Article by Chris Duncan @coach_chris83
Below is a list of three players I believe fit the profile of what Mauricio Pochettino looks for in a striker. I also believe that each of the three listed are realistic targets, who would not look out of place in our famous lilywhite shirt.
Charlie Austin - Southampton
I know there will be those of you out there who will be very surprised that Charlie Austin is on the list. It's true that I am a fan of his, having followed his career since his time at Swindon Town, but the fact is, Charlie Austin is a goalscorer.
During his previous spell in the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers - season 2014/15 - Austin scored an impressive eighteen league goals for the West London side, who ended the campaign in the relegation places. I also have to admit that I was surprised we didn't go in for him in January of this year, when Austin moved to Southampton for £4,000,000.
Since moving to Southampton the goals have somewhat dried up for Austin, though this would not deter me from wanting to bring him to Tottenham. At this stage of his career - Austin is 27 - I could image a move to White Hart Lane appealing to the Englishman, and I think he would be more than happy to be a squad player at such a big club. Pochettino is not afraid of giving players a chance, so if Austin were to come to Spurs, he would be given the chance to showcase his talents.
Callum Wilson - AFC Bournemouth
Callum Wilson is another ex Championship player that I rate highly. Wilson started his first season in the Premier League exceptionally well, scoring a hat-trick against West Ham United before injury - Wilson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Stoke City - ruled him out for the majority of that campaign.
Wilson, who has pace to burn and is strong on the ball, would be a valuable asset to our squad, primarily as an impact player from the bench. Although younger than Austin - Wilson is 24 - a move to Tottenham would be a big step up for him, though Wilson strikes me as a hard worker, who would relish the challenge.
Of the three players listed, Wilson is the least likely to move to Spurs any time soon, having only signed a new four-year contract with Bournemouth in July. However, we all know that anything can happen in football.
André-Pierre Gignac - Tigres UANL
Some may also be surprised to see France international André-Pierre Gignac on this list, but the man has bags of quality, as he displayed during Euro 2016. Gignac first came to my attention during the 2009-10 season, while playing - and scoring plenty of goals - for Toulouse in Ligue 1. Gignac's move to Marseille in August 2010 did not come as a surprise to me, but his move to Mexican side Tigres in June 2015 did, particularly as he was being linked a whole host of European clubs at the time.
Following his move to Mexico, I continued to keep an interest in Gignac's career. At the time of writing he has scored thirty-two goals in thirty-seven appearances for Tigres. However, it was his Performances for France in the summer that proved to me André-Pierre could still play club football at a high level. From a Tottenham perspective, Gignac seemed to have no problem adjusting to the pace of game after coming off the bench. I also think that Gignac could be signed for a reasonable price, which would certainly suit is.
Let us know what you think. Where should Spurs strengthen? Comment below!
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Gignac? You shouldnt be allowed near a computer again if your going to suggest him!
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