It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur have been allowed to speak to AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen, by the Dutch club.
The 21-year-old is said to have arrived in London yesterday (Tuesday). While a transfer fee is yet to be negotiated, AZ Alkmaar are asking for around £12 million for their promising star.
It is believed that Tottenham are not the only team interested in the striker, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg and rivals Arsenal all said to be attracted in the player. However, the North London club are the first to have spoken to the player who has 27 goals in 34 matches in the Eredivisie last season.
Tottenham look to strengthen their squad by finding quality back up for Harry Kane this summer.
The England international played in all of his teams Premier League games and scored 25 goals, winning him the Golden Boot.
However the lack of back up meant that in order for Kane to rest and not suffer from burn out, Tottenham had to result in playing Heung-Min Son, Nacer Chadli or Clinton N’jie up front.
While this was just enough in the early stages of the Europa League and cup games, it will not be enough for the Champions League.
Kane will also featuring in Euro 2016 and so Mauricio Pochettino feels the need to bring in another forward, with Janssen being his priority.
Who is Vincent Janssen?
The 21-year-old is said to be one of Europe’ most exciting young forwards and was the Eredivisie’s top scorer last season.
Janssen started his career in the youth ranks of Feyenoord before being released in the summer of 2013. The striker then joined second-tier side Almere City in which he found the net 32 times in 74 appearances.
His form then attracted AZ who gambled on the unproven young striker. Janssen didn’t get off to the best start as AZ as he failed to find the back of the net in his first eight games. He eventually scored a brace against Twente and since has become more consistent in his scoring.
His form last season caught the eye of the Netherlands' national team manager Danny Blind. Janssen made his debut in March and since has five caps to his name and three goals. He also won the man of the match award for his display against England at Wembley earlier this year.
How will he fit in at Spurs?
Janssen’s high energy and excellent technique are said to be some of his better features as a player.
This will be vital for Pochettino’s high pressing intense style of play, which relies on committed players.
As a striker Janssen is said to be versatile, with his strength on the ball, combined with pace and good movement, allows him to push past defences with ease.
Like Kane, his height (1.8m) as well as adaptability allows him to act as a target man if needed, which will be useful when Tottenham need to change tactics in order to secure wins.
The Dutch forward is also said to have good hold up play and a wide passing range meaning that if needed he could play alongside Kane in a deeper role, however the Englishman prefers this role. The similarities between the two players suggest that they could form a vital partnership for Tottenham, if Pochettino was to choose to play the two together.