Spurs continue to scout Townsend replacements

Tottenham Hotspur continue to scout 19-year-old Serbian winger Andrija Živković at partizan Belgrade. He favours a move to Atletico Madrid where he would be at the third strongest club in the country and almost guaranteed UEFA Champions League football. 

It demonstrates to those that simply look at a money table and say Spurs are the 13th richest club in Europe so should be buying XYZ player that it isn't that simple. When other clubs in easier leagues offer an easier route to the UEFA Champions League, players will often take it, even if it means less money.

Transfers are not a simple as who has got the most money. Champions League football, especially for a younger player, means not just experience, but great exposure across Europe. That brings him to the attention of other clubs he hopes and takes him to a bigger club than he may otherwise have played for. That is the theory anyway.

Andros Townsend hasn't managed to stamp his game on the opposition within our system and his recent outburst, borne out of frustration can be read in different ways. having watched his closely for the last couple of years, his problem appears to be mental and unless he can find the winning mentality that Dembele and Lamela have found recently he won't have a Spurs future. The press has already speculated that he is sounding out clubs with Southampton and Newcastle United mentioned as possible destinations. 

If he does leave then Spurs have Alex Pritchard who will be back from injury in the New Year, but despite being skilful he is as yet unproven. Josh Onomah is getting regular cameo roles while Townsend sits on the bench, is Pochettino already planning for life without Townsend and developing Onomah for January, or if Townsend leaves at the end of January, for February?

The other option is to bring another player in and add the competition, Pritchard may be seen in a more central role for instance or as with Eriksen have the versatility to change between the two. 

Whatever Spurs decide to do and whatever Živković decides to do, until a deal in concluded, desire means little. Živković desires a move to Athletico, but if they don't offer Partizan a deal they are happy with then other options come into play and Tottenham may be one of those options. Just because we are watching a player doesn't mean we will try to sign them.

Further Tottenham articles from THBN
The Big 7 League - Chelsea bottom
Europa League not affecting Spurs
Heung-min Son's marketing message
Duck for Christmas anyone, Spurs head striker chase
Spurs scouting unknown 20yo winger in France

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