Spurs will launch a formal bid to sign the £25m star

Tottenham Hotspur have flirted with danger for a few seasons now, and last year's dramatic Europa League triumph has been lost in the pain of the Premier League's relegation battle.

17th place. Two years in a row. Nothing to write home about, right? But this is the reality of Spurs, and what they have to face now.

For most Spurs fans alive, that was the worst season of their lives. Of course, more worryingly, London's 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the term prevented West Ham United from pouncing on them at the eleventh hour.

It's hard to say whether Roberto De Zerbi's desperation during the March break was an inspired appointment; backed into a corner, ENIC gambled on their third managerial appointment since Ange Postecoglou lifted the Europa League.

But you have an idea, and you saved the day. Now, Tottenham must pay the Italian back by signing the right players for the job.

Spurs to bid for EFL star

Tottenham have acted quickly to sign defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. Nothing has been finalized yet, but both players are expected to wear the Spurs shirt next term.

However, there is still much to be done, with Joao Palhinha's future uncertain after coming off a busy campaign with many viewing him as Tottenham's star player.

Palhinha, 30, is at the end of his N17 loan deal, and while efforts are being made to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder for good, strong interest from his native Portugal is threatening to throw a spanner in the works.

According to The Northern Echo, ENIC may already have heard that they will replace Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough, who is expected to leave the Riverside this summer after his side lost the Championship final against Hull City.

Priced at £25m, the 23-year-old is one of England's most underrated prospects, and while Spurs are expected to make a 'systematic move' in the coming weeks, Crystal Palace and Manchester United are also in the race, with the latter confident of winning it.

Why Hackney would replace Palhinha at Spurs

Hackney is only 23 years old, but he has already captained his boyhood club and established himself as “the best player in the Championship”, according to journalist Eric Paylor.

A perfect passer and “pure” in the words of commentator Raj Chohan, Hackney is also the leader at the beating heart of his team, and he ticked many boxes when he burst onto the scene at Tottenham and provided a new kind of performance on the ball, fluid and dynamic.

The future England international is not as dangerous a midfielder as Palhinha, but there is a big difference in his game. Indeed, he is better on the ball, and will work wonders in Spurs' formation while protecting the backline and bringing his teammates together.

If Tottenham lose Palhinha this summer, he will need to be replaced with a proper number six, for sure, but Hackney has all the skills to prove himself as the main man in the middle, someone who can contribute to the revival of De Zerbi's set-up.

Palhinha is among the most fearsome ball-winning midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. He raises his fist, and finds joy in knocking out eager opponents.

But he has hit his third decade and lacks something in hand. Yes, keeping him would be the best bet for the Lilywhites; maybe he can build a good relationship with Hackney in between.

But if they travel to Liga giants Portugal, Hackney could step in and make themselves the missing piece.

It is interesting that Palhinha has proved to be a good fit because his skills are helping to combat the rigors of the relegation battle. Tottenham do not want to be in this position again, and Hackney will help steer them away.