LONDON • Mauricio Pochettino has said Tottenham Hotspur are tracking strikers for a possible January move to provide support for Harry Kane.

The manager maintained he had options to cover Kane in the event of an injury - namely Son Heung Min, Nacer Chadli and Clinton Njie - but he accepted that they are not specialist strikers.

Tottenham failed to sign Saido Berahino in the summer from West Bromwich Albion, whom they meet at The Hawthorns today.

When the Berahino talks broke down, Pochettino made it clear he did not want to add another striker simply for the sake of making up the numbers and that he would adapt, if necessary, with Son, Chadli or Njie, players who are fundamentally wide attackers.

Happily for Tottenham, Kane has stayed fit, scoring eight league goals and 10 in all competitions.

Pochettino has specific requirements for the striker he wants. He must be an excellent athlete, capable of working in the team's pressing style and have a good attitude.

Berahino fitted the bill but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could not reach agreement with Jeremy Peace, his West Brom counterpart.

It is unclear whether Tottenham will try again to acquire the player next month.

"We are trying to follow players now but it is very difficult," Pochettino said. "What is most important is that we do not rock the balance of the team."

Berahino has only three goals this season - joint-top scorer in an Albion team who have found goals hard to come by. He got 20 in all competitions last season and may find extra motivation against Tottenham, should he feature.

"Saido hasn't been as influential this year as he was last year," said Pulis. "He needs to get back to his best and West Brom is the best place for him."

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