Tottenham's Spanish Striker Target Possesses Similar Quailties To Suarez, Says Ardiles

Former Tottenham player and manager Ossie Ardiles insists that Roberto Soldado will be a brilliant signing for the club, as Franco Baldini works hard to complete a deal for the Spanish striker.

Valencia have made their hopes of keeping Soldado clear, though the cash-strapped club will likely need to sell if a suitor can come up with the Spain international's €30m exit clause.

Baldini flew out to Spain in the hopes of sealing the deal this week but returned to London empty handed after failing to come to an agreement over the price. Many are reporting that the deal is still close though though Tottenham will likely end up paying more than they had originally planned in order to bring the 28 year old to White Hart Lane.

And Ardiles, who played for Spurs in their glory days of the 1980s and managed the club after retiring, says that Solaldo is a similar player to Luis Suarez in that he can create chances as well as taking them.

"Everyone knows we need a centre-forward," he told Talksport. "That is why we lost fourth spot last season, to be perfectly honest.

"Soldado can do the job. I have seem him quite a lot and he is very, very similar to Luis Suarez. He is very tricky, very intelligent. He will be great for us."

Tottenham have so far signed Brazilian midfielder Paulinho in this transfer window, but the side's need for a striker has been obvious as both Emmanuel Adbayor and Jermain Defoe struggled in front of goal last season.

And while it is a clear ambition for the north London club to get back into Champions League contention next season, Ardiles believes they can push even further and attempt to go for the title as well if they get their top targets.

He explained: "Our midfield is going to be absolutely great. We have Sandro, [Mousa] Dembele, Paulinho, another great, great player, and [Gareth] Bale. With Soldado and somebody else up front we are going to have a very powerful squad.

"Is it good enough to challenge the three big guys that are going to be challenging for the title? I don't know, but we will be very, very close."