More questions than answers on this one.....
1) Llorente - has Poch made some breakthroughs with him and now sees him as a genuine starting option in Kane's absence? Perhaps the carrot of a years contract extension if he does well?
2) Son - South Korea have already played and won their first 2 games without Son. Next game tomorrow and then last 16 is 20-22 Jan. We could get him back anytime after that, right up to 3rd Feb. It's not long when you think about it.
3) Janssen - we assume he's out but he's played 45 mins followed by an hour in the U23's where he scored all in the last week. If Dembele leaves, then there's an overseas squad space available to register him.
4) The kids - you can get away with playing youngsters in more advanced positions in the setup without disrupting the tactics too much. It's slightly different than when we've had to put KWP, Foyth or Skipp in the setup. Would someone like Troy Parrott have anything to lose in a 10-15 min cameo making up the numbers? He scores and he's off and running and may never look back. Harrison? Sterling?
Like most, I don't see us signing anyone. Final thought though. It's been a couple of months since Dele Alli found the net in a league game. Cometh the hour.....