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Tottenham are ramping up their efforts to sign a new midfielder THIS WEEK, with manager Thomas Frank identifying a high-energy, driving maestro as the priority signing to inject vitality and legs into the heart of his team.

Spurs are pushing forward with plans to address a lack of dynamism in the middle of the park. Sources close to the club indicate that Frank, who took the reins last summer, is keen on a player capable of progressive carries, relentless pressing, and box-to-box runs to complement the existing setup of Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and the experienced Joao Palhinha.

The need for reinforcement has been amplified by a challenging start to the year, including a frustrating 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the weekend, where late concessions and a lack of control in midfield drew boos from the home faithful.

Frank has been candid about the difficulties of his role, likening it to a “gruelling marathon,” but remains focused on strengthening the squad to turn performances into results.

Leading the list of potential arrivals is England international Conor Gallagher, currently at Atletico Madrid. The 25-year-old, known for his tireless work rate and ability to drive forward from deep, has seen limited minutes under Diego Simeone this season.

As we revealed previously, Gallagher is open to a Premier League return, with Tottenham in contact. A loan move could be feasible, depending on Atletico’s willingness to subsidise wages, though a permanent deal remains a possibility if the numbers align.

But Tottenham face competition for Gallagher, potentially from Manchester United, and they have alternative targets in mind…

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Tottenham ramp up midfielder chase

Another name firmly on Tottenham’s radar is Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old Cameroonian has impressed with his ball-carrying prowess and defensive tenacity, drawing comparisons to a “new Mousa Dembele” in some quarters.

However, Brighton are adamant about retaining their prized asset mid-season, with valuations hovering around £80-87 million making a January transfer unlikely.

Spurs, along with Liverpool and United, are monitoring the situation closely, potentially positioning for a summer swoop.

Other profiles under consideration include versatile attackers who could add creativity and energy, but the emphasis remains on a pure midfield driver to provide the “legs” Frank craves.

As reported by my colleague, Dean Jones, Maghnes Akliouche at Monaco is on the list – admired at Spurs and could be one to watch.

The pursuit has been helped by the recent departure of winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in a club-record £35 million deal for the Eagles.

The move, completed earlier this window, has freed up more funds and wage space, allowing the recruitment team to pursue ambitious targets. That income plus the backing of the club means there is money to spend for Frank this month.

While a left-sided attacker remains on the wishlist to overhaul that flank, midfield reinforcement is seen as crucial for immediate impact.

Frank has been under pressure, but he will be backed this month and his position reviewed in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are among the clubs that have been approached by intermediaries regarding a move for Vanderson in the January transfer window, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the AS Monaco star is ready to leave in the middle of the season.

We understand that Vanderson is a January option for a number of Premier League clubs. The attacking Brazilian full-back almost moved to England in January 2022, but Monaco persuaded him to reject Brentford to switch to the Principality instead from Gremio.

Monaco paid Gremio around £10million (€11.5m, $13.5m) for the 24-year-old, who is now a full Brazil international.

Sources have told us that Monaco would want to more than double their money for Vanderson, which means that the Ligue 1 side are looking for at least £20m (€23m, $27m).

However, we have been told that Vanderson is likely to be available this month at the right price, and intermediaries are working behind the scenes.

Crystal Palace are in the market for another attacking full-back and have made enquiries for the seven-times capped Brazil international.

We can also reveal that Tottenham, Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton have also been approached by intermediaries in regard to a move in the January transfer window.

Vanderson is under contract at Monaco until the summer of 2028 and has scored eight goals and given 16 assists in 137 appearances for Monaco so far in his career.

Vanderson has made five starts and three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 for Monaco this season, giving two assists in the process.

The Brazilian full-back also played four times for the Ligue 1 outfit in the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

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Latest Tottenham and Everton transfer news

Meanwhile, sources have told our transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham are pushing to sign a dazzling star and have been scouting him.

Sources have also told us that Tottenham are planning a bid for a record-breaking winger.

Regarding Everton, the Toffees are aiming for a January move for a top Championship side.

Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to give up on signing Souza from Santos in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk, with Newcastle United among the clubs interested in him.

We understand that Tottenham have held talks with Santos over a deal for their highly-rated left-back Souza.

