Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has made a decision over a possible deal to sign Paco Alcacer from Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window, per The Transfer Window Podcast’s Duncan Castles.

What’s the word?

Spurs could be tempted to bring in a striker in the winter window, particularly after Harry Kane sustained a hamstring injury that Jose Mourinho has termed as “serious”.

But Castles has claimed that Levy does not want to sign the forward, who has scored seven goals in all competitions this term, on a permanent deal.

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He said: “I’m told that’s correct (Spurs' interest in Alcacer) but the issue is that Levy at present is only prepared to sanction a loan to buy deal along with an option to buy deal which is probably not going to be sufficient to convince Dortmund to release a player who they paid €23m (£19.5m) for in February and who they value at €40m (£33.9m) in this window even though Alcacer wants to go.

“I think there’s also an issue. Although Alcacer has a good scoring record both at Dortmund and his club career before and 12 goals in 19 internationally for Spain, there’s an issue whether he’s an appropriate replacement for Harry Kane.”

Smart business move

This makes complete sense from Levy.

If Dortmund are keen to receive over £30m for the player, that comes with some significant risk for the buying club.

But Spurs, by this account, would rather take him in on a short-term deal initially, which would allow them to see what he can do and how he can operate under manager Jose Mourinho.

Dortmund, understandably, are reticent but Alcacer is not the only striker on the open market.

Levy could well decide to go back to the well if the window does not pan out as he hopes but, for now, his strategy on the Spain international is the right one.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans want one area strengthened in January.