Tottenham no longer appear to be genuine suitors for Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo despite their desire to strengthen their wide options during the January transfer window
While Tottenham have great affection for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, they look poised to miss out on the explosive Ghana international this winter.
Semenyo's £65million release clause - made up of an initial £60million plus £5million in contingents - will be active from the start of 2026 until January 10.
At this moment in time, both Manchester City and Manchester United appear to be leading the charge for the 25-year-old, who turns 26 on January 7. A late swoop from Liverpool after Alexander Isak's injury cannot be ruled out at this stage, either.
Tottenham looked into signing Semenyo in the summer but were quoted a massive figure which saw them cool their interest and while there have been enquiries ahead of January, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports the winger has already 'politely' rejected the Europa League winners.
With that in mind, football.london takes a look at five hypothetical alternatives that might be worth considering after Thomas Frank recently claimed Spurs would "100 per cent" be active in the market.
It's important to note, some of these are purely fanciful and just because they're mentioned below during our analysis, it doesn't necessarily translate to genuine interest.
Savinho - Manchester City
It's a signing that would make plenty of sense. Tottenham sources say they never bid for Savinho during the summer but there were firm indications their interest was very serious.
However, Man City decided they did not want to sell but the Brazilian's playing time has remained limited ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.
Savinho is believed to be open to the move, even though he has played the majority of his football on the right flank at the Etihad Stadium.
He's a versatile forward and can operate on either wing or alternatively, in a central role. At 21, he is still so young and there is huge room for growth.
If Tottenham were to strike a deal, it's a transfer that would certainly lift the mood around the club, though City would surely demand a premium fee.
Said El Mala - FC Koln
Germany U21 international El Mala is perhaps a wildcard option. However, he's been a revelation in the Bundesliga this season with FC Koln, scoring six goals and looks destined for stardom.
Crucially, he's both-footed and is a natural left-winger with slick dribbling. From a profile perspective, he would certainly tick a lot of boxes for Spurs but it's important to note they have already signed two promising young talents in Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, who have both flattered to deceive.
They've struggled for regular opportunities due to their dips in form and Tottenham need a signing that's going to make a real difference this winter, otherwise they may as well stick with what they have.
Kang-in Lee - PSG
More naturally a No.10, Kang-in Lee is easy on the eye but is more of a creative attacking midfielder as opposed to an out-and-out winger.
He of course scored against Spurs during August's UEFA Super Cup final in Udine and is a player that can unlock opposition defences.
He's said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time at PSG and could be available during the January window.
However, he does not solve Spurs' glaring need for a top left-winger, even if he could probably do a job on the left flank.
He's left-footed and is far more effective from the right and as we've already seen this season, Frank appears reluctant to move Mohammed Kudus from that position.
Maghnes Akliouche - AS Monaco
Similarly to Lee, Akliouche is naturally a No.10 that can also play on the right flank.
He's not a left-winger and that is ultimately what Spurs need at this moment in time.
Nonetheless, he's another potential signing that would create excitement and he'd certainly improve Tottenham's attacking options.
When asked by football.london what he made of links with Spurs last summer in October ahead of the 0-0 Champions League draw, Akliouche told us: "I thought it was very flattering to have these kind of stories and links but I'm a Monaco player and I'm playing against Spurs tomorrow, so I will give my best.
"In terms of playing in the Premier League, why not? We will see in the future."
If Frank was prepared to shift Kudus inside or to the left, Akliouche would certainly be worth a punt, though Monaco are unlikely to warm to a mid-season sale.
Rodrygo - Real Madrid
This one seems far-fetched but given his lack of regular playing time under Xabi Alonso, you never know whether money would talk.
A transfer as big as this feels somewhat unlikely in January though, particularly ahead of the World Cup.
Rodrygo has consistently made it clear he wants to stay and fight for his place at Real Madrid and there's a sense Alonso's future remains uncertain.
You cannot rule out a new manager arriving in the summer and then Rodrygo would be handed the chance to wipe the slate clean at the Bernabeu.
He has always wanted to operate from the left but that has proven problematic in Madrid because Vinicius Jr has had that role locked down for many years.
It also feels like in the summer, Manchester City and Arsenal, potentially even Liverpool, might be interested, too and if we're to be realistic, Rodrygo would likely favour moves to any of those clubs over Spurs.