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Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is hoping to solve his goal-scoring crisis with a January loan deal for Real Madrid starlet Alvaro Morata.

Villas-Boas was hoping to sign the 21-year-old striker in the summer as part of Gareth Bale's £85million move from the White Hart Lane club to Real.

The Bernabeu giants' new boss Carlo Ancelotti blocked the move then, but has now has had a change of heart as he believes it will help the Spain Under-21 international's career.

Tottenham have been back in for him and held talks with Morata, with Villas-Boas making personal contact to try to convince him to come to the Premier League.

They have also persuaded Morata's representatives that a move would be good as they are convinced he will get regular games.

Tottenham have managed just nine goals in the Premier League this season - three of them penalties - and new £26m striker Roberto Soldado has endured mixed fortunes.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may also be ready to offload England striker Jermain Defoe in January, with MLS side Toronto keen.

Defoe could also be a target for West Ham, Sunderland or Hull, with the lure of more regular football in a World Cup year.

But Spurs would not let him go without reinforcements arriving in January and Morata is clearly a top priority.

Check out what Morata has in his locker: