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Transfer Talk: Five strikers in line to replace wantaway Kane
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Krishan Chandaria
LiveScore
Harry Kane wants to leave but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is standing firm
Harry Kane wants to leave but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is standing firm

It has been a testing summer for Tottenham — and things will only get worse if Harry Kane leaves.

According to reports, Manchester City are prepared to pay £127million for the England captain.

But Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is believed to be demanding £150m for the 28-year-old and has already turned down one offer.

Ahead of the North London side's Premier League opener against the City, we turn the spotlight on five strikers Spurs could swoop for if Kane does depart. 

Lautaro Martinez

Spurs have been heavily linked with Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, which is little surprise considering the Argentine is available for a knockdown £50m.

With 17 goals and six assists, Martinez, 23, played a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s first Serie A title win in over a decade.

But he has rarely led the line alone — something he would have to do in Tottenham's favoured 4-2-3-1 system.

Last season he was paired with the prolific Romelu Lukaku, with the Belgian’s physical presence enabling Martinez the freedom to drift onto his favoured left side and utilise his dribbling ability.

If he were to play as a sole striker in the Premier League, his physical deficiencies may be problematic.

But it has been reported the Inter forward has been targeted as a partner for Kane rather than a replacement.

Alexander Isak

Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak's shot map for the 2020-21 LaLiga season
Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak's shot map for the 2020-21 LaLiga season

A striker who would not struggle physically is 6ft 4in Alexander Isak.

At just 21, he has been a consistent performer for Real Sociedad — his 17 goals last season helped the club finish fifth in LaLiga.

The Swedish forward is renowned for his pace and ability to finish with both feet, enabling shots from any angle.

That would be a valuable asset for Spurs, who have benefited from Kane’s knack for finishing with both his left and right over the years.

Given his youth, Isak also matches the profile of player Tottenham usually try to acquire.

Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic scored 21 times for Fiorentina in Serie A last season for Fiorentina
Dusan Vlahovic scored 21 times for Fiorentina in Serie A last season for Fiorentina

Despite Fiorentina’s struggles in Serie A last term, which saw them finish 13th, Dusan Vlahovic bagged 21 goals in what proved to be his breakout campaign in Italy.

At 6ft 4in, the Serb's physical presence makes him suited to the Premier League, as well as Tottenham’s style of play. 

Quick without being rapid, Vlahovic is hard to shrug off the ball.

Spurs have become reliant on Kane’s ability to play with his back to goal, so if he is to be replaced, signing a forward capable of holding the ball up will be important to ensuring a smooth transition.

Impressively, Vlahovic, 21, recorded an expected goals tally of 18.4 last term, despite averaging just over one shot on target per 90 minutes. 

In other words, he only had good chances — indicative of an ability to get into good positions.

Fiorentina will not part Vlahovic cheaply. Whether Spurs will part with £50m for a player who had never hit double figures before last season remains to be seen.

Youssef En-Nesyri

Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri gets heavily involved in play outside the penalty area
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri gets heavily involved in play outside the penalty area

Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, 24, was linked with West Ham in January but stuck with the LaLiga outfit.

A return of 18 goals made 2020-21 the best campaign of the Moroccan’s career — and every strike was from open play.

That put En-Nesyri, who averaged 0.75 goals per 90 minutes, in the 97th percentile across Europe’s top five leagues last season.

At 6ft 2in, the former Leganes and Malaga forward has the physical attributes required for the rough-and-tumble of English football.

Comfortable drifting wide to operate in the channels, En-Nesyri is a good ball carrier who also boasts good football intelligence and aerial ability.

But Sevilla director of football Monchi insists En-Nesyri does not want to leave.

He said: "There have been fewer movements but it is true there was a great interest from an English club in one of our players.

"The player himself said he had no interest in leaving here, because he is very comfortable."

Gerard Moreno

Harry Kane and Gerard Moreno display a remarkably similarity in the dynamic radars
Harry Kane and Gerard Moreno display a remarkably similarity in the dynamic radars

At 29, Gerard Moreno is the oldest of the potential replacements for Kane. 

The Spaniard may have announced himself on in European football later than his rivals but his recent record more than makes up for it. 

Moreno ended last season with 23 LaLiga goals, outscoring both Karim Benzema and Luis Suarez.

He showed his clinical ability in the Europa League final, scoring a volley against Manchester United, which was ultimately crucial in securing Villarreal’s first European trophy. 

Moreno followed that up with another fine effort against Chelsea in the Super Cup final earlier this week, linking up well with new signing Boulaye Dia to rattle past Edouard Mendy. 

Comfortable dropping deep to link the play, Moreno is a tireless menace who finds and creates space with ease. 

Reportedly available for £36m, he could prove to be a steal for Spurs.

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Tottenham HotspurPremier LeagueHarry Kane
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