Tottenham Transfer Targets: Five Players Spurs Must Sign This Summer

They might have faltered towards the end of the season but if Tottenham Hotspur continue to progress at the rate they are, the north London club could well be challenging for top honours next season.

Harry Redknapp is crucial to any plans Spurs make for next season, especially with regard to the transfer signings that can improve the current squad and it is hard to imagine what any new manager would do as they may have to deal with the departure of some of the club's star players if Redknapp takes up the England job.

Anyway, here are five players we at IBTimes UK think can help Spurs put up a better fight for the title next season

1. Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)

Brad Friedel has played an integral role in Tottenham's success this season but with the American in the twilight of his career at 40, Redknapp knows he must introduce a proven and younger shot-stopper. Leverkusen's Rene Adler could be an able replacement for both the ageing Friedel and the error-prone Heurelho Gomes, who intends to leave White Hart Lane at the end of this season.

The German is famous for having included a Manchester United clause in his contract, which allows him to move to Old Trafford for a low fee, if Sir Alex Ferguson ever comes calling. However, with David de Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos competing for the goalkeeping spot at United, Adler might have to look elsewhere.

The 27 year old has announced that he is set to leave Leverkusen when his contract expires next season and Tottenham could be the ideal destination for him.

Adler is a very talented keeper with his strength being quick reactions. The player has also been linked to AC Milan.

2. Phil Jagielka (Everton and England)

Tottenham's top priority next summer is to sign a central defender. With first choice centre-backs Ledley King and Michael Dawson struggling with injury and fitness issues, they definitely need a new, strong man at the back.

Jagielka is fearless both on the ground and in the air and has the ability to read the game well and not panic when the ball is at his feet. The versatile Englishman can also be deployed as a full-back or holding midfielder effectively.

It is believed that the 29 year old would also prefer a move to a bigger club as he hopes to cement his place in the England squad.

Getting Jagielka from Everton would surely strengthen Tottenham's defence ahead of next season and perhaps put them in the driver's seat to challenge the Manchester clubs for the league title.

3. David Hoilett (Blackburn Rovers and Canada)

David Hoilett on the right wing could give Tottenham what they have on the left side of the field with Gareth Bale - a player who will outrun opposing midfielders and get the ball into the penalty box. To have Bale and Hoilett at the same time would provide balance and allow Tottenham to attack from both sides causing all sorts of trouble to the opposition. The 21 year old has collected six goals and six assists so far this season and has been the silver lining for the relegation battling club.

Tottenham provides Hoilett an opportunity to play for a big club, increase exposure and probably a chance to play against opponents in the Champions League.

The Canadian has reportedly refused to sign a new deal with Blackburn and looks likely to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

4. Leandro Damiao (Internacional and Brazil)

Spurs have reportedly had two bids rejected by Brazil's Internacional for Leandro Damiao last summer but they remain interested in the striker, especially with speculation regarding Jermain Defoe's future at the club. The 22 year old is known for his immense talent and skills and has scored 38 goals from 51 matches for his club in the 2011 Brasileirao season. He is also part of the Brazil national team now.

Damiao himself has confirmed Tottenham's bids to sign him and the London club will now sit back and hope they can finally land the striker, who is also a target for Juventus and the cash-rich Paris Saint-Germain.

5. Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City/Tottenham and Togo)

Emmanuel Adebayor is already a Tottenham player but unfortunately he will return to his parent club Manchester City at the end of this season.

The 28 year old is having an excellent season at Spurs, notching up 13 goals and 11 assists in 27 league matches so far and the Londoners are now desperate to sign him on a long-term basis. City boss Roberto Mancini has said that there are other clubs interested in the Togolese hitman and Spurs must pay the right amount if they wish to keep him.

According to the Telegraph Tottenham are ready to pay £4 million up-front and £100,000-a-week on wages for Adebayor, in addition to the transfer fee agreed between the two clubs as they try to land the striker on a permanent deal. Considering the impact that Adebayor had on the Spurs' attack, there is no reason why they should not shell out that amount.