Tottenham have now been told what it's going to take to strike a January deal for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, following the player's alleged talks with former boss Thomas Frank.
Spurs' immediate need for a new centre-forward might dwindle in the eyes of some once Dominic Solanke returns to full fitness, with Randal Kolo Muani also steadily getting up to speed after spending most of this season out injured.
Kolo Muani notched an impressive assist against FC Copenhagen in Spurs' last outing, but missed glorious chances to double the home side's lead, much to the bewilderment of Xavi Simons, who put the ball on a plate for the Frenchman twice.
However, while Kolo Muani earned Frank's praise for his overall display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is important to remember that the 27-year-old is only on a dry loan and there is no guarantee he stays beyond 2025/2026.
Meanwhile, Richarlison has been heavily criticised for his form lately, and his abject penalty miss against Copenhagen, immediately after taking the ball off Dane Scarlett, best sums up the Brazilian's woes right now.
According to some reports, with his contract expiring in 2027, Richarlison could well leave Tottenham in January and there are suggestions that he would jump at the chance to re-join Everton.
However, any transfer for the 28-year-old may well hinge on Spurs finding a winter replacement.
Depending on developments surrounding Richarlison and the long-term future of Kolo Muani, Tottenham could suddenly find themselves needing a new number nine after all.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Toney is being linked as one of their many potential options alongside the likes of Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.
Vlahovic's deal expires at the end of this season and Tottenham have reportedly spoken to his representatives about a move, while Frank is believed to have reached out to Toney personally.
The former Brentford star, who scored 20 Premier League goals during his best campaign under Frank, has scored for fun in Saudi Arabia with 41 goals in just 59 total appearances.
However, ever since his switch to the Gulf, Toney has largely been excluded from the Three Lions squad, bar one call-up earlier this year for games against Andorra and Senegal.
The 29-year-old will be eager to challenge for a place in Thomas Tuchel's plans, but he may have to consider a return to England for this to be possible.
Tottenham told Ivan Toney deal conditions after Frank talks
According to TEAMtalk, Frank has indeed held 'direct talks' with Toney about a possible move to Tottenham in the new year.
The Saudi Pro League side, who are still unbeaten this season, lie eight points behind table-toppers Al-Nassr and could be very reluctant to part company with their star striker.
However, they would entertain talks on a few key conditions.
Al-Ahli value Toney at around £30 million for a permanent January deal, but suitors are said to be 'baulking' at this asking price, while the player himself faces a hefty tax bill if he departs Saudi for good just under two years after arriving, meaning a loan to buy is the most likely solution.
Making this option an obligation could apparently sweeten the deal and obtain Al-Ahli's green light, with Tottenham now 'leading the race' to sign Toney ahead of the window's reopening.
The Lilywhites apparently view him as the 'ideal' solution to potentially replace Richarlison, and Frank's strong relationship with Toney hands Tottenham a secret weapon to beat off competition for his signature.
The Spurs boss has made no secret of his admiration for Toney, though, once branding him the 'number two' striker in England.