Tottenham squad number announcement hints at transfer priority before deadline day

Guardiola gives update on Man City's pursuit of Kane

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Tottenham have announced their new squad numbers for the coming season, although the coveted No 9 shirt has surprisingly been left vacant. Normally filled by the starting striker, it could be a clear indication that Spurs are likely to go after a frontman before the summer window slams shut.

The No 9 jersey was worn by Gareth Bale last season, who grew into his role with the club before returning to Real Madrid.

Now left vacant, there is sure to be fierce speculation as to who will be sporting the jersey this season, with numerous strikers linked with the north London side.

Lautaro Martinez is at the forefront of that debate, with fees of between £50million and £60m being touted to prise him away from Inter Milan.

Spurs’ interest in the Argentine seems concrete, although the Italian giants letting him leave is another question altogether.

JUST IN: Tottenham ‘working on Ismaila Sarr transfer’ after Man Utd ‘came extremely close’ to deal

With Romelu Lukaku having completed a £98m move to Chelsea, the prospect of Inter allowing their other star striker to leave in the same window could be a bridge too far.

Another option for football director Fabio Paratici is believed to be Dusan Vlahovic.

The Fiorentina striker scored a sensational 21 Serie A goals last season, only three behind Lukaku who scooped up the division’s Player of the Year award.

In an effort to replace Lukaku, Inter reportedly submitted a £45m bid to sign Vlahovic which was rejected by Fiorentina.

DON’T MISS
Lautaro Martinez ‘has big Arsenal offer on table’ as Tottenham ‘agree £60m transfer’
Chelsea ‘decide next three moves’ as ‘Inter Milan accept £97m Romelu Lukaku bid’
Man City ‘willing to offer Tottenham £130m plus Arsenal target’ to seal Harry Kane signing

With nothing tabled from Spurs as yet, the club now know that they must top that offer if they are to have any hope of signing him, although it could turn out to be good value for the 21-year-old.

The elephant in the room concerning Spurs’ striker debate is the future of Harry Kane.

Amid relentless links with various goal-scorers in the transfer market, the club insist that they will be brought in for the sole purpose of partnering Kane up top.

In the latest announcement, the England captain is still unsurprisingly named as the occupier of his famed No 10 shirt, although he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

According to the latest reports, City are cranking up the pressure on Tottenham as they prepare to lodge a £127m bid for their talisman.

Making the situation even spicier is the fact that the two sides will face off on Sunday as they get their respective Premier League seasons underway.

Kane himself is in contention to start, despite training in isolation since Saturday having returned from a holiday in the Bahamas and Florida.

If today’s PCR test is negative, he can supposedly return to full training tomorrow and cram in two sessions before his side’s clash with the defending champions.

One way or another, all things point towards Spurs luring in a striker before deadline day. Whether he will turn out to be Kane’s partner or replacement should become clear throughout the rest of August.

Source: Read Full Article