28 October 2023 , 18:00
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Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Feyenoord's hotshot striker Santiago Gimenez after watching him enhance his reputation in the Champions League.
The Premier League leaders had a presence at De Kuip to see the Mexican striker score twice in the 3-1 victory over Lazio and are ready to meet the Dutch club's valuation in January. Spurs still need to fill the goalscoring void left by Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich - and Argentina-born Jimenez is averaging a goal for every 90 minutes he spends on the pitch - despite an underwhelming first six months in Holland following his arrival from Cruz Azul.
Gimenez, son of former Boca Juniors star Christian Gimenez, appeared on the London club's radar when they were looking towards Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as a potential manager last year. He has scored 36 goals in 56 appearances - including 15 and three assists this season in just 11 games.
The 22-year-old has been watched by Spurs and Real Madrid in every one of those games - and Daniel Levy hopes to steal a march in the New Year. Gimenez, who is engaged to Mexican actress Fer Serranoc, is lethal in the air and loves to link play in the same way Kane operates.
His goals helped Feyenoord become Dutch champions for the first time in six years last season and sparked interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Brighton. Gimenez made it clear last summer that his loyalty to Feyenoord meant it was too soon for him to make his next move.
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His agent, Morris Pagniello, said: "The teams closest to Santi are Real Madrid and Tottenham, and he could leave next summer for between €40million (£34m) and 50m (£43m)." But with Spurs already looking like serious contenders to finish in the top four under Ange Postecoglou, the London club are hoping to do business in January.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has advised Levy and co to do just that, telling Sky Sports after their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace on Friday: "The one thing I would say about January, if they're in contention in January and they're up there, then why would't they try and boost the squad slightly to have a go at it.
Santiago Gimenez's agent has already hinted at a big-money transfer (ProShots/Icon Sport via Getty Images)Have your say! How much should Tottenham pay for Santiago Gimenez? Give us your valuation in the comments section.
"Because if Manchester City aren't quite there, if Arsenal slip up, they're obviously in Europe those teams, and Tottenham have got free runs, then why wouldn't you have a go?
"But I don't think so, I don't think Tottenham are a good enough squad or a good enough team to win the league. But what they're doing at this moment in time is surpassing all expectations of where we thought they would be. They're really enjoyable and he [Postecoglou] is doing a great job for them."