Reported Tottenham target Benteke’s 2015 comments show his admiration for Mourinho

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Tottenham are still looking for a striker before the end of the transfer window.

For last night’s EFL Cup tie against Chelea, Jose Mourinho did his usual trick when trying to put pressure on his board for a new frontman.

He didn’t play one, as if to send a pointed message to Daniel Levy about the state of his current options, especially when set against Spurs’ absolutely manic schedule.

According to Belgian outlet DH Net, Mourinho has identified a target within the Premier League.

Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace is apparently on Tottenham’s radar with just days of the window remaining.

Benteke arrived at Selhurst Park for £27 million in 2016 (Guardian), but the report says the Belgian could be available for around £10 million this summer.

The Belgian spoke of his admiration for Mourinho even before he joined Palace, when he was still a Liverpool player.

Speaking to Sport Magazine in September 2015, via the Star, Benteke was asked which managers in world football he would like to work under one day.

“Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola,” Benteke said. “Not only because of their achievements; they have won everything. 

“Their approach is completely different and it is also why I would like to work with both.”

Five years later, Benteke may finally get his wish to play under the Portuguese boss, which would also offer an opportunity to get his career back on track.