There are a lack of number nines in the English game and the job of being Harry Kane’s understudy is harder than it sounds.
The England captain has just won the Ballon d’Or, likes to play almost every minute for his country and is the captain, record goalscorer and arguably the best player in Tuchel’s side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been selected in the squads pre and post the World Cup but, despite doing well for Leeds, it has not quite clicked for him under Tuchel and he was given just 15 minutes in two substitute appearances in the last window.
Tuchel has started to use Bellingham as the back-up to Kane but he could opt for more of a prospect in his squad in this shorter window and turn to Lankshear.
The 21-year-old striker, who like Kane started at Tottenham before being sold to Middlesbrough this summer for £20m, has scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this campaign.
He has scored 13 goals in as many games in the Championship, helping Middlesbrough to the top of the division.
He only made his debut for the under-21s during the last international window and scored in that game so it would be quite a rise for a player who is not in the Premier League.
Tuchel is aware of Lankshear and with a lack of number nines across the age groups it could be an interesting option for a manager who is not afraid of making big calls.
He did miss Middlesbrough’s loss to Wrexham on Wednesday with a tweaked hamstring but could return in time for Saturday.
