Spurs step up January plans as they prepare £80m raid for midfield duo

Having failed to make a single summer signing, it would appear that Tottenham are ready to go big in January with moves for two midfielders.

Spurs became the only club in Premier League history not to make a signing in a summer transfer window, a move that drew plenty of criticism in some quarters – even more so after the woeful display as they lost to Watford at the weekend.

However, Corriere dello Sport claims that they failed with a €40million transfer deadline day move for Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara – but could yet come in for him again in the new year.

The report states that new Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti blocked the move for a player who was not first choice under former chief Maurizio Sarri – who is now in charge at Chelsea.

PSG, Bayern Munich, Roma and Juventus have all been linked with moves for Diawara in the past, but it is claimed that Spurs had lined the player up to replace Mousa Dembele in north London.

The 30-year-old Belgian remained at Tottenham, despite being strongly tipped to leave, although the latest reports suggest that he could be heading to China in January.

Diawara, 21, started only five Serie A games last season but is widely regarded as one of the top young central midfielders in Italian football.

Spurs, meanwhile, are also said to be eyeing a January raid on Ajax for Frenkie De Jong.

The Holland U21 midfielder was close to a move to Barcelona this summer, until the young star decided to stay put and continue his education with the Dutch giants.

Part of De Jong’s reasoning was Ajax’s qualification for the Champions League, where his side have been paired with Bayern Munich, AEK Athens and Benfica in Group E.

But reports over the weekend suggested that Tottenham could look to beat Barca to the punch by swooping for the young midfielder in January.

That’s because Ajax’s failure to progress to the knockout rounds may mean he could be allowed to move in the winter window, with a fee of £40m being cited.

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