Tottenham have already signed seven players this summer, with Antonio Conte welcoming six of them into his squad already. Spurs have got off to a decent start in the Premier League, with two wins and a draw, in their opening three fixtures.
However, there is still just over a week to go before the transfer window slams shut and therefore still time to for deals to be completed. After Tottenham's 1-0 victory over Wolves, Conte commented on Bryan Gil's potential exit and what this means for further incomings.
"I was very clear in the press conference before this game. This squad is this and if someone goes away then another has to come. This has to be very clear for everybody. Otherwise we stay with this squad and we continue our path with these players, this squad," he admitted.
READ MORE: Daniel James transfer bid considered among others as Tottenham plan for potential Bryan Gil exit
Gil is one of the players who has been linked with a move away all summer, with Valencia looking the most likely move, which is where the Spaniard spent the second half of last season. football.london understands that Daniel James is one of the many potential options to replace Gil, but the club haven't advanced any interest at this stage.
The current Leeds winger made nine goal contributions in his 34 Premier League appearances last season, in his first season at the club. James is a versatile player, who has featured on both wings and as a centre-forward.
Therefore if Gil did move on this summer, the 24-year-old could be a good addition to Conte's squad, with his ability to adapt to various roles. football.london understands that James is someone Fabio Paratici likes, but the battle for game time the winger would find in making a move to Tottenham, may make it less likely.
Past and present players have already given their verdict on the youngster, with mixed opinions. In 2020 and whilst James was still at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford was full of praise.
"Dan has been brilliant since he came in. He works hard in every single game and, when it comes down to it, that is all you can ask of each player – to give it all they've got," he said.
"He definitely does that and, if we can adapt more to his playing style, he can cause some teams nightmares down the right-hand side, as we've seen in some games this season. I like his deliveries as well. He takes his time and doesn't just cross it. He lifts his head up and tries to pick you out. It's these little things that, as time goes on, he will definitely improve on and build on."
It didn't quite work out for the winger at United and after 74 appearances, he made the move to Leeds. Not longer after the move, Rio Ferdinand gave his honest verdict on the former Swansea player.
"They’ve been on him for ages, they’ve wanted this boy for time. Listen, Dan James, I don’t think he’s Man United standard, but he’s definitely Premier League standard and the way Leeds play, he’s going to be a problem for a few teams," he said.
"The kid in that team will be getting the ball and getting forward quick, and that suits his game. When you have to break down two banks of four like Man United that doesn’t suit James’ game, he likes space. But yeah, Leeds United for Dan James will be a fantastic move for both parties."
So Ferdinand can clearly see the quality in the ex-United man, but doesn't think he is up to the standard of the Red Devils. Conte has already majorly improved the Tottenham side and will want to keep his side developing, to be able to make them Premier League title and Champions League contenders.
Therefore questions will be raised over whether James has enough quality to now join the Tottenham squad. If the 24-year-old did make the move to Spurs, he would have one player in the team who he knows well.
James' fellow countryman Ben Davies is one of the players who has massively improved under Conte. A few years ago and before James moved to Man United, the defender was full of encouragement for his Welsh teammate. "Dan’s a top player and he’s around top players in this squad," Davies explained.
"There’s no chance these boys will let him change. He’s a really grounded kid and we’re delighted for him as a group that he’s got this move."
James' previous praise does highlight his ability and much like Davies pointed out about the Wales squad, a move to Spurs would see him surrounded by top players and the chance to work with a world-class manager. However there would be some questions over whether he would want to make the move, with likely less game time then he is getting and whether the winger is up to the level of player that Conte would need.
READ NEXT:
Destiny Udogie and Tanguy Ndombele praise, Joe Rodon decision explained and Dane Scarlett assist
Every word Antonio Conte said on signing another new player, Perisic, Sessegnon, Gil and Kane
Tottenham's Champions League pot and teams Antonio Conte's side can face in group stage draw
Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Tottenham's summer transfer business assessment as Antonio Conte continues to strengthen
