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Tottenham still want a striker in the January transfer window but Willian Jose is not a top target

REUTERS
REUTERS

Tottenham's hunt for a striker is continuing but Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose is not thought to be a primary target, despite widespread reports in Spain that a deal is close.

The Brazilian is among a plethora of forwards who have been offered to Spurs since Harry Kane suffered a torn hamstring on New Year's Day.

Willian Jose is thought to want a move to the Premier League and his representatives are eager to drum up interest in him this month. Spurs have held informal talks with Real but the 28-year-old is not thought to be their preferred target.

AC Milan's Krzysztof Piatek, Ze Luis of Porto, Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke and Spurs' former forward Fernando Llorente are among the other names to have been put forward in January.

Standard Sport understands that Spurs held talks with AC Milan over a £30million deal for Piatek, with the Poland international made available after Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the club.

The 24-year-old remains a possible target but Spurs have so far refused to meet Milan's valuation and are continuing to explore other options.​

Troy Parrott remains the only recognised striker among Jose Mourinho’s options, but the Spurs boss has reservations of handing the 17-year-old too much responsibility.

"I had a long conversation with him, so I'm ready to share with you a little bit," said Mourinho on Tuesday.

Mourinho believes Parrott has a long way to go before he can be relied upon to fill Kane's boots Photo: Getty Images
Mourinho believes Parrott has a long way to go before he can be relied upon to fill Kane's boots Photo: Getty Images

“I think he has potential. I think he needs to work a lot. He has a process to go through, a process that probably Tanganga had. One thing is 17 and another thing is 20. We are speaking about three years of distance and three years.

"Ok in Tanganga's case it was three years without a Premier League match, but it was three years or working and playing, playing in his age groups, playing in England national team [youth games], which also gave him some experience. Then with me it was just the last part of his preparation before he had his first opportunity.

"I think Troy has to go through a process. Can he have minutes? Yes, he can. I'm not saying he's not able to have minutes, but to put on his shoulders the responsibility of replacing somebody to be replaced, I don't think he's ready at all."

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