Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a centre-forward who has found the back of the net 14 times already this season.Over recent weeks, it has been widely reported that Spurs are scouring Europe for a number nine ahead of the January window.The expectation is that Richarlison will leave in the winter after being left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad, while neither Omar Marmoush nor Dominic Solanke have inspired confidence leading the line for the Lilywhites this season.It has now emerged that Roberto De Zerbi’s men have entered the race to sign a 27-year-old centre-forward, who has been one of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe so far this season.Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesTottenham involved in transfer tussle for Vangelis PavlidisIt was reported in the summer window that Spurs are fans of Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis. The Lilywhites may regret not securing his services as the Greek striker has scored 14 goals in 13 matches across all competitions so far this campaign.According to A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham were one of several clubs to make approaches for the Benfica star in the summer.The others were Aston Villa, Tottenham, Barcelona, AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus, Fenerbahçe, and Besiktas, and the report suggests the interest of these clubs has not gone away.It is revealed that Marco Silva was extremely keen not to lose Pavlidis, and the Portuguese club decided to ward off the interest to please their head coach.Spurs and Aston Villa have an advantage in Pavlidis raceA Bola reveal that the AZ Alkmaar striker has always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, which gives Villa and Spurs an advantage over other suitors.However, the report claims that Pavlidis will not push for a transfer, with the player making it clear that he will not leave without Benfica’s agreement.The Lisbon club are in a strong negotiating position, as the striker’s current deal runs until 2029 and contains a €100m (£85m) release clause.READ MORE: Roberto De Zerbi could reunite with Kaoru Mitoma in bargain deal for TottenhamThe post Tottenham have big advantage over Barcelona in race for 14-goal Vangelis Pavlidis appeared first on Spurs Web.