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Could Stanislav Lobotka’s comments give Tottenham hope for January swoop?

Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to the media during the Tottenham Hotspur press conference at San Siro Stadium on Septembe...
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Celta Vigo’s La Liga midfielder Stanislav Lobotka looks like exactly the sort of man Tottenham Hotspur need in the New Year.

Stanislav Lobotka of Celta de Vigo in action during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Club Atletico de Madrid at Abanca Balaidos Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Vigo, Spain

At the start of the season, central midfield looked like one of the strongest areas in Tottenham Hotspur’s squad.

But after suffering three successive defeats for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino, suddenly there are plenty of questions about an apparent lack of depth or quality in the engine room.

Eric Dier has struggled badly against both Liverpool and Inter Milan, Victor Wanyama has suffered with fitness issues over the last few months, while it would be a big surprise if Mousa Dembele remained in North London beyond 2019.

So Tottenham should be keeping tabs on Stanislav Lobotka over the next few months. AS claimed in July that Spurs had registered an interest in the Celta Vigo midfielder, whose strength and combative approach would make him a fine addition to Pochettino’s squad.

And, speaking to Marca, Lobotka has given the North Londoners hope over a potential January swoop.

“Yes, in the summer there were offers from different clubs, but I’ll play with Celta at least for half the season,” admitted the 23-year-old Slovakian international.

José Campaña midfielder of Levante UD dribble player Stanislav Lobotka midfielder of Real Club Celta de Vigo during the La Liga game between Levante UD and Real Club Celta de Vigo at...

“It’s clear that all Celta players want to try and adventure with one of the bigger clubs in Europe. In football, everyone wants to play in the Champions League.

“I’m focused on doing well with Celta, then we’ll see what happens in January.”

If Lobotka wants Champions League football, Tottenham could be a tempting destination, although Pochettino’s side face a challenge qualifying from a group containing Barcelona, Inter and the Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven.

According to the Standard, Lobotka has a £31 million release clause in his contract.

Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (L) vies with Celta Vigo's Slovak midfielder Stanislav Lobotka during the Spanish league football match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC...