Tottenham and their search for a winger goes on after being told by Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo that he won't be arriving in north London.
Semenyo rejects Spurs as Frank scours for new attackers
As first revealed by the reliable David Ornstein, despite holding talks over personal terms, Semenyo has decided to reject Spurs' advances with Man City, Man United and Liverpool remaining in contention.
“Tottenham were very keen, and I’m led to believe were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he’s politely focusing on other options, mainly it seems City or United, and he will have to make a decision around that," Ornstein told NBC Sports this week.
“I think Arsenal might have looked at the situation, but more towards the summer, and I don’t think he’s willing to wait until that point.”
For the Lilywhites and Thomas Frank, it is back to the transfer drawing board as the club search for a new wide attacker who can provide that extra cutting edge in the final third.
Pressure is mounting on Frank after a poor run of five defeats in their last eight games, winning just two in that time, with the Dane under fire from large sections of the fanbase who feel he is not fit for the job.
Frank may also be about to lose co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who's reportedly on the verge of a surprise move to Fiorentina just over two months after his return to N17 was announced.
If Paratici does return to Italy, it is down to Johan Lange and the rest of the recruitment team to ensure Frank is fully backed next month.
After being rejected by Semenyo, reports suggest that Tottenham are keen on Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, but Los Blancos are reluctant to sanction a mid-season exit after his recent return to prominence.
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande has also held advanced discussions over a move to Spurs via his representatives, as per Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, and he's still on their radar.
That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who's also lifted the lid on a new target with bags of potential.
Tottenham eyeing Ajax sensation Mika Godts after Antoine Semenyo blow
Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, says Tottenham have identified Ajax winger Mika Godts as an alternative target after losing hope of signing Semenyo.
The 20-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Eden Hazard, has emerged on the radar of Frank's side as they seek attacking reinforcements to arrest their disappointing campaign.
Spurs dispatched officials to assess Godts during Ajax's recent matches against Feyenoord and NEC, with the youngster providing an assist in a 2-0 win before scoring in a 2-2 draw.
The young left-winger has produced seven goals and six assists from 13 starts this season, establishing himself as one of the Dutch giants' key performers despite their own difficulties under interim manager Fred Grim.
Godts arrived from Genk two years ago as a teenager and has frequently been likened to Hazard due to his dribbling ability and playing style.
Frank had considered other options including Real Madrid's Rodrygo, though the Brazilian's recent form makes a January departure from the Bernabeu highly unlikely.
Leipzig would also demand an excessive fee for Diomande midway through the campaign, while City's Savinho signed a lengthy new deal recently which could elevate his price tag.
Several other Premier League clubs have sent representatives to watch Godts in recent weeks too, meaning Tottenham face competition for the Belgian's services.
Ajax want to keep their young talent, but their poor season could undermine their bargaining position if clubs test their resolve with significant bids next month.