Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-England international Kevin Phillips has lauded Wolves striker Raul Jimenez as a worthy Harry Kane replacement at Tottenham – going on to explain that he would be a ‘perfect fit’ for us.
Phillips, who scored 250 goals in 457 league starts for nine different clubs during an eventful playing career, now has his say as a pundit, with this latest opinion from the eight-cap former England man being worthy of discussion.
The 46-year-old, speaking to Football Insider, has now claimed that while Jimenez wouldn’t be as good as Kane, he definitely wouldn’t be far away – stating that the Mexico international forward has already shown that he is capable of filling the Englishman’s boots.
Would Jimenez successfully replicate Kane?
Absolutely
Not a chance
This comes after recent speculation linked star striker Kane with a move away from north London in the summer, with chairman Daniel Levy and the club reportedly looking to profit £150 million off any potential transfer.
Indeed, according to a recent report from Italian outlet calciomercato, Juventus are one of many clubs that are ‘circling‘ the player whilst being in contact with the 26-year-old’s agent.
French outlet Foot Mercato, as a result of the speculation, also claim that Jose Mourinho is lining up Jimenez as a potential Kane replacement should he leave – with the Portuguese gaffer also keeping a firm eye on West Ham defender Issa Diop.
Now, in response to the rumours, pundit Phillips has explained that the Mexican could be a worthy heir to our star forward.
“If Kane was to leave I think Jimenez has already shown what he is capable of,” claimed Phillips.
“He would be the perfect fit for the players that Tottenham have got. The players that would be in and around him are pretty similar to Wolves.
“Would he be as good as Kane? Probably not but he would not be far away.
“I think it would be an ideal fit. Jimenez has shown he can take the knocks and the bumps and dish it out as well. He suits Mourinho as well – can hold the ball up.”
The 28-year-old was also described as ‘world class’ by Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan recently in an interview with ESPN.
We’ll have to see whether we do put an official bid in for Jimenez, but judging by Phillips’ verdict, it could only be a matter of time.
Enough of speaking as though Harry Kane has decided to leave. Or is the story that either José Mourinho or DL want HK out? JM always wants to be the biggest star in whatever sky he thinks he is in, and DL is always looking for the biggest sale he can make. Okay, they might decide to off with Harry. But when did HK say he wants out? I heard him say he wants his current team to show some ambition.