Having never really posed a genuine threat for a Champions League place last season, the fact Tottenham finished the campaign in fifth spot and just six points behind Manchester United must provide their fans with plenty of optimism heading into the summer.

While it could be seen as the usual story for Spurs who have found themselves there or there abouts a number of times in recent seasons, their exploits this year with a young squad and new manager have to go down as a decent effort.

There’s expected to be plenty of activity at the club over the next couple of months; with new faces arriving to strengthen the squad while those who haven’t performed so well will most likely be shown the exit.

And it could be their dealings in the forward department that have the biggest bearing on next season and go along way to determining their fate in the race for Champions League qualification.

Harry Kane lead the line in spectacular fashion and enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season at White Hart Lane as he broke the 30 goal mark.

But it was the lack of support from his fellow strikers that was most worrying for Mauricio Pochettino highlighting the need for reinforcement during the transfer window.

It’s hard to see the likes of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor resurrecting their Spurs careers, and so it’s vital the burden is lifted on Kane by signing a worthy strike partner.

Perhaps the most ideal man for the job is Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke who could well be on his way from Villa Park in the near future.

A number of clubs are reported to be interested in the Belgian forward, Tottenham included, and he has the potential to ensure the North Londoners are a real force next season.

The powerful striker played a big part in Villa’s run to the FA Cup final as well as their escape from relegation; scoring 12 goals between March and May.

It’s hard to see 24-year-old sticking around for too much longer given his ambition to play European football, and with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all linked with a move; now looks the perfect time for Benteke to move on.

Spurs look to be on course to start a bidding war for the Belgian international with a £20m offer, however with a release clause of £32.5m it’s unlikely to be accepted.

Winning the race to sign Benteke would signal a real statement of intent from Spurs, and provided they can hang onto Harry Kane; there is huge potential for a lethal strike partnership to flourish next season.

With a few additions elsewhere in the team, the duo of Kane and Benteke would certainly give Tottenham the firepower needed to help overturn the six point deficit from this season; and it would be no surprise to see a return of 50+ goals between them.

Despite the fact he has Champions League clubs chasing his signature, a switch to Spurs would still mark as a huge step up in his career and with the assurance of regular first team football under Pochettino; may be seen as a more attractive proposition with next summer’s European Championship in mind.

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Spurs will be confident that he will be worth the investment and so should be doing all they can to fend of the competition and complete a deal for the Villa star.

It’s certainly a signing that could have paid off this time next year.

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