Tottenham are trying to complete a deal for Jose Mourinho’s ‘number one’ target Carlos Vinicius on an initial loan from Benfica.
The powerful forward netted 24 times and provided a further 13 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season. The 25-year-old only moved to Portugal last summer, but has been linked with a move after the 2019/20 printing.
Following on from this morning’s story, Spurs are looking to close a loan deal for Benfica striker Carlos Venezia with an option to buy in a £36.3m deal. The 25-year-old was Jose Mourinho’s number one target this summer. The Brazilian scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists last season.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) September 30, 2020
Football London reporter Alasdair Gould now reports that Tottenham are eyeing a loan deal for Vinicius as Mourinho looks to find a back-up striker for Harry Kane. Spurs are hoping to sign the forward on loan initially, but with an option to sign on a permanent basis for £36.3m.
Mourinho has identified Vinicius as his ‘number one’ target this summer, while his versatility also means he is able to operate on the wing. The Premier League outfit showed an interest in the player earlier in the summer, but were put off by Benfica’s asking price. However, their inability to qualify for the Champions League group stage ‘helped matters’.
Gould also notes that if a potential loan deal for Vinicius is agreed, it will not affect Gadson Fernandes’ move to north London.
Vinicius is Mourinho’s number one target / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Tottenham’s need to bring in a back-up centre-forward was once again stark on Tuesday evening as Mourinho was forced to start Erik Lamela up front in the win over Chelsea. While the Argentine stepped up and delivered to help his side progress in the Carabao Cup, Mourinho had to turn to him as he looked to rest Kane.
Spurs have already been strengthened this summer with the signings of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Matt Doherty, Joe Hart, Sergio Reguilon and, of course, Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid. The addition of Vinicius would provide some much-needed depth in attack and give Kane some valuable cover.