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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a move for Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, per AS.

What’s the word?

Spurs are reportedly looking to replace Fernando Llorente, whose contract has expired at the club.

He spent the entirety of his career at the club as a back-up to Harry Kane and enjoyed an integral role as Mauricio Pochettino’s side reached the Champions League final, scoring the winning goal in the quarter-final second leg against Manchester City.

And AS report that the north London club have made an enquiry for Mariano as they look to strengthen their attack.

However, the piece also claims that the former Lyon forward is keen to stay at Santiago Bernabeu, having only re-joined the club last summer after 14 months in Ligue 1.

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An exciting option

This would be an excellent signing for Spurs as they look to bring in back-up to Kane.

As it is, they currently have just Vincent Janssen behind the England captain as an out-and-out forward option; he played just three Premier League games for the club in 2018/19.

Mariano, though, appears to be a solid goalscorer even when he is given limited opportunities.

The 25-year-old struggled with injuries last season but managed to score three goals in the Spanish top-flight despite making just three starts.

During his time at Lyon, he scored 21 goals in 48 games, including six assists, and that is perhaps the sample size from which Spurs’ scouts should draw.

A younger, more mobile option than Llorente, he could be a reliable recruit this summer.