Tottenham need a midfielder, should they rival Manchester City’s Brazilian pursuit?

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Tottenham have been after a midfielder this month, reportedly scouting around Europe for Mousa Dembele’s successor.

Tottenham Hotspur are still after Mousa Dembele’s long-term replacement in the middle of the park with just two weeks remaining in the January transfer window – and they should rival Manchester City in pursuit of a Brazilian star.

Sky Sports claim Spurs are scouring the market for Dembele’s successor, with the Belgium international set to enter the last 18 months of his contract in north London under Pochettino.

In another report, Sky Sports claim FC Lorient youngster Matteo Guendouzi and Valencia loanee Geoffrey Kondogbia are interesting Spurs, with the latter starring in Spain after joining on a season-long loan deal from Inter Milan in the summer.

However, neither are particularly ground breaking and if Pochettino is to take his side to the next level, he needs to add a world-class midfield maestro to his side in order to improve his side.

The Telegraph claim Premier League leaders Manchester City are interested in signing 24-year-old midfielder Fred from Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, as they look to give Fernandinho competition.

But the pass master should surely be targeted by Spurs, as he would instantly become the club’s best central midfielder ahead of the likes of Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks and Eric Dier as well as Dembele.

The six-time Brazil international is renowned for his combative style of play at the base of the midfield, boasting huge intelligence and desire that make up for his pocket-sized physique – he stands at just 5ft 5in.

The signing of Fred would be a superb bit of business, but more importantly it would be a signal of intent and see Spurs knock title rivals Man City in their move for Fernandinho’s successor.

Although they will struggle to compete with City in terms of funds, Spurs can promise guaranteed first-team football while Fred would have to rival Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Yaya Toure and David Silva at the Etihad.