5 big stars who will leave Tottenham Hotspur in the near future
Since his arrival at the club, Mauricio Pochettino has crafted one of the Premier League's finest sides, a supreme joy to watch when at their best. Spurs had always been a neutral's favourite: under Harry Redknapp, for example, their team possessed world-class talents like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale and were one of the strongest attacking sides in the league.
Pochettino, however, has taken the club up another level, and Spurs has regularly challenged for the league title in the last few seasons, coming closer than they ever have in recent memory.
It also remains to be seen whether this is as high as their coach will be able to take them. The league is definitely over for this season, with Spurs trailing leaders Manchester City by a massive 20 points.
Given that their rivals are strengthening and improving greatly, spending vast amounts of their wealth, there's the unfortunate sense that Spurs has missed their best chance to win a first league title since 1961.
They've impressed against sides as excellent as Real Madrid and Juventus this season but inconsistency has plagued the team. It will be a big summer for the club, with Pochettino's own future still uncertain, and there is likely to be significant departures on the pitch. This list, then, considers 5 of their biggest players who are likely to leave in the near future.
#5 Danny Rose
This is an obvious choice for there was speculation that Rose would leave last summer, specifically to rivals Manchester United. That hasn't happened yet but it seems like only a matter of time.
Jose Mourinho clearly doesn't fancy Luke Shaw in Rose's position and his criticism has verged on bullying of the English youngster. Ashley Young has filled in competently at left back this season but a natural left-footer would be better suited and Rose would fit perfectly.
He's only played 6 times in the league this campaign - admittedly partly due to injury - but Spurs haven't missed him too dearly, and Ben Davies has grown into the role in his absence.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were amongst the best full-back pairings in Europe for numerous seasons but it feels like Walker's success since leaving for Manchester City has turned his former partner's head. A move to Manchester United would suit the player and the club in this instance.