As Tottenham prepare for the January transfer window in the hope that they can quickly erase the wrongdoings of the summer, they must be wondering where it all went wrong. Recently, the Lilywhites' transfer policy has been to buy young talent and mould them into the players that Mauricio Pochettino desires.

Dele Alli has been perhaps the archetype of this philosophy, with his form for MK Dons being rewarded with a move to the big time. Spurs’ talent spotters got that one just right, too, with the midfielder now an integral part of both the Tottenham and England squads.

They are the sort of bargain transfers that take months of arduous scouting to pull off, it should not be put down to luck. The trouble for Spurs is that they will inevitably be looking for their next Alli from hereon.

Players like that may not come around too often, but there are a few who could come close…

Adam Webster

Currently playing at the heart of Ipswich’s defence, Webster – who is only 21 – has been one of the Championship’s best players so far this season.

Powerful in the air and a good reader of the play, Webster has the makings of a truly rounded central defender. As all of Spurs’ back line continue to look all at sea without the calming presence of Toby Alderweireld, Webster would be a shrewd addition.

Ronaldo Vieira

Central midfielders tend to get pigeon-holed into certain roles in the modern game. Ronaldo Vieira – who boasts the best footballing name in history – has avoided such restrictions, playing in a number of different roles during this season with Leeds United.

Only 18-years-old, Vieira can act as a deep midfield cruncher or an attacking midfielder and almost all roles in between, possessing a skill set capable of making him into one of the country’s best midfielders.

Leo da Silva Lopes

Leo da Silva Lopes is an attacking midfielder currently playing for Peterborough. Already compared to current Spurs star Dele Alli, the recently turned 18-year-old is catching the eyes of many with his midfield performances.

He made his league debut for the Posh back in 2014/15, but properly broke into the first-team last season. Experience in senior football is seldom to the detriment of young players and it is clear that Lopes is improving with each minute spent on the pitch.

Callum Ainley

Crewe Alexandra’s academy continues to produce young players with the sort of monotony that goes under the radar. Impressive, of course, the Midlands club often end up having to sell on their most talented assets.

Callum Ainley is yet to receive the praise of some other Crewe graduates, but the midfielder – who only turned 19 last month – will improve further with more minutes. He might not be one of the most talked about players in the Football League, but Ainley is a player worth taking a punt on.

Matthew Palmer

Although Tottenham are blessed with a healthy bank of central midfield options, Matthew Palmer is a player worth considering. The Burton Albion central midfielder has started 18 times in the Championship so far this season.

A solid technician, Palmer can create from his central midfield berth. His set-piece delivery is exceptional, too, where he benefits from being a sweet striker of the ball. Pochettino would have to spend a bit of time working on Palmer’s pressing and tackling if he was signed, however.