Roberto De Zerbi wants a new striker this summer but one talented youngster within Tottenham Hotspur also wants to catch his eye
The days of footballers taking their foot off the gas in their summer break is a thing of the past and young Tottenham striker Will Lankshear is certainly proving that.
The pace and standard of elite football is so high now that players need to keep themselves ticking over with their fitness and sharpness during the summer break in order to hit the ground running when they return to pre-season training. Lankshear, who turned 21 at the end of April, is looking for a big follow-up season to his eye-catching campaign at Oxford United in the Championship and has been doing everything possible to be ready to catch Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi's eye this summer.
De Zerbi is understood to be looking for a new striker in the transfer window but there are also question marks over Richarlison's future at the north London club as the Brazilian approaches the final 12 months of his contract. The Tottenham head coach has admitted he is a big fan of Dominic Solanke so the England international looks to be set to remain, barring any huge offer that comes in.
If Richarlison was to go then there is a chance for a young natural striker to be the third option up top, with Lankshear and newly-capped Republic of Ireland international Mason Melia the most likely choices from within the club.
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Lankshear scored 12 goals for struggling Oxford last season on his first loan and football.london understands there is a lot of loan interest in the forward from the Premier League, Championship and abroad, although a top flight loan could be ruled out to ensure he gets regular starts to continue his development.
Spurs have so far turned away permanent offers for Lankshear, with Portuguese side Sporting among those having shown such interest as it would take a hefty fee to sign the young striker. If that does not arrive this summer than he is likely to head out on loan with a potential new contract after last season's exploits.
Lankshear has continued to work hard in the summer, working hard in Spain but also linking up back in the UK with UEFA-licensed striker coach Scott Chickelday for plenty of training sessions. Videos on social media show the 21-year-old working in the heat on the artificial turf at Harlow Town Football Club on his movement, turning and finishing with goals galore. Chickelday spent periods of time as an attacking coach at Aston Villa and MLS side Orlando Pirates after academy roles at both Spurs and QPR.
Lankshear is doing everything possible to impress De Zerbi when Tottenham return to pre-season training at Hotspur Way next month or at the worst he will hit the ground running on his next loan with more goals expected.