Specially – Tottenham are considering an approach for Braga striker Paulinho, as Jose Mourinho looks to ease the burden on Harry Kane by recruiting an established replacement for the England captain.
Mourinho has been open about his desire to add a new forward to the squad this summer, having seen Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura and even Dele Alli last season in the absence of a prolific striker. was also forced to come forward.
On Friday, the Portuguese boss addressed a lack of ‘balance’ in his options at the top end of the pitch, admitting the club ‘want and needed’ a new number nine.
Paulinho and Ricardo Esgaio no1⃣1⃣ Ideal for @ligaportugal 2019/20! ? pic.twitter.com/SVZVeMbxQ0
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) August 28, 2020
It is something that Spurs are actively working on, and a source has informed 90 Minutes that they have approached Paulinho, who Wolves targeted in the previous window, as a possible solution. .
Mourinho is well aware of the 27-year-old, who brings European experience and a proven goalscoring record. He has hit double figures in each of his last four seasons for the Portuguese side, and was a particular standout in 2019/20 when he scored 25 times in 48 appearances.
He would be available for less than £30m, and Spurs are considering stepping up their interest, having decided against formal bids for Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson, who have now each moved elsewhere.
Paulinho boasts a similar style to Harry Kane, using his physicality to great effect, and scored against Wolves in last season’s Europa League group stage. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were seriously considering an approach for him, but instead decided to sign Porto’s prolific striker Fabio Silva for a club-record fee.
Petson Dika is another touted as a potential Tottenham signing, but reports this week suggest the 21-year-old is not yet keen on a move away from Red Bull Salzburg.