TOTTENHAM have been linked with the Special One’s Special One – Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke.
Boss Jose Mourinho previously was quoted as saying of the ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker: “In Benteke they have a special player with special qualities. They play from him. They use this and they play on the counter-attack.”
Crystal Palace have reportedly offered Spurs Christian BentekeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Spurs have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Benteke, 29, from Palace in the January transfer window.
Tottenham are on the hunt for a new striker this month due to the injury to Harry Kane.
He is out until April after a hamstring op.
Mourinho has said he would rather use centre-half Davinson Sanchez as a No 9.
He says Son Heung-min or his other strikers cannot play the Kane role.
Benteke is yet to score for Palace this term and although Palace boss Roy Hodgson rates the Belgian, he reportedly would flog him if a big offer came in.
The style and tactics Mourinho has always operated with rely on a big man up front.
With Toby Alderweireld’s long balls forward, Mourinho knows the likes of Son or Lucas Moura are unable to hold the ball up.
He said at his presser prior to today’s game with Liverpool: “Danny Rose can play right wing, but he’s a left back. It’s as simple as that.
“Davinson Sanchez can play striker tomorrow but he’s a central defender. A striker, what I call a number nine, a target man, Son is not.”
Spurs have also been strongly linked with a £28m deal for AC Milan’s 6ft tall Poland striker Krsyzstof Piatek.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk