Forster linked as Spurs look ahead to summer transfer window

As Tottenham look set to return to the Champions League after a two season absence, attention will soon turn to the summer and what the club can do in the transfer market to bolster the squad ahead of a potentially hectic campaign next season.

Reports have emerged this morning that the first signing could be in the door as early as next week, with Fraser Forster reportedly on the way on a free transfer from Southampton.

Pierluigi Gollini is currently on loan from Atalanta and will likely return there in the summer. The goalkeeper has struggled on his sporadic appearances this season and a permanent deal looks off the table at this point.

Forster has performed well at St.Mary’s this season and fans were surprised to discover he would not be offered a new contract.

Southampton’s loss therefore looks set to be Tottenham’s gain, with Forster expected to become the understudy to Hugo Lloris. Forster will bring Premier League experience to the role should he need to step up if anything were to happen to Lloris.

Forster is also a benefit to manager Antonio Conte in the domestic cups as that is where the former Newcastle ‘keeper is likely to see most of his action. Forster provides a much better option than Gollini as Spurs aim for a first trophy since 2008.

A new centre back will also be on Conte’s shopping list this summer. Spurs’ defensive record has been excellent of late but Conte will likely want a younger defender to compliment the huge impact Cristian Romero has provided since joining last summer. Romero looks likely to sign on a permanent basis this summer.

Ben Davies has been steady in the defence but he looks the most obvious area that can be upgraded in the first-team.

Emerson Royal has been similarly steady of-late but lacks the dynamism Conte requires going forward. Matt Doherty was playing with a new lease of life before his season-ending injury so it remains to be seen if the Irishman will get another chance to stake his claim or if a new wing-back will be sought.

Dejan Kulusevski is another who has made a big impact and the Swedish international will surely see his loan move converted into a permanent transfer this summer. The attacker has another year to run on his current loan but Spurs are unlikely to risk being usurped after a string of top performances.

Harry Kane’s future feels a little more secure this summer. The striker looked destined to join Manchester City last August but a deal could not be reached. Pep Guardiola has since signed Erling Haaland, suggesting the interest in Kane has ended.

Sealing the deal against Norwich on Sunday will go a long way to convincing Kane to stay and it is difficult to see an obvious destination for the captain.

Conte has always been ambitious in the transfer market and can be quite demanding of the powers-that-be. It is up to Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici now to match that ambition to allow Conte to bring the North-London side to the next level.

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