Exclusive - Tottenham are considering an approach for Braga striker Paulinho, as José Mourinho seeks to ease the load on Harry Kane by recruiting an established alternative to the England captain.
Mourinho has been open about his desire to add a new forward to the squad this summer, having been forced to use Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura and even Dele Alli up front at times last season in the prolific striker's absence.
On Friday, the Portuguese boss addressed a lack of 'balance' to his options at the top end of the pitch, admitting that the club 'want and need' a new number nine.
Paulinho e Ricardo Esgaio no1⃣1⃣ ideal da @ligaportugal 2019/20! ? pic.twitter.com/SVZVeMbxQ0
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) August 28, 2020
It's something Spurs are actively working on, and a source has informed 90min that they have arrived at Paulinho, who was targeted by Wolves earlier in the window, as a potential solution.
Mourinho is well aware of the 27-year-old, who brings European experience and a proven goalscoring record. He has hit double figures in each of his last four seasons for the Portuguese side, and was a particular standout in 2019/20 when he scored 25 times in 48 appearances.
He would be available for less than £30m, and Spurs are considering stepping up their interest, having decided against formal bids for Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson, who have each now moved elsewhere.
Paulinho boasts a similar style to Harry Kane, using his physicality to great effect, and scored against Wolves in the group stage of last season's Europa League. Nuno Espirito Santo's team were seriously considering an approach for him, but decided instead to sign Porto's prodigious striker Fabio Silva for a club record fee.
Patson Daka is another who has been touted as a potential Tottenham signing, but reports this week suggested the 21-year-old is not keen to move on from Red Bull Salzburg just yet.
Source : 90min