Strike duo in Spurs links

Tottenham have this morning been linked with moves for Atletico Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente and Paulo Guerrero of Hamburg.

Manager Harry Redknapp is keen to bolster his striking ranks having seen his current crop fail to hit the back of the net of numerous occassions last season, costing the club another spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Spurs have been linked with Llorente in the past and has impressed for the Spanish national side when called upon.

The 26-year-old has been with the Basque side for almost 15 years and a regular in the first team for the past seven.

And while the Spanish international would, ideally, like to stay in Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid linked with the striker in the past, moves to both have failed to materialise forcing Llorente to consider his options abroad.

At present, Llorente is forced to compete with high profile stars David Villa and Fernando Torres for a starting spot in the national side and it could be considered that a big money move could improve his chances at start for Spain.

A move to White Hart Lane could also see the giant striker compete regularly on the European stage, something that has often eluded him while playing for Bilbao.

Spurs, who host Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly next month, could see the fixture as an opportunity to open negotiations with the Basque side but have to understand that it will take a big money offer to convince Bilbao president Josu Urrutia to part with his prized asset.

Redknapp is hoping to raise the necessary funds to push through a move with the potential sales of Peter Crouch, David Bentley and Robbie Keane, to name but three, on the cards.

Peruvian star Guerrero has also been linked with a move to White Hart Lane following a successful Copa America where the 27-year-old finished top scorer with five goals.

His exploits have also seen Atletico Madrid and Valencia linked with a move for the former Bayern Munich star.

Guerrero, currently taking a break ahead of the new season following the South American tournament, admitted that he could be welcome to a big money move this summer.

“I am on holiday and it is a fact that I am still under contract at Hamburg,” he told Deutsche Pressagentur.

“But, at some point in life, everyone fancies a change of scenery.”

The Peru international is currently contracted with Hamburg until 2014 and the German outfit are, understandably, keen to keep hold of the striker.

“I am very happy to see Paolo Guerrero become the top scorer at the Copa America. Scoring five goals at such a tournament is incredible,” former Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen said.

“Up until now, Hamburg have not received any bids from any other clubs.”

The North London outfit have been linked with a host of strikers during the transfer window including Didier Drogba and Diego Forlan and have, thus far, added youth prospects Souleymane Coulibaly and Cristian Cabellos and goalkeeper Brad Friedel to their ranks.