Fernando Llorente is fighting for a new Tottenham deal as overseas clubs line up a summer move for the striker.
The Spaniard has scored two goals in three games while filling in for the injured Harry Kane and wants to stay in north London beyond the summer.
Llorente has played second fiddle to the England captain since joining Spurs in a £12million deal from Swansea in 2017, but the former Athletic Bilbao talisman, whose contract runs out in six months’ time, sees Kane’s absence as a chance to impress Tottenham chiefs and earn a new deal.
talkSPORT.com understands clubs in Turkey, including Super Lig champions Galatasaray, and China are interested in signing Llorente this summer.
The 33-year-old would be able to leave Tottenham for nothing and join a new club at the end of the season.
He scored a late winner in Spurs’ 2-1 win over Watford on Wednesday to keep alive their slim title hopes.
Craig Cathcart had given Watford a shock lead before Heung-min Son’s equaliser and Llorente’s 87th-minute strike gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side a much-needed win, meaning Tottenham closed the gap on leaders Liverpool to seven points.
Speaking after the game, Llorente said: “It’s really difficult because Harry is one of the best in the world.
“The most difficult thing is to be fit when you don’t play because the only way to be fit is to play 90 minutes.
“Training is important but the game is the game. Now I feel every game, I feel much better. Today I feel good. Now I’m very focused to help the team and do my best.
“It is probably the most important goal I have scored here at Tottenham [against Watford]. It was my dream.
“When you dream of days like this and finally it happens, it’s amazing. Now I enjoy the moment because we haven’t got a lot of time to enjoy.”
His goal against the Hornets prompted jubilant scenes from his manager.
“I was so happy. Normally I never celebrate goals but today I felt a bit of freedom to celebrate because we deserved to win,” Pochettino said.
“I am so happy because Fernando worked so hard, working the last four games with Harry Kane out, he’s working so hard for the team, to help the team to win three points today is a massive thing.”
Despite Llorente’s scoring form, Kane’s absence has been felt. Tottenham were dumped out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the space of three days last week.
Kane is set to return from an ankle injury in March and will miss Tottenham’s crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
It leaves Llorente as Spurs’ only out-and-out striker.
The former Spain international is expected to lead the line when Tottenham host Newcastle on Saturday.