Dani Parejo
The 26-year-old has found the back of the net four times in La Liga this season and will be a key player for Gary Neville’s new side from now until the summer. Parejo is a superb passer or the ball and isn’t afraid to get stuck in either. At 26, he’s in his midfield prime, but would likely cost an arm and a leg. Still, probably worth it.
Ruben Neves
Only 18, Neves has the potential to far outgrow all the players on this list. He already captains Champions League outfit FC Porto and is an automatic starter at the base of their midfield. The Portuguese is composed on the ball and controls matches from deep in a manner which doesn’t befit his age. Neves was strongly linked back in October, but with Real Madrid and Barcelona also considering meeting his £29m release clause, attaining him will be very difficult.
Mousa Dembele
An odd name for the Echo to include. Dembele shines against Liverpool, but it’s unlikely that Spurs, now a direct rival, would consider selling us the Belgian. His contract has only 18 months to run, but his current form is excellent and Tottenham would be wise to offer him an extension. Dembele’s energy and physicality would aid us, but we’d actually prefer that we set our hopes a little higher.
