Football FanCast

It would be fair to say that prior to last night, this had been Tottenham Hotspur's worst season for a generation.

However, now that Ange Posteocoglou's side have secured a place in the Europa League final, there is a chance to make history.

One of the stars of both legs was Dominic Solanke, who scored a crucial penalty in the first game and then slotted home the opener last night.

The Englishman has come in for some criticism since joining the club, but with his goal tally starting to rise, it feels like he's justifying his club-record fee.

Yet, even still, Daniel Levy and Co may regret selling a former academy gem who's outscoring him and another of the club's transfer targets.

Spurs' striker search

With the domestic season going the way it has this year, Spurs have understandably been linked with a number of exciting strikers in recent weeks, from LOSC Lille's Jonathan David to Borussia Mönchengladbach's Tim Kleindienst.

However, one of the more exciting and just as realistic targets the North Londoners have been linked with has been Liam Delap.

According to reports from earlier this week, the club have been considering a move for the Ipswich Town star, who has a release clause worth £30m in his contract now that the Tractor Boys have been relegated.

While that certainly isn't cheap, it would probably represent good value in the current market, as the Lilywhites would be getting a young, Premier League-proven striker who's homegrown and has arguably been one of the Suffolk sides' best players.

For example, even though he's been playing for the third-worst team in the competition, the Winchester-born marksman has managed to rack up a decent tally of 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances, of which 34 have come in the Premier League.

Yet, as with Solanke, the former Manchester City prospect is being outscored by a forward sold by Levy and Co.

The former Spurs gem sold by Levy

So, while the player in question joined a club abroad, he's actually faced Tottenham three times this season, coming out on the losing side each and every time.

We are, of course, talking about Troy Parrott, who is a product of Hotspur Way and even has four Spurs appearances to his name, but he currently plays his trade in the Netherlands for AZ Alkmaar.

The Irish international joined the Dutch outfit last summer for a fee of around £6.7m after a stellar 23/24 campaign on loan with Excelsior Rotterdam, in which he scored 17 goals and provided five assists in just 32 games.

This season has been just as successful for the "phenomenal" forward, as dubbed by former manager Ryan Lowe, aside from the games against the Lilywhites, that is.

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling 3411 minutes, the 23-year-old dynamo has scored 20 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 136.44 minutes.

For comparison's sake, Solanke has managed to score 15 goals and provide eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3221 minutes this term, which comes out to a slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games, or every 140.04 minutes.

Now, to be clear, we are not suggesting that the Dublin-born poacher would outscore the former Bournemouth star in the Premier League, but it does raise a question about how he might have fared as Postecoglou's second-choice striker, as Richarlison's hardly done much when he's played.

Ultimately, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and selling Parrott to AZ was probably the right thing to do for his career, but we can't help wondering how he would have fared in North London this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are firmly in the running to sign a "complete" £50 million player this summer, and Real Madrid are believed to rate him extremely highly behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham cruise into Europa League final after Bodo/Glimt

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has a golden chance to make good on his early-season promise, with the Australian stating that he always wins trophies during his second season in charge.

The Lilywhites' torrid season domestically, where they've chalked up a record-equalling 19 Premier League defeats, has placed mounting pressure on Postecoglou amid reports he could leave at the end of the season (The Telegraph).

If the 59-year-old does end up departing north London, the best parting gift possible would be winning Tottenham's first piece of major silverware since 2008, and this is now a distinct possibility after their 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro confirmed Spurs' place in the Bilbao final on May 21, where they will play Premier League rivals Man United in a mouth-watering contest which has the potential to save either side's season.

Tottenham's professionally done win, at a ground where the hosts had reigned victorious in 28 of their last 34 European matches prior, resulted in Postecoglou's side eventually sailing through to the final with a 5-1 win on aggregate.

"The players were outstanding," said Postecoglou on his Tottenham players after their win over Bodo/Glimt.

