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Hitch your wagon to the transfer rumor train with me for a moment. Social media was all a-buzz with news that Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was in attendance at Friday's international friendly draw between Ireland and the Netherlands in Dublin. But who was he there to see?
The Telegraph noted that Pochettino watched the match alongside the agent of Ireland goal-scorer and Southampton striker Shane Long (which wouldn't actually be that bad of a signing if you're looking for a back-up to Harry Kane). Others suggested Poche was there to scout players like Holland central midfielders Kevin Strootman and Riechedly Bazoer.
However, Sky Sports' Spurs journo Lyall Thomas hinted that the true target might have been a much younger player.
Pochettino at Ireland-Holland to watch Vincent Janssen, if anyone. He's on the list.#THFC
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) May 27, 2016
Vincent Janssen is a 21-year old Dutch striker currently playing for AZ Alkmaar. He absolutely lit up the Eredivisie this past season, scoring 27 league goals for Alkmaar in 2700 minutes, which is absolutely ridiculous. Of course, it's the Eredivisie, which is known for being a bit of a crap-shoot when it comes to producing exceptional talent in leagues other than the Eredivisie – just ask fans of Jozy Altidore.
But still. Those are good numbers, especially for a 21-year old. And this is the kind of thing he can do.
Janssen is heavily linked with Arsenal at the moment, but it's possible that Pochettino is considering making a swoop for the young striker. Sure, he'd be behind Harry Kane, but at Spurs he'd probably get a good number of games and run-outs in the Champions League, while at Arsenal he'd most likely be mired behind Oliver Giroud and Theo Walcott, at least initially, and maybe competing with Joel Campbell.
It's not a whole lot to hang your hat on when it comes to transfer rumors, but Janssen does look like a young, exciting striker, and exactly the kind of player Spurs should be targeting this summer. With Janssen heading to the EUROs in early June, one does wonder if Spurs will try and make a move before the tournament, or wait to see how he does and risk his price rocketing upwards. Holland didn't make the Euros because they are bad, and I forgot this part because I am dumb.
I also now really, really want to know what other names are on "the list" that Lyall references that we don't already know about.