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Tottenham losing ground in race for talented striker

By Rucker Haringey

PALERMO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Sinisa Andelkovic (L) of Palermo competes for the ball in air with Patrick Schick of Sampdoria during the Serie A match between US Citta di Palermo and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Renzo Barbera on February 26, 2017 in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
PALERMO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Sinisa Andelkovic (L) of Palermo competes for the ball in air with Patrick Schick of Sampdoria during the Serie A match between US Citta di Palermo and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Renzo Barbera on February 26, 2017 in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) /
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Juventus hold the edge over Tottenham in this transfer race

One of Tottenham’s biggest summer priorities is to purchase a quality backup for Harry Kane. Spurs have expressed a great deal of interest in Sampdoria striker Patrick Schick. Unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino and company, Juventus have surged into the lead for the talented centre forward.

Reports from Italy claim that The Old Lady are on the cusp of a deal for Schick that would see him headed back to Sampdoria on loan next season. In some ways, it’s no surprise that a Serie A striker would feel most comfortable moving to Italy’s most talented squad.

On the other hand, Schick’s willingness to accept an immediate loan move back to Sampdoria is a bit strange. One would think a player of his caliber would be desperate to prove himself at the biggest club possible. With all due respect to Sampdoria, they’re far behind the likes of Juventus and Tottenham in terms of their level of competition.

On the plus side, Schick’s loan would allow him to continue to receive regular first team football. He’d be in line to become Sampdoria’s starter next season. For a player of his age, that’s an important step in his development.

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The real question is whether or not Juventus purchasing him this summer would really mean he factors into their long-term plans. The Old Lady have quite a history of amassing attacking talent. Sometimes that doesn’t translate into the player becoming an important member of their senior squad.

Those questions still give Tottenham, and other clubs, the chance to swoop in and steal Schick away from the Serie A giants. At Spurs, he wouldn’t be in position to overtake Harry Kane as the club’s first-choice striker, but he could easily become a high impact substitute. The club’s involvement in Champions League football next year figures to give another striker plenty of playing time in both Premier League and Cup matches.

Next: 5 potential X factor signings for Tottenham

The race for Patrick Schick isn’t over, but you have to like Juventus’ chances at the moment. Tottenham will need to make a quick, decisive move if they want to steal the talented Croatian away from the Champions League finalists.

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