EPL Tottenham: Mirko Vucinic the Answer to Spurs' Goal-Scoring Woes

A.S. Roma’s Mirko Vucinic is Tottenham's solution to their goal-scoring problems, and a deal appears likely. With reports emerging from both Italy and England, discussions are underway between the two clubs regarding the striker.

Tottenham’s interest in the Montenegrin international will be of great relief to supporters who have been frustrated by the current crop of strikers at the club—only Roman Pavlyuchenko hit double figures in the Premier League last season for Harry Redknapp’s side.

Scoring 48 goals in 148 appearances for Roma in Serie A, Vucinic wouldn’t appear to be the prolific goal scorer Spurs have been crying out for. But for most of his Roma career, especially under Luciano Spalletti, Vucinic has been employed as a left-sided forward—not his most effective role.

By trade, the 27-year-old is a centre forward in the Dimitar Berbatov mould. And since losing the Bulgarian, Tottenham have never fully replaced Berbatov; yet a move for Vucinic could give Tottenham fans that bit of magic they have been missing up front.

The former Lecce man is a well-rounded striker; in particular his strength and intelligence would make him well suited to the Premier League. He would also fit perfectly in the 4-5-1 system, where Vucinic would play as the lone forward off of Rafael Van der Vaart, making both a creative yet productive combination.

Very much a confidence player, though, there are doubts about Vucinic’s attitude. Much like Berbatov, the Roma striker’s body language can send out the wrong signals. He is very much a player who relies on a positive start in games. If he begin the game well, it means that he’ll play well; but begin the game badly, and he won’t bother.

It is clear, however, that the player’s strengths are exactly what Tottenham have been searching for, and Roma director Walter Sabatini has admitted that the striker has had a transfer request turned down.

“Vucinic requested a transfer, but the club’s intentions were to keep hold of him," said Sabatini.

Despite this rejection, it appears Roma are closing in on a deal for Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic. But some viewing this as the replacement for the unsettled Montenegrin.

There has never been a better opportunity for Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy to show Luka Modric the club’s ambition by purchasing a player of Vucinic’s calibre. They will, however, have to beat off interest from Juventus and Inter Milan for the striker’s services.

The inquiry from the two Italian clubs may not, though, be as strong as Tottenham’s. Juventus look more interested in signing Sergio Aguero and Giuseppe Rossi, while Inter Milan are currently overloaded with strikers.

For Vucinic, Tottenham may be the best option. And for Tottenham, Vucinic is the best option available to them.

Their efforts to sign Rossi are in vain with a move to a Champions League club more likely for the Italian. Meanwhile, Chelsea are unlikely to discuss a deal for Didier Drogba if Levy’s stance over Modric persists; and Manchester City will refuse to sell Emmanuel Adebayor to a rival.

Vucinic, on the other hand, is available at the right price, with suggestions that an offer of €18 million would be enough to pry the player away from the Stadio Olimpico. But with Levy’s famous hard nosed approach in the transfer market, Roma may become frustrated with his negotiation tactics.

Redknapp will not find many better than Mirko Vucinic on the current market. If Tottenham can pull off a deal for the forward, then not only will the strike force be upgraded significantly, but the club’s chances of regaining a top-four place will be boosted significantly as well.