Tottenham: Vincent Janssen urged to join Spurs and challenge Harry Kane for first-team role

Former Netherlands international Wim Kieft has urged Vincent Janssen to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer. AZ Alkmaar's Janssen, who finished as the Eredivisie's top scorer last season, has emerged as a target for Spurs, with manager Mauricio Pochettino eager to enlist the services of another striker to ease the burden on Harry Kane.

AZ sporting director Max Huiberts last week denied reports his club have received a £12 million offer from Spurs, but did acknowledge the Premier League club's interest in the 21-year-old.

Dutch champions Ajax have also been credited with interest in the Netherlands international, but Kieft has urged the player to move to the Premier League, believing he would not stand to benefit much from remaining in his homeland.

"If Janssen has to choose between Ajax and Tottenham, he must go to London," said Kieft in his column for De Telegraaf.

"Yes, there is Harry Kane. What could be better to try without any pressure as number 12 or 13 to make the great Kane nervous?

"Regardless of the adventure and the financial gains, Janssen can only get better by training with better players every day."

Janssen has remained coy on the possibility of a move to the Premier League. He recently told Fox Sports: "I want to make a step, that is clear. England? We will see. Maybe something will happen in the holidays. I will take my phone with me anyway."

Pochettino has also made signing another forward a priority. He confirmed in late April Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi was one of the players the club was considering this summer. However, recent reports would suggest Spurs have shifted their attentions to Janssen.