Defoe Can Leave if Tottenham Can Tempt Mexican Striker to White Hart Lane - Report

Jermain Defoe's future at Tottenham Hotspur hinges on whether the club can secure a replacement for him in January, with Manchester United's Javier Hernandez high on Andre Villas-Boas' wish list.

The England international is thought to be considering a move to the MLS after reportedly being offered a lucrative contract by Toronto FC, with his former club West Ham United also linked with a January move.

Villas-Boas has urged the striker to remain in north London, for the benefit of the club and to boost his chances of being included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for next summer's World Cup. But the London Evening Standard suggest the club will consider letting the 31-year-old leave if they can lure Hernandez to White Hart Lane, something they are growing increasingly confident of doing.

Defoe has racked up nine goals this season in all competitions and has tellingly been the preferred choice up front in the club's last two league games with £26m summer signing Roberto Soldado left on the bench.

Ideally, the club would like to retain the services of both strikers and add another option in the form of the Mexican international, but should Defoe be tempted by other offers, the Standard suggest Spurs would be satisfied with the United man and Soldado in the ranks.

Hernandez has again struggled to impose himself on the United first team this season, starting just three league games and appearing in eight overall. Earlier in the season the striker voiced his concern over his lack of first team opportunities, suggesting he may have to leave the club to address the situation.

Whether United will be willing to sell to a club who could potentially be challenging them for a spot in the top four remains to be seen however, and given Robin van Persie's recent struggles with injury David Moyes is unlikely to be willing to part with a proven goalscorer and a firm fan favourite.