The north London club are looking to tie up a deal for the teenager as they look to see off interest from a number of rivals.

Tottenham are most advanced, having proposed an initial deal worth €10million (£8.7m, $11.7m), but Santos are believed to value the player at closer to €20m (£17.3m, $23.4m).

Despite Santos’ initial rejection, Tottenham have not backed away, and talks are continuing, but we understand that they are not alone in chasing Souza.

We understand that BlueCo (Chelsea owners) and City Group (Manchester City owners) both like Souza, whilst Newcastle also admire the 19-year-old.

There is interest in Souza from clubs in Spain and Germany, too, but sources in Brazil believe the player is likely to be heading to England this month.

Souza is under contract at Santos until December 2028.

The 19-year-old Brazilian left-back has made 38 appearances for the Santos first team so far in his career,

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Midfielder race, bid for winger

Meanwhile, Tottenham have stormed into the race for a dominant midfielder, with scouts hugely impressed with him.

Sources have told us that Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign a dazzling but expensive star.

Thomas Frank has hinted at potential Tottenham Hotspur transfer business in the January window after confirming that Mohammed Kudus sustained a thigh injury against Sunderland on Sunday and has been sent for scans on the problem.

Spurs are in the midst of a tough run of results under Frank, with the draw against Sunderland leaving them 13th in the table and facing yet more woe on the injury front as a result.

Kudus hobbled off early on against the Black Cats, as Tottenham failed to build on a strong first-half display before collapsing late on against the visitors.

The injury to the Ghana man came just days after the north London outfit sold the contender to his right-wing berth, Brennan Johnson, to Crystal Palace for £35million, leaving them short on wide options as a result.

Frank confirmed at his press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Bournemouth that Kudus had been sent for scans, which the club are still awaiting the results of.

Signing a new left-sided attacker has been on the club’s radar since legendary figure Son Heung-min left over the summer, but Spurs might have to look at a player capable of playing on both flanks instead.

Mathys Tel, handed a rare start on Sunday, was one of the bright spots in the draw with Sunderland, but Frank admitted that no one has been able to take hold of that left-wing spot this season.

He told reporters, in a clear hint that some transfer business will be done this month: “I think it’s pretty fair to say that we are maybe a little bit short on offensive options.

“I think also it’s fair, there’s no one who’s really grabbed that shirt on the left-hand side. So I think that’s definitely up for grabs.

“I think it was a positive performance from Mathys [against Sunderland]. I think he did some positive things and got into good situations.”

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Numerous wingers on Tottenham’s radar

In terms of who Tottenham are looking at for that wide spot on the left, our sources recently confirmed that Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis has emerged as a potential target.

The Greece international has scored seven goals and added nine assists from 18 league starts so far this season and has also been a Champions League regular.

Elsewhere, Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche was once again scouted over the weekend but is more of a right-winger, which could be the move if Kudus is out for any length of time.

The French club can be difficult to deal with, however, and move in the winter window could be a tricky one to pull off.

Other targets, also include Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Man City star Savinho and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, although Tottenham will almost certainly be priced out of a move for the latter.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on a dynamic Serie A midfielder whose stock is massively on the rise in Italy, with the prospect of a January move growing by the day.

Thomas Frank has struggled to settle on the right balance to his engine room in the first half of the season, with the Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur axis proving way too defensive-minded and lacking in creativity as well as mobility.

Archie Gray has been added into that mix in recent outings and impressed, to a point, while Lucas Bergvall is a player who has a massive future, although the Swede is better utilised further forward.

And, with our sources revealing that Tottenham are yet to make a decision on turning Palhinha’s loan into a permanent move, the latest reports coming out of Italy are no great surprise.

While the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves are all being linked with a switch to north London, journalist Guglielmo Trupo claims that Spurs have been massively impressed by Parma midfielder Mandela Keita this season.

The Belgian talent has seen his stock rise rapidly over the course of his time in Italy, where he’s been since the summer of 2024.

Trupo reports that several Premier League clubs are keen on the 23-year-old, although the only one actually mentioned by name is Tottenham.

