Tottenham Hotspurs’ striker Harry Kane broke to prominence after scoring 31 goals and providing six assists in 51 season appearances. The starlet struggled for form at the start of this season but still managed to take his tally for a total of 14 goals and two assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season.
The highly talented striker whose sharp eye for goal and excellent passing ability has made him top transfer target of Premier League big boys and other European clubs alike.
However, reports doing rounds in media suggests that the Englishman has no plans of leaving White Hart Lane anytime soon.
Kane isn’t the quickest and strongest amongst the lot, but there is no doubt that his goal scoring prowess is unmatched.
A number of English clubs are roaming the market for a good striker, but with Spurs’ man not up for grabs, we take a look at the top five alternatives:
ODION IGHALO
The talented Watford forward has impressed many football pundits with his strength and resilience inside the penalty area. Ighalo has already netted 14 goals and three assists in 20 games this season.
The Nigerian professional decorated his 38 Champions appearances with 20 goals and five assists that speak volumes about his level of consistency.
With his incredible scoring abilities, the Nigeria international is bound to thrive at the bigger stage, the prized forward possess all the credentials to be considered as a real alternative to Harry Kane.
Talking to Bleacher Report, Ighalo said that he is a big fan of Manchester United and any offer from United would be hard to decline. Arsenal also has him on their radar for January signings according to Sami Mokbel from MailOnline.
As per transfermarket.com, the current transfer value is 4 million euros, but Watford would value him at 10 million, at least.
JAMIE VARDY
Vardy, undeniably, has been the surprise package of EPL this season. With a record-breaking show, scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games this season, Vardy has ignited interest from several big clubs across England to bolster their attack.
Apparently, United, City, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in signing him in January. Vardy has not denied the possibility of a move so far. It tells us he might be considering one. Vardy turns 29 today. It would be fair to say that time is a luxury he does not have, unlike other young strikers. He would be looking forward to pouncing at any good opportunity that knocks at his door.
Vardy would be a good catch for the clubs that have been turned down by Kane. Comparing Kane and Vardy this season, Vardy would be the obvious choice since he is leading the scoresheet with 15 goals already and showing no signs of fading away. Transfermarkt.com rates him at 6 million euros. With big clubs competing for Vardy, his selling price is expected to be much higher than that.
PAULO DYBALA
Dybala has been a rising talent at Juventus. With his goal-scoring prowess and fantastic vision, Dybala has attracted the attention of the Catalan giants among other clubs. He won’t be a bad trade with transfermarkt.com rating him at 36 million euros. It is not unlikely that Juventus would sell Dybala this January. Reports from skysports.com have revealed that Barcelona is planning a move for Dybala. Juventus haven’t denied the possibility of a move officially. English clubs would have to pour in money to steal the move. Dybala would be a good trade for English teams considering the striking turmoil.
Dybala scored 13 goals and made 11 assists in all competitions last season. He has already scored 11 goals this season with six assists. His dribbling ability and finesse strokes are an edge over Harry Kane, who is more of a traditional centre-forward.
SAIDO BERAHINO
Saido may be struggling for goals this season, but his work rate and ability to create space makes him a bona fide talent. He has scored five goals and made an assist this season in 17 appearances so far. Last season, he finished as the 8th ranked goal scorer in EPL with 14 goals.
He had issues at West Brom last season but, somehow, survived without leaving the club, eventually. Saido may not be as strong as Kane, technically, but has all the potential to succeed at a bigger club. With the unavailability of Kane, Saido would be a good choice for a much better price.
Metro have already reported that Liverpool is preparing a bid for Saido. Daily Star has reported that West Brom management is willing to sell Saido to United. It is very probable that Saido would find himself in another Jersey by the end of January transfer market.
MAURO ICARDI
Lightning fast, strong body frame and immense tactical aptness are just a few words for this forward. Icardi is a young prospect who could follow in the footsteps of his countryman, Aguero by bringing the wealth to England. This season, he has netted 8 and assisted 1, so far, in 16 games.
Kane, however, has more goals for Tottenham, 50, than Icardi has for Inter, 44, in all competitions in all seasons. However, Icardi’s pace and strong built are very suitable for Premier League. Both players have scored consistently in the past three seasons and have acquired praise from experts worldwide. Only time will tell who carries their form over the longer period.
The Club doesn’t want to sell the former Barca boy in January. Icardi has not talked about a move in January or the offers on the table. Though the possibility of a switch is there since English clubs, City and Arsenal will be throwing in a lot of cash at this deal.