Why Tottenham Hotspur Should Make Jackson Martinez Move in Transfer Window

Tottenham Hotspur have shown significant improvement in recent weeks. A fine victory against Everton was followed up with a credible performance against Chelsea. 

Their midfield in particular is flourishing, as manager Mauricio Pochettino's instructions begin to really take hold. The defence was impressive against Everton, too, but the attack remains unpolished, at best. 

According to a report from Fichajes.net (h/t Metro), Spurs are keen to solve their striking problems by acquiring Porto and Colombia striker Jackson Martinez. The Metro story suggests Spurs will sweeten the deal by sending Roberto Soldado in the other direction.

These part-exchange transfers are rare, but it is fair to assume Spurs' interest in Martinez is genuine.

He joined Porto 12 months after the sale of Radamel Falcao and filled the boots of his countryman ably. Since arriving in 2012, he has scored 74 goals in 109 appearances.

He was particularly effective in his first season, but last year when suffering a drop in form, confidence and popularity, he still managed 29 goals in all competitions. 

Bleacher Report's lead football writer Sam Tighe observed Martinez's performance in Colombia's 4-1 win over Japan during the 2014 World Cup.

"

Don't know what to make of Jackson Martinez there. Awkward, out of position, poor passing...yet 2 goals. #COL #JPN

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) June 24, 2014"

That accurately sums up Martinez's enigmatic style. He often goes unnoticed for long spells but leaves a decisive touch on most of his matches. 

His first goal (of two) against Japan demonstrates some of his most valuable traits. He is a tireless runner who is constantly looking for holes in a defence he can exploit. Lacking "killer" speed, his anticipation and razor-sharp timing allow him to constantly find space behind opposition defences. 

He plays wide on the left for Colombia but through the centre for Porto and would lack the skill set to play any other role in the Premier League. He does like to drift out to the left, though. 

The above goal, scored when playing for Mexican club Chiapas, demonstrates the quality of his finishing and the danger he poses even when positioned out wide. The combination of shot power and accuracy make him a real threat whenever he has the ball at his feet. 

The majority of Martinez's goals for Porto have come from a short-distance, intelligent run into space. He takes one or two touches before taking his shot. 

Unlike Roberto Soldado or Emmanuel Adebayor, Martinez is reticent to drop off and assist in the buildup. 

His style does not yet suit Spurs, who are a team in transition, but they are growing into the kind of side that could really exploit his talents. He is capable in the air, but his movement and anticipation set him apart.

With Mauricio Pochettino's preference for inverted wingers, a high tempo and aggressive pressing without the ball, an intelligent striker who knows where to be would be perfect. 

Capable of the truly sublime, Martinez is devastating from close range and dangerous from distance.

For those reasons, it will be difficult for Spurs to pry him away from Portugal.  

During the summer transfer window, Porto's president weighed in on speculation Martinez could be sold.

"

FC Porto president on Jackson Martinez links to AC Milan: "Jackson is incredible, we will not be selling the striker."

— Transfer Central TNC (@TransferNewsCen) August 22, 2014"

New rumours this week linking Martinez with a move sparked a rapid response from his agent Henrique Pompeu. The Express quoted him saying "there is plenty of talk, but he has an agreement with Porto and will respect it." He concluded by simply saying "he won't leave in January."

Despite the protestations of his agent and chairman, Jackson Martinez can be bought. Porto are a club that are willing to do business and even their greatest assets are for sale. 

Since the summer of 2011, Radamel Falcao (€40M), James Rodriguez (€45M), Joao Moutinho (€25M) Eliaquim Mangala (€30M) and Fernando (€12M) have all been sold. Their transfer fees were substantial, but they all moved. 

Spurs know the difficulty of negotiating with Portuguese clubs. In 2012, their attempts to sign Moutinho broke down over third-party ownership, which is prohibited in the Premier League. 

To make things more difficult, chairman Pinto da Costa is a highly respected veteran of European football and will only do business on his terms.  

During the 2014 summer transfer window, Da Costa and Martinez came to an agreement on an improved contract which does not include a release clause for the first 12 months, per Goal. That means Porto will be under no obligation to sell, regardless of the terms Spurs offer. 

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Despite the obvious difficulties of this transfer, Martinez has the quality to make a real difference at Spurs. His single-minded attitude to goalscoring is exactly what Spurs need. If they can convince Porto to take Soldado in exchange for a reduced fee, so much the better. 

If they can't convince Porto to sell in January, Spurs should come again in the summer. By that point, Martinez will still be only 28 and his buyout clause will come into effect. Porto are currently third in Portugal's Primeira Liga, and if they fall short of the Champions League places, they may become a more motivated seller. 

Jackson Martinez is a rare commodity in that he is an excellent goalscorer who doesn't play for one of Europe's truly elite clubs.

Porto are Portuguese giants and twice European champions, but they are constrained by the financial limitations of Portugal's league. Spurs can and should exploit this if they can because the Colombian striker is worth it.