Tottenham Hotspur are understood to have made an official bid for Fenerbahçe striker Vedat Muriqi as they look to finally recruit a backup for Harry Kane.
Kane has been Spurs' only senior striker since Fernando Llorente was allowed to walk away in the summer, with 17-year-old Troy Parrott their only other alternative.
An alternative option up top has long been one of Spurs' priorities, and Turkish journalist Ferudun Niğdelioğlu claims that José Mourinho has made a move to try to bring Muriqi in in January.
The 25-year-old, who is also said to have received an offer from Burnley, has bagged 11 goals and four assists in 17 appearances this season, and his recent form in Turkey has been attracting interest from the Premier League for months.
In fact, Spurs were thought to be seriously considering a move for Muriqi back in September after watching him impress in Kosovo's 5-3 defeat to England in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
Muriqi bagged one goal and two assists to give England a real scare, and that is the kind of form which he has been exhibiting since moving to Fenerbahçe during the summer.
For Spurs, the problem which they always face in their pursuit of a new striker is whether that target would be prepared to operate as backup to Kane.
Kane is the undisputed starter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and plays nearly every possible minute, so first-team opportunities will always be hard to come by for a reserve striker at the club.
However, the chance to test himself in the Premier League may appeal to Muriqi who, at 6'4, has the physique to make him a real menace in English football.
Burnley would almost certainly be able to offer him more first-team action, so that offer could prove to be slightly more enticing, but the allure of Champions League football could work in Spurs' favour.
Muriqi remains under contract until 2023, so Fenerbahçe will certainly be in no rush to sell him, but Spurs will likely have the money to make the deal happen if they so wish.
For more from Tom Gott, follow him on Twitter!
Source :
90min
