McLeish: Spurs may have ‘pinpointed’ new signing after rejecting Mendes-steered offer and Vinicius
Tottenham may have lined up a new striker signing after making a decision on Carlos Vinicius’ future, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Lilywhites would revisit their shortlist of centre-forward targets to act as backup or competition to Harry Kane.
As revealed by Football Insider, Tottenham have no plans on triggering Vinicius’ £38million purchase clause at the end of his loan stay.
It is understood Tottenham have also ruled out negotiating a cut-price deal for the 25-year-old.
That will see him to return to Benfica this summer, or provide the opportunity for his agent Jorge Mendes to seal a new transfer.
Vinicius has scored nine goals in 19 appearances for Spurs so far, although he has made only eight starts.
The majority of his appearances have come in the Europa League and he has started just once in seven league outings.
With Vinicius set to bid farewell this summer, McLeish has suggested Spurs may have new targets lined up already.
McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “Back to the drawing board.
“It’s back to the database they have at the club of strikers. They’ll have surely pinpointed (strikers) over the last two, three years at least. If not the last year, knowing there is always a threat of losing the top man, Harry Kane.
“There’s talk of it. You hear pundits and people advising him if he should go if he wants to win something. That could be the next dilemma for Spurs.”
Vinicius has featured in just one of Spurs’ last seven league game and is yet to score in the top flight.
However, he does have six Europa League goals under his belt.
In other news, Spurs are planning to sell 24-year-old Mourinho “doesn’t trust” as Mendes to bring in replacement.