Sources: Tottenham line up three January signings after Daniel Levy green light
Tottenham chiefs have given the green light to multiple January signings after public and private pleas from Antonio Conte, sources have told Football Insider.
The manager has made it clear how he thinks the squad still needs considerable improvement and is not able to compete with the Premier League elite.
Conte wants up to three major January signings, including a forward, versatile defender and midfield player.
The Tottenham board, led by chairman Daniel Levy, have given the go-ahead to managing director Fabio Paratici stepping up plans to bring in mid-season signings.
The club are keen for a repeat of the success of last season’s January arrivals, with the captures from Juventus of Dejan Kulusevski, on loan, and Rodrigo Bentancur both proving to be big successes.
However, the signings of Paratici and the recruitment team during the summer transfer window have yet to be vindicated.
The club spent more than £150million on Richarlison, Cristian Romero (who was already at the club on loan), Yves Bissoma, Djed Spence, Clement Lenglet and Destiny Udogie (who has been loaned out for the season) as well as considerable wages for free transfers Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster.
The only cash back came from the sales of Steven Bergwijn and Cameron Carter-Vickers, meaning net spend was around £120m.
Yet, Tottenham are confident the summer arrivals will come good, with some regarded as hugely promising talents who aren’t quite first-team ready.
There is also trust from club chiefs in Paratici’s network of contacts and understanding of the January market, particularly in his native Italy.
In other news, Harry Kane is refusing to pass to a “Championship level” teammate at Tottenham.