Tottenham will be continuing to look for attacking reinforcements this summer, to give Antonio Conte more options and to compensate for departures. Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski created a threatening front three last season, especially in the second half of the campaign, but Conte will want more strength in depth.
Both Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn, who were the other choices in the front line, did make an impact in some games when making an appearance from the bench. But it was not on a consistent enough basis.
Bergwijn expressed his desire to leave earlier this month and although Lucas seems set on staying in N17 for at least another year, the 52-year-old still needs some more attacking players. Gabriel Jesus was linked with a move to Tottenham but football.london understands that Spurs are not planning to make an effort to beat Arsenal to the Brazilian, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy's priorities elsewhere. However the Lilywhites have been linked with the 25-year-old's Man City teammate, Raheem Sterling.
READ MORE: England star Raheem Sterling on Tottenham's radar as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his attack
Sterling scored 13 goals and registered six assists in his 30 Premier League appearances last season. The 27-year-old also has the bonus quality of versatility, making appearances as a left-winger, right-winger and striker, during the last campaign.
This is something that would help Conte in terms of options for rotation. It will also potentially mean Spurs won't need to sign a player in each position in the front three, but can have a couple who can adapt to various roles.
The winger would also be an ideal player to add to the Italian's squad because of his experience. This experience isn't just in the Premier League, but also in the Champions League and Sterling has experience of winning, which all add to qualities which would be beneficial in Tottenham's dressing room.
A deal for Sterling wouldn't be an easy one to secure, with reported interest from Chelsea and the England international wanting regular football. If Spurs did pursue a deal for the Englishman, it would also come at a cost, with the 27-year-old valued up to £60million according to CIES.
One player who knows Sterling and his style quite well is Kane. The duo link up when on England duty and last year The Times reported that the Man City man had assisted the 28-year-old six times internationally duty, the most one England player has provided for another in the 21st century. The England captain has repeatedly heaped praise for his international teammate too. "It’s a joy to play with [Sterling and Marcus Rashford]. Sometimes I can drop deep and let them run in behind," Kane said in 2019.
"Sometimes I’ll just stay high and they can use their pace, use their skills, one vs one against the defence and I’ll be there for the crosses and the square balls. It’s a pleasure to play with them and all the boys here."
The compliments continued last year and the striker, once again, expressed his strong relationship with Sterling. "Me and Raheem get on really well, we’ve had a great partnership for a long time with England, we’ve known each other a long time," Kane admitted.
If the Man City man made the move to the capital, his partnership with Kane would hopefully mean Sterling wouldn't take quite so long to settle in. The 28-year-old and Son built on their solid partnership last season, but there is no harm in having further options of players who can link-up well on the pitch.
It seems like it would take hard work and compromise to get Sterling to Tottenham, but if he is a player Conte wants and believes could fit in his Spurs squad, Paratici may put in the effort to get him.
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