"They were well-prepared tonight, the staff did a great job of making sure the boys were really clear about what we needed to do. They executed it perfectly. It's been well-chronicled in the last few days it's a difficult place to come through, they've got a really imposing home record, not just with wins but with goals, I thought the lads just handled it really well, as they have throughout this European campaign, particularly the knock-out stages, and credit to them, I thought they did an outstanding job."

Tottenham make "formal" offer to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

Winning the Europa League, and subsequently confirming a place in next season's Champions League draw, could also play a crucial role in the club's transfer plans this summer.

One of their reported targets is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, following the Spaniard's exceptional debut campaign on the British Isles, but competition is rife for his signature.

His £50 million release clause has piqued interest from all over the Premier League and beyond, with Real Madrid chiefs convinced he's the best possible signing available on the market in Huijsen's position.

That is according to Cadena SER, who also report that Tottenham have now made Huijsen a "formal" offer to join them.

While this sounds promising, a host of Spurs' rivals have done the same, while it is also believed that the 20-year-old's camp have hired a law firm to help facilitate a potential move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real appear to be Huijsen's preference as things stand, despite Spurs' proposal, so Postecoglou's side face a serious battle to sign the ex-Juventus starlet.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur's worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou's side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side's second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it's not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn't dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn't give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke's opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as "unreal."

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn't dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club's best player.

Tottenham Hotspur could reunite with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici once his worldwide ban concludes on June 30, and it is now believed the transfer chief may end up playing a vital role in signing a "top-level" Liverpool player.

Fabio Paratici tipped for Tottenham return this summer

The ex-Juventus man, who gained popularity among the Spurs fan base after sealing deals for the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Romero, Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr during his time there, could well be coming back to N17.

Paratici was forced to resign as managing director in early 2023, after he was slapped with a 30-month worldwide ban from FIFA. The 52-year-old was found guilty of false accounting during his time at Juve, with Paratici unable to work in any official footballing capacity since then.

That isn't to say he hasn't been of use to Spurs since then, though, as it is known that Paratici has been advising the club on an unofficial consultancy basis.

However, with his ban due to end on June 30th, reports from Italy are adamant that an official Tottenham return for Paratici could be nearing (Corriere della Sera).

The official held extensive talks with AC Milan over becoming their new sporting director, but those negotiations broke down, which has freed up a move to N17 as a result.

Daniel Levy has publicly praised Paratici's work ethic and "tough" negotiating style in the past, and it is believed by some that the Lilywhites chairman has been working hard to tempt him with a return to the club.

Levy held private talks with Paratici over re-joining Spurs as far back as late March, and there has been no sign of this potential appointment slowing down since then.

Fabio Paratici could sign Federico Chiesa for Tottenham

Now, CaughtOffside report that he could play a vital role in luring £150,000-per-week Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa to north London.

The Italy international's debut season in England hasn't exactly been a dream for him, and Arne Slot's side could choose to part ways with Chiesa for as little as £13 million.

Tottenham are emerging as potential contenders for Chiesa, and Paratici's excellent relationship with his agent, Fali Ramadani, has been described as a "crucial" factor which could give them an edge in the race for his signature.

CaughtOffside also back up previous reports that Paratici is expected to come back, and he could now mount an assault for Liverpool's attacker after he returns.

Despite Chiesa's lack of luck at Anfield, the ex-Juve star has shone on the biggest occasions in past seasons, including Euro 2020, and he's still just 27-years-old. For just £13m, Chiesa would be an arguable snip, with the only real sticking point financially being his salary.

One Tottenham Hotspur star is attracting very serious interest from a Premier League rival, who are also set to open talks over his signing "in the coming weeks".

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in crunch Europa League semi-final

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou's sole focus right now is on the club's potentially fruitful Europa League campaign.

