Tuesday’s result at the San Siro shows why Harry Redknapp’s faith in Peter Crouch has been wise. He is difficult to play against, especially as European clubs are not used to that type of player. Crouch’s goal against AC Milan may have only been a tap in, but his work rate over 90 minutes and his aerial battles were two things that he brought to the game which Roman Pavlyuchenko would not.

So Crouch may have secured his place in Harry’s plans because of his ability to disrupt European defences, but there are still some goals needed from the other strikers at Tottenham, particuarly in the Premier League. While Crouch may have proved a point, Pavlyucheko is yet to do so.

It seems today, that my desire to replace Pav with a top-draw striker might come true, at least according to rumour. The Sun has linked Luis Fabiano to Tottenham, stating the victory over the Italians will sway his decision to come to London over Milan, who tried to sign him last summer. The signing would see the striker join Spurs who already have, arguably, one of the best midfields in world football.

[ad_pod id='fox-mpu' align='right']

It is a potential transfer that could suit both Tottenham and Luis Fabiano. Why would Fabiano want to play at Milan where he has to compete with Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Pato for a place in the first team? He can come to Spurs and play almost every game for us.

But would Fabiano, who is thirty-one this summer, really be the answer to Spurs’ quest for a top striker? Would he take them into the Champions League for another season?

My first concern is would be with Fabiano’s ability, is he really ‘top’ class anymore, or just a good striker? Fabiano may have a good record in la Liga, (70 goals in 141games) but so has his team mate Frederic Kanoute. Kanoute managed to score just 14 goals in 60 games for Spurs, but has scored 80 La Liga goals in 171 games. Tottenham don’t want to buy another ‘good’ striker, they need someone to take them to the next level.

In truth, it is tough to know how good Fabiano will be unless he comes to White Hart Lane; he has scored 28 international goals in 43 appearances for Brazil which is really good and scored 8 La Liga goals already this season. Whether he would cut it in the Premiership remains to be seen.

I am sure Harry will not pay over the odds for him, he never does. So if Spurs can get 2 good seasons out of him it could be good business. It might be early days at the moment but it could be a significant signing, for more reasons than one.

If Fabiano does sign for Spurs, it will be important because he will have chosen to come to White Hart Lane ahead of some of the other top sides in Europe that are interested in signing him, mainly Juventus, Inter and Milan. It will send a message to other players and clubs that Tottenham are ready to dance with the big boys, and are big enough to attract top players.

The signing of the Brazilian attacker may be a long way in the future but a replacement for Pavlyuchenko is looking necessary. One thing is for certain: Crouch is going nowhere.

[ad_pod id='unruly' align=left]

[divider]