Tottenham Hotspur may reportedly move for one of two Championship goalkeepers during the January transfer window.
On Saturday evening, Spurs produced one of their best performances in recent seasons to record a 4-0 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
However, it emerged on Monday night that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had played for an hour with a broken ankle during that encounter.
The Italian has now undergone surgery and will be sidelined until the early weeks of 2025, potentially stretching into the middle of February.
Veteran understudy Fraser Forster will take his place between the sticks, Spurs hoping that the former England international remains fit until at least the turn of the year.
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Who are Spurs targeting as Vicario replacement?
The unproven Alfie Whiteman and Brandon Austin are next in the pecking order, effectively ensuring that Spurs will try to secure the services of another stopper when the market reopens.
According to talkSPORT, Spurs are open to trying to sign either Burnley's James Trafford or Sunderland's Anthony Patterson.
Both players are regarded as two potential future number ones for England, particularly Trafford who has earned 19 caps with the Under-21s.
Patterson has just the one appearance for the Young Lions to his name, yet has been long tipped to make the switch into the Premier League.
Trafford and Patterson are part of two of the best defences in the Championship, Trafford having kept 10 clean sheets in 16 games for Burnley and Patterson shipping just 10 goals in 13 matches for Sunderland.
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Will Postecoglou prioritise a goalkeeper?
Recent reports have also claimed that head coach Ange Postecoglou is eager to sign a new centre-back at the midway point of the campaign.
As it stands, it is unclear whether the North Londoners would be able to commit heavily to acquire players for each of their troublesome positions.
Given the development with Vicario, signing a new goalkeeper may now take priority; Spurs already have four central defenders, and could recall Ashley Phillips from his loan stint at Stoke City should they so wish.
On the flip side, if Vicario is in a position to return by the end of February, Forster or a new signing face the prospect of quickly becoming regarded as third choice.
Darren Plant
