ONE THING THAT was abundantly clear from Tottenham’s opening day defeat to Newcastle, is the need for Andre Villas-Boas to strengthen his striking department.
Jermain Defoe was the only recognised centre forward in their line-up and, with the transfer window set to close on Friday week, Spurs have began to address their lack of forward options.
Having sealed a move to bring last season’s loanee Emmanuel Adebayor back on a permanent basis yesterday, they have now set their sights on two Brazilian hotshots.
24-year-old Willian has been linked with Chelsea in recent months but could be in line to joining their London rivals for around €25 million. And compatriot Leandro Damiao, who won a silver medal at the London Olympics, may also be arriving from Internacional, if the Daily Mail are to be believed.
A couple of players on their way out of White Hart Lane are Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson. Midfielder Huddlesone, who has had two ankle operations in the past year, is deemed surplus to requirements and has undergone a medical at Stoke City ahead of a loan move today.
Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson, meanwhile, will soon be a QPR player if all goes to plan as the Rs have had a €9.5m accepted, ESPN report.
GOING?
Fresh from offloading Alex Song to Barcelona, Arsenal are close to bringing in Turkish playmaker Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan from La Liga rivals Real Madrid. Liverpool were also looking to take the former Borussia Dortmund schemer on a short-term deal but he will complete a switch to the Gunners, say Goal.com.
Martin O’Neill is keen to capture several signatures before deadline day and, as well as Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, Sunderland want to add Wolves striker Stephen Flecther, Irish and Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady and Fulham’s wantaway Clint Dempsey to their ranks.
GOING?
CF Pachuca are claiming that Alex Ferguson is eager to increase the Mexican contingent at the club by 100% with the addition of midfielder Hector Herrera. The 22-year-old midfielder, nicknamed Zorro, was impressive at the London Games as the Central Americans won gold.
There is an official interest,” said Pachuca sporting director Andres Fassi. “We want him to continue in Pachuca. We know he’s going to emigrate to England, though.”
Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho could also be on his way back to London as QPR have agreed a deal in principle with Real Madrid to take the 34-year-old on loan.
GONE!
