Tottenham Hotspur: AVB Ought to Target Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic

If Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas has an eye on attacking players—and this report from Ben Jefferson at the Daily Express suggests he does—Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic is a player he really ought to consider.

The 21-year-old Serbian international is both a playmaker and goal-scoring threat, notching 11 goals and eight assists in 21 Serie A starts from both center forward and out wide.

For many Fiorentina fans, Ljajic's play even outshined that of highly-rated new Manchester City signing Stevan Jovetic. In fact, Ljajic and Jovetic are put head to head by WhoScored? editor in chief Martin Laurence in this lengthy report, with some surprising results:

Ljajic bested Jovetic in a variety of statistics, including shot conversion rate along with lower minutes per goal, assist, shot, key pass and successful dribble. 

Laurence goes into greater detail in his report, but suffice it to say Ljajic is a bona fide talent and is playing at a level equal to others considered to be Premier League quality.

Ljajic is also embroiled in lengthy contract negotiations that look set to fall apart at any moment. Reports continue to suggest that he is looking for an exit from Fiorentina, such as this from ESPN. This comes amidst reports of formal bids from rivals AC Milan, a team Fiorentina wish to avoid strengthening. 

This suggests that Spurs may not have to pay a premium to secure the player's services. In all reality, Tottenham have the opportunity to swoop in and quickly deal for the want-away Serbian. 

Tottenham are already on the heels of one such bargain signing—the £8 million purchase of Toulouse defensive midfielder Etienne Capoue—why not make it two? Milan seem to be able to spare no more than €8 million—offering €10 million or more for skilled cover at two attacking positions seems well worth it. 

Tottenham will likely have their eyes on attacking wide players for the rest of the transfer window. Who would you bring to White Hart Lane? Have your say in the comments!