As the Premiership heads into the international break, Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed some mixed form under new Coach Mauricio Pochettino but the club currently sit in a relatively healthy sixth place, level on points with fourth placed Manchester United.
However, the manager must be concerned by the lack of goals from the squad’s three recognised strikers. Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane have only found the net once in the league between them while midfielders Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and even defender Eric Dier have all scored more in the Premiership.
Those stats have led to predictable calls for striking reinforcements in the January transfer window but who should Tottenham be targeting?
Jackson Martinez
Spurs are currently sixth favourites to finish in the top four at the end of 2014-15 but if they are to reclaim a Champions League place, they simply must sign a prolific centre forward in the January window.
Porto’s Martinez has been linked with the club for some time now and with a stunning record of 54 goals from 61 matches, the Colombian could be the player they need. It’s claimed that a fee of £25m would be enough to prise the 28 year old away from his current employers but Spurs could face competition from rivals Arsenal.
Manolo Gabbiadini
At the age of 22, Sampdoria striker Gabbiadini is very much unproven but his record is getting better and it’s widely reported that Spurs are monitoring his development in the current Serie A campaign. The striker has a modest record of eight goals from 34 matches for La Samp but a ratio of one strike every two games for the Italian under 21 side suggests he can improve.
Sampdoria will certainly want to hang on to one of their most promising players while Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested in Gabbiadini’s signature.
Mattia Destro
At 23, Roma’s Destro is just a year older than Gabbiadini but is far more established and has a much better striking record. 21 goals in 45 games for his current club means that Spurs would have to pay heavily for his services but are likely to enjoy a more productive return from the outset.
The link with Destro first appeared this summer and with Tottenham’s Technical Director Franco Baldini retaining links with former club Roma, this story could have greater foundation than many other rumours.
Javier Hernandez
Manchester United’s Mexican international Hernandez is currently on loan at Real Madrid but with Radamel Falcao looking to tie up a permanent move to Old Trafford, it’s unlikely that the 26 year old will have a future with his parent club.
As a proven Premier League goal scorer, Hernandez could be a perfect fit at White Hart Lane and Spurs have been linked with his signature for over 12 months but would United really be looking to sell to one of their rivals for a top four slot?
Jay Rodriguez
When current Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino left Southampton, he was linked with many of his former players but as Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert headed to Liverpool, the north London club failed to land anyone from St Mary’s.
That could change in January however as England international Rodriguez approaches full fitness after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of last season. Lambert took most of the praise in their partnership but Rodriguez has a healthy strike rate in the Premier League and could thrive under his former boss if he does make the switch to Spurs.
