Tottenham Hotspur are not going to find it easy to prise Vangelis Pavlidis away from Benfica during the January window, with the Portuguese club reportedly considering offering the striker a new contract.Over the past few weeks, a number of outlets have suggested that Spurs are keeping an eye on Pavlidis, who has scored an astonishing 14 goals in 13 appearances so far this season. The Greece international has reportedly been identified by Roberto De Zerbi’s side as a potential solution to their goalscoring issues.In fact, Spurs Web relayed recently that the Benfica star has emerged as Tottenham’s top priority for January after the North London club’s scouts gave glowing reviews of the centre-forward. However, Benfica appear determined to retain the 27-year-old beyond the winter transfer window.Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty ImagesBenfica moving to prevent Tottenham from signing Vangelis PavlidisSport Witness have relayed what Portuguese outlets O Jogo and A Bola have reported on the 27-year-old’s future and how Benfica are reacting to Tottenham’s interest. Both publications suggest that the Premier League side could struggle to complete a deal in January.O Jogo report that the North Londoners have been extremely impressed by Pavlidis, but conclude that Tottenham may struggle to secure his signature in the winter window. The striker’s importance to Benfica appears to be one of the main obstacles facing Spurs.This is also backed by A Bola, who report that Marco Silva has made keeping the striker at the Estadio da Luz a priority. The Benfica boss is also said to have blocked the player’s departure during the summer.The Portuguese club have reportedly rewarded Pavlidis with a salary increase and are considering extending his current deal, which runs until 2029. Such a move would underline Benfica’s determination to keep hold of the Greece international amid interest from Tottenham and other clubs.Spurs face difficult decision over Pavlidis’ £85m release clauseA number of reports have suggested that the Greek striker is protected by a €100m (£85m) release clause. While that does not necessarily mean Benfica would demand the full amount in a negotiated deal, it highlights how expensive a January move could prove to be.There is also the question of whether Tottenham would be prepared to commit such a substantial sum to a striker who is yet to play in the Premier League. It has been reported that Spurs are planning to be more restrained in their January spending after investing heavily in new additions during the summer.In a recent meeting with the Fan Advisory Board, Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham explained that financial regulations had constrained the club’s spending in the recent transfer window. That suggests Spurs may have to think carefully before committing to a deal of this magnitude, particularly if Benfica remain unwilling to negotiate a lower fee.With Benfica reportedly keen to secure Pavlidis’ long-term future, Tottenham could face a difficult task if they decide to pursue the striker in January. Much may depend on whether the Portuguese club are willing to negotiate and how much Spurs are prepared to spend.READ MORE: Tottenham may have their £85m Richarlison replacement in 14-goal Vangelis PavlidisThe post Tottenham face hurdle in £85m striker race as Benfica plan new contract talks appeared first on Spurs Web.