Calling True or False on 3 Recent Tottenham Transfer Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur have begun this Premier League season with a historically unprecedented run of form. 

Unbeaten since an unfortunate defeat on the opening day against Manchester United, Spurs are looking up the table at seemingly vulnerable sides, while some fans have even begun to whisper about a potential title push. 

Mauricio Pochettino has rejected talk of his team challenging for the league championship as being premature, per Sky Sports. 

He has, though, praised his club as being one of the premier destinations for footballers looking to move. 

According to the Mirror, Pochettino has labelled Tottenham "one of the most attractive clubs in the world for all players."

With that sentiment in mind, Spurs' approach in the looming January transfer window will be intriguing.

There are few glaring weaknesses in Pochettino's team, but back-up for star striker Harry Kane must be a priority. 

Reddit user "_Sagacious_" attended the club's recent members forum where, among other things, Tottenham's lack of options was addressed. 

Pochettino is apparently unmoved by the perception that Spurs need reinforcements up front, telling the assembled members that "[Heung-Min] Son is more than just a fill-in in that position."

During the summer transfer window, Pochettino likened his club's pursuit of West Brom striker Saido Berahino to an attempt to "find the perfect woman," per the Mirror.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

He rejected the opportunity to sign QPR striker Charlie Austin in the summer because he did not fit the style, according to the Guardian.

With this context, it is abundantly clear that most players linked to Spurs in the gossip columns can be ignored. 

Three strikers linked to the club do fit the parameters and are worth closer consideration; Newcastle's Ayoze Perez, rising Basel star Breel Embolo and, of course, Berahino. 

Ayoze Perez

Perez was picked up from Spanish second division side Tenerife after a promising but not overly prolific spell. He has matured in his time in England into an effective forward. 

He scored the winning goal at White Hart Lane in 2014 and has continued to be a relatively bright light among a dismal group of players. 

The Shields Gazette, a paper based just 26 miles from St. James' Park, has reported that Spurs are among a number of top-half clubs in pursuit of the Spaniard. 

They also say that Perez is happy on Tyneside, but regardless of his satisfaction with his current employers, he could be acquired in January. 

He is young, quick and tactically flexible with a decent scoring record. He fits the mould of a Pochettino striker and is a viable target with Newcastle struggling. 

Perez's major weakness is his lack of physical strength. His inability to hold off opposition defenders and bring team-mates into play makes him a poor substitute for Kane. 

He would improve the squad, but Spurs would still suffer greatly if their main striker was injured or suspended. 

Perez: True

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Breel Embolo 

Cameroon-born Swiss striker Embolo is another player high on Tottenham's list, according to Romeo Agresti of Goal.com. 

The article claims that regular contact has been made between Spurs and Embolo's club since the summer, which suggests that Basel are open to the sale. 

Embolo's physical attributes have made him a star in Switzerland, where he has scored a respectable 15 goals in 43 appearances. 

Still just 18, his technique has time to develop further and White Hart Lane could be the place to do it. 

Basel are reportedly demanding an immense transfer fee, possibly in excess of £21 million, per Calciomercato.com (h/t Will Giles of the Metro). 

Juventus are also interested in the signing of Embolo, per Agresti. They could not realistically offer him the same first-team opportunities as Tottenham, but the Serie A giants do have Champions League football and a knack of winning trophies to offer instead. 

Like Perez, Embolo is an attractive transfer target for Tottenham but the enormous cost and his lack of experience in England make him an inferior alternative. 

In Clinton Njie, Spurs already have a raw forward with an abundance of athletic gifts. They don't need another. 

Embolo: False

Saido Berahino

Tottenham's prime target this January will be the same man that escaped them in the summer window. 

Berahino was the subject of a protracted transfer battle between his current club and Spurs but failed to force a move and remained, frustrated, in the Midlands. 

Now Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign the disgruntled England man and are prepared to offer £20 million, per John Percy of the Telegraph. 

Berahino has scored just three goals this season, but two of those have been winners in a less-than-vintage campaign for the Baggies. 

Despite his issues with the club, Berahino remains a vital player. He was brilliant last season and retains the talent that brought him to Spurs' attention. 

His apparent inability to move beyond the frustration of his failed summer machinations should be something of a concern, but there is no doubting his ability. 

West Brom were set against selling their star to Tottenham, and little has likely changed in the intervening months. 

Paul Hethrington of the Daily Star reports that Spurs have an advantage over their London rivals in the race to sign Berahino—in the form of Andros Townsend. 

Townsend has struggled for game time this season and his frustration manifested itself in a reported clash with Spurs' fitness coach.

With Townsend ready to leave and West Brom desperate for a pacy, powerful wide man, it seems a natural fit. Both clubs would rid themselves of players whose futures would be benefited by a move. 

Spurs would still be required to pay a significant fee but Pochettino is set on Berahino above all others.

Berahino: True

Tottenham are in an excellent position after 14 games, but the bulk of the season remains ahead of them. 

Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Harry Kane and Toby Alderweireld have each played just 13 games so far, but that is more than any of their team-mates. Their squad has yet to be realistically tested. 

The January transfer window is an opportunity to make a wise investment in the club's future. 

Spurs remain the fifth-favoured team to qualify for the Champions League with bookmakers, according to Oddschecker. The acquisition of the right striker could be the advantage to drive Spurs back into the top four.