Spurs agree deal for surprise Kane replacement; move hinges on one factor

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on signing their Harry Kane replacement, according to reports in Portugal.

With the England striker ruled out until towards the end of the season, Spurs are in desperate need of signing a reliable centre-forward to provide cover.

They had been interested in struggling AC Milan hotshot Krzysztof Piatek, but the deal hit complications as they were only prepared to make a loan offer, whereas the Serie A side wanted a permanent sale.

There were even suggestions that they could turn to Fernando Llorente, just half a year after letting him leave as a free agent.

With the striker finding little room under Gennaro Gattuso at Napoli, it was claimed he could return to Spurs on loan.

However, Record say that Spurs’ solution is another name altogether, with a deal for Ze Luis in its final stages.

Tottenham will take the Cape Verde international striker on loan from Porto until the end of the season – but only if he is granted a work permit.

Ze Luis, aged 28, has scored a commendale eight goals from 19 appearances in all competitions this season.

Record relay that there should be few complications in Ze Luis securing his work permit, and with Jorge Mendes brokering the deal, it is expected to go through this month.

Tottenham may have an option to buy Ze Luis on a permanent basis at the end of the season, but the price is yet to be specified.

 

Ze Luis would become their second signing of the winter window, after the arrival of Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan was confirmed earlier on Wednesday.

Fernandes told Spurs’ official website: “I’m very happy to be here today – I make my dream a reality.

“For me, it’s one big dream to come to this big club.

“I will try to give my best for the club every day, in every training session and in every game and I will try to help the team wherever I can, working hard every day for this shirt.

“I have no words to say about the stadium. I’ve never seen anything like this – it’s unbelievable!

“The training ground is fantastic too, the people that I’ve met today are fantastic. I know the squad because I’ve watched some games, I have some references like Moussa Sissoko, I know a little bit about Eric Dier because he played in Portugal and I know the coach [Jose Mourinho] because he’s a big coach.

“I know about the staff [Assistant Head Coach Joao Sacramento and Goalkeeper Coach Nuno Santos] a little bit as well because one of my friends last year played at [their former club] Lille, so he spoke with me a little bit about the staff.

“This is a fantastic challenge that I have accepted and I have to win my challenge. I want to make good things – let’s see!”