He wrote on X: “Mandela Keita, engine of Parma: 150 professional appearances at 23 years old, duels and tackles won 100% against Fiorentina. Cuesta is enjoying him, Tottenham is watching. But he’s not the only one in the Premier League eyeing the Belgian.”

A report in Parma Today has also revealed that Tottenham had scouts at the Ennio Tardini Stadium last Saturday to watch Keita in action, with the midfielder winning 100 per cent of his tackles and aerial duels in a 1-0 Parma win against Fiorentina.

It’s stated that Keita made a big impression on those scouts as he dominated play in the middle of the park, something no Tottenham midfielder has arguably done all season, bar the win at Manchester City very early on.

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Latest Tottenham news: Two attacking talents monitored

Tottenham representatives made checks on a top Ligue 1 talent on Saturday, as they ramp up their pursuit of fresh attacking options for Thomas Frank in the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, Spurs’ search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Tottenham representatives made checks on a top Ligue 1 talent on Saturday, as they ramp up their pursuit of fresh attacking options for Thomas Frank in the January transfer window.

Scoring goals has started to become a real issue for a Spurs side who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and are seven points off the top four heading into Sunday’s home clash with high-flying Sunderland.

Indeed, Tottenham have scored just twice in their last four league outings, winning only one of those games, as their injury and suspension-hit attack has looked devoid of creativity.

Landing a new left-winger and striker remain big priorities, and our sources can reveal that scouts were in attendance to watch Monaco sensation Maghnes Akliouche on Saturday.

It was a disappointing game as Monaco were beaten 3-1 by Lyon, with Akliouche unable to make a telling mark on the encounter, although he does still have three goals and five assists to his name so far this season.

Tottenham have identified him as a player with a very high ceiling, though, and attempted talks to sign him in the summer. Ultimately, they found discussions difficult between both the agents and club officials.

While it proved too difficult to strike a deal back then, Spurs have kept a watching brief with a view to signing him this year.

Monaco’s dip in form over the past two months also might mean the player is more inclined to push for a move this time, if indeed Spurs decide to progress in the coming days.

It is difficult to firmly gauge the situation as they are targeting various players simultaneously, sources say, as they look to make a game-changing signing in attack.

Akliouche would command a fee upwards of £50million (€57m / $67m) – which is punchy, but not as much as RB Leipzig are asking for one of their other top targets, Yan Diomande.

Indeed, my colleague Graeme Bailey recently revealed how Leipzig have completely laughed off suggestions that the highly-rated Diomande could be sold for just £50m.

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More Tottenham news: Surprise left-wing target; Real Madrid want Porro

Tottenham’s search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are considering a bid for Spurs star Pedro Porro because head coach Xabi Alonso believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold needs competition, according to a wild report, which TEAMtalk does not think should be taken seriously.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Sources with knowledge of the search have confirmed to us that Greek international Christos Tzolis is a player who is hugely respected by Spurs’ analytics and scouting department.

The likes of Ademola Lookman, Rodrygo, Savinho, Nico Williams and Maghnes Akliouche are some of the high-profile names on Spurs’ radar.

However, we can confirm another name on their list is Tzolis, and he is rated as high as anyone else by the club’s recruitment team.

We are told that Tottenham’s analytics staff, as well as a high-ranking scout at the club, believe the Greek star should be the one they move for.

The former Norwich City man has been sensational for Club Brugge, who he joined in 2024 after finishing top scorer in Bundesliga 2 with Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Tzolis’ first season in Belgium saw him claim 16 goals and nine assists, and this term he has been even more productive with seven goals and nine assists from 17 starts so far.

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Tottenham scouts wowed by Greek winger; record fee required

We can confirm that Spurs have been watching Tzolis regularly in recent months and the 23-year-old is very much in their thinking for this month.

It is our understanding that Brugge would demand a club record sale to let Tzolis leave, which means they want at least €40million (£35m / $47m).

Brugge’s current record sale is the €37million they received from AC Milan for Charles De Ketelaere in 2022.

Tottenham received around £35m by selling Johnson to Crystal Palace – that move was officially completed on Friday.

If Spurs could sign Tzolis for a figure in that ballpark it could prove to be an excellent bit of business from the London side.

