Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reportedly stepping up plans to sign a prolific new striker in the upcoming January transfer window, with the north London outfit potentially joining a transfer battle with Chelsea for FC Porto’s highly-rated forward Sam Agehowa.
Tottenham’s January recruitment strategy is already in motion, with the club expected to be active in the market to strengthen their attacking options, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Tottenham are expected to have a busy January transfer window
The report says the immediate focus is to carefully consider all forward options, and while the Spaniard has attracted attention, the club is also considering signing another wide forward.
However, despite previous reports linking Chelsea and the Porto star, Jones downplayed the Blues’ current interest and suggested they may have shifted their focus after signing Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emega.
Jones told TEAMtalk.
“Tottenham are sorting out their goals at the moment, but they have to think ahead of time about the fact that they don’t have an absolute goalscorer they can rely on. Ideally it would be Solanke, but he keeps failing.”
“So he’s a player to watch, but I know they’re also very much looking at signing another wide forward, so I’m waiting to get an update on how much money they can spend to get a forward like Sam in January.
“And I’m not sure about the relationship with Chelsea. He’s not someone who is likely to do it from what I’ve personally heard.”
Jones added that any striker Spurs sign must be either a smart value signing or a player with a strong pedigree and proven experience.
“If they were to buy a striker, I think it would have to be a very valuable signing or a player with a certain level of pedigree and experience that doesn’t exist at the moment.
“Chelsea have definitely taken the time to pursue him, but I’m not sure if this will be necessary as Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emega will also be joining soon.”
Sam Agehowa’s incredible goalscoring form
Despite the uncertainty of the transfer, Sam Agehowa’s on-field performance is why he remains an important target.
At just 21 years old, the Porto forward scored 27 goals in 45 games in his debut season and continued his form this season, scoring eight goals in just nine games in all competitions, taking his total for the club to 35 goals in 54 games.
His towering presence, clinical finishing and explosive speed make him a perfect stylistic fit for Thomas Frank’s tactical set-up at Tottenham. Coach Frank is known for his emphasis on physical, hard-working forwards who can effectively lead the line.
| club | Appearance | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Porto | 54 | 35 | 3 |
| Recre Granada | 36 | 18 | 0 |
| Deportivo Alavés | 35 | 8 | 1 |
| total | 125 | 61 | 4 |
However, Porto are reluctant to part ways with their up-and-coming star and have offered interested clubs an £87 million release clause for him.
However, whispers about the Portuguese club’s financial situation suggest a deal could be struck for less, especially if Spurs decide to make Agehowa their main target in January.