When the news that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro was to sit out the remainder of the season with a knee injury, fans were understandably distraught. The Brazilian has been in stunning form for the north London side this term in the absence of Scott Parker and has all but made the starting spot in midfield his own.
While Parker is a more than adequate stand in, the duo’s differing approaches to the game means they impact of ‘The Beast’s’ injury was going to be hit harder than a Sandro challenge on a cold December afternoon.
At 32, Parker may be experienced enough to captain any team in the Premiership, but without providing the energy and electricity in the middle of the park, Spurs are naturally going to suffer as a result.
It’s no surprise, in that case, that the club have approached West Ham United regarding a possible move for Mohamed Diame. The midfielder arrived at Upton Park from Wigan Athletic on a free over the summer after much speculation linking him with a move to Spurs and Liverpool.
After a stunning start to the season, interest is believed to be high in the Senegal international, with Arsenal joining the long list of admirers in the 25-year-old. With reports suggesting Diame is available for £3.5m, it’s a shock that only Spurs and the Gunners are keen on the midfielder.
His dominating displays in the middle of the park are exactly what the north London giants need in their push for a top four finish, with it being no coincidence that Spurs haven’t won since Sandro picked up the problem during the 0-0 draw with QPR. Either way, with Lewis Holtby now confirmed, bolstering the midfield with Diame is certainly a necessity for Andre Villas-Boas’ side.