Tzolis might not be as well-known as Real Madrid star Rodrygo or Manchester City man Savinho, but some behind the scenes at Tottenham are convinced that he could make the biggest difference.

Fellow winger Manor Solomon has also left Spurs to join Fiorentina on loan. The deal includes an option to buy worth €10million (£8.7m, $11.7m), though it depends on Fiorentina avoiding relegation.

Latest Tottenham news: Porro, Real Madrid links / Aston Villa join race

Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid could make a move for Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro.

Xabi Alonso wants more competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn’t made the expected impact this season, and Spurs man Porro is reportedly a target for the LaLiga side.

In other news, Aston Villa have joined Tottenham in showing interest in Man City forward Omar Marmoush.

Luring Marmoush away from the Etihad will be very difficult mid-season, however.

Aston Villa are interested in bringing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush to Villa Park in the January transfer window after Tottenham Hotspur made ‘enquiries’ to make him part of Thomas Frank’s side, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Marmoush has been on the books of Man City since January 2025 when he joined from German club Eintracht Frankfurt for £59million (€67.7m, $79.5m). The Egypt international forward signed a contract with the Cityzens until the summer of 2029.

The forward has not had the best of times at the Etihad Stadium so far, scoring nine goals and giving four assists in 40 appearances for Man City.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has handed Marmoush just two starts in the Premier League and only one in the Champions League so far this season.

Marmoush is now playing for Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, but that has not stopped Aston Villa from trying to sign him in the January transfer window.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, has said that Villa are making a move to get a deal done for the 26-year-old forward.

Sources have also told us that Tottenham Hotspur have also made enquiries about Marmoush, but Man City are not receptive to the idea of letting him leave in the middle of the season.

Jones told TEAMtalk: “There are whispers emerging out of Egypt that Aston Villa are making a move for Marmoush.

“The idea is fascinating, and as a club that have tried to bring Rashford and Sancho and Elliott back to life in the Premier League, it is reasonable to imagine that they fancy Marmoush to be next.

“His game time at Man City hasn’t been what he would have hoped, and we have reported that Villa are on the lookout for another player for the front line to give them a better chance of sustaining the form they have shown recently.

“But we have also been told recently, though, that Man City do not want to lose Marmoush.

“That was in connection with Tottenham enquiries about the player – so I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.”

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Omar Marmoush ‘an asset for any team’

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on December 21 that Tottenham were looking at Marmoush as a potential alternative to Antoine Semenyo.

At the time, Tottenham were still in the race for Semenyo, who is now set to join Man City.

That might open the door for a potential exit for Marmoush, who can play as a striker, a number 10 and a winger.

However, Fletcher reported before Christmas that Man City manager Guardiola ‘is expected to resist any departure, valuing Marmoush’s role in squad rotation during a congested fixture list’.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has urged the forward to stay in the Premier League and believes that he would be good for any side.

Hassan told Asharq when asked about Tottenham’s interest in the Man City forward: “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League, and I hope he stays there. He has an agent who will discuss his future with him.”

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Latest Aston Villa transfer news: Harvey Elliott update, Jadon Sancho future

Meanwhile, a trusted source has revealed whether Harvey Elliott could leave Aston Villa and move to Major League Soccer in the January transfer window.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the future of Jadon Sancho, who is struggling at Aston Villa following his loan move from Manchester United in the summer of 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told to replace under pressure Thomas Frank with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, with TEAMtalk revealing why that scenario could actually become a reality.

The Italian spent 18 months at Stamford Bridge before leaving on New Year’s Day after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s owners.

During his time at Chelsea, Maresca won the Conference League and Club World Cup and had a win rate of almost 60%, and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara wants his old club to act now, given the 45-year-old is being tipped to eventually replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has also reacted to talk of Manchester United turning to Maresca, if they sack Ruben Amorim in the near future.

O’Hara, however, is adamant over another Chelsea manager taking over in north London, following the more recent appointments of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Asked if he would have Maresca at Spurs, he told talkSPORT Breakfast: “Yes, I would have him.

“I think if we could get Enzo Maresca I’d go and get him right now. I think he’s a good manager.”

“He’s won the Club World Cup and the Conference League. I’ve watched Chelsea play and they battered Barcelona, battered Arsenal. They’re a good side. I think they [Chelsea] made a mistake.”

