OPINION
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to listen to acceptable offers for midfielder Mousa Dembele this summer, and if the Belgian does leave then the club will need to bring in a suitable replacement.
As reported by the Daily Mirror, Spurs would be prepared to sell the 30-year-old this summer for the right price, with the club ready to listen to ‘acceptable’ offers for him.
It is said that China is a likely destination for Dembele, who will have one year left on his contract at Tottenham when the summer comes around.
While it is still early days in the story, with much of this report likely to be speculation, let us look at one potential replacement for Dembele should he end up leaving Tottenham.
As reported by the Independent, Chelsea midfielder and Crystal Palace loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek is unsure about his long-term future.
“I really haven’t thought about what’s going to happen next season. I’ve still got a few games now. I’m focused with Palace. Whatever happens next season, I’m not really looking at that right now. I’ll deal with that when it comes,” he said.
The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for Palace this season, where he has spent the year on loan from the Blues after struggling to break into the first-team at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek’s form has put him in contention for a place in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup this summer, and he will surely be in high-demand when the season rolls to a close.
Spurs must consider the youngster as a Dembele replacement this summer, and would even be advised to move for him even if the Belgian ends up staying.
Loftus-Cheek has shown himself to be the most-promising English central midfielder of his age, and he would only get better working under Mauricio Pochettino.
He would be guaranteed more game time at Spurs than he is at Chelsea, and playing at a higher level than at Palace would see his development accelerate as well.
He is very much in the Dembele mould, with both men standing over 6ft and possessing the strength to easily hold off most opponents.
The 22-year-old is obviously not as developed as Dembele in his play, but his touch and passing ability are of the highest quality, and he would not be out of place in the Tottenham midfield.
He will not come cheap, but the club should have funds from the sale of Toby Alderweireld, which looks increasingly likely, and possibly that of Dembele too.
It is a move that makes perfect sense for Tottenham, and one they must consider this summer.