Tottenham exploring deal for Benfica's Carlos Vinicius on loan with option to buy

Tottenham are looking at a deal for Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius but will require a work permit to land the Brazilian striker.

Jose Mourinho has been looking for a back-up striker to support Harry Kane’s workload and Vinicius, 25, is now his priority as he looks ideally for a targetman to come off the bench or start in Europa League games.

Vinicius joined his Portuguese club from Napoli last year and will be allowed to leave following their exit from the Champions League.

Spurs would want an initial loan with option at the end of the campaign which would cost upward to £35million.

Earlier in the window Spurs made an enquiry over Southampton’s Danny Ings but his club want him to stay at St Mary’s this season. Joshua King at Bournemouth has also been monitored following his relegation into the Championship.

Vinicius, however, is now Mourinho’s main target if a deal can be struck with Benfica and a work permit granted. He is yet to play for Brazil and moved to Europe two years ago from Grêmio Anápolis in his homeland.

Spurs have already pulled off a transfer coup by bringing Gareth Bale back to the club from Real Madrid, also on a loan. They made a permanent move for Sergio Reguilan in a £27.5million move.

Getting the right striker for Mourinho has been difficult as Spurs are looking for a player happy to be rotated as Kane takes the lead role.

Vinicius’ season in Portugal has shown Mourinho enough to believe he will make an impact in the Premier League. The forward scored 24 goals in all competitions and attracted interest from English clubs.

Spurs remain looking at a centre-back too and have Antonio Rudiger, Milan Škriniar and Kim Min-jae as candidates they are looking at.