Bale injury setback forces Ramos to buy

Ramos had said that only 'desperate' clubs sign players in mid-season, but Spurs' defensive problems have forced them to reconsider.

Standard Sport revealed last week how chairman Daniel Levy gave the green light for signings after the home defeat by Birmingham in a bid to avoid any possibility of a late-season relegation battle.

But their need for new players has increased now that Bale is out until March, leaving Ramos short of numbers as well as quality at the back.

He said: "We won't be looking to make changes to the whole group in January, but we will be trying to bring in a certain player to strengthen a certain position. We must wait until the end of the season to make a full analysis of the squad, but it is certain that it is the defence that is giving us the most problems right now.

"The profile of the ideal player is different here to Spain and we will see how we want the team to play before deciding on the characteristics of the players we need.

"My first priority is to save this season and lay the groundwork for next season. The players need to rebuild their confidence and it is vital they believe in themselves again.

"It has not been easy because I am not getting much time to work with the players, we are having to play a game every three days.

"But I cannot hide my dream to give Tottenham back their historical glory and to put them up there with Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester United."

It is understood Spurs' key priorities are in central defence and midfield, while Bale's injury may also heighten the need for a new left-sided player.

The Wales international sustained the injury to his right foot against Birmingham last week and an initial scan failed to reveal the extent of the problem.

But sporting director Damien Comolli said: "Following a review of all the scans, Gareth will now undergo an examination under anaesthesia to determine the damage sustained to the foot.

"Even if the examination reveals that his foot is stable, the decision has been taken to bring him back slowly to ensure he does not get a repeat of the injury or suffers any further damage.

"Gareth is obviously disappointed to be sidelined for this length of time, but he is still young and we have to do what is best for him in the long-run."

It means Lee Young-Pyo is the only fit left-back at the club, as Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Spurs are also short in central defence, with captain Ledley King still weeks away from being match fit after six months out with a knee injury, Antony Gardner out with an ankle problem and Younes Kaboul and Ricardo Rocha struggling for form.