Reports suggest that Spurs are on the verge of winning the long, long, long race for Yevhen Konoplyanka, whose name has filled web pages and column inches for some time now. The Ukraine international appears to be a good signing on the surface, with his free agent status adding to wicked delivery from the wing and neat skills in the plusses block.

However, the Lilywhites cannot afford to stand still and must push on with more business needed if they are to make a serious top four challenge. But what do Mauricio Pochettino’s team need to do next? Well, here are FIVE ideas…

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Clear out the deadwood

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The hangover from the post-Gareth Bale splurge is still present at Spurs, with the signings made to replace the Welshman and build a side capable of a top four finish having not really worked out. The likes of Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches, Paulinho, Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor are, arguably, no longer needed, and getting money ion for them, freeing up funds for wages and making space could allow Pochettino to get in some players he actually wants.

Get some support for Harry Kane

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http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-pochettino-makes-19m-striker-anthony-martial-his-no1-target-this-summer-10338325.html

Kane was a resounding success last season, with his 30+ goals in all competitions one of the major stories of the campaign. However, there is a feeling that the 21-year-old may not have it all his own way next term, with a dip in form over the latter months of 2014/15 hinting that defenders were no longer taking him lightly.

Adebayor and Soldado appear to be insufficient stand-ins or accompaniments for the youngster, so perhaps a new addition is needed. Anthony Martial of Monaco is being mooted, and with the Frenchman talented and highly-rated, he could be a good partner in crime for Kane.

Keep Hugo Lloris

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http://metro.co.uk/2015/04/25/manchester-united-eye-hugo-lloris-transfer-as-tottenham-hotspur-prepare-for-him-to-leave-5166475/

With Spurs having failed to break into the top four once again, there is the risk of another big name player leaving. Manchester United are said to be tracking Lloris as they plot for life after David de Gea, and although there may be a temptation to get in a big fee for their man, Tottenham must do all they can to keep hold of him if they’re to have any chance of Champions League qualification.

One of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League and a real presence with his ‘sweeper-keeper’ style, the Frenchman is vital in the way Pochettino sets his side up.

Make a signal of intent

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Additions such as Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier are by no means poor, but they hardly create a feeling that a serious challenge for the top four is being mounted at Spurs. A quick glance over at major rivals Liverpool and Manchester United who have snapped up Roberto Firmino and Memphis Depay respectively shows the difference in approaches so far this summer.

Get a commanding centre-back

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53 goals conceded last season was one of the major problems at White Hart Lane. To put the number into context, relegated Hull shipped fewer, while Burnley, who also dropped to the Championship, matched the Lilywhites. An authoritative centre-back would surely sort things out a little, so snapping one up makes sense.