Tottenham Hotspur tell trio they are free to leave in January?

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to part ways with three of their fringe players during the January transfer window.

With a game in hand on some of the teams around them, Spurs currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League standings, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

That is despite Ange Postecoglou being in his first campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and having to deal with a number of issues in defence.

However, although Spurs have made substantial progress of late, there is expected to be movement in the transfer market, particularly in the aforementioned area.

With Cristian Romero sidelined through injury until the end of January at the very earliest, Spurs will be without their first-choice pairing for the next month even though Micky van de Ven is closing in on a return.

© Reuters

Postecoglou has already hinted that the North Londoners are ready to do business next month, yet it appears that he and club officials are also keen to reduce their playing numbers.

According to Football Insider, Spurs have already informed Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg that they are free to find new clubs.

In the case of Lloris, it comes as no surprise with the long-serving and former number one having not featured in a single squad since Postecoglou's arrival.

Spurs are also keen to get the 2018 World Cup winner's wages off their outgoings, and the same is believed to be the case with Dier who seemingly has no future at the club.

© Reuters

While the 29-year-old was used as a replacement for Romero against Everton last time out, the England international's contract expires in the summer and Spurs have no interest in a renewal.

Hojbjerg, meanwhile, has proven to be an important member of the squad, even though he has only made three starts and 14 substitute outings in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the expectation is that his game time will soon increase when players leave for the Africa Cup of Nations over the coming weeks.

Nevertheless, it is claimed that Spurs are ready to cash in should they receive a bid of £20m and are able to secure a suitable replacement.