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Tottenham’s midfield suddenly looks very thin after the injury sustained by Moussa Sissoko against Manchester United on Sunday.
The France international limped off with a muscle problem after pulling up unchallenged. With Mousa Dembele also about to leave the club, a move for Abdoulaye Doucoure would make sense, and go a long way to rectifying the issues plaguing the club’s midfield.
What’s the word?
Doucoure has expressed his desire to leave Watford in the January transfer window, as he bids to play in the Champions League.
A technically-accomplished, clever midfield player, the 26-year-old has been ever-present for the Hornets thus far this season, playing in all 22 of the club’s Premier League games. He has scored three goals, and also provided five assists.
Speaking to Canal+, per The Independent, he said: “Yes, I think I will leave Watford.
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“The club are aware of my ambitions and want to help me go up a level. So if it doesn’t happen this winter we’ll have a look at things this summer and the possibilities available.
“The most important thing for me is to continue improving, so obviously through my performances I can reach a club playing at European level.
“I think I will reach a new level by signing for another club, who are playing in European competitions.”
Doucoure has yet to play for France, and clearly sees playing for a marquee side as a perfect route into the squad.
A match made in heaven
Tottenham are currently lacking a midfield. The injury sustained by Sissoko against United leaves the club with only Harry Winks and 18-year-old Oliver Skipp as the fully-fit options available to Mauricio Pochettino in the centre of the pitch.
Dembele, of course, is poised to complete an £11million move to China, per Football.London.
Such is the dearth of depth right now, Pochettino opted to replace Sissoko with winger Erik Lamela on Sunday, facilitating a change in formation.
Doucoure, then, represents the perfect investment.
For a start, the Watford midfielder is able to stay fit for a long period of time, something which cannot be said of either Victor Wanyama or Eric Dier.
Doucoure is also excellent on the ball, capable of playing vertically, and retains possession well.
Add to that the fact that he has Premier League experience, and is desperate to play in the Champions League, and the move should sell itself to Pochettino and chairman Daniel Levy.
The latter, however, appears to be single-minded in his refusal to invest in the squad.
Injuries may have altered that stance, and if they have, a move for Doucoure now would make sense; Spurs should strike while the iron is hot, in order to avoid a potential bidding war with other, wealthier, Premier League clubs.