AFCON 2015: Ghana's Andre Ayew among three players Tottenham should be scouting at Nations Cup

The Africa Cup of Nations is poised to kick off later this week, but who should Tottenham be scouting at the competition?

Nicolas N'Koulou, Cameroon

Whilst Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has seemingly settled on the centre back partnership of Federico Fazio and Jan Vertonghen, but he may still need to bring in another defender. Vertonghen was reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester United earlier this season, whilst Vlad Chiriches has been linked with Roma and Younes Kaboul is an alleged target for Besiktas.

If one of them does leave, then another defender could be on Pochettino's wish list, and Marseille star N'Koulou fits the bill. The 24-year-old has recently been linked with a move to West Ham United, but Tottenham should be watching his performances for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. N'Koulou is a strong and athletic defender who has the confidence to bring the ball out defence - attributes that should appeal to Pochettino.

Andre Ayew, Ghana

Whilst Nacer Chadli has improved this season, reports continue to link Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend with exits from White Hart Lane during this months transfer window. Again, if one was to leave, then Pochettino could look to bring in another wide man.

Speculation over the weekend suggested that Spurs have lined up a move to sign Marseille's Andre Ayew, with the 24-year-old's contract set to expire at the end of this season. The Ghana star impressed at the World Cup in 2014, scoring two goals in three games, and more impressive displays on the international stage this month could tempt Tottenham into a deal.

Seydou Doumbia, Ivory Coast

Lastly, it's no great secret that Tottenham need to sign another striker. Harry Kane may have started scoring, but Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado have offered very little this season and may find themselves on the sidelines if Pochettino can find another striker.

The London Evening Standard reported in December that Tottenham were considering a move CSKA Moscow's Ivorian hitman Seydou Doumbia after he scored 84 goals in 128 games for the Russians. With Didier Drogba out of the picture, Doumbia could feature more prominently alongside Wilfried Bony for the Ivory Coast, and if he can prove his worth,Spurs could see the speedster as the ideal complement to Kane.