Five things to know about Tottenham going into the 2013-14 English Premier League season:
THE BIG SIGNING
There will be competition up front this season at White Hart Lane, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermaine Defoe expected to face a strong challenge from new signing Roberto Soldado. Tottenham broke its transfer record to sign Spanish striker Roberto Soldado from Valencia, in a deal worth 30 million euros ($39.7 million), having already recruited Paulinho from Corinthians for 20 million euros. Soldado, a member of the Spain team that finished runner-up at the Confederations Cup, has scored 80 goals in 146 appearances for Valencia. Spurs have also completed the signing of Toulouse and France midfielder Etienne Capoue.
BALE LEAVING?
Soldado's arrival at the club would prove a particularly wise move if Gareth Bale leaves. Bale, English football's player of the year last season, is coveted by Real Madrid, with Manchester United reportedly also interested in buying the winger. Tottenham remains in talks with Madrid regarding a potential transfer, with reports suggesting the fee could exceed the record 93.9 million euros that Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AMBITIONS
Tottenham finished fifth last season behind bitter rival Arsenal, missing out on a Champions League spot on the final day of the season for the second year running and instead qualifying for the Europa League. Although Bale's departure would be a blow to Tottenham's ambition of securing a return to European club football's most prestigious competition next season, qualifying for the Champions League is a must for coach Andre Villas-Boas.
NEW DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL
Former England assistant coach Franco Baldini is the club's new technical director. The Italian, who was Fabio Capello's No. 2 with England, quit his role as general director at Serie A side Roma in June and his new position will involve taking charge of Tottenham's scouting and player recruitment.
BYE BYE CLINT
Clint Dempsey's six-year spell in English football came to an end when Tottenham reached an agreement to transfer the United States forward to Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders. The 30-year-old Dempsey joined Fulham in 2007. He moved to Tottenham last summer and scored 12 goals in 43 games, but wasn't a regular starter for the team.
