Spurs track stars

Thursday, 26/05/2011

by James Willis, Shoot’s Tottenham blogger

Following a 2-1 win over Birmingham City on the final day of the season, a result that also consigned their opponents to relegation, Tottenham secured their Europa League qualification.
The more important point is that itwas was secured through league position as opposed to the Fair Play League.

Had Tottenham qualified through that league after failing to get fifth, they would have ended up in the first qualifying round, leaving them with matches right through June and July ahead of a busy season.
Instead, Tottenham wplay their first Europa League match on August 18.

The club could come up against some tough opposition as early as the play off round though, with this seasons Champions League semi-finalists Schalke 04 just one of the teams included.
Tottenham will be one of the favourites to go into the tournament, although Harry Redknapp's main goal is to break back into the Premier League top four and perhaps even start to push for title honours.
Whether or not Redknapp plans to field full strength teams in the tournament, the club will still need to strengthen over the summer.

A top-class striker and a new keeper appear to be at the top of the manager's wish list. A few weeks ago, Redknapp flew to France to watch both Gervinho (pictured) and Eden Hazard in action in the French Cup Final. Kevin Gameiro was also rumoured to be under Redknapp's watchful eye.

The manager has also been keeping tabs on Diego Forlan's status as well as a number of the other high scoring strikers from the Spanish league, including Pablo Osvaldo, Alvaro Negredo and Giuseppe Rossi.

A number of keepers could replace Heurelho Gomes. Maarten Stekelenburg has drawn plenty of attention, while Ben Foster is also thought to be under consideration. Foster would no doubt be available at a knock down price after Birmingham City’s relegation.

Scott Parker looks the most likely signing for Tottenham initially though as the Footballer of the Year prepares for a move away from relegated West Ham.

Players like Jermaine Jenas, David Bentley, Niko Kranjcar, Robbie Keane and Giovani Dos Santos are all expected to be sold to raise funds.

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