5 Strikers to Fire Tottenham Hotspur Back into the Champions League

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After agonizingly missing out on Champions League football last term due to Chelsea’s heroics in Munich, Tottenham have a point to prove in 2012-13. Andre Villas-Boas has been installed as the club’s new manager, and with a busy transfer window expected, one of the areas that needs strengthening is the side’s attack.

Talks with Manchester City over Emmanuel Adebayor coming to White Hart Lane on a permanent basis are ongoing, but whether the Togolese forward joins or not, another striker may well be needed, as Jermain Defoe is currently the only recognised marksman at the club.

Here are five that Spurs should be considering.

Loic Remy

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The Marseille man has grown in stature at the Stade Velodrome over the last two seasons, and he unluckily missed out on Euro 2012 due to injury, where France could have used his considerable talents. Remy was a ray of light in a poor season for Les Phoceens last term, scoring important goals in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League.

With international and European experience, along with his pace, power, strength and an eye for the goal, Remy would be an ideal signing for Villas-Boas’ men.

With Marseille not in Europe next term and Spurs linked with the attacker in the past, now is the time to bring him to White Hart Lane.

Fernando Llorente

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The Basque target man has been the spearhead of a dangerous Athletic Bilbao side that has grown in prominence in recent seasons. The burly forward has been scouted by a number of leading European clubs, and he may well be open to a move after having to sit out Spain’s triumph at Euro 2012.

With a physical presence, aerial threat and proven goal-scoring record, Llorente is a top-drawer striker that would add another dimension to Spurs’ attack. However, the only stumbling block to a potential deal would be convincing his San Mames employers to part with their prized asset.

Alessandro Matri

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Matri has proven his goal-scoring ability in Serie A, and he has also been involved in the Italian national setup. But after an impressive start to his time at Juventus, he has fallen in Antonio Conte’s preferences.

With the Turin giants in the market for a top-drawer forward to lead their line next term, opportunities for the ex-Cagliari man may well be limited.

The sprightly hitman’s predatory nature would be a hit in North London, and Matri is being linked with a move to other Serie A clubs currently; Tottenham should intervene and bring him to England.

Salomon Rondon

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One of big-spending Malaga’s stars that led the Andalusian side to Champions League qualification last season, Rondon has seen his stock rise in the last 12 months. The Venezuelan attacker has the versatility to hurt defences, which, coupled with his speed and aggression, would be well-suited to the Premier League.

With Malaga’s finances uncertain and the player proving he is ready for a step up, a number of English teams are thought to be monitoring the South American’s situation.

Rondon would certainly add pace and power to Spurs’ already dynamic attacking style.

Jordan Rhodes

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Although Villas-Boas will most likely be eager to look toward the continent to bring in a big-name and proven forward, the Scotland international would be an exciting and cost-effective alternative.

The Portuguese manager has a track record of helping young players grow, and Rhodes is one of the brightest prospects in the United Kingdom at the moment.

Despite a lack of top-level experience, Rhodes’ goal-scoring record in the lower divisions cannot be overlooked, and the Huddersfield man could be an excellent option if signed alongside another more-seasoned forward.