The best place to start a search is by looking at the leagues of the world to produce talented players, simple I know but how do we know that its not a similar process for scouts?
First Argentina. Facundo Ferreyra is a new name to me and likely to other footballing fans outside of Argentina, but why have clubs not kept a close on this league? Some of the world’s best players of all time have come from there! At the age of 21 he is at a perfect age for a move. Currently he is playing for Velez Sarsfield following Banfield's relelgation. He has only been at the club for 1 season, but is showing great promise. 13 goals in 15 appearances for the 2012-2013 season will see this man come into the watchful eye of Europe. He is also involved in the U-21's with 12 appearances and 5 goals.
On to Portugal. Oscar Cardozo is a name that should be familiar to Spur's fans in that we have been linked to him before. For the past 4 seasons this is a man that has scored over 20 goals a season (13 so far this season). At the age of 29 he is now in his footballing "prime", but would he cost a great deal? AVB coming from Porto should know the player well, so why hasn't he tried a bid (maybe there is something we don't know). There has been news in the past to state issues surrounding the player, but it certainly does not seem to spoil his on the pitch performances.
James Rodriguez of FC Porto is a name that some will recognise again. Interestingly enough he has come from the same club as Ferreyra did Banfield (so you can understand my way of thinking.. hopefully). Since his arrival in 2010 this starlet has notched 22 goals in 51 appearances. After Falcao and Hulk's departure he has managed to make the step up and fill the boots of the 2 strikers. Rodriguez has also played at U-17, U-21 and the full national side for Columbia. He is likely to cost a lot of money, but he is not a player to turn your nose up at.
The Dutch league is our next stop and we start with another Belgian. Dries Mertens is known to avid football fans and to me its no surprise that he is Belgian. There is a glut of world class players from Belgium that are well known to us Spur's fans. At the age of 25 he would be a great acquisition. It is his forth season in the Dutch league and last year saw his best record to date with 25 goals and 6 assists. He would fit in well with Dembele and Vertonghen so what’s the wait for? Likely that he is yet to show a show stopping game to get himself scouted by Europe's elite.
Looking around the other leagues there are many great players, some too old to bring in, some too young, some that have just moved and some I have already mentioned.
All of the above players are worth a look, all could fit into the team and most of them would not cost the ridiculous sums of money that we see being quoted for many players. Its been a long time since Tottenham have unearthed a gem and although now may not be the opportune time to plough money into untested talent, but when is? Barca took a massive chance on Messi and he is now picking up his 4th Ballon d'Or.
COYS!!!!! Lets get some shopping done!
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