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Tottenham transfer news: Gabriele Marcotti expects new signing on one condition
TOTTENHAM are likely to sign a new striker before the end of the transfer window - unless Heung-Min Son returns from the Asian Cup earlier than expected.
Spurs may SIGN unless Son returns from Asian Cup says expert
That is the opinion of European football expert and ESPN FC pundit Gabriele Marcotti.
On Tuesday Tottenham were dealt with the news their star striker Harry Kane is set to be unavailable until March.
Kane strained ligaments in his left ankle late on in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United.
Fernando Llorente is the only other recognised striker available to Mauricio Pochettino but the Spaniard is yet to start a Premier League match this season.
I expect them to perhaps bring in a body unless South Korea gets eliminated and Son comes back early
Son was in fine form for Spurs before he headed to the Asian Cup after Sunday’s match at Wembley.
Son’s South Korea have topped their group at the tournament in the UAE with three wins from three.
They are favourites to go all the way and win the competition, with the final taking place on February 1.
Marcotti reckons Spurs will look to bring in a forward but if South Korea are knocked out earlier than expected, then they would not.
However, he admits it would be tough to integrate a new signing into Tottenham’s style of play.
“I think it’s going to be really, really difficult,” Marcotti said.
“I expect them to perhaps bring in a body unless South Korea gets eliminated and Son comes back early.
“I think the real difficulty is if Llorente comes in, it’s not just that he can’t do some of the things Kane does.
“It’s that Spurs’ entire way of playing has to then change and then provide different service for Llorente.
“And that’s inevitably going to go and affect them.
“The problem is, yeah you can bring in a striker between now and the end of the season, but he’s probably not going to be someone with Kane’s characteristics, let alone his quality, because Kane is pretty unique.”
Son helped South Korea beat China 2-0 at the Asian Cup on Tuesday.
They will face Thailand in the last-16 on Sunday.