Belgium ace can fire up Tottenham’s strike force

Tottenham’s interest in Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has been well documented in recent weeks but it appears to be the Chelsea man’s international team-mate who has caught Mauricio Pochettino’s eye.

Divock Origi announced himself on the world stage by scoring the winning goal in Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Russia and the 19-year-old, who has been scouted by Arsenal and Liverpool, is being lined up for a move to White Hart Lane

The Argentine has been in the Spurs hotseat just under a month and he has already targeted signing five quality players as he looks to build a squad capable of reaching the Champions League.

And one of the areas targeted for improvement at the north London club is in the striking department where Roberto Soldado failed to live up to his £26m price tag.

Lukaku, who is reported to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, is top of a list of targets for the new Spurs boss but it is the latest star from the Belgium talent line that is also attracting admiring glances from the former Southampton manager.

Origi has been used as an impact sub in Brazil, coming off the bench to replace the disappointing Lukaku in both the Red Devils’ matches so far.

The former Genk youth star has enjoyed a breakthrough season in France with Lille, scoring five goals and featuring 30 times as Les Dogues finished third in Ligue 1.

His performances attracted the attention of scouts from the Emirates and Anfield but it appears the Lilywhites are set to make the first move with an opening bid of £5m.

That may not be enough to secure Origi’s services with Lille looking to do business at £8m but Tottenham could be prepared to raise their bid to land the rising star and freshen up their strike force.

Despite not hitting the heights many people had expected them to, Marc Wilmots’ side have qualified for the second round with a game to spare and are 16/1 to go all the way in Brazil.

Belgium face Korea Republic in their final group game on Thursday and are 7/10 for victory, while the Taegeuk Warriors, who lost 4-2 to Algeria on Sunday, are 4/1 with Ladbrokes to take all three points.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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