Dominic Solanke's updated Tottenham exit revealed as new striker plan in place
Dominic Solanke is determined to stay and fight for his place at Tottenham Hotspur this season, sources have told Football Insider.
The 29-year-old is currently the only recognised number-nine in Roberto De Zerbi's squad, and proved his worth with a late equalising goal against Man United last time out.
However, with Tottenham planning to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, questions have been asked about the England man's long-term future in North London.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Solanke has no plans to explore a move away from Spurs regardless of their transfer plans.
Instead, he hopes to continune to work hard under De Zerbi, to prove his fitness and lead the line, including making efforts to chip in with more goals.
Tottenham are still planning to strengthen their attacking options in January, but any incoming strikers will be signed to compete with Solanke, not replace him.
How do Tottenham feel about Dominic Solanke's future?
Football Insider revealed on 9 October that Tottenham have no plans to lose Solanke in January as a result of the lack of attacking options available to De Zerbi.
Richarlison's ongoing issues have seen him left out of the Premier League squad, while new arrival Omar Marmoush is not seen as an out-and-out centre-forward.
As a result, Spurs are unlikely to cash in on Solanke even if a new striker is signed mid-season, while the player's stance over any potential exit will also be considered.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Any new striker Tottenham sign in January would be more as competition for places rather than a replacement for Solanke.
"He has struggled with injuries in recent times, Dominic Solanke, I think that's been the thing that's held him back at Tottenham.
"But he has proven he can score goals for Spurs when he's fit and in form, he scored some important goals for them last season when they were battling against relegation.
"He's still under a long-term contract until 2030, so he will be coming back refreshed after the international break and ready to hit the ground running.
"Tottenham are going to need him if they are to move up the league table, and from his point of view, he is focused on staying fit and getting back amongst the goals."
Which strikers are on Tottenham's radar?
Amid doubts about the strength in depth available to De Zerbi, Spurs are working behind the scenes to idenfity new strikers ahead of the January transfer window.
Real Madrid striker Endrick has been identified among those targets, after Football Insider revealed on 9 October that he could leave Los Blancos on loan in January.
Jose Mourinho had been keen to keep the 20-year-old as part of his squad for the coming season, but he has played just four minutes of senior football under the new boss.
After he was allowed to leave and join Lyon on loan last January, that situation could now repeat itself, with Tottenham among the clubs on alert over his availability.
As a result, Endrick's potential availability is likely to be something Spurs look to explore, although they won't be alone with a number of clubs keen to do a deal.