TOTTENHAM got off to the perfect start under Jose Mourinho on Saturday.
Spurs beat hapless West Ham 3-2 at London Stadium but did not have to get out of first gear as their hosts rolled over and had their bellies scratched.
How Tottenham could line up with Nathan Ake, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias
And despite the fact 3-2 flattered the Hammers, Mourinho will still be concerned by the way his team conceded two late goals and threatened to collapse.
Clearly in the hunt for defensive stability, the Special One has reportedly highlighted defensive pair Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake as two of his main targets.
Football Insider claims Bournemouth centre-half Ake is on his wish list.
The 24-year-old would provide an ideal replacement for Jan Vertonghen, who is expected to leave when his contract expires next summer.
However, Mourinho and Ake were together at Chelsea after the defender signed for the Blues from Feyenoord and their relationship was understood to be fraught.
Ake has spoken previously of his frustration at being demoted to the reserves under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Centre-back Dias is currently with Benfica and has been linked with Spurs alongside his fellow Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes.
Sporting Lisbon attacking midfielder Fernandes could be lined up to replace Christian Eriksen, whose future has been thrown further into doubt since Mourinho’s arrival.
Asked whether he expected Eriksen to be heavily involved under him, in a seemingly veiled jibe, Mourinho said the Dane’s selection would be based on the future.
The playmaker has also reportedly rejected a new £150k-a-week contract after talks with his new boss.
Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri says there is no disagreement with Cristiano Ronaldo
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
