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Tottenham transfer news: New signing would be cover for both Kane and Eriksen

By Rucker Haringey

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Burnley at Vitality Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Burnley at Vitality Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Josh King could be the perfect Tottenham addition

Tottenham fans who are suffering from sticker shock over Josh King’s apparent £30 million price tag need to learn a little more about the talented Norwegian. His versatility could allow Mauricio Pochettino to purchase one player to provide excellent cover for two vital position.

Spurs are currently the odds on favourites to sign King if he leaves the Cherries. He’s still a bit more likely to stick at Bournemouth next season, but a serious bid from Tottenham could change those circumstances in a hurry. King has already admitted he’s intrigued about the potential move to the Champions League club.

Still, reports of a £30 million price tag turned many Spurs fans against the potential move. I’ll confess that I certainly like the potential purchase a lot more at somewhere closer to £20 million. The higher price tag did cause me to take a closer look at what King did for Bournemouth last year.

The statistic everyone knows is that he managed 16 goals in 36 Premier League matches. That’s a solid goal scoring return no matter how you slice it. That total alone might be enough to justify Bournemouth’s price tag.

What I didn’t realize was how much positional versatility King could bring to the squad. I firmly believe that Spurs need to add a striker to provide cover for Harry Kane and a number ten who give Christian Eriksen periodic rest. Closer examination to King’s performance last season proves he can do both things.

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He actually started more matches (16) as a central attacking midfielder than he did as a centre forward (9) for Eddie Howe’s squad. Typically, when you see that sort of positional split the player shows a clear preference for one spot over the other. This isn’t the case for King. His Whoscored.com player rating average was almost identical when starting at either spot. He also produced goals at a remarkably consistent clip no matter where Howe deployed him.

That rare quality to play both spots makes his value skyrocket. Trying to purchase an established Premier League striker and number ten in the same transfer window could easily cost Spurs upwards of £60 million. When you put King’s acquisition in that sort of context, he looks like an amazing bargain.

Next: Tottenham have no interest in rumoured target

I don’t think Daniel Levy should rush out and pay Bournemouth’s asking price, but I wouldn’t dismiss the idea of paying £25 million or so for King. Bringing him into Pochettino’s squad could replace the need to purchase two high-priced players this summer.

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