{"id":294738,"date":"2023-11-09T11:54:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T11:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=294738"},"modified":"2023-11-09T11:54:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T11:54:23","slug":"tottenham-pick-priority-january-transfer-as-postecoglou-worries-over-key-man","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/soccer\/tottenham-pick-priority-january-transfer-as-postecoglou-worries-over-key-man\/","title":{"rendered":"Tottenham ‘pick priority January transfer’ as Postecoglou worries over key man"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou could be forced to dip into the transfer market in January for a new defender with one of his key players facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Spurs boss suffered a damaging first defeat of his reign as they fell to a 4-1 home loss to Chelsea with nine men, following the double dismissal of Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie. But Postecoglou has a bigger problem than losing the pair to suspension after centre-back Micky van de Ven was ruled out.<\/p>\n

The Dutchman collapsed to the floor with a painful hamstring injury after chasing a ball towards his goal and needed to be helped off the pitch by Tottenham’s medical team. That appeared to show his hamstring injury may be worse than a strain or pulled muscle, with the 22-year-old now facing a long period on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

He is expected to undergo a scan on the injury to determine the extent of his injury, although the \u00a343m summer signing was seen at the club’s training ground ahead of their weekend clash against Wolves. In the case of it being bad news, Postecoglou has already lined up his top target to provide some cover at the back.<\/p>\n

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly was targeted by the club this summer and they could now revive their interest ahead of a swoop in January, according to The Standard.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Ange Postecoglou branded ‘arrogant’ as Tottenham boss blamed for Chelsea loss[REACTION] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Englishman emerged as a potential option this summer before Spurs moved onto other players such as Van de Ven. But his injury has exposed the lack of cover at the heart of defence and the north London club’s interest will come as no surprise, particularly with Eric Dier facing an uncertain future at the club.<\/p>\n

There are also doubts as to whether Ashley Phillips, 18, is ready for first-team football following his move from Blackburn, with the youngster needing to develop his game and is regarded as a long-term option.<\/p>\n

Kelly should be available for a cut-price fee, with the 25-year-old out of contract at the end of the season and looking increasingly unlikely to sign a contract extension at the Vitality Stadium. The left-footed defender also has experience of playing at left-back, giving them an option if Udogie or Ben Davies are unavailable.<\/p>\n