So Mauricio Pochettino is earning plaudits as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, something which has been noxiously hard to do for previous incumbents.

The former Southampton boss has carved out an energetic team at White Hart Lane after shipping out an awful lot of dead weight in the last two seasons, whilst also instilling a determined philosophy to the side.

Spearheaded by Harry Kane, the North London outfit have even been mentioned as surprise title contenders in a rather topsy-turvy Premier League campaign so far. That may be a little premature, but a top four berth is well within range for the club.

There of course is still some room for improvement. The draws against Arsenal and Chelsea show that, though the Argentine is improving the team’s fortunes, there is still some way to go in the project.

Ever since the Gareth Bale cash windfall was wasted, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has cut back on expenditure, but the notoriously tight fisted honcho may need to invest just that little bit more in order push the club along.

With that in mind, here’s are THREE players who could potentially leave the club and THREE who may be coming in…

IN: ADRIEN RABIOT

Reports suggest that Spurs face a battle with North London rivals Arsenal in order to sign young PSG sensation Adrien Rabiot in January. With competition for places high as it is in the French capital, and with both Javier Pastore and Marco Verratti due to return soon, the academy product could be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 giants.

The 20-year old is a natural fit for the style of play imposed by Pochettino at White Hart Lane. A dynamic, skilful central midfield player with the ability to press the opposition into a mistake, while remaining comfortable on the ball.

He’s long been touted with a move to Arsenal, though the Gunners have never firmly followed up their initial interest. One to watch for Spurs, who could offer him extravagant wages for a player of his age as well as an enticing footballing project.

IN: HENRI SAIVET

Another French based player here who fits the Spurs mould on paper. Bordeaux forward Henri Saivet has been linked with a switch to North London in recent days, after impressing against Liverpool in the Europa League during the last match-day.

The speedster was reportedly the subject of a scouting mission by representatives of the club, who would have watched score at Anfield. Noted for his pace and power, he could be a cheaper alternative to Saido Berahino as a backup to Harry Kane.

The Senegalese international is equally adept either upfront or in central midfield, and his versatility is said to have attracted the club’s attention. Thought to be available for just £3.5m this winter, he is certainly one to look out for.

IN: LAURENT DEPOITRE

Although Kane is proving to be anything but a one season wonder at Spurs, he could surely use some help up front. The failed attempt to land Saido Berahino in the summer and the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor since have left the club a little light up front. Should anything happen to Kane, they are extremely short of a natural centre-forward to lead the line.

So, it’s no surprise to see them linked with one. Belgian international Laurent Depoitre, who has been in excellent form for Gent has been mooted as a potential £14m target when the transfer window once again opens for business.

The 6ft 3 frontman inspired his club to a first league title in 115 years last season, and is back in the goals this year with 8 efforts across all competitions. With his contract due to run out in 2017, the Belgian outfit are thought to be willing to sell the 26-year old should the right offer come in.

Would be a wise choice to supplement Kane without upsetting the carefully constructed balance of the team.

OUT: ANDROS TOWNSEND

A plethora of clubs have been linked with ending Andros Townsend’s nightmare at White Hart Lane in recent weeks. The England international is far down the pecking order currently, and was recently spotted arguing with a fitness coach after the game with Aston Villa.

It seems clear he will leave, but not so obvious just where he will go. The likes of West Brom, Swansea and Newcastle have all been credited with an interest in the former QPR loan star of late.

It seems best for all parties should he leave, with Euro 2016 on the horizon and an outside chance of making the Three Lions squad. Likely to command a transfer fee of anything north of £10m, his sale could help fund an extra striker in the New Year.

OUT: FEDERICO FAZIO

The Argentine defender came oh so close to leaving North London for West Brom earlier this summer, only to see the move break down at the 11th hour. Despite only arriving in the summer of 2014, Fazio once again looks like he could be on his way out of White Hart Lane this winter.

Sevilla manager Unai Emery is thought to be keen on bringing the 28-year old back to the club he left to move to England in the first place. With Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer arriving in the summer, he’s only been pushed further down the pecking order since his failed move to the Hawthorns.

There’s no place for Fazio in this impressive Tottenham backline, only appearing in the League Cup loss to Arsenal earlier this season. Farewell, Federico.

OUT: MOUSSA DEMBELE

Perhaps the most unlikely all of rumours, but Moussa Dembele is reportedly a target for Chelsea in the winter market. The Belgian has fought his way back into the team in recent months with some heroic performances to remind us of his pretty mind blowing talents.

The former Fulham dynamo is certainly not a player you would want to lose halfway through the season, though he does have only 18 months remaining on his current deal. If Chelsea firm up their reported fancy in him, it will be interesting to see the dilemma the player has.

Again, the least likely of the five aforementioned rumours, but you get the feeling we haven’t see the end of this one.