Thomas Frank could have set his sights on a major swap deal ahead of the January transfer window
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Thomas Frank’s early months as new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur have led to renewed optimism, as the Europa League winners have returned to challenging in the upper reaches of the Premier League table whilst making a solid start in Europe.
The Lilywhites have risen to third in the league table despite having very few striking options to choose from, with Richarlison and Mathys Tel often Frank’s only options through the centre amidst injury lay-offs for Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke.
Spurs’ search for a striker may extend to the transfer market, amidst rumours that Frank “does not fancy” Solanke according to Football Insider. The former Bournemouth striker has only made three substitute appearances under the Dane thus far due to injury, but this has not prevented the head coach from forming an early opinion on the Englishman. Should his doubts persist when Solanke returns to full fitness, a January swap deal could be on the cards.
Tottenham and Everton swap deal could be huge January move
While not a direct replacement for Solanke, Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye is reportedly a Spurs target and could switch ways with the striker in a deal which would work well for both clubs.
Everton have expressed that they do not want to sell Ndiaye and will not part with him easily, but there is no denying that the striker position is one where David Moyes’ side could still do with an upgrade. If Solanke can prove by January that he is capable of staying fit, there is an argument to be made that he would do a great job for the Toffees.
The 28-year-old has scored 38 Premier League goals in spells with Liverpool, Bournemouth and Spurs, netting 16 in all competitions last season following his £65 million move from the Cherries. Solanke was first-choice under Ange Postecoglou, but this is unlikely to still be the case - and Spurs would be smart to use the striker as a bargaining chip in securing a deal for Ndiaye.
Solanke and Ndiaye transfer deal would work for all parties
If Everton are to accept they must part ways with Ndiaye at some stage as his long list of suitors grows, they would be smart to secure a Premier League-proven striker as part of a deal. Meanwhile, Spurs are looking to build a squad capable of winning trophies and competing on the European stage, and the Frank project could certainly be an appealing one to the 25-year-old Senegal international.
Ndiaye has reached new heights so far this season, earning rave reviews for his performances against the likes of Manchester City at the Etihad. “Ili’s performance in the first half was outstanding,” Moyes told Everton TV. “He was the standout player at that time in the game.”
As for Solanke, he might be disappointed to depart just over a year after securing his big move, but success for the Toffees could be enough to see his name return to the England conversation, as has been the case with Jack Grealish. If he were to score the goals to help Everton earn a much-awaited return to Europe - or even to win a trophy - he would become an icon for one of England’s sleeping giants.
Everton are reported to value Ndiaye at north of £60m, which comes as no surprise in the current market for creative wide players. Though this is a similar fee to that for which Spurs signed Solanke, it is unlikely they will be able to command a similar valuation after his injury issues. If they were to offer Everton around £15m-£20m in addition to the three-cap England man, they might be able to secure a headline-grabbing January deal.