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Robinson expects Tottenham signing 'world-class' Kane replacement - 'Conte won't settle for anything less'
Paul Robinson has insisted Dusan Vlahovic is not on the “level” of Harry Kane amid reports linking Tottenham to the Serbian.
The former Spurs keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Antonio Conte “will not settle” for anything less than the “world’s best” to replace Kane.
As reported by TuttoMercato (27 November), Tottenham boss Conte is preparing an “assault” to secure the signing of 22-year-old Fiorentina striker Vlahovic in January.
The report claims Conte and Spurs director Fabio Paratici have identified the youngster as the “ideal heir” to Kane.
Vlahovic is out of contract at Fiorentina in 2023 and has refused to negotiate a renewal.
Robinson suggested Tottenham should only replace Kane with a striker “proven on the international stage”.
“He’s a top young striker, but he’s not Harry Kane – he’s not on his level,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“You can put strikers into brackets – world-class, international-class, and Premier League class. The very least you need to do is replace world-class Kane with someone who is proven on the international stage.
“Vlahovic isn’t quite there yet. You can’t expect him to come in and carry the burden that Kane has done over the years.
“You have to go in at the world-class, top end to replace him. Spurs have to be looking at some of the world’s best strikers. I’m sure Conte won’t be settling for anything less.
“You’re going to struggle to get another Kane, but the last thing Spurs should do is replace him with someone lesser than him.”
Kane has netted just once for Tottenham in the Premier League this season.
The north London club sit fifth in the table.
In other news, Tottenham are preparing for the “biggest window in their history”, with 10-plus deals in the pipeline.