Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a move for Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis, with a new centre-forward their top target.
Why Spurs Want Him
According to CaughtOffside, the 27-year-old Greece international has been scouted by the north Londoners. He has 17 goal contributions in 13 games this season and is in contention for the Primeira Liga top scorer award after narrowly missing out last term.
Pavlidis rose through the VfL Bochum academy before finding his scoring touch in the Netherlands with Willem II and AZ Alkmaar. Benfica eventually won the race for his signature, and ex-Dutch international Wim Kieft has labelled him a “fantastic target man”.
Rivals and Price Tag
Spurs will face stiff competition. Aston Villa, Fulham, Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus are all reportedly interested, and Pavlidis is said to be open to a Premier League move.
However, Benfica are unwilling to sell in January and have inserted an £84m release clause, so serious talks may have to wait until the summer.
Spurs in Need of a Boost
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have made a dreadful start, sitting bottom of the table without a win. They travel to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Manchester United, hoping to pick up that first victory.
Is Pavlidis Worth the Gamble?
£84m is a hefty sum for a player yet to prove himself in the Premier League, and Spurs might find better value elsewhere. Even so, Pavlidis offers physical presence and consistent finishing, qualities this side currently lacks. Results will also matter, as a club struggling at the bottom may find it harder to convince top targets to join.
