As well as seeking reinforcement at centre-back in the New Year, Andre Villas-Boas would also do well to bring in a new left-back due to Danny Rose's continued absence through injury. Rose has been sidelined with a foot injury for up to three weeks, meaning Vertonghen has been pressed into action as a fullback, an unfamiliar role for the centre-half. Paulinho and Sandro were brought in to protect the two central defenders in a 4-2-3-1 formation against City, to no effect, and Tottenham need everyone playing in their correct positions for purposes of cohesion. A world-class left-back therefore would be a sensible investment, and Spurs may take another look at the one-time Manchester United target Fabio Coentrao in January. Fans may remember Coentrao being linked with a move to White Hart Lane over the summer as part of the Gareth Bale transfer, but in the end Spurs settled for straight cash and a player-plus deal never came to fruition. That being said, Villas-Boas could still renew his interest, and may be buoyed by the fact the Portugal international appears to be deemed surplus to requirement at the Bernabeu, having managed a mere four appearances so far this season.