Tottenham Hotspur: 5 Non UK-Based Strikers They Should Sign in January

In the second of a two-part feature, we look at five strikers outside the Premier League that may interest Andre Villas-Boas in January.

Goals have been in worryingly short supply for Spurs of late, and with a trip to Manchester City this weekend, the situation doesn’t look like improving.

Only the current bottom three have scored fewer this season, and with money in plentiful supply, Daniel Levy is more than likely to dip into the transfer kitty.

Here are five more strikers that should be on the radar. 

5. Alexandre Pato

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The former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato is now with Corinthians, but could move if a bid of around £10 million is tabled, according to Colin Mafham of the Express.

That kind of price is well within Spurs' budget.

Pato's move from Italy to Brazil has been somewhat of a disappointment so far, but there’s no doubting the quality of the player.

At just 24, the Brazil international could be the bargain of the window, especially if he can recreate his form for Milan where he scored 51 goals in 117 games.

Comfortable on his own or in a front two, he would offer Villas-Boas excellent squad depth going into a very busy New Year. 

4. Stephan El Shaarawy

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Stephan El Shaarawy seems the most likely player on this list to move in January after falling down the pecking order at AC Milan.

Although not an out-and-out striker, El Shaarawy can be effective on the right or left-hand side of a front three, should Villas-Boas go for a formation change.

With Erik Lamela on the other flank, the direct support may be the perfect recipe for Roberto Soldado to flourish.

At just 21, the Italian international has plenty of room for improvement and could be a potentially explosive signing.

3. Paul-Georges Ntep

Although Arsenal seem to be in prime position to secure Paul-Georges Ntep in January, according to Ben Jefferson of the Express, Spurs may be the ones to outbid their bitter rivals.

The Auxerre striker has incredible pace and skill that has not gone unnoticed despite his less-than-prolific goal ratio.

At just 21, Ntep’s potential is clear for all to see.

It’s only a matter of time before he starts to find the net on a regular basis, but do Spurs have the patience to wait for a player that could be very special?

It’s the risk factor—buy him now and take a gamble or pass and potentially see his goals and value escalate at an alarming rate.

Perhaps a calculated flutter may be the order of the day. 

2. Ezequiel Lavezzi

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PSG’s out-of-favour striker Ezequiel Lavezzi could be coming to England in January, with Spurs one of the clubs taking a strong interest, according to Charles Perrin of the Express.

The Argentine international will be keen for regular playing time with the World Cup fast approaching, and a lucrative move to North London may prove too tempting to resist.

Lavezzi, like El Shaarawy, is more of a supplemental striker who would be effective in a front three should Villas-Boas want to take that route moving forward.

With Edinson Cavani firmly first choice, Lavezzi may be available for as little as £15 million, which is almost half the fee PSG paid to Napoli just two years ago. 

1. Jackson Martinez

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If Spurs can pull off the capture of Jackson Martinez, they will become instant title contenders.

The Porto striker has pace and power, is an aerial threat and most importantly scores goals.

Porto paid just £7 million for his services after Martinez initially flourished for Mexican side Chiapas.

No one could have imagined the impact he had during his first season in Portugal.

A total of 40 goals in just 46 games to date have made the 27-year-old one of the most coveted players in the game today.

Spurs will of course have to pay big money should they want to land Martinez, with other clubs looking to make bids around the £30 million mark, according to David Woods of the Daily Star.

However, with plenty of Gareth Bale money still available for the right man, Levy could shock the world again.