Tottenham latest news: Key priority for Paratici to 'get Spurs back into upper echelon' | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici must prioritise strengthening head coach Nuno Espirito Santo's midfield when the transfer window reopens, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

Spurs were condemned to a 1-0 defeat by West Ham United at the weekend, with a close range Michail Antonio strike being the difference between the two sides at the London Stadium.

How did Spurs spend their cash in the summer?

Nuno was named as Jose Mourinho's eventual successor in June, with him moving into the hotseat after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers by mutual consent at the end of last season.

The Portuguese was backed by chairman Daniel Levy during the summer transfer window, with Spurs forking out £57.1million to welcome reinforcements to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini became the first arrival of the Nuno era, joining on a season-long loan which has the option of being made permanent for £12.9million.

Bryan Gil also headed to the Premier League from Sevilla, with Erik Lamela heading in the opposite direction, while Cristian Romero's move from Serie A side Atalanta set the north Londoners back £42.5million.

Teenager Pape Matar Sarr was instantly sent back on loan to Metz after completing a switch from the French outfit and Nuno's first transfer window in charge of Spurs was rounded off with the acquisition of right-back Emerson Royal on deadline day.

While Nuno is at the helm, it is ultimately down to Fabio Paratici to make the signings to improve the squad as he was drafted in as Spurs' managing director in June, with a key role being to identify reinforcements.

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What has Michael Bridge said about Spurs' squad?

Although the north Londoners spent big during the summer, the only central midfielder they signed was Sarr, who is spending the season on loan with Metz.

Nuno currently has six midfielders who are comfortable in a central role - in the form of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli, Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks - at his disposal.

But Bridge believes Nuno needs to take his midfield options to the next level if he wants to enjoy success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Sky Sports journalist has called on Paratici and Nuno to make bolstering the midfield a priority in January.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I personally think for Tottenham to get into the upper echelon again, they really need to improve the quality of the midfield."

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Who have Spurs been linked with?

According to Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato, Spurs have not given up hope of signing AC Milan's Franck Kessie after failing to secure his services in the summer.

The report suggests the north Londoners are prepared to offer the central midfielder a contract worth €8million-per-year.

Away from midfield, Spurs are rivalling Southampton and West Ham United for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone's signature.

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