‘WE NEED A STRIKER AS GOOD AS KANE'

CONTE SAYS SPURS CAN’T COMPETE WITHOUT A QUALITY UNDERSTUDY

- Dan Kilpatrick

ANTONIO CONTE says Tottenham must sign another centre-forward at a similar level to Harry Kane if they want to compete for silverware. Conte (left) held a frank meeting with chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici on Monday to deliver his assessment of the squad and discuss January targets.

It is understood the trio made a new forward, right wing-back and midfielder the priorities, while a number of fringe players are available to leave.

Dele Alli and Bryan Gil deputised up front in Sunday’s comeback win over Morecambe, but Kane had to come off the bench — along with Lucas Moura and Oliver Skipp — to rescue a toothless second string from an embarrassing FA Cup exit.

Kane should return to the line-up for tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final decider at home against Chelsea, with Spurs trailing 2-0 from the first leg.

There has long been a perception that finding an understudy for Kane is a near-impossible task, given his quality and desire to play every game.