Tottenham are interested in signing David from Juventus as they aim to strengthen their attacking options.

However, should they suffer relegation from the Premier League, the striker will almost certainly be out of reach, as will most of their other key targets.

As a result, Spurs are delaying their transfer plans until there is a more clear expectation over their future, and the Nottingham Forest clash could be key.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Well, Tottenham are long-term admirers of Jonathan David.

"They were interested before he made that free transfer move to Juventus last summer. He's under contract until 2030 so it won't be an easy deal to do if they're interested.

"It's hard to know what Tottenham's transfer plans are right now because they don't know what league they're going to be in as well.

"They're going to have to delay things until maybe closer to the end of the season when their situation will become more clear.

"So a lot will depend on that if they're able to potentially make a move for a player like Jonathan David."

Tottenham growing confident in battle against relegation

In the wake of their 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on 5 March, it looked almost inevitable that Spurs would be relegated as the weakest side in the battle.

Since then, Tudor has turned around their form and picked up a point against Liverpool at Anfield before beating Atletico Madrid, despite ultimately losing on aggregate.

Football Insider revealed on 21 March that Tudor now has the backing of his players with a growing feeling of positivity around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite initial fears that the manager had lost the dressing room after disagreements with players, he has finally got everybody pulling in the same direction.

A positive result against Nottingham Forest could highlight the improved feeling around the club, although a defeat would squash any new ambitions.