• Premier League

AVB admits striker desire as Adebayor talks progress

ESPN staff
August 16, 2012
Tottenham still hope to reach a deal for Emmanuel Adebayor © PA Photos
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Andre Villas-Boas is hopeful of bolstering his striking options before the close of the transfer window, as the club attempt to conclude a deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Adebayor, 28, spent last season on loan at Tottenham from Manchester City and since the end of the 2011-12 campaign Spurs have been in talks over making his stay permanent.

So far the club have been unable to agree terms, leaving Villas-Boas with Jermain Defoe as his only recognised striker ahead of their opening match of the Premier League term against Newcastle.

Asked about the Adebayor deal, Villas-Boas said: "There are talks. They have been happening for quite some time.

"We have touched on different players in that position, but we have not been able to conclude a deal. Our focus and attention is towards that position, which we will try to sort out next week."

Villas-Boas also outlined the club's intention to keep hold of Defoe, after the forward expressed his concerns having struggled for regular first-team action last campaign.

He said: "I have spoken to Jermain and his agent about the situation. The talks were positive. Jermain scored 17 goals last year. He was a key player and will continue to be. That's the expectancy I have with regards to his future.

"Competition is something that he is used to. The goal he scored yesterday (on Wednesday as England beat Italy 2-1) shows he can make the difference. He is tremendous. It was a great goal, he has great technical ability."

On Thursday, Spanish striker Roberto Soldado claimed he had snubbed the chance to join the north London club.

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