How Jose Mourinho is exhibiting his class and connections in move for potential Harry Kane replacement – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho is currently trying to identify a replacement for striker Harry Kane who has been ruled out until April, at the earliest, with a hamstring injury. The tricky task for Spurs is bringing in a player who can replace Kane as the spearhead of the attack, for the moment, but will step aside and become his deputy upon the top-scorer’s return. Record has reported that Tottenham are interested in bringing in Porto striker Ze Luis on loan, and he could be the perfect candidate to fill the void.

The Cape Verde international has been in inspired form in the Primeira Liga this term, finding the back of the net seven times in eight league starts. Porto are league leaders Benfica’s closest challengers, 11 points clear of third place, and the 28-year-old striker is their top-scorer, on course for the best league return in his career to date. Ze Luis also has a Champions League goal to his name this campaign proving his ability to find the back of the net at the elite level.

A loan move for the 28-year-old might be preferable for Tottenham Hotspur as it would not risk a significant outlay on a striker who is in his prime. With Moussa Morega as a deputy Porto may be willing to let the Cape Verde man go, especially considering the ties between Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and Ze Luis’ agent Jorge Mendes, who is reportedly brokering a potential deal.

The Porto striker is a significant physical presence who leads the line for the Portuguese side and would fulfil a comparable role to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ze Luis is particularly prolific in the air and has averaged winning 3.3 aerial duels per match in the Europa League. Despite failing to provide an assist this term, the striker would make an ideal focal point for Tottenham. He could operate similarly to how Fernando Llorente did for Spurs last season, upon Kane’s return, coming on in the latter stages of games as Mourinho’s side attempt to play aerial long balls into the striker.

If Tottenham can tempt Porto to relinquish their leading goal scorer, he would make an ideal replacement for the injured Kane, in the meantime, and as a deputy upon his return. Thought with Porto embroiled in a title race they may be reluctant to allow Ze Luis to leave.