Tottenham Hotspur are not expected to panic-buy a striker in January, with Roberto De Zerbi still holding Dominic Solanke in high regard, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Spurs’ lack of goals has made a new centre-forward one of the obvious talking points ahead of the winter transfer window.

However, Jacobs believes the club are unlikely to commit to an expensive deal simply because the need for goals is becoming increasingly clear.

Speaking on GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast, Jacobs said Tottenham would not want to “go all in and panic buy in January” for a player tied to a long-term contract elsewhere, preferring to wait for the right opportunity.

He also offered an encouraging update on Solanke, claiming the striker is liked by De Zerbi.

“Because you’ve got Dominic Solanke, who is liked, according to my information, by Roberto De Zerbi,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs acknowledged that Tottenham are short of goals, but argued that their attacking options are not necessarily as limited as the numbers might suggest.

He pointed to the possibility of other players contributing and noted that Omar Marmoush can operate in more than one position.

In his view, Spurs could benefit from an additional, specialist number nine, rather than being desperate for a major overhaul up front.

The distinction is important: a new striker remains a possibility, but Jacobs does not expect De Zerbi to demand one at any cost.

“If everyone’s fit, Roberto De Zerbi won’t be pressing the panic button,” he added.

“So they could move for a striker in January, but only if the right target presents itself.”

That leaves Tottenham with a decision to make over the next few weeks.

Solanke has not yet delivered the consistent goals the club need, but Jacobs’ information suggests De Zerbi has not lost faith in him.

A January signing may strengthen the squad, but the manager is seemingly prepared to work with the options available if the market does not offer the right fit.