Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a surprise loan move for Porto striker Ze Luis, as José Mourinho looks to bolster his attacking options for the remainder of the season, according to reports in Portugal.
Spurs have been rocked by the news that Harry Kane is set to miss the majority of the campaign with a serious hamstring injury, and having allowed Spaniard Fernando Llorente to leave last summer, the North London club are lacking a viable alternative to the England international.
Portuguese TV station SIC Noticias reports that Mourinho has identified his ideal backup striker as Ze Luis, and the forward is close to a short-term move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
The 28-year-old has been in good form for the Portuguese club this season, bagging seven goals in 12 appearances. The Cape Verde international has had to settle for a place on the bench of late, before missing the most recent outing with a knee injury.
Ze Luis also has three goals in 19 appearances at international level, and he could be set to become Mourinho's second signing of the January transfer window.
Mendes is a close friend of Spurs coach Mourinho, and he is also playing a key part in the possible transfer of Ze Luis.
Ze Luis expecting FA approval to sign for @SpursOfficial. All done between FC Porto and spurs.https://t.co/1PKJLRTWYG via @record_portugal
— Gonçalo Lopes (@_GoncaloLopes) January 15, 2020
Spurs lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, and Mourinho named a starting eleven that did not include a recognised striker. Brazilian Lucas Moura filled the central role, but his Portuguese boss is known to prefer a stronger and more physical option, which Ze Luis could provide.
Source : 90min