Spurs in hunt for Colombia World Cup hero Teofilo Gutierrez
Mauricio Pochettino (13/8 with Coral to guide Spurs to a top six finish) is reportedly ready to take a risk on Colombia and River Plate hitman Teofilo Gutierrez, as he looks to improve Tottenham’s attacking options in the January transfer window.
Spurs’ striker woes are certainly no secret, with the north Londoners having netted just 14 times in 11 Premier League games.
Under pressure to challenge for a spot in Europe, Pochettino is set to turn to Gutierrez, with misfiring forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado having consistently disappointed.
Controversial Coffee Growers frontman Gutierrez has been dogged by incident throughout his career, but finally seems to have put past issues behind him and, at age 29, appears to have hit the peak of his powers.
After netting 10 times in 12 league games for Argentine giants River Plate this term, the Colombia striker has once again attracted attention from Europe.
Whilst seemingly mellowed, Gutierrez still represents a risk after his previous exploits on the continent. Turkish club Trabzonspor took a punt on the South American back in 2009, but after poaching just eight goals in 24 appearances and reportedly being involved in a series of disciplinary issues, the usually potent forward was sent packing.
Gutierrez has since rebuilt his career, and finally made his dream move to River Plate in 2013, before being called up to Jose Pekerman’s Colombia World Cup squad.
Although James Rodriguez was undoubtedly the standout star for the Coffee Growers, Gutierrez played his part, and put himself back on the radar of top clubs by grabbing the opening goal against Greece.
Despite Colombia boasting an envious collection of top quality forwards, including Radamel Falcao, Carlos Bacca and Jackson Martinez, Gutierrez has continued to catch the eye.
Spurs are now apparently edging closer to making an offer, after experienced attacker Gutierrez bagged the winning goal against the USA last time out for the South American side.
Tottenham scouts are said to have been spotted watching Barranquilla-born Gutierrez play for River Plate, but doubts remained over whether the now settled striker would want to leave the club he is believed to have supported since he was a boy.
In a boost for Pochettino, however, it appears Gutierrez would like the chance to enhance his reputation in Europe, with the frontman recently speaking of transfer hopes. The attacker said: “It’s nice that important teams are interested, I hope it can become true.”
It is uncertain what this means for the future of England Under-21 international Harry Kane, with both Gutierrez and the youngster preferring to operate as centre forwards, and Pochettino tending to prefer one up top.
With Southampton having previously been linked with a swoop for Kane, fans will be hoping Pochettino (12/1 joint-favourite to lift the Europa League with Spurs) can accommodate their academy product, as well as any potential new attacker.
