Tottenham Hotspur have settled on an experienced 27-year-old centre-forward as their top January target after studying various number nines around Europe.It is clear that Spurs desperately need another striker, especially given that Richarlison appears to have already played his final game for the club.Plenty of reports over the last few weeks have said that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic.More recently, we have also seen multiple reports suggest that Spurs have been impressed with Espanyol marksman Roberto Fernandez, who has broken into the Spain squad.However, it has now been revealed by a reliable journalist that a Benfica star has moved to the top of the Lilywhites’ wishlist.Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesTottenham prioritising move for Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis in JanuarySome sources from Portugal have reported recently that Spurs are keeping an eye on Vangelis Pavlidis, who has scored an astonishing 14 goals in 13 appearances so far this season.Journalist Mark Brus has revealed on CaughtOffside, that Tottenham are not only interested in the 27-year-old, but they have now made him their ‘top priority for January’.The journalist says that the club have paid ‘close attention’ to Pavlidis over recent months and they now want to bring him to N17 in January.However, Spurs are not the only ones eyeing the Benfica man, with Aston Villa and Fulham named as ‘long-time admirers’. The experienced striker is also alleged to be on the radar of Barcelona, AC Milan, and Juventus.The interest of these clubs are said to be at a nascent stage right now, with no indication of any transfer talks or offers so far.Spurs are expected to fail in January pursuit of PavlidisHowever, Brus explains in his report that Benfica have no plans to lose their star man in the middle of the season, and a January deal does not appear to be on the cards.The Portuguese giants are in a strong position to keep the player, who is protected by a €100m (£85m) release clause, which is why Spurs and other suitors are likely to be forced to wait until the summer.The report adds that while Pavlidis is open to a move to the Premier League, Barcelona would be a ‘really tempting option’ for the Greek international if they substantiate their interest.Would Vangelis Pavlidis be a good replacement for Richarlison at Tottenham?Pavlidis’ goalscoring record certainly makes him an interesting option for Tottenham, particularly given the problems Roberto De Zerbi’s side have had in front of goal. The Benfica striker has scored 14 times in 13 appearances this season, although his numbers need to be considered in the context of playing in Portugal rather than the Premier League.Richarlison managed 11 Premier League goals in 32 appearances last season, averaging a goal every 178 minutes. Pavlidis’ early-season return suggests he could offer a greater goalscoring threat, but it would be premature to conclude that he would automatically reproduce those numbers in English football.There is also the question of whether Tottenham should spend such a substantial amount on another centre-forward. Pavlidis will turn 28 in November, and while that gives Spurs an experienced option, a potential £85m investment would leave considerably less room for error than a move for a younger striker.With Benfica reportedly unwilling to sell in January, Tottenham may have to decide whether waiting for Pavlidis is worthwhile or whether another target would offer better value in the winter window.RicharlisonTottenham – Premier League (2025 – 2026)Appearances32Minutes Played1957Average Rating6.83Shots47Shots on Target26Goals11Assists4Pass Accuracy (%)62.00Duels Won137Stats correct as of 12 October 2026.READ MORE: Tottenham monitor Endrick loan as Real Madrid make January transfer decisionThe post Tottenham make £85m 14-goal striker their 'top priority target' for January transfer window appeared first on Spurs Web.