Comparing current Tottenham chief Frank to Maresca, O’Hara added: “He’s alright. He’s a good manager.

“I don’t know if he’s a great manager and I think Enzo Maresca is going to be a great manager.”

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Why Tottenham could turn to Maresca

Former Brentford boss Frank has been in charge of Tottenham since the summer after replacing Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou on a three-year deal.

However, Spurs currently sit 12th in the Premier League after their goalless draw with Brentford on New Year’s Day was met with utter derision from fans.

Frank has been accused of being way too pragmatic during the first half of the season, although he has been missing his top two creative stars during that time, in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while summer signing Xavi Simons has struggled to fully adapt to English football.

Despite a run of just three wins in 11 games in all competitions, our sources have told us Frank’s position is not immediately under threat.

That being said, TEAMtalk insider Fraser Fletcher has given insight on the possibility of Maresca actually replacing the Dane in north London.

He told us: “He is someone that Spurs are interested in. The fact he is now a free agent and will be snapped up by the likes of City (should Pep leave) also makes him more of a pressing option.”

One to watch for sure, if results do not improve for Frank at Tottenham.

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More Tottenham news: LaLiga striker chase; seven targets named

Tottenham are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after offloading Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Elsewhere, Spurs believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after nearing a deal to offload Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Thomas Frank’s men looked completely clueless in the attacking third, not for the first time this season, as they drew 0-0 at his former club Brentford on Thursday.

The display led to calls from the away end of ‘boring, boring Tottenham’ and ‘we want our money back’ as Spurs earned a point at their London rivals in what was their first goalless draw in 137 Premier League outings.

The absence of the banned Xavi Simons and injured Swede Lucas Bergvall, to add to that of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, is certainly not helping Frank try and develop Tottenham‘s play in the final third. However, some Spurs supporters are growing tired of the continued pragmatism and would prefer a change of manager, just six months into the Dane’s tenure in north London.

Adding fresh attacking talent in the January window could help, though, and the latest reports suggest a move for Levante striker Etta Eyong could be on the cards.

According to a report from MailOnline, Tottenham have checked on Eyong as they look to bolster Frank’s forward options, particularly centrally and on the left, in the winter window.

Eyong has scored five goals and laid on one assist for Levante in LaLiga this season, while he also contributed with three goals and assists combined for Villarreal before leaving the club over the summer.

While those stats don’t particularly jump out, Eyong is regarded as a real talent who would give Tottenham more dynamism and power in the No.9 position, especially in Dominic Solanke’s continued absence.

Indeed, he’s already making enough of an impact in Spanish football that Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his progress, while at international level, Eyong is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

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‘Dangerous’ Eyong could provide Tottenham spark

While not exactly viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Palace-bound Johnson, Eyong could give Spurs more attacking thrust if Solanke’s absence is prolonged.

Richarlison remains an enigma who misses chances quality No.9s would not, while Randal Kolo Muani’s loan move has been pretty disastrous so far, with his only two goals coming in the Champions League against his parent club PSG.

Former Cameroon coach Marc Brys, who was sacked just before AFCON began, certainly believes Eyong has the talent to be an elite striker in European football.

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Brys said: “He’s a very good player, Very modest and humble, which is a gift.

“He’s not an egocentric striker; he plays for the team. I like that: he’s hard-working, he draws attention so others can takeEtta Eyongpop advantage of the space. He played one game with us and did well, even though he didn’t score. He was an important addition to the squad. He has a good heart, he’s polite, and he has no negative attitude. That’s what makes him special.

“He needs to continue developing, to integrate more fully, but he has the potential to score a lot of goals. He’s already shown that, although he hasn’t yet reached his full potential.

“He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and can surprise anyone. And that’s valuable for any top team.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Goretska swoop; Palhinha signing re-think

Arsenal are reportedly in the mix with rivals Tottenham to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretska this month, as sources reveal Thomas Frank’s stance on the 30-year-old.

Elsewhere, Spurs have not yet decided whether to make Joao Palhinha’s deal permanent heading into 2026, but the player has made it clear to the club he wants to stay, TEAMtalk understands.

Finally, Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.