By Alan Hutton

25th Nov, 2023 | 5:00pm

Ivan Toney cited as Tottenham expert reacts to source's January signing reveal

Tottenham need competition in the striker role and a January recruit will give them “different options”.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Spurs and Scotland defender Alan Hutton noted a “proper” forward like Ivan Toney would boost the team’s chances of Champions League qualification.

As revealed by Football Insider (20 November), Tottenham are unlikely to move for an out-and-out striker in the winter window and are set to try and sign a wide player.

Despite not directly replacing Harry Kane during the summer, Heung-min Son has frequently started at centre-forward to great effect, scoring 8 Premier League goals this season.

Hutton noted that Tottenham have a “difficult” situation on their hands but the South Korean’s form makes things much easier.

“I think Son lightens the load,” he told Football Insider.

“He can play at number nine, especially when he has James Maddison behind him and Dejan Kulusevski.

“But I think if you do bring in a striker, it gives Tottenham different options.

“It’s a difficult one. I’ve always said if they got a proper number nine, an Ivan Toney for example, oh boy, if they do this, wow, someone who’s a proper goalscorer it will make them a better team moving forward.

“It will give them a better opportunity to not only finish in the top four but really push other teams above them.

“It’ll be interesting to see what they do in the window. They can improve areas and make the squad stronger.

“There are areas where they need completion, especially up top.”

In other news, Hugo Lloris: Tottenham could terminate deal as Postecoglou makes up his mind – sources.