Tottenham Hotspur are looking at several players to strengthen Antonio Conte's centre-back options ahead of the January transfer window.

When Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored that late goal against Marseille it not only secured Tottenham’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League it also underlined the need and likelihood of them dipping into the January transfer market.

Last summer the squad was strengthened with an outlay of over £100million but now sources are indicating that two significant signings are also likely to arrive in the new year.

Those additions are not for the depth chart but to challenge the starting XI. Spurs intend to add more competition for key positions and want an even higher quality of player for the next phase of the Champions League as they also challenge domestically in the second half of the season.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

It will be during talks in the coming weeks with Antonio Conte that Spurs’ power figures will more thoroughly explore exactly how this team is strengthened personnel wise. But initial expectations are that a centre-back and a forward will arrive.

It is those two areas of the field that will determine how Tottenham fare this campaign and they will aim to make a statement with the type of player they bring in.

In terms of the defence, the £50m-rated Alessandro Bastoni has been earmarked for some time yet actually convincing him to move is tough and convincing Inter Milan to sell may be even more difficult. Conte admires the 6 ft 3 star, there does not seem much doubt about that from speaking to people close to the club, but quite how attainable he will be in January is questionable.

Sources in Italy say it simply will not happen and that Inter will not let such an important player move. If that is the case then we have to consider who else might make the move.

Pau Torres remains a name of interest and his situation at Villarreal is intriguing now that Unai Emery is no longer in charge. Spurs opted for Clement Lenglet on loan ahead of pursuing Torres last summer but may look into the situation again, with the Spaniard having a release clause of £55m in his contract.

A more recent name being recommended is believed to be Antonio Silva of Benfica, who is having a breakthrough season in Portugal. He is only 19 but has been so impressive in Liga Nos and the Champions League that he is being scouted regularly by other top clubs across Europe.

Tottenham’s Champions League progress helps them in the transfer market as they continue to prove themselves among Europe’s elite and equally Tottenham’s money men know they need to keep Conte satisfied if he is to stay at the helm.

We will see departures in January - Djed Spence and Japhet Tanganga will need their situations addressing - but the defensive need is also being escalated at a time when Eric Dier’s form has dipped.

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