The north Londoners travel to Bodo/Glimt knowing they're just 90 minutes away from their first European final since Mauricio Pochettino took them to the brink of Champions League glory in 2019, and if they avoid an embarrassing defeat against the Norwegian minnows, Spurs' spot will be confirmed.

Winning the Europa League would be a perfect end to an otherwise dismal campaign for Postecoglou, who has led the Lilywhites to 19 Premier League defeats as Tottenham languish 16th in the table.

Not only would it mean lifting their first piece of major silverware since 2008, but Spurs also have a golden opportunity to book a place in next season's Champions League draw, so quite a lot is on the line tonight as Postecoglou seeks to rescue the season in dramatic fashion.

"I think the fact it is a semi-final and such a big game irrespective it is always going to be a bit tight and tense throughout the whole game," said Postecoglou on the challenge of Bodo/Glimt.

"I think it is just the nature of the competition you're in and being in a semi-final, whether it was at our place first or at our place second, it would have been the same kind of scenario of two teams who know there is a big prize at the end of getting to a final. Yeah, we'll have to perform."

Everton set to open talks for Richarlison

Their success in the competition may also determine Tottenham's transfer plans for the summer, with recent reports suggesting they're set for a 'sell to buy' summer window as things stand (The Telegraph).

One of the men who could be sacrificed to make room for new signings is £60 million striker Richarlison, who hasn't featured as often as he would've liked this term due to a 24/25 campaign blighted by injuries.

The Brazil forward also faces losing his spot in the national team, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that Everton are set to open talks for Richarlison "in the coming weeks".

The Merseysiders could offer Tottenham's "underrated" attacker a route out in pursuit of more minutes, and it is believed Richarlison views the brand-new Everton Stadium as an ideal landing spot.

“I’m told that he has been made aware that he needs to be playing next season," said Bailey.

“Brazil have a host of options competing with him – Real Madrid’s Endrick but also a host of Premier League rivals - Joao Pedro, Rodrigo Muniz and Evanilson - and they will all be starting for their respective clubs.

“Richarlison needs to be playing, he knows this and that is just why Everton are in such a strong position. They can offer him that chance of first-team football.

“Everton want him back, as we revealed earlier this year, and I believe there is confidence from their side, but also a belief from Richarlison and Spurs’ end that this is likely the best option.

“As it stands a permanent deal will be tough, but that is what the talks in the coming weeks will be aimed to work out.”

Richarlison is also believed to be attracting interest from Brazilian Serie A sides, and it will be intriguing to see where his future lies.

The 27-year-old has been a real mixed bag since making the move to London, enduring spells of bad form and unavailability whilst also going through real purple patches, like the one midway through 2023/2024, when he was seemingly scoring goals for fun.

It's the biggest day of Tottenham Hotspur's season. Ange Postecoglou's side are well-placed to make it to the Europa League final thanks to the two-goal advantage they'll be taking into the second-leg of their semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt.

Yet, as important as the game is, the North Londoners are set to be without club captain Son Heung-min, who hasn't even travelled to Norway due to a foot injury that has kept him out of the team for a few weeks now.

The unfortunate thing is that while the South Korean is still more than capable of popping up with a goal or assists here and there, his ability to impact games has dramatically decreased, which is to be expected for a winger set to turn 33 in a couple of months.

For example, he's only scored two goals in his last 15 league appearances, and according to FBref, he is in the bottom half of wingers and attacking midfielders in the competition for successful take-ons, which helps explain recent links to someone who could be the ideal long-term heir to the iconic Lilywhites star.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the winger in question, it's worth looking at some of the other exciting players touted for moves to N17 in recent weeks, such as Rayan Cherki and Jonathan David.

The latter is reportedly set to be available for around £30m, which could prove to be an incredible bargain, as the "future Ballon d'Or winner," as dubbed by The Athletic's Alex Barker, has already scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists in just 42 appearances.

Likewise, David would represent a sensational deal, as his contract is running out in the summer, and so far this year, he's already scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 47 games for LOSC Lille.

