Tottenham have reportedly made an attempt to sign one "world-class" forward from Barcelona, with the La Liga champions delivering a reply.
Thomas Frank desperately needs backing in these final few weeks of the summer window, after watching Son Heung-min complete a £20 million move to LAFC and James Maddison be ruled out for most of next season.
Maddison will miss the majority of 2025/2026 following confirmation of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee - sustained during Tottenham’s pre-season friendly in Seoul against Newcastle United last Sunday.
The injury struck just minutes after he came on as a substitute, with the playmaker needing to be stretchered off. Maddison will now undergo surgery and rehabilitation, dealing an almighty blow to Frank's chances of a winning start to his tenure.
The Dane described Maddison's absence as “devastating,” lamenting the loss not just for the team, but for the player personally.
“I think it’s disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he’s out of the team,” said Frank, speaking after Thursday evening’s friendly defeat to Bayern. “We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football.”
His absence leaves a notable creative void, with Spurs already thin in that area. Frank's side were already working to sign an attacking midfielder before Maddison's return to the sidelines (Fabrizio Romano), but those plans must now intensify with Tottenham minus one of their chief forward outlets.
The Lilywhites had booked a medical for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White last month (BBC), only for his club to block the £60 million move and tie him down with a brand-new contract - forcing Spurs back to square one in their search for a number 10.
A host of intriguing targets have been linked in the last few days alone, including Man City's Jack Grealish, AC Milan's Rafael Leao, Como starlet Nico Paz, Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott and Savinho.
All the aforementioned men can be used as playmakers when required, as can Barça forward Ferran Torres.
Tottenham get response after £43m bid for Barcelona star Ferran Torres
The Spain international has predominantly been used a left-winger, right-winger or striker under Hansi Flick, but also played in central attacking midfield on rare occasions earlier in his career.
Frank could use Torres as a replacement for Son and Maddison, theoretically, but it appears Spurs are set to be snubbed in their attempts to sign the ex-City sensation.
According to reports in Spain, Tottenham made a £43 million bid for Torres recently. However, the cash-strapped Catalans have still decided not to sell, especially considering his new lease of life towards the second half of 2024/2025.
Torres scored 19 goals and bagged a further seven assists last season, and would've been a fantastic asset for Frank, but it appears the north Londoners will have to continue their search for attackers elsewhere.
"He's a player on another level, he's spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn't lose the ball, his defensive work... he's world-class," said ex-Barca boss, Xavi.
"He's a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer."