Ange Postecoglou insists signing a striker will not be a case of replacing Harry Kane, amid ongoing talks as Tottenham seek to complete a deal to sign Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke.
Kane returns to the Tottenham Stadium on Saturday as Bayern Munich face Tottenham in a friendly, a year after he left Spurs to join the German giants for £86million.
In 12 years at the club, England captain Kane scored 280 goals in 435 appearances.
Spurs did not sign a striker last season, with Richarlison leading the line and Son Heung-min filling in when the Brazilian was injured. But Spurs are now in advanced talks to sign Solanke, who would be Bournemouth’s club-record sale if an agreement is reached.
Speaking about links between Solanke and Tottenham, Postecoglou was unwilling to discuss the Bournemouth man but explained the situation in the striking area.
“I don’t think we’ve been looking to replace Harry”, he said. “You can’t replace a generational player. But that’s an area we needed to reinforce this year.
“We’ve been working hard to get the right players in that we need. It’s fair to say we’ve still got a bit of work to do in the transfer window.”
Postecoglou also dampened down talks that Richarlison might leave Spurs or is about to be usurped as the club’s striker.
“I’m not sure where the uncertainty has come from,” he said, with regard to the Brazil international. “When he was fit last season he played, and he played all the time. For us, it’s about adding to our squad.”
Comparing his second pre-season campaign with Spurs to his first last summer, the Aussie said: “I feel better prepared, for sure. This time last year there was still a lot happening — lots of comings and goings. It feels we’re better prepared [this time]. The training sessions have gone up a notch this year.”
Tottenham host Bayern on Saturday in their final pre-season match.
Asked about injuries, Postecoglou confirmed those who have returned to training this week after breaks following the Euros and Copa America are in contention to play.
He added: “Main three [of concern] were Richy, Destiny [Udogie] and Fraser [Forster]. Destiny has had a good two-week block of training so he will play a part tomorrow. Richy and Fraser have got back in training, but they won't feature tomorrow.”