However, to replace Son next year, the North Londoners are going to need a natural left-winger, which is where Jamie Gittens comes in.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are one of several sides keen to sign the Borussia Dortmund star.

The report has revealed that the Lilywhites have maintained their interest in the Englishman since last summer, but to finally get their man, they'll have to contend with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and possibly Liverpool.

Moreover, while Dortmund initially held out for a fee in the region of €100m, which is about £85m, they'll now be willing to listen to offers of around €70m, which is about £59m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gittens' immense ability and potential, it's one worth fighting for, especially as he'd be an ideal Son heir.

Why Gittens would be the perfect Son heir

So, the first thing to say is that Spurs should not expect Gittens to come in and immediately replicate the sort of performances that Son put in at his peak - he's only 20, after all - but even then, he'll be able to contribute in a big way.

For example, despite his age, the Reading-born dynamo, who Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley boldly proclaimed "England's best LW in 24/25," has managed to score 12 goals and provide five assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2783 minutes.

That means the tremendously exciting attacker is already averaging a goal involvement every 2.70 games, or every 163.70 minutes, which is undeniably impressive.

On top of that, he is clearly not a player scared of the biggest stages, as he found the back of the net away to Real Madrid earlier this season.

Now, the reason his age is important in all of this is that, according to research carried out by The Athletic, wide players do not hit their peak until the age of 26, so if the Dortmund ace is already this good now, just think how unplayable he could be in five or six years' time.

Finally, on top of his output, the former City prospect has some brilliant underlying numbers to his name.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 2% for take-ons attempted, the top 7% for carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Son is only going to become more and more of a peripheral figure at the club next season, so Spurs need to find his heir, and from output to potential, Gittens ticks every box.

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the representatives of a forward once tipped to bag 40 goals per season, as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team aim to make him their first signing of the summer window.

Ange Postecoglou praises Spurs squad ahead of Bodo/Glimt

The Lilywhites are set to take on Bodo/Glimt in their vital Europa League semi-final second leg this evening.

Ange Postecoglou and the squad travel to Norway knowing that, if they avoid a humbling defeat, Tottenham will book their place in the Europa final and present themselves with a golden opportunity to win the club's first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke handed Spurs a crucial win at home in the first leg, and despite a late consolation goal from Ulrik Salnes, the 3-1 victory means Postecoglou's side go into tonight with an important two-goal cushion.

However, Bodo/Glimt's very impressive home record is a cause for concern for Postecoglou. The Aspymyra Stadion, located above the Arctic Circle in freezing-cold temperatures, has become an icy fortress for the Scandinavians, with Kjetil Knutsen's side winning 28 of their last 34 European matches hosted on their artificial turf.

Postecoglou will be wary of this, but the Australian has praised his team's mentality in Europe so far when it comes to these big knockout games.

"I think all the lads have done well and right through the campaign," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's European form.

"Particularly through the knockout stages in the second legs, whatever we've needed to do, they've done it, within the confines of our game plan and being organised, whether that was when we had to beat AZ at home and it could have got nervy and the boys handed that really well.

"We had to go to Frankfurt and win and tough venue and imposing atmosphere, and again I think the lads handled it really well, so it'll be a similar sort of mindset tomorrow."

Tottenham open talks with Mathys Tel over permanent deal

Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel will likely play a role in tonight's clash, and behind-the-scenes, work has begun on making his stay at Spurs permanent.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, Tottenham have opened talks with Tel's camp and are suggesting they want the 20-year-old to remain in north London.

The club have an option to buy him worth around £45 million inserted into his loan deal, but it is believed they aim to whittle down this price tag and re-negotiate more favourable terms with Bayern.

For their part, Vincent Kompany's side are open to selling him for good this summer, though it is unclear what their final demands would be for Tel at this point if they agree to make concessions on the initially agreed £45m fee.

