10 for number 9

With Emmanuel Adebayor struggling for form and fitness, and with Jermain Defoe our only other striker, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see we desperately need another forward or two in the January transfer window.

Here I have picked 10 strikers who are likely to be available and realistic to our budget (eg no Hulk or Higuain), with their pros and cons and a mark for likelihood. Debate away guys…

1) Demba Ba. I would love this guy at the Lane. Rumour has it he's yours if you can pay the £7.5m release fee and pay £88,000 a week. Although the salary may be a little high, this can surely be sweetened with a hefty signing on fee. 8/10

2) David Villa. Apparently becoming frustrated with Barca's preference for Messi and Sanchez, he risks losing his place in the Spain team with lack of playing time. On an estimated £100,000 a week, and available for £15m, the chance to play in England before retirement may appeal. However, going on Levy's criteria a move for a 30-something injury prone striker may not suit. 3/10

3) Alexandre Pato. For Pato, read Villa above. Apparently after a move to Brazil, but also apparently available quite cheap and doesn't command a huge salary. £80,000 a week and £12million may do the trick for a wantaway striker. A huge huge talent, may just be a surprise arrival in the EPL. 5/10

4) Fernando Llorente. As we know, this superb leader of the line is available for nothing in the summer, which may mean we miss out completely, as I can't see Levy putting his hand in his pocket for £8 million now when there is the opportunity of a free later. Juventus, Liverpool, Arsenal, Zenit, and others are interested. To me, signing Llorente now would send a message out not just to the PL, but to all of Europe. I just think it may be too much to ask. 6/10

5) Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Again, for Huntelaar read Llorente above. A difficult time in Madrid seems to be counting against big clubs taking this guy on but his record in Germany and for the Dutch national team is second to none. Again, potentially available on a free in the summer, although he has hinted he may stay at Schalke. Would suit Spurs style perfectly. 6/10

6) Theo Walcott. I have to put this one in, as he is available, but I would hate this as much as Arsene Wenger. I am not saying this because he is Arsenal, but to me he is an athlete trying to play football. He has no football brain, and gets caught out defensively or can be marked out of a game. His wish to move to a striker role won't make any difference. Next! 1/10

7) Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Another Dutchman and another top talent, who may be available slightly cheaper than usual due to an ongoing contract dispute. 19 goals in 36 Sporting games tells its own story, and there are noises he may be January bound for WHL. 8/10

8) Darren Bent. It's only rumour but I have a mate who says Bent is already a Spurs player. I don't believe it, but it seems certain he will be leaving Villa Park in January as Villa look to get him of their wage bill and save themselves a £4million fee due after playing a certain number of games for them. He left Spurs under a Redknapp cloud, and they do say never go back, but stranger things have happened. 5/10

9) Federico Macheda. What has happened to this guy? Burst onto the scene at Man Utd three years ago, but now is lucky to get a Capital One Cup run-out. Obvious talent, and could be a great loan signing. Personally, I would only want him as a loan signing backing up a permanent signing, and Levy's distrust of Man United may count against this one happening. 4/10

10) Leandro Damaio. Like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, everybody knows about it but no-one has really seen it, and none of us believe it! We have been linked with this guy for more than two years, but I believe if it was going to happen it would have done by now. Summer rumours of needing £40million plus seem to have scuppered this one, and PSG seems his most likely destination. 2/10

Written by Sebthespur

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