According to Calciomercato.com, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing Sampdoria forward Patrick Schick to the Premier League at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.
What’s the story?
It is widely accepted that Tottenham have one of the best starting lineups in the Premier League, with the capital side packed full of defensive strength and attacking talent in their first XI.
On the flip side, Spurs’ strength in depth cannot match their rivals. Mauricio Pochettino simply does not have a squad capable of challenging across the board, which was shown by the club’s disappointing Champions League and latterly Europa League exits.
There is still a chance that Pochettino could snatch the Premier League title away from Chelsea this summer, but even if that happens, it is expected to be a busy summer at Spurs, with chairman Daniel Levy prepared to open his cheque book in a bid to boost the squad.
Defensively, Tottenham are covered, certainly in the full-back positions, but injuries to the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen would leave them short of quality in the final third of the field.
A number of players have been linked with a switch to White Hart Lane, and according to Calciomercato.com, Sampdoria striker Schick is of interest to the Premier League side.
What are Schick’s credentials?
The 21-year-old came through the youth system at Sparta Prague, but only made four league appearances for the Czech outfit before making the move to Sampdoria in the summer of 2016.
Largely unknown in the European game, Schick actually scored 10 times in nine appearances for Czech Republic’s Under-21 outfit, whilst he has scored once in three senior appearances for his country.
Despite only starting nine Serie A matches this season, the attacker has scored 10 goals, whilst he has also found the back of the net on two occasions in the 2016-17 Coppa Italia.
Schick’s performances, particularly over the last couple of months, are said to have attracted the attention of Tottenham, although it is understood that Sampdoria will not sell the forward unless his release clause of £21m is met in this summer’s transfer window.
There is no question that Tottenham will be in the market for at least one new attacker this summer, but for £21m, there will be better and more viable options.
Schick might well develop into one of the best talents in Serie A over the next couple of seasons, but Spurs need players for the short-term as they bid to challenge on all fronts next term.
