Exclusive: 72-goal PL striker jumping at potential Spurs move after unexpected swoop
Christian Benteke is "jumping" at the possibility of a shock late-window move from Crystal Palace to Tottenham, Football Insider can reveal.
Spurs have turned their attention to the Belgium international, 29, as their pursuit of a back-up striker for Harry Kane takes a new twist.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Benteke is eager to reignite his career with a move to a Champions League calibre club.
He has lost his place in the Palace starting XI and has struggled for goals in recent seasons.
This site revealed yesterday that Benteke is a shock target for Tottenham and they have now made contact over a potential move.
Jose Mourinho is a long-term admirer of the forward and previously tried to sign him when he was in charge of Man United.
Palace would not stand in the way of Benteke as they look to trim their wage bill before the window shuts.
Either a permanent move or, more likely, a loan is on the cards ahead of the final days of the summer transfer window.
Tottenham have seen multiple moves for a proven front man fall through including Alexander Sorlot, Bas Dost and Napoli's Arkadiusz Milik - but remain very keen to land a proven goalscorer.
The Londoners are working on multiple different deals as they look to present Mourinho with the senior striker he has made clear he wants by next Monday's cut-off.
37-times international Benteke has scored 72 goals from 226 Premier League appearances for Palace, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
But he has not been as prolific in south London, netting 23 times in 116 matches and failing to make the starting XI for any of their three league matches so far this season.