Spurs and Liverpool in fresh fight for striker

Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsburg are reportedly battling it with Liverpool for the acquisition of Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony.

According to Italian source Tutto Mercato Web, Spurs are now leading the race to secure his services as they look to strengthen their threadbare strikeforce.

England international Jermain Defoe has not been replaced since he was sold at the start of February to MLS team Toronto FC, while £26million targetman Roberto Soldado has failed to impress on a regular basis since his arrival from La Liga side Valencia one year ago.

The north London outfit are said to see Bony as the man to provide quality competition and cover for Emmanuel Adebayor next term and are weighing up a big-money offer.

Wolfsburg are only likely to firm up their interest with an official bid if they miss out on Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku, who is also being chased by Serie A champions Juventus and Everton, where he spent last season on loan.

Liverpool’s interest had cooled when they opted to move for Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy, but the Frenchman will not be joining the Reds and Bony could yet jump to the top of their wishlist.

Bony was in prolific form for the Welsh club in his first season in English football, notching 24 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions following last summer’s £12million arrival from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem.