Frank's next Toney: Paratici leading Spurs move for "one of the best STs"

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with the likes of Harry Kane providing the goods within the final third – but the current first-team are massively lacking such a presence.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks, but neither have scored since the middle of September.

Their joint top scorer in the Premier League this season is centre-back Micky van de Ven, which further highlights the lack of quality currently available to Thomas Frank at present.

However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, the Dane has the opportunity to land a new talisman to help him in his quest for success in North London.

Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici likely to play a key role in any potential pursuits.

Spurs’ move for a new talisman in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been strongly linked with a move to land Porto star Samu Aghehowa this winter, but such a deal would be a huge investment.

After scoring 11 times in his first 14 outings of 2025/26, it’s safe to say the Spaniard is a man in demand – but any transfer would cost a pretty penny given his current £87m release clause.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist at present, with Paratici making the most of his Juventus links to try and strike a deal for the signature of Dušan Vlahović.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, the Lilywhites are firmly in the race to land a cut-price deal for the Serbian, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

It also confirms that Bayern Munich are in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, but Frank’s men could hold the edge given Paratici’s links to the Old Lady.

Such a move would finally hand the Dane the talisman he’s craved, which could allow the frontman to be his next version of a player who thrived under his guidance at Brentford.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s next Toney

During Frank’s seven years at the helm with Brentford, he was able to rely on striker Ivan Toney for a four-year period, with the striker constantly producing the goods in front of goal.

The Englishman registered 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, the most of any player during the Dane’s reign across the capital – often being the player to pop up in key moments.

50% of his efforts for Brentford came in England’s top-flight, a tally that was the most in the Bees’ history, but Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have since surpassed such a figure.

Given the lack of options currently at Frank’s disposal in North London, there’s no denying he wishes he could rely on a player of the 29-year-old’s quality.

Such a move could have come to fruition back in the summer of 2024, but the Lilywhites opted for a move for Dominic Solanke, as the former Bees star completed his own move to Saudi Arabia.

A deal for Toney’s signature may prove unlikely, but Frank could land his next version of the Englishman in the coming months, should Paratici complete a deal for Vlahovic.

Both have demonstrated unbelievable goalscoring records over recent seasons, with the Juve star finding the net 62 times in his 152 appearances for the Italian giants.

The 25-year-old’s goalscoring record is one thing, but his current contract issue in Turin could provide the Lilywhites board with a bargain option to solve their centre-forward woes.

His underlying figures from the current campaign also showcase the all-round quality he would add to the side, finally handing the manager the needed presence he’s craved since taking the reins.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by Luca Toni, has only started three Serie A games in 2025/26, but it hasn’t stopped him from finding the back of the net on two occasions.

His tally of 1.1 shots on target per 90 also highlight his accuracy in attacking areas, with his total of 2.5 aerials won per 90 handing Frank the focal point he’s searching for.

The Serbian currently ranks in the 88th percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, potentially making him the missing piece in the Dane’s Lilywhites attacking puzzle.

It’s currently unclear how much a deal for Vlahovic would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he would be a perfect addition to the club’s impressive frontline.

Should he match the levels produced by Toney under the Dane’s guidance at Brentford, it would be a stellar move and offer the chance for the club to reach new heights in the near future.

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