Tottenham Transfers: Why Leandro Damiao Is Worth Spending Big on This Summer

It's beginning to become a bit of a seasonal discussion, but Tottenham look set to pursue striker Leandro Damiao during this summer transfer window.

Spurs have made bids for the Brazilian for the past few transfer windows, but were turned away by some tough negotiations from director Marcelo Medeiros, who held steady in his £42 million asking fee.

However, the North London squad has been given hope once more, as sporting director Luis Cesar Souto de Moura admitted that the striker is likely to leave this summer (via metro.co.uk). 

While this comment has to be taken with a grain of salt since Moura said in January that the Brazilian club would consider Tottenham's bid, it is still a good sign for Spurs' pursuit of Damiao.

So should Spurs pursue the striker and make him their top priority?

Here are four reasons why Tottenham should spend big for Leandro Damiao this summer transfer window.

Tottenham supporters all know the Achilles' heel of their team this season: The striker position.

Spurs have just two experienced forwards, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adbayor, on their squad this season.

Even if these two were at the top of their form, this lack of depth would be a problem for the club.

This has not been the case, though, as both have had their injury and performance struggles.

For Adebayor, the Togolese striker came into the club after a drawn-out transfer saga. After finally getting into the squad, he picked up a needless red card that killed the first North London derby, then left for the Africa Cup of Nations. In essence, Ade hasn't had the opportunity to get into a steady form.

As for Defoe, the Englishman started the season in hot form, but faded greatly and has struggled with injury as of late. In fact, Jermain's goals against San Marino in England's World Cup-qualifying rout last week were actually his first of 2013.

Clearly, Tottenham are in need not only of more depth at striker, but an overhaul of their talent.

Damiao would be a step in the right direction for this striking unit.

While Tottenham's interest in Damiao is understandable, an obvious question from supporters would be why the club has to spend a hefty sum of money.

The answer lies in other clubs' pursuit of the striker.

In the past few transfer windows, the low fees offered by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy were feasible only because they were some of the only offers Internacional were getting in for Damiao.

It seems like Tottenham are set to lose that advantage this summer, as Serie A club Napoli are preparing a bid for Damiao (per the Daily Mail) in an attempt to replace the Italians' current superstar, Edinson Cavani, should he be tempted away.

Without this negotiating leverage, Levy will likely have to pony up a bit more money in order to get Leandro to White Hart Lane.

Over the past few seasons, Internacional has built a good reputation in terms of sending talented players to the Premier League.

The Brazilian club's latest export, Oscar, has shown great talent at Chelsea this season and looks primed to contribute for years to come.

What's more, Tottenham has had great dealings with Internacional in the past, as they bought Sandro for €10 million back in 2010.

The midfielder has just improved in his time at White Hart Lane and has become an invaluable member of Spurs' squad.

These past deals do not ensure that a move for Damiao would be a certain success, but the recent record does inspire some hope in the potential move.

As Tottenham has been chasing Leandro Damiao for what seems like a very long time, it is understandable for supporters to lose sight of the striker's youth.

At just 23 years of age, Damiao has a long career ahead of him.

In Brazil's Serie A, he has just improved over the past three seasons and has established an impressive record of more than one goal every other match.

While the Brazilian league is undoubtedly a different animal than the Premier League, these numbers are impressive and make one wonder what Damiao will be able to accomplish once he hits his prime.

If Leandro Damiao can bring anything near the form he has established at Internacional to White Hart Lane over the next few seasons, he will be well worth the money Tottenham will spend to bring him in.

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