Friday, January 24, 2025

Villas-Boas recognises striker shortage

SoccerNews in English Premier League 25 Jul 2012

76 Views

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has reiterated his desire to add a new striker to his new club’s ranks.

Manchester City’ Emmanuel Adebayor and Roma’s Marco Borriello are in Villas-Boas’s sights, according to reports.

Adebayor spent last season on loan at White Hart Lane, notching 17 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, and has spoken publicly of his desire to make the move permanent. The Togo international’s wage demands have caused the move to stall, however.

Following Adebayor’s return to the Etihad Stadium and Roman Pavlychenko’s transfer to Lokomotiv Moscow in January, Jermain Defoe is currently the club’s only recognised striker.

Speaking after Spurs’ 1-1 pre-season draw with LA Galaxy, Villas-Boas told reporters: “We are always looking for one more striker since it’s a position that we’re looking to strengthen.

“I think taking three strikers into a Premiership season is more than enough. Sometimes it’s not, but hopefully it is. We’re trying to bring somebody else in.”

One player who seems destined for the Tottenham exit door is midfielder Steven Pienaar, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park, with Everton now expecting to recapture the South African on a permanent basis.

And the 34-year-old Villas-Boas has confirmed that negotiations are underway with their Premier League rivals.

“There’s ongoing talks with Everton, but we are waiting and see,” he said. “He’s a player also that played very very well for Everton, played so well that Everton are willing to come in for him.

“But at the moment is as it stands Steven is a Tottenham player still. He’s not involved with us in the USA. We’ll reassess when we get back to England.”

A David Lopes equaliser cancelled out Gareth Bale’s opener in the draw with Galaxy, but more significantly, Rafael van der Vaart and Kyle Walker had to withdraw through injuries during the game.

Villas-Boas moved to allay fears of long-term injury to the pair and is confident that both will return to action within a matter of days.

“I think we are looking for three or four days for both, hopefully,” he said.

“Reassessment is always important and I wouldn’t like to extend myself without the full knowledge of both injuries.

“Van der Vaart felt during the week tight in his abductor and Kyle twisted slightly his ankle. Both three or four (days) they should be back.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top