Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for a big-name Manchester United player in the winter window, as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen his squad midway through the season.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Tottenham Hotspur could be among the more active Premier League sides this winter, as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season.
Spurs are reportedly in search of a new centre-forward, but Frank’s recent comments on Harry Kane and Ivan Toney have done little to cool speculation, with the manager refusing to rule out potential moves for either striker.
Tottenham are believed to have £100 million available following a recent ENIC cash injection, and with two Sporting Directors in place, there is an expectation that the club will move decisively in the market.
Tottenham eye Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
According to The Daily Briefing, Tottenham are understood to be eyeing a move for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has played just 30 minutes of competitive football this season.
Spurs were previously linked with Mainoo during the summer transfer window, but a proposed loan move fell through after Ruben Amorim insisted that Mainoo remain and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
Despite that decision, Mainoo’s lack of game time has reignited speculation surrounding his future, with journalist Marc Brus reporting that Tottenham are among several clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
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Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game this season, with his only appearance in the starting XI coming in the League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Speaking via The Daily Briefing, Brus said: “I am told that the January transfer window is going to be a very interesting one for Manchester United as they may be forced into the market for a new midfielder.
“Names like Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have been on the Red Devils’ radar for some time, though neither are likely to be allowed to leave their current clubs in the middle of the season.
“This poses an issue for United, though, as they face the prospect of having to replace a big name who wants to leave. That name, not too surprisingly, is Kobbie Mainoo, according to my source I just got off the phone to.
‘Kobbie Mainoo wanted to leave in the summer but United blocked it,’ my source said. ‘This will be one to watch again in January because he is still not playing and interested clubs are still there.’
“Multiple sources have confirmed to me that Napoli are big admirers of Mainoo, and that the Serie A champions have done the most work on the player’s side for that potential deal. There will be Premier League interest as well, though, from Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Leeds, who have all monitored him in recent months.”
Spurs midfield depth could become a concern
Spurs could certainly use reinforcements in midfield, particularly with Yves Bissouma’s situation under Thomas Frank still unresolved.
The Mali international has not played a competitive match since May under Ange Postecoglou and was left out of Frank’s squad for the Super Cup due to disciplinary reasons.
The former Brighton man’s situation has only worsened after suffering another injury while on international duty, adding to his frustrations.