Joshua King's Agent Holds Talks With Spurs as Race Heats Up for Bournemouth Striker

Tottenham are reported to have held talks with the representatives of Bournemouth striker Joshua King, as José Mourinho looks to secure a reliable backup for Harry Kane.

King is considered as a reliable goalscorer at Premier League level, having averaged a goal every three games for the Cherries between arriving from Blackburn in 2015 and their relegation last season.

His consistency almost earned him a return to Manchester United in January, but Bournemouth's reluctance to let him go saw the Red Devils turn to Odion Ighalo. Their position has since been weakened following their drop into the Championship, however, and it seems highly unlikely they will deprive him of a move this time around should a sensible offer arrive.

That's where Spurs come into the equation, as The Chronicle, who have been covering Newcastle's interest in the Norway international, note that Tottenham have started formal talks. While no fee has yet been agreed between the clubs, King's agent Jim Solbakken is said to have arrived in north London for negotiations with club officials.

Newcastle are still said to be 'in the running', but will likely only come into play now if negotiations with Tottenham break down.

King's signing would be in keeping with the theme of Tottenham's transfer business so far this summer, with sensible pragmatism the priority for Mourinho. The Portuguese is looking to build a solid foundation for his world class attackers to thrive, and Matt Doherty recently joined free agent keeper Joe Hart and Southampton's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in arriving at the club.

King, who hit double figures for goal involvements last season despite Bournemouth's dismal form, also qualifies as home-grown, which is another issue Mourinho has been keen to address in order to maximise the options available to him.

The Norwegian is capable of playing off the left and as a No.10 in addition to leading the line, making him a useful and versatile option wherever he ends up next.

With 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances, for a club who have languished largely in mid-table, also indicates King is a capable stand-in for Kane, whose injury troubles have seen the likes of Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min fill in up front in recent years.