Tottenham Transfer Focus - Attention switches to Adebayor and Sturridge
Last week must have been a busy one for Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy. A new manager in André Villas-Boas, the signings of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen, plus Gareth Bale and Steven Caulker signed to new contracts. Arguably now the attention has to turn to the area most needed - the forward line. Spurs have been linked with numerous strikers but the two moves that appear prominent are Emmanuel Adebayor and Daniel Sturridge.
Adebayor enjoyed a successful loan period at Spurs last season, netting 17 goals in the Premier League with 11 assists. Spurs may certainly wish for him to return as his ability as a striker, as well as his work rate and capacity to hold the ball up and bring others into play may be ideal for Villas-Boas' preference for a central striker in 4-3-3 formation.
The Togolese’s salary at Manchester City is obviously an issue for Daniel Levy. However, if the Premier League champions are willing to let Adebayor go cheaply then a deal may be done. Adebayor leaving could be central to a City bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie. Roberto Mancini was rumoured to be interested in the Dutchman even before he announced he would not sign a new contract at the Emirates. The Daily Mirror recently reported that Mancini has been told he must move on a top earner, with Adebayor a prime candidate. If a deal can be struck with Spurs, then this would leave City free to bid for the Arsenal striker.
The Daily Mail are reporting that André Villas-Boas is considering making a bid for Chelsea’s young English striker Daniel Sturridge. Last season was a breakthrough year at the highest level for the Englishman, given his chance by the Portuguese when still Chelsea manager. Sturridge often played a wider role in a front three - which appears to be a Villas-Boas preference - but still netted 12 goals in all competitions. However, after Villas-Boas’ sacking, Sturridge seemed to fall out of favour under new man Roberto Di Matteo, who generally returned to the old guard. Sturridge scored only two of his goals in the last two months of the season. If he is deemed to have fallen out of favour, Daniel Levy may - as usual - try to drive a hard bargain, with an initial bid of between £5 and £10 million being lodged by Spurs.
Much though could depend on Sturridge’s health, with a reported meningitis scare potentially impacting any bid for him. The forward will be having a health check prior to joining up with Team GB at the Olympics. Hopefully he will receive the all clear and if so, Spurs may wish to move quickly lest a strong performance at the Olympics drives his price up.
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