Tottenham Hotspur have suffered yet more disappointment this season. With aspirations of competing for the Premier League title under veteran manager Jose Mourinho, the reality of the situation at Spurs is that they simply are not good enough to do that.
Having dismissed Mourinho following the exit from the Europa League, and a poor run of form domestically, chairman Daniel Levy has a tough job on his hands during the off-season.
A new manager is required to attempt to rebuild what is a severely disgruntled Spurs squad. Having lost yet another cup final this season, questions are being seriously asked of the mentality of the current fold of players.
It is clear that there are a number of players at Tottenham who simply do not fit the bill in terms of what is required of them. Therefore, it will be up to the chairman, who is already under fire from fans due to the Super League fiasco, to deliver.
Any attempt to rekindle the mess at Spurs will require player sales, due to the financial losses implicated through COVID 19. Stars such as Dele, Moussa Sissoko, Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Lucas Moura, and Harry Winks could all be shown the door in an attempt to free up funds for fresh faces.
However, with no Champions League football next season, who can Spurs realistically aim to sign? Here are five options that may appeal to Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy.
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Marcel Sabitzer
The RB Leipzig midfielder has been linked with Spurs all season. It was reported that Mourinho was keen to bring the Austrian to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, as he only has a year left on his contract.
Sabitzer has been essential to Leipzig's aggressive set up in Germany and has played a key role in helping the team battle with Bayern Munich all season for the Bundesliga title.
Valued at around £30 million, the 27-year-old has 7 goals and 3 assists in the league this season, despite often playing in a more defensive role.
This could be a deal that tempts Levy, due to the calibre of player, who could be a replacement for Harry Winks.
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Joachim Andersen
The Lyon centre half is currently on loan at Fulham and has impressed many during his cameo's in the Premier League this season.
Despite the inevitability of Fulham's relegation, Andersen has been essential in helping the Cottagers concede only 9 goals at Craven Cottage this season.
At 24-years old, the Dane could prove to be a long term replacement for Toby Alderweireld at Spurs. With the Belgian considering his future, Andersen has already proven that he has the skillset to play in the high-intensity games that occur weekly in England.
Furthermore, Andersen is valued at only £20 million. Daniel Levy loves a bargain, and this is one that could be very appealing to the chairman.
Spurs may face competition for his signature, as Lyon themselves are unsure as to whether they will keep the defender, who is contracted until 2024. Furthermore, clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are all said to be interested in Andersen.
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Max Aarons
Having reportedly been interested in the English full-back last summer, and Serge Aurier reportedly being observed by Paris-Saint Germain, AC Milan and Real Madrid, Aarons could be another bit of business Levy looks to secure in the summer.
After spending a season in the Championship with Norwich City, Aarons will be hungry to prove himself in the top tier again, having impressed in the Canaries' cameo in the Premier League last season.
At only 21, it is no wonder that the likes of Bayern Munich are keen on the exciting wing-back.
However, Norwich would reportedly ask for £30 million for Aarons, a fee that might put the Tottenham chairman off, due to his renowned reputation of liking to strike bargain deals.
Nonetheless, Aarons would bring a lot to the table, having scored twice and assisted five times for Norwich in the league this season, he is certainly one to keep an eye on.
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Yves Bissouma
The Ivorian has seriously impressed under Graham Potter at Brighton and Hove Albion this season.
Despite perhaps not being where they would like in the league table, the standard of football at the Seagulls has been exceptional at times, and Bissouma has been an integral player for their system.
The central midfielder has featured in 33 league games this season and regularly helps Brighton break up the play and advance quickly up the pitch in a high-pressing, brave style of football.
At 24, the former Lille player signed for Brighton for £15 million in 2018. Should Spurs appoint Potter as their next manager, he could have a real influence on persuading Bissouma to make the switch to London.
However, once again the player is being looked at by other top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. Valued at around £30 million, there would certainly be a fight for his signature, but the fight could be worth it, as he seems a real asset to have on board.
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Leon Bailey
The young Jamaican has been a bright spark in a struggling Bayer Leverkusen squad this season.
The 23-year-old has 9 goals and 9 assists in the Bundesliga this season, and it yet another player who has been linked with a move to England during the summer.
The speedster can play on either the right or left-wing, and with players such as Steven Bergwijn underperforming, and uncertainty around the future of Gareth Bale, he could be a good option for Levy.
Bailey is valued at around £35 million and could pose a significant risk to Tottenham's usual transfer policy.
There is a good chance that the former KRC Genk player could find his calling in the Premier League, however, Spurs have already witnessed similar players, such as Georges Kevin Nkoudou, and Clinton Njie try and fail in England.
Should Spurs decide to pursue Bailey, it would add some more versatility to the squads attack, which may appeal to whoever is in charge of the club, come next season.