According to a journalist, Tottenham Hotspur are planning to offload a player who has made 21 appearances already this season.
It has been widely reported that Spurs are scouring the market for a centre-forward ahead of the January window.
However, Tottenham are not short of options in the number nine role, with Thomas Frank having Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani at his disposal.
Richarlison has been back among the goals over recent weeks, but it has now been claimed that Spurs have already made a decision on his future.
Tottenham want to replace Richarlison with a new number nine
Even though Richarlison is currently Tottenham’s top scorer this season with six goals to his name across all competitions, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Lilywhites are ready to cash in on the 28-year-old.
O’Rourke asserted that Frank would prefer to replace the Brazilian with “out-and-out number nine”, with the former Everton man not being seen as a good fit for the role.
When asked about Richarlison’s future, the journalist told Football Insider: “He’s doing the best he can right now, Richarlison, to try and score goals for Tottenham.
“Tottenham’s top goalscorer this season, six goals and two assists in 21 appearances in all competitions but, I still don’t think he is probably the answer to Tottenham’s issues.
“For me, I still think Richarlison is probably best playing off as a wide forward rather than as a number nine. So, we know that Tottenham are in the market for a new number nine in January, if they’re able to bring one in, and also they’ve missed Dominic Solanke this season as well through injury. He’s hardly figured at all under Thomas Frank.
“Richarlison has stepped up, he’s done okay in places but I think Tottenham would prefer an out-and-out number nine to be playing as their main striker in the team.”
Richarlison could return to Everton
It has been widely reported over the last few weeks that Everton are considering taking Richarlison back to Merseyside, three and a half years on from selling him to Tottenham.
According to a recent update from TEAMtalk, the Spurs striker would jump at the chance to return to his former side in January.
However, the outlet made it clear that Tottenham will not entertain any offers for Richarlison unless they manage to bring another striker through the door.