£40m decision, Timo Werner lesson - Marcus Rashford to Tottenham transfer verdict
Tottenham are looking to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window. Ange Postecoglou is searching for some help for Dominic Solanke, particularly given Richarlison's injury problems, while further rotation in wide areas would also be useful.
Speaking earlier this week, the Australian said: "Hopefully in the very near future we get some help for him [Dominic Solanke] and then I think we’ll see him go to another level." When pushed on whether help meant players coming back from injury or new signings, Postecoglou added: "Both. It's hopefully what we can do but I wouldn't suggest tomorrow."
Spurs have already made one January signing, bringing in Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague in a £12.5million. But plenty of others have been linked with a move.
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Randal Kolo Muani has been linked from Paris Saint-Germain, with discussions held over a loan move with an option to buy. Juventus are also in the market for the France forward, however.
football.london also understands the Lilywhites hold an interest in out-of-favour Manchester United frontman Marcus Rashford, who has already admitted he is ready for a "new challenge".
Would Rashford be a good signing for Spurs? We asked our football.london writers to deliver their verdict on a potential move.
Lee Wilmot
Tottenham need attacking reinforcements, of that there is no doubt. A lot of weight has been placed on the shoulders of Dominic Solanke through the middle and while he has dealt with the burden well, he could do with some help.
That's not to say an out-and-out striker is the necessity here. Someone who can play across the frontline would be an ideal signing and Rashford certainly falls into that category.
There is a player of undoubted quality in there just waiting to come out. Will he get on board with the relentless nature of being a forward in an Ange Postecoglou team? That remains to be seen, but he needs a new challenge, he's said so himself, a new manager and a new direction.
Wages will undoubtedly be a stumbling block, but it depends just how much United want to get him out of the door and how much of his wages they are willing to subsidise. On loan, for six months, I'd take the plunge. What's the worst that could happen?
Joe Doyle
I think it's pretty simple for Spurs: if the numbers make sense, get it done.
Ange Postecoglou needs attacking reinforcements, and Marcus Rashford offers quality - even if his best position is currently occupied by Son Heung-min. It could be a tough one to get across the line, but he definitely improves Tottenham's strength in depth in attack.
The downsides? There are a couple. He hasn't been at his best at Old Trafford for nearly 18 months. Spurs' attacking style would suit him well, but his pressing has never been a strong point, and it's one area where Postecoglou would certainly demand more from him.
Also, I'm not convinced he offers much as a No.9. Jose Mourinho infamously said he wasn't suited to it around five years ago, and hasn't exactly been proven wrong since then. If it's cover for Solanke that's needed, Rashford might not be the best choice. On the right flank, I don't think he's much of an improvement on the options Spurs currently have.
Rashford has admitted he needs a new challenge, and at Spurs he'd need to prove himself again; he's been out of the England team and out of form for a while now - he certainly needs something to kickstart his career and prove he can be a top-class attacker on a regular basis.
Tom Coley
Tottenham should have learned their lesson with Timo Werner. His six-month loan spell last season was hardly worth it. Not that there is a suggestion Rashford would join permanently if this did happen, but there is very little benefit to Spurs in this deal.
Rashford's wages are not justified by his performances over a near-two-year period. In a Postecoglou system, as well, he just doesn't look suited.
The question remains where his best position actually is, and he has never been a massively keen presser from the front either. Maybe the energy that Postecoglou demands would get more out of him but it's a giant an totally unnecessary risk for Tottenham.
A few years ago, if Tottenham had been offered the chance to sign Rashford for £40million, they would surely have jumped at the opportunity. Now, it doesn't make any sense.