This is who Johan Lange likes ahead of January transfer window at Tottenham

Johan Lange is working away in the background as Tottenham prepare for January.

With the winter window on the horizon, rumours of incomings and outgoings are beginning to heat up.

John Wenham has told Spurs to only target world-class players in January, as they look to make a push for European football again in the second half of the season.

Richarlison has been linked with an exit this winter, whilst Yves Bissouma also looks likely to leave Tottenham in the New Year.

Jamie Carragher believes Thomas Frank could be sacked by Tottenham if they lose to Liverpool, so it remains to be seen whether a new manager will be leading the recruitment charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January.

Johan Lange identifies Belgian wonderkid for Spurs' January shopping list

Regardless of whether Frank is or isn't in the dugout come the opening of the January transfer window, Tottenham will be looking for players both for the present and indeed the future.

Paul O Keefe has since shared on X that Lilywhites director Lange has taken a shine to Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat.

O Keefe stresses that it would be one for the future if a deal were to be completed, given the fact he's only 17, but he stopped short of confirming concrete Tottenham interest, saying: "If they're even that interested".

• Read more: Tottenham should sign ‘one of the best in the world’ as ambitious Antoine Semenyo alternative

De Cat could be a very wise investment by Tottenham

Despite his youthfulness, De Cat has already made over 30 appearances in all competitions for Anderlecht and is an established Belgium youth international.

Ahead of their clash with Royal Antwerp, the defensive midfielder has made 24 total appearances and has started all but one of Anderlecht's 18 Belgian Pro League games this season.

• Tottenham Sporting Director Johan Lange likes Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat
• Spurs insider Paul O Keefe stopped short of confirming Tottenham's interest in the 17-year-old
• De Cat is enjoying a breakthrough season in Belgium

With it still unclear as to whether Tottenham will sign Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha permanently, and with the aforementioned Bissouma looking likely to leave, Spurs could soon be short of defensive midfielders.

So, signing one of the hottest young prospects in European football in that department could be a very pragmatic move by Tottenham.

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