According to the Express, Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has demanded three signings before the January transfer window slams shut on Friday, of which one could be primed to replace Christian Eriksen.

What's the word?

It's believed that the north London side are working 'around the clock' to secure a return for Gareth Bale from Real Madrid whilst Borussia Dortmund duo, striker Paco Alcacer, and attacking midfielder Mario Gotze, are also on his list.

Mourinho is keen to bolster his attacking options following the injury to top goalscorer Harry Kane, who is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season.

A reunion with the Welshman seems rather unlikely given his £650k-per-week wages proving to be a significant obstacle, which would eclipse their top-earners Kane and Tanguy Ndombele who are reportedly on £200k-a-week per Spotrac.

Eriksen replacement

It is widely reported that Spurs' long-term playmaker Christian Eriksen is soon headed for the exit door with Serie A side Inter Milan closing in on a deal (DAZN via Goal).

He has played 28 times this season despite his refusal to sign a new contract, scoring three goals and providing three assists in all competitions, so there's clearly going to be a void left behind in the squad.

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Instead of pursuing an expensive move for Bale, Daniel Levy should be a little smarter and opt for one of Mourinho's other targets, Gotze.

The 2014 World Cup winner is an ideal replacement for the Dane and still has plenty left to offer at the age of just 27.

Over the course of his Bundesliga and Champions League career, the German has averaged 1.6 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game and has consistently been an accurate passer, managing to withhold an 84.2% success rate since 2009/10 per WhoScored.

Gotze was even described as the "German Messi" by Franz Beckenbauer for his speed and style of play whilst Matthias Sammer said he was "one of the best talents Germany has ever had."

Valued at just £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old would be an astute option in the number ten role. There can't be better solutions out there right now.

While in other news, it's time for Spurs to cut ties with this long-serving player before Friday's deadline...