Mauricio Pochettino Tottenham 2018-19Getty Images

Tottenham planning Barcelona raid? Pochettino spotted watching Barca B as he prepares to make January signings

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was in attendance at Barcelona B's game against Cornella on Saturday, leading to suggestions he is scouting players ahead of January moves.

The Spurs boss, who previously managed Barca’s local rivals Espanyol, was invited to a conference on behalf of the Catalan Football Federation, but managed to find time to sneak away for a quick scouting mission.

According to Sky Sports, the Argentinian is interested in singing midfielder Riqui Puig, who came on as a late substitute during the 2-1 victory for Barcelona’s reserve side.

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Spurs failed to make any signings in the summer transfer window despite strong links with Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, who ultimately stayed with the Championship club and signed a new five-year deal.

And it appears Pochettino is keen to address that and bring in some new additions in January, having expressed his desire to "refresh" his squad as they look to continue to progress.

He said back in October: "We need, as a club, in January to try to refresh the squad to move the club on."

Last year, Spurs secured the services of Lucas Moura for an estimated £25 million ($32m) in the January window, and Spurs supporters will undoubtedly be hoping to see some activity when the market opens again in the new year.

Pochettino and his side face Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two Premier League games in what is a tricky return from the international break.

Victory against their London rivals could go a long way to helping secure Tottenham’s place in the top four, with Pochettino’s side currently fourth, three points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.

They also have some important cup fixtures in the coming weeks as they host Inter in the Champions League later this month, before Pochettino returns to Barcelona to face the reigning Spanish champions at Camp Nou.

Spurs are involved in a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie next month as well, when they travel to Emirates Stadium for a north London derby against Arsenal.

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