Tottenham fans worldwide are in agreement that our beloved Spurs must supplement our attack force to mount a heroic assault in the Top 4. A multitude of names have been bandied about but who are the realistic targets? More importantly who are the right targets? Read on to see my handicapping of the main target's odds of signing for Tottenham and the grading of the possible fit.
Target 1- Saido Berahino
Probability of Signing-50%
Fit Grade-A+
Berahino has been a name that has divided fan opinion a great deal. The majority of the debate hasn't centered around Berahino's ability, but rather his rumored 25M price tag. I view this sum as a slightly inflated number, but certainly not out of the realm of reason. If we can get him for around 20M all in I would find him to be a terrific buy. The positives are pretty obvious. He is a fast, Premier League proven striker that has previously established chemistry with Harry Kane. I'm not sure if the importance of finding a partner who plays well and gets along with Kane can be overstated. If we can make a deal that nets us a young, quality player who also makes us more likely to retain our young talisman then we can afford to overspend to acquire him. In fact, we can't afford not to make every effort to bring in the West Brom forward. Of course, U21 strikers who are proven in the Premier League are prized commodities which makes the deal difficult to complete. While I wish it were more likely, it's a 50/50 shot.
Target 2- Charlie Austin
Probability of Signing-20%
Fit Grade-C+
I think the QPR striker is a fine player and I even believe he is an above average Premier League striker. My only concern with him is that he is a poor man's Harry Kane. That in and of itself isn't a bad thing, it simply lowers his value to Tottenham. Given Pochettino's preference to play a single striker he is far from an ideal fit to play with Kane on a regular basis so what would he really be utilized for? He would be an excellent option to provide cover in case of a serious Kane injury and to play in Europa League and Cup competitons but can you really see Daniel Levy paying big money for that? I can't and that's why I see him moving to somewhere other than North London on Deadline Day. He is a good player, but not what Tottenham seems to be a priority at the moment.
Target 3- Clinton N'jie
Probability of Signing-50%
Fit Grade-B+
Most are pretty down on the young Cameroon striker signing for Tottenham and I think that's grossly unfair both to the player and the Club. If you are viewing N'jie's signing as the total sum of the Club's transfer plans then you are right to be disappointed. However, I don't think that is anywhere near accurate. Instead, I choose to view the young, pacy prospect as more of a wide developmental prospect and less of a backup striker. Given our lack of pace on the wing, he profiles as a player who can really help our squad now and in the future. Is he the answer to our needs? Who can know at his age, but he is worth a punt. I am, however, more skeptical than most about the chances of this deal happening. He is reported to be in London for his medical, but we haven't seen so much as an airport photo yet. Add the lack of that photo with the reported quotes from his current Club's president about there being no bid from Tottenham and it equals significant skepticism.
Target 4- Javier Hernandez
Probability of Signing-10%
Fit Grade-C
The Man United striker has struggled to find a home as of late and has recently been named as a Spurs target. I'm not entirely sure I buy this, but I'll indulge the press in this space. Much like Austin, I think he is a fine player but question his fit with Tottenham. He doesn't have the red hot motor that Poch requires as a pressing striker but does have a nose for goal that can't be denied. He would be fine as cover for Kane but not ideal. I can't see United offering us a cut rate deal that may strengthen us so I feel the odds of this coming off are quite low. Perhaps this could happen as a last resort on Deadline Day but let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Conclusion-In all likelihood we may end up with a striker and wide forward whose name hasn't reached the rumor mill yet. Berahino still represents the best case scenario we know about but perhaps Pochettino's "private target" will surprise us all!
