Tottenham Hotspur transfer news: Latest on 'stumbling block' for striker move in January as 'plausible' switch date 'revealed’

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to move for Ivan Toney in the January transfer window as the forward's salary demands would almost certainly prove prohibitively expensive, the latest reported has claimed.

Spurs somehow failed to take three points when they faced Manchester United last Saturday in the Premier League, drawing 2-2 at home despite taking the lead in second-half stoppage time.

Head coach Thomas Frank has faced criticism in recent weeks for his side's displays in the final third, with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani struggling to make an impact.

Spurs have been linked to a number of forwards ahead of the January transfer window, including Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney.

The Daily Mail report that a summer move for the Englishman would be far more likely given he would face tax penalties if he returned to the UK in the winter, and Spurs would have to pay him in the region of £900,000-a-week to match the £400,000-£500,000-a-week salary he currently earns after tax in Saudi Arabia.

Do Tottenham Hotspur need to sign Ivan Toney in the January transfer window?

The benefit of signing Toney in January or the summer would be his familiarity with Frank's system given the two worked together at Brentford, with the forward scoring 36 goals in 85 Premier League games for the Bees.

Toney also demonstrated that he was able to compete physically with the best centre-backs in the division, though it remains to be seen whether he can reach the same heights having left England in 2024.

Tottenham have failed to score in three of their last six in all competitions, and they only managed to produce three shots against Chelsea, when they lost 1-0 against the Blues on November 1.

Spurs must improve their displays in attack if they are to claim a Champions League spot, but considering Toney will be 30 in March, it may be wiser for the Londoners to look for younger alternatives.

January transfer window: What type of player should Thomas Frank sign in the winter?

One of the biggest reasons for Tottenham's concerning performances in attack has been the fact James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are dealing with long-term injuries.

The two are arguably the most creative players at the club, and both are well adjusted to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League, unlike Dutchman Xavi Simons.

If Spurs are to delve into the January market, they should focus on adding creative talents, especially as striker Dominic Solanke is expected to make his return from an ankle injury sometime after the November international break and his return may make a move for Toney obsolete.

It should also be noted that Kulusevski could also make his return before the end of this year, so there is a chance that Frank could find internal solutions to his side's problems.