Josh Maja will be Tottenham bargain if he can live up to Jermain Defoe hype

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Tottenham Hotspur have recently been linked with a move for Sunderland striker Josh Maja. The Mirror recently reported that Tottenham were keeping tabs on the Sunderland star with a £6 million deal potentially in the works.

Sunderland are attempting to tie him down to a new contract, with his current deal expiring in the summer. That will not, however, deter Tottenham, according to the report, with Manchester City also keeping tabs.

Maja has been in fine form this season. The 19-year-old has 11 goals in 20 games for the club this season. His form and style of play have seen him compared to a club hero at Sunderland in Jermain Defoe.

“Josh is a quick thinker and if you’re that fast upstairs you don’t need anything else…

“The gift Josh has is rare and if he builds on it, the sky’s the limit.”

– Jermain Defoe on Josh Maja

The pair certainly have similar styles. Maja is a lethal finisher on either foot who needs just the slightest opportunity to find the back of the net.

Defoe spoke highly of the player during his time at the Stadium of Light whilst current boss Jack Ross admits that the youngster has been lucky to learn from one of the best.

“You can’t underestimate the significance of working with someone like Jermain Defoe at such a young age. You can be massively influenced by players who play in a similar position to you in terms of how they conduct themselves and do things.”

– Jack Ross on Defoe’s influence on Maja

Tottenham fans will no doubt be pleased to hear the Defoe links. The former England international is something of a legend in North London. He scored 142 goals in three separate spells with Spurs and if Maja went on to be a similar hit then £6 million would be a small price to pay.