Tottenham are shopping for Harry Kane cover this month as the attempt to fill the chasm left by their star striker’s hamstring injury.
Spurs confirmed that Kane, who sustained the injury on New Year’s Day, is not expected to return to training before April.
With Fernando Llorente no longer at the club, and teenager Troy Parrott deemed too green to fill the void, Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura – and at a push, Dele Alli – are the only striking options available to Jose Mourinho, and all three come at a cost, tactically.
Step forward, Krzysztof Piatek.
Here’s what Standard Sport knows so far about the potential deal for the Poland international…
How much would he cost?
Having spent upwards of £30million on the striker 12 months ago, Milan are keen to recoup as much as possible. The two clubs are in talks and a deal looks likely at this stage.
Who else wants Piatek?
Piatek only joined AC Milan from Genoa last January, but the arrival of veteran striker Zlatan Ibahimovic has led to much speculation surrounding his future.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham.
But having made the step up to Milan, you would expect that player would be keen to remain at a club in the higher echelons of European football.
Piatek’s Stats
13 goals in 18 Serie A appearances for Genoa at the start of the 2018-19 season proved the catalyst for Milan’s interest, and Piatek started promisingly following his move.
He scored 11 times in the second half of the season for his new side, which started with a run of seven goals in his first six matches.
However this season, Piatek has only scored four goals in 18 appearances for Milan.
His international record is impressive, with a one-in-two goals to game ratio: Five strikes in ten matches.
What does the deal say about Tottenham's transfer plans?
The severity of Kane’s injury has no doubt forced Tottenham to act, but unlike former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Mourinho was never totally happy relying on natural wing-forwards to cover a central striking role.
While a shortage in attack has fast-tracked their search for a striker, Spurs will only sign players with a long-term future at the club in oppose to short-term stop gaps, as they look to whittle down an already bloated squad.
The potential arrival of Piatek is in keeping with this policy.
In terms of outgoings, Spurs still hope to recuperate around £20m for Christian Eriksen this month, with the Dane out of contract in the summer. A deal with Inter Milan looks most likely at this stage.
Victor Wanyama can also leave, while Standard Sport understands that Juan Foyth will be made available for loan.
What about Mourinho's other striking options?
Like Pochettino before him, Mourinho has the option to play one of Son or Lucas through the middle.
Both have impressed at times in the role – most notably in Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final last season.
17-year-old Parrott is also an option, but Mourinho appears reluctant to place the burden of covering Kane on the young striker’s shoulders
