Tottenham Hotspur fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with their activity in the transfer window over recent days, after missing out on numerous key targets.

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Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2007, Spurs completed a deal for baby-faced 17-year-old Gareth Bale from Southampton – originally joining the side as an option at left-back.

He struggled to establish himself in his early years in North London, leading to rumours around his future at the club, subsequently being within touching distance of a £2m switch to Nottingham Forest.

However, he would remain at the Lilywhites, with the 2010/11 season a turning point in his time in the capital – shifting further up the field into a forward position, even scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The Welshman would operate in such a role for the remaining three years at the club, racking up 71 goals in his 237 appearances, including 26 in his final campaign.

He would complete a then world-record £85m transfer to Real Madrid, ending his six-year stint in the Premier League, with the side lacking that quality off the flank since his departure.

Current boss Frank would hugely benefit from a player of his calibre in the present day, potentially landing his own version of the winger in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Spurs targeting their next Bale this summer

The failure to land Savinho and Eze in recent weeks has certainly highlighted the need for work to be conducted rapidly, leading to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta emerging on their radar.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites are considering a move for the Brazilian before the deadline, after the Hammers dropped his asking price to just £40m.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling another talent they’re preparing a move for, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He claims that the Spurs hierarchy have reached out to Will Still’s side to ask about the conditions over a potential move for the 19-year-old star.

The journalist also states that he’s one of a number of talents in their sights, but key work has already been conducted over a move for the Englishman, who could cost as much as £50m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be Frank’s answer to Bale

After taking the reins during the off-season, new boss Frank would’ve been hoping that owner Daniel Levy backed him in the transfer market to build on the club’s Europa League success.

To date, Joao Palhinha has joined the Lilywhites on loan from Bayern Munich, whilst Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel are the only permanent additions – seeing around £85m forked out for the pair’s signatures.

Whilst moves have been made, they’ve so far been to no avail, leading to questions being asked about the owner’s lack of spending during the summer transfer window.

With just 11 days remaining until the market closes, key work will have to be rapidly made on potential deals in the final third, with forward-minded signings desperately needed to satisfy Frank’s demands upon his arrival.

Whilst it would be an expensive addition to land Dibling, it would be one that could end their pursuit for his summer, also landing a player who can develop into a world-beater, given his tender age.

It would see the youngster follow in the footsteps of Bale, joining the Lilywhites as a teenager, having the chance to emulate the Welshman should he make the big-money move to North London.

Dibling, who has been labelled “world-class” by Southampton academy manager Andy Goldie, ranked in the 87th percentile for successful take-ons last season (2.2) – highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

81%

Progressive carries

3.3

Progressive passes

3.1

Successful take-ons

2.2

Take-ons completed

41%

Carries into the final third

2.4

Fouls drawn

2.4

Such an asset is what made Bale such a hit with the fans in North London, with Dibling needing to add an end product to his mazy runs, but that’s something which will come with experience in his career.

The teenager’s talents were further reflected in his tally of 2.4 carries into the final third per 90, with the winger evidently wanting to get the ball into dangerous territory as often as possible.

The aforementioned numbers have caused havoc for opposition defenders, often having to result to fouling Dibling to prevent him from creating carnage within attacking areas – as seen by his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

Whilst driving forward with the ball is undoubtedly one of the Saints star’s biggest assets, he’s also able to pick out a teammate – allowing the likes of Kudus to further impress should he be on the receiving end of his 3.1 progressive passes per 90.

Undoubtedly, the price tag will concern a lot of supporters, but ultimately, it’s the price that has to be forked out for young English talents in the modern market.

There’s no taking away the quality he possesses, having the tools to develop further under Frank’s guidance – potentially emulating the success of Bale in any move to join the Lilywhites.

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