Tottenham Miss Out As Free-Agent Jonas Set For Benfica

Mauricio Pochettino's hopes of bolstering Tottenham's attack have all but ended after reports in Portugal claimed free-agent target Jonas Gonçalves Oliveira has decided to join Benfica instead.

The Argentine manager was said to be interested in signing a number nine during the summer transfer window.

Loic Remy, Danny Welbeck and Wilfred Bony were all heavily linked with a move to White Hart Lane during the summer but Pochettino eventually failed to secure any of them.

But recent reports claimed the Spurs manager was considering taking advantage of Jonas' situation as a free agent to make a final addition to his side.

The Brazilian striker is without a team after La Liga side Valencia rescinded his contract on deadline day following the arrival of Alvaro Negredo from Manchester City - having also previously signed forward Rodrigo from Benfica.

The 30-year-old Brazilian forward scored 10 La Liga goals in 22 starting appearances last season and could have been a low-cost option to challenge Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane for a place in the starting line-up.

However, several reports in Portugal claim Pochettino is also going to miss out on Jonas as the striker is on the verge of completing his move to Benfica instead.

Both O Jogo and A Bola report the Brazilian striker has already undergone a medical with the Porguese giants and the deal is expected to be official in the next hours.

Meanwhile, the Spurs boss has confirmed that Soldado is still a doubt for the game against Sunderland on Saturday – after already missing the home defeat against Liverpool before the international break.

"Robbie is still a doubt, he continues to have the problem with his neck. Tomorrow we will consider if he is available or not," said Pochettino on Thursday .