Tottenham are not known for doing business at this time of year. In fact, since signing Dele Alli in 2015, Lucas Moura’s signing three years later is the only time they have signed a player in the winter transfer window.



Jose Mourinho has insisted that the club will continue that policy next month but with Champions League football secured for February and a battle on to repeat it for next season, will he and the club be tempted if they can find value in the market?



Here, The Athletic looks at what Spurs should do next month — and what we understand to be possible.



Sign a central midfielder



Aside from Eric Dier, there is no senior player in the Tottenham squad who can effectively play the holding role that has always been so critical to successful Mourinho teams. Youngster Oliver Skipp is another option but there’s a good chance he will be loaned out in January to get more game time. Dier meanwhile has impressed in fits and starts...