Vitor Roque and Cardoso on Spurs’ radar as Postecoglou plots January revolution

Spurs have been scouting a pair of Real Betis players as Ange Postecoglu plots changes to his squad.

Spanish outlet Relevo has reported that Tottenham sent scouts to the Benito Villamarin to watch Real Betis’ 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.

They were there to cast an eye over Brazilian striker Vitor Roque and USMNT international midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Spurs came into Boxing Day sitting 11th in the Premier League table after a middling season where they have lost more times (8) than they have won (7).

Injuries have played a big factor in Spurs’ struggles, which is why Ange Postecoglu is chasing reinforcements in the January transfer window.

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And on their trip to Spain the Spurs’ scouts would have been impressed, particularly with Vitor Roque who put in an all-action display for 82 minutes.

The striker won the penalty for Betis’ opening goal with some forceful running, created a great chance for team-mate Abde and even had a wonderful chance to win it but shot straight at the goalkeeper when 1-v-1.

Vitor Roque is currently on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona. It’s a season-long loan with an option for a further year, but cash-strapped Barcelona would surely welcome any transfer bids for the Brazilian.

Meanwhile Johnny Cardoso made a game-high 58 passes at the base of midfield and looked a secure presence. But Real Betis’ financial reality mean that a sale cannot be ruled out.

“Not holding midfielders”

“We can’t think about signings without thinking about possible exits,” said Real Betis Chairman Angel Haro to Relevo, because Betis need to secure about €20 million profit in transfer fees before June 30th.

Born in the USA but raised in Brazil, USMNT international Cardoso would provide Spurs with a genuine option to replace Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr, both of whom have come in for criticism recently due to their poor performances.

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“They don’t sense danger, so they’re not holding midfielders. So why have you got them playing holding midfield?” said Stephen Warnock to Sky Sports after Spurs’ 6-3 loss to Liverpool.

“Bissouma yesterday, I’d have run past him. He couldn’t run. He didn’t want to run. He didn’t have the desire to get back and be aggressive with people, and sense that a tackle or even a shove into someone at times is so important.”

So you can see where Johnny Cardoso would fit neatly into the Spurs midfield in January, giving them an instant boost. And Vitor Roque would obviously help add to their goalscoring prowess.