One Bayern Munich star is 'very much' keen on joining Tottenham, with the likelihood of a January transfer also revealed after a key decision.
Spurs knocked back in pursuit of late January deals
Thomas Frank still has room left in his squad for a key late addition or two, but as things stand, the Lilywhites are no closer to making their third signing of the window.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Tottenham were in the race for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Frenchman now looks poised to join AC Milan instead, unless Spurs or Nottingham Forest spring a last-gasp surprise.
The north Londoners have been linked with a few other big attacking names too, like Bayern's Serge Gnabry, but the former Arsenal star apparently rejected an approach from them as he holds talks to extend his deal.
Spurs are bereft of forward options right now, with Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski all injured alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall and Ben Davies.
Tottenham's eight-man absentee list is a major headache for Frank, who's dealing with similar problems Ange Postecoglou had last season when it comes to player availability.
The Lewis family, Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have responded by signing ex-Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher in a £35 million deal from Atlético Madrid and young Brazilian left-back Souza, but they need more bodies.
Tottenham did agree a deal in principle for Liverpool and Scotland legend Andy Robertson, worth around £5 million, but the move has currently stalled due to neither the player nor Arne Slot's side giving their final green-light.
Liverpool need a replacement before sanctioning Robertson's switch to London, with the veteran defender wanted as cover for Davies.
Spurs also attempted to shore up their midfield with a January approach for Bayern star Leon Goretzka this week.
Marca journalist Matteo Moretto shared news of Tottenham contact with Goretzka, who's won the Champions League with Bayern alongside six Bundesliga titles.
However, the 30-year-old serial winner has decided to stay at Bayern until the summer, when he will leave the Allianz Arena as a free agent.
Leon Goretzka makes January decision but fancies Tottenham move
That being said, a move to Tottenham is very much on the cards for Goretzka later this year, according to Bayern insider Christian Falk.
According to his information, the Germany international is 'very much' keen on the idea of joining Tottenham this summer when his deal expires.
Falk also says that Tottenham's interest would've played a key role in him deciding to wait until the next window, as he'll be free to join them without any club-to-club transfer fees blocking his path.
"In my view, I think there’s a big wish to join the Premier League," Falk said.
"I’m told Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in Leon Goretzka. So, I think this was also in the midfielder’s mind when he decided to avoid a January switch. In the summer, he’ll be free to join any club he’d like, and I think Tottenham is very much one of the clubs he’s interested in."
While Goretzka is believed to be on a staggering £300,000-per-week pay packet at Bayern, Spurs won't have to worry about matching that when he leaves as a free agent.
What they will have to worry about, though, is the stiff competition for his signature, mostly from Atletico, who apparently pushed to secure the former Schalke star this month.