‘£40 million would be a bargain’ – Pundit backs Spurs to complete striker signing

Noel Whelan has tipped Tottenham Hotspur to complete the permanent signing of Carlos Vinicius, insisting that the £40.9m option to buy the on-loan striker represents a ‘bargain’.

Vinicius has taken the few opportunities that have come his way so far this season with both hands and has proven that he knows where the back of the net is.

Despite impressing in the Europa League group stage, he has not had much action in the Premier League so far.

The striker was handed a start in the FA Cup third-round clash against Marine on Sunday and although the quality of the opposition left a lot to be desired, the 25-year-old did his prospects of more game time no harm after he netted a first-half hat-trick.

The third-goal was particularly well taken as he showed an elite goalscorer’s instinct by getting a shot away despite being denied much space.

Whelan claimed that it would be difficult for Spurs to sign a striker of Vinicius’ quality for the £40m-mark and believes that Jose Mourinho would want the loan deal to be made permanent.

The former Leeds United forward told Football Insider: “You can see the quality of his finishes. He’s in the right place at the right time.

“He’s a player that is going to take the load off Harry Kane and if you keep hold of him he’s only going to get better.

“He’s 25, £40million would be a bargain. You’re not going to get too many players of that kind of quality who are going to improve and impress at Tottenham Hotspur for that kind of money.

“I don’t think he’s doing himself any harm especially with yesterday’s performance.

“If he’s a good character in and around the changing room, which it looks like he is, he doesn’t look like he’s a handful, he looks very professional.

“I think Jose Mourinho will be all over that in the summertime to try and make it permanent.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is not surprising that Vinicius is yet to start a Premier League game as it is difficult to rest Harry Kane given the form he is in. However, I am surprised that the Brazilian has not been brought on as a substitute more often, particularly when we are chasing matches.

£40m is quite a steep fee and there are alternative options in the market that would be cheaper. So, unless Vinicius really steps up for the rest of the season, I cannot see the club making the transfer permanent.

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