Dubbed "very quick" and "strong" by ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, the tactician also once claimed Tel could become one of the best strikers in world football, all while backing him to eventually score "40 goals a season".

Tel has taken a while to get going in a Spurs jersey, but immediate adaptation to Europe's most competitive league can often be challenging. Despite his slow start, there is reason to believe the exciting starlet could go on to become an excellent player.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their possible pursuit of a new manager, with a reported target of chairman Daniel Levy's now turning down a new contract at his current club.

Postecoglou could leave Tottenham after dismal Premier League season

It has been a domestic season to forget for current head coach Ange Postecoglou, who's managed to equal Spurs' record for most Premier League defeats in a single season with 19.

The unwanted record could yet be broken with three top flight matches still to play this term, with Postecoglou's saving grace coming in the form of their Europa League campaign.

If Tottenham get past Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their semi-final in Norway this evening, the Lilywhites will book a place in the Bilbao final later this month, where they have a golden chance to win their first piece of major silverware since 2008.

However, this still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, with some reports claiming the 59-year-old could leave north London regardless of their success in Europe (The Telegraph).

In the event Levy does hand Postecoglou his P45, a succession of candidates are being tipped as potential candidates to replace the Australian, including Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The Portuguese has impressed at Craven Cottage this season, nearly guiding Fulham to a European place, and they briefly contended for a spot in next season's Champions League draw.

This is despite the gap in quality between his Fulham side and fellow English competitors, not to mention lack of financial firepower, with Whites vice-chairman Tony Khan admitting that he'd absolutely love to keep Silva after his stellar work in west London.

"Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club," he added. "He is such an amazing person, and he is so important to the football club. Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco, and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever. He is a huge part of what we have got going for the future and the present, and he is a great man."

Marco Silva rejects new Fulham contract amid Tottenham interest

However, there are reports that Silva is tempted by a move to Tottenham, with journalist Pete O'Rourke claiming earlier this week that the 47-year-old is open to the prospect of a switch to N17. Now, fellow reporter Graeme Bailey has shared another significant update in a piece for The Boot Room.

It is believed Silva has rejected Fulham's offer of a new contract, amid interest from Tottenham and Saudi side Al-Hilal, which is made all the more worrying given the 47-year-old is about to enter the final year of his current deal.

If Tottenham wish to appoint the former Everton and Hull City boss, this could come as a real boost, and they can bypass any talks with Fulham by triggering Silva's £8 million release clause.

It all comes down to tonight for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou's side might be coming towards their worst domestic campaign in a generation and sit 16th in the Premier League, but much of that will be forgotten if they can get to the Europa League final.

However, for that to happen, the North Londoners need to make the most of their 3-1 lead from the first leg and progress against FK Bodo/Glimt tonight.

That said, it won't be an easy task, and following another dire display over the weekend, Ange must make several changes to the startling lineup, like dropping Wilson Odobert and one of their future superstars.

Why Postecoglou must drop Odobert

Now, there may be some of you scratching your heads and wondering why the manager would want to drop arguably one of the few players who looked good on Sunday and a man whose goal ensured that the loss column didn't tick over to 20.

Well, the simple answer, which is partly down to his injury problems, is that he's yet to prove he can be a reliable source of goals.

For example, the strike against the Hammers was just his third for the club in 18 appearances across all competitions, and the other two came in a single game, at home to AZ Alkmaar.

Therefore, in a game that could come down to incredibly fine margins, the manager should have his most prolific player starting in his preferred position: Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh international might still divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, but his numbers speak for themselves when it comes to a game like this.

For example, in 47 appearances this term, the former "frightening" winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has scored 17 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a pretty impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

Finally, it was Johnson who opened the scoring in the first leg, so he's more than earned his place back in the side, as has another star from the home leg, which means dropping a future superstar.

The future Spurs star Ange must drop

While a few players should probably be dropped based on Sunday's game, the starter in question was middling at best against the Hammers and took the place of one of the stars of last Thursday: Archie Gray.

