Tottenham suffered their first defeat in the Premier League this season at Chelsea last weekend, their 13th game of the league campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men had won six and drawn six prior to their trip to Stamford Bridge, but goals from Pedro and Victor Moses cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s opener to inflict upon Spurs a rare league loss.

Despite a fine unbeaten run, Spurs have only won one of their last ten games in all competitions, a run which has seen them exit the Champions League and the League Cup.

Pochettino’s men lost 2-1 away at Monaco last week to knock them out of Europe’s elite competition, having won just one of their five group matches, and they’ll go into their home game against CSKA Moscow next week knowing that victory will seal them a place in the Europa League, if that’s any consolation.

However, it’s the league where Spurs fans are hoping for an improvement, with their side fifth on 24 points, but already four points adrift of fourth place Arsenal, and seven behind league leaders Chelsea.

They face Swansea at White Hart Lane on Saturday seeking back-to-back home league wins for only the second time this season in a bid to resurrect their title challenge.

Nevertheless, many feel that Tottenham will once again fall short in the title race unless Pochettino reinforces his squad in the January transfer window.

Thus, here are the THREE star signings who top Spurs’ Christmas list…

Niklas Sule

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioArRpXVHhs

With reports circling that Kevin Wimmer could be set to leave Tottenham in the near future, Pochettino is going to need some more centre-back options.

Although Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are a fantastic partnership, both have suffered injuries in the last few seasons, both of which have kept them out for a long period of time.

Thus, Pochettino needs a reliable centre-back to call upon, and that man could be Hoffenheim’s Niklas Sule.

The 21-year-old has been a feature in the Bundesliga side since his debut back in May 2013, but it as last season where he really nailed down a first team spot in the heart of the Hoffenheim defence as they just about staved off relegation.

The young defender made his senior Germany debut in August of this year and, with Chelsea and Everton also reported to be interested, he’s clearly a player in demand, and one Spurs should try and get through the door to bolster their long-term defensive options.

Isco

Playmaker Isco, 24, has seen first team chances restricted at Real Madrid this season, despite playing 149 times for the club in the last three seasons.

The Spanish international moved to the Bernabeu in 2013 after a brilliant spell at Malaga, and scored 11 goals in all competitions in his first campaign.

However, he has slowly become more of a part-time starter in the Spanish capital, and was back on the bench again in their win over Sporting Gijon last weekend.

Isco’s sensational substitute cameo role against England a few weeks ago highlighted that the quality is still there despite a lack of first team action, and that performance would have delighted Pochettino, who has been repeatedly linked with the 24-year-old.

With Manchester United also interested, the Spurs boss needs to get in there first and secure a deal for a midfielder whose versatility would significantly benefit Spurs in both attacking and defensive areas of midfield.

Mario Mandzukic

Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic could be a surprise target for Tottenham in January once Paulo Dybala returns from injury.

The former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid striker saw Gonzalo Higuain brought to Turin in the summer for £75 million, and with Dybala widely tipped to be the next big thing in Italy, Mandzukic may find himself a surplus to requirements sooner rather than later.

Thus, a player who has exceeded 20 goals in three of his last four seasons is going to attract interest, and the 30-year-old has been linked to both Spurs and fellow Premier League outfit West Ham.

Vincent Janssen has struggled in the early stages of his Spurs career, and the North London side can’t keep relying on Harry Kane, so a move for Mandzukic should be a priority for Pochettino in January.