Tottenham want Bruno Fernandes though Manchester United are keen to sign too

So far, it has not been the kind of season Spurs have had expected. They made it to the Champions League final last campaign which was a great achievement, even though they lost in the final. 

It could have been the catalyst to their rise towards big things. However, it has been the exact opposite of that as Spurs look in complete shambles.

Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be frustrated with the performance of his squad so far this season. It is suggested that he is reportedly looking forward to a very busy winter transfer window.

The North London club looks to offload around seven players, while also looking to bring in several replacements. Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes is believed to be topping the wish-list of the manager.

Spurs tried to sign the in-demand player in the summer but they saw their €60m (£52m) offer rejected by the Portuguese giants. 

Manchester United were also linked strongly with the 25-year-old and are likely to follow up their interest as well.

It was reported that Spurs were close to agreeing a deal but as £18m of the fee was made up of several add-ons, Sporting chief Frederico Varandas rejected the deal. 

The 24-year-old would be expected to replace want-away midfielder Christian Eriksen. It is evident that Spurs have also lost the hope of retaining the former Ajax wizard.

Spurs would reportedly be looking to cash in on Eriksen in January, as they will have to lose him for free in six months' time. 

The defensive duo of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, just like their former Ajax team-mate Eriksen, can leave the club on a free in the summer, and could be sold in this upcoming window.

The trio could be accompanied by right-back Serge Aurier, defensive midfielders Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, along with left-back Danny Rose. 

However, selling too many players in the middle of the season is not a good idea and Pochettino certainly knows that.

Spurs are also looking at Norwich City's Max Aarons and West Bromwich Albion's Nathan Ferguson as two options for the right-back position, where they could be short of options with the possible departure of Aurier. 

The London giants also want a cover for Harry Kane and have identified FSV Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta as the potential candidate.

Cover image credits: Cartilage Free Captain