Tottenham 'keeping tabs' on nine goal striker

Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing Sunderland youngster Josh Maja, according to the Mirror. Maja, 19, has scored nine goals in 12 appearances in League One so far this season and has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances.

The Mirror claims Spurs are keen on the teenager, as are Manchester City and Southampton – Maja was on the books at City as a youngster before leaving for Sunderland at the age of 15. His contract expires at the end of the season, so there is a chance Tottenham will be able to sign him on a free transfer next summer.

Spurs have tried and failed to sign adequate cover for Harry Kane up front, with Vincent Janssen and Fernando Llorente both struggling to compete for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s line-up. Perhaps a striker like Maja would be a better option given Pochettino’s record of nurturing young, English talent.

Competition from City could make Tottenham’s task of luring Maja more difficult, but an easier path to first-team football might tempt him to choose a move to north London. Keep an eye on this one.