OPINION
Tottenham have operated for far too long under the tight wage structure of chairman Daniel Levy and need to rip up those prehistoric plans if they are to start competing for silverware on a regular basis.
Spurs have made huge progress during the past few years, but they could be back at square one if they don’t keep moving forward and can’t afford to lose their star players along the way.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino needs a free licence to add to his squad in the upcoming transfer windows to ensure the north London club can compete with Europe’s elite.
The Telegraph report that Spurs are looking to tie down playmaker Dele Alli to a new £100,000-a-week contract, which is certainly positive news.
However, the fact he is currently earning around the £60,000-a-week bracket shows how far behind the club are and they need to be prepared to invest for the greater rewards.
One area Spurs need to strengthen is in finding a proper back-up option to striker Harry Kane and West Ham ace Javier Hernandez would be the perfect signing.
Sky Sports report on their transfer centre blog (9:31am, Thursday 11th January) that the Hammers will listen to offers for the 29-year-old in January.
It is also understood that he is currently the top earner at the London Stadium on £115,000-a-week and West Ham are willing to move him on.
There will surely be a mad scramble for Hernandez’s signature as he is proven finisher, but Spurs should nudge any potential rivals aside and sign him.
Hernandez would be the ideal back-up option to Harry Kane as his pace in behind offers a different angle and striker Fernando Llorente has struggled this season at Spurs.
The West Ham centre-forward has not been given the right service so far this season, but he would thrive off balls from the likes of Alli and Christian Eriksen.
Hernandez made a name for himself at Manchester United earlier in his career as a ‘super sub’ and he has the qualities to perform at the highest level.
He is a perfect fit for Spurs going into the second half of the season, but the north London club must be prepared to fork out if they want him.