According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing M’Baye Niang.
At first glance, Niang is a fairly uninspiring name. At 25 he is at his seventh club of his career already, and had a brief spell on loan at Watford.
But just like Odion Ighalo at Manchester United, who was not exactly first choice when he was targeted, players can flourish when they are in the right situation.
Harry Kane’s presence has made it difficult for Tottenham to attract a big name striker, who will be playing second fiddle.
So Tottenham have to look for a sort of B-list option to be a back-up for the England international.
Niang would be signed under no illusions. He would not be first choice, he would simply be there to provide depth, which Tottenham have lacked this year.
He would be a short-term solution, a player brought in to do a job for a couple of seasons, who would not block Troy Parrott’s development long term.
The young Irishman has huge potential. But this season has shown Jose Mourinho is not ready to trust him yet. So Niang can play his role, until he is ready.
Niang scored 10 goals in 26 games this past season for Rennes, a creditable if unspectacular return.
Spurs need a player like this. A striker who can step in when needed and score goals.
There isn’t a big budget for Tottenham to play with this summer. Niang may be capable of dong the job the team need, and fans shouldn’t turn their noses up at the prospect of signing him.
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