Now, it has to be said that the Englishman is simply not a right-back, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson going as far as calling him a "future £100m cm," so an underwhelming performance at full-back is nothing to be alarmed about for the long term.

However, with journalist Alasdair Gold awarding him just a 6/10 match rating and writing that he 'didn't do much wrong while not particularly shining either,' he also shouldn't keep his place in the team.

We say this because Postecoglou can't afford to have players coasting in a game as crucial as tonight, especially not when he can replace them with others who can make a big difference, like Pedro Porro.

The Spanish right-back was arguably one of the best players in the first leg, with his lung-busting runs and exceptional passes making life impossible for the Norwegian champions.

In fact, it was his pinpoint, accurate cross that led to James Maddison scoring the North Londoners' second on the night.

Moreover, while the former Sporting CP ace has been criticised for some questionable defending in the past, he was solid when it really mattered that night and entirely deserving of the 9/10 match rating he received from Gold at full-time.

Ultimately, in a game like tonight, when there might not be too many chances for his side to score, Postecoglou has to start Porro and Johnson, as the former has the ability to craft chances, and the latter can finish them.

After a middling season in which they ended up finishing fifth in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur decided to splash the cash on a new centre-forward.

Daniel Levy and Co went out and spent a club-record £65m on then-Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke, who had just racked up a haul of 25 goal involvements in all competition.

Now, while the Englishman has not been poor this year, his eight goals in 25 league games is a far cry from the often inhuman exploits of Harry Kane that fans were so used to seeing in campaigns prior.

So, with that in mind, it's not surprising that we have seen reports in the last couple of months linking the North Londoners to another striker ahead of this summer, including one who's won comparisons to the club's all-time top scorer.

Spurs' striker search

Before getting to the free-scoring dynamo in question, it's worth looking at some of the other marksmen linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Liam Delap and Daizen Maeda.

The former reportedly has a £30m release clause in his current deal, and considering he's scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 34 Premier League games for a terrible Ipswich Town side, he could prove to be a very savvy signing.

Likewise, while the latter is playing north of the border, he's been nothing short of spectacular this season, racking up a simply unreal tally of 45 goal involvements in 48 games, and once again, with a relatively modest price tag of £25m, he may be too good a deal to miss out on.

However, Daniel Levy and Co might be after more of a sure bet to lead the line next year, which would explain some of the links we have seen to Jonathan David in recent weeks.

If the North Londoners do act on this supposed interest, then the good news is that the Canadian international wouldn't cost them a penny in transfer fees, as his contract with LOSC Lille is set to expire at the end of the season.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get done, but David is certainly someone Spurs should be doing all they can to sign, especially as he's won comparisons to Kane.

How David compares to Kane

Before getting into some of the other reasons why David could be looked at as a young Kane, it's worth examining where this comparison has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the seventh most similar forward to the Lille gem.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot and shot on target key and live passes, carries and more, all per 90.

Furthermore, while we wouldn't want to suggest that the Canadian international is as good as the Lilywhites legend - very few players in world football are - he has shown a level of consistency up top that mirrors the 31-year-old's.

For example, since the start of 21/22, the New York-born monster, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed "one of the best strikers in the world," has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 182 club appearances.

What makes that continued level of output that much more impressive is that it's come in a traditional top-five league, whereas some of the other aforementioned strikers linked with a move to Tottenham have thrived in comparatively weaker leagues.

Finally, as the England captain did in N17, the "mind-blowing" goalscorer, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has shown a surprising level of loyalty to Les Dogues, as, thanks to his consistently brilliant numbers season on season, he probably could have left earlier than this year but did not.

Ultimately, everything from his underlying numbers and raw output to his commitment to the cause reminds us of a younger Kane, and should Spurs want to supercharge their attack next season, they'll do what they can to sign David in the summer.