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Manchester United could get help from a coach as they look to beat Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City to the sensational signing of Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

During an appearance on The Athletic FC Podcast, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden was asked about Semenyo’s rise, as well as where the winger could end up next year. Holden knows Semenyo well, having managed him at Bristol City during the 2020-21 campaign.

Holden is a Man Utd fan, and he has admitted he will do his best to convince Semenyo on a move to Old Trafford next year.

How Antoine Semenyo reached the top

Spent time at Bath City before going on to join Bristol City, Newport County and Sunderland

Signed for Bournemouth in a £10million deal in January 2023

Took his game to the next level last season, registering 13 goals and seven assists

“We still speak quite a lot, so I’ll certainly be trying to pull him towards a Man Utd direction, because obviously as a kid, supporting Man Utd, I would love to see him there,” Holden said. “I think he’s a player that could play for Man Utd.”

Although, Holden did admit that it will be tough for Semenyo to turn down the lure of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

“I think for Antoine, he has to look [at] where he’s going to go and win trophies,” the observer added.

“Where’s he going to go and win the most trophies? And for me, I’d go and play under Pep Guardiola. If I could go back and put my boots on, I’d be playing under Pep.”

READ NEXT 💫 Man Utd ‘in contact’ to sign Liverpool-linked sensation as Christopher Vivell leads chase – report

Semenyo emerges as the Prem’s hottest property

Holden’s good relationship with the 25-year-old could prove important if United re-enter the chase for his services.

United, alongside Spurs, expressed interest in signing Semenyo in the summer, only for him to pen a new contract with Bournemouth. Bryan Mbeumo ultimately moved to Old Trafford instead.

Semenyo’s reputation has only increased since then, as he has already notched six goals and three assists in 11 league matches this term.

David Ornstein revealed on Monday that his new Bournemouth deal includes a £65m release clause, active during the early stages of the January window. It will drop to £50m at the end of the season.

That news has put the Premier League’s biggest clubs on alert. Ornstein featured on the podcast alongside Holden and stated that Liverpool, Spurs and City are Semenyo’s main suitors as things stand.

But speculation United could swoop for the Ghana international refuses to go away…

Our transfer correspondent Dean Jones reported on Thursday that it is not out of the question United move for Semenyo in 2026, as they retain interest in his signature.

According to Ben Jacobs, United are deciding whether to initiate talks for him in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.

While Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will play at the tournament, Semenyo’s Ghana failed to qualify.

United will need to overcome Liverpool and Spurs in particular to complete the deal. Liverpool view Semenyo as an ideal long-term successor for Mo Salah.

While our own Fraser Fletcher reported earlier on Friday that Spurs are preparing a bid to match his release clause.

There has been talk of Spurs pursuing a ‘world-class’ goalkeeper, but we understand that a new winger tops their list of priorities.

Spurs could move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche if they miss out on Semenyo.

Man Utd news: £250m triple deal; predicted lineup

Meanwhile, our transfer debrief this week includes United aiming to completely transform one area of Ruben Amorim’s squad.

An incredible triple deal could cost the Red Devils around £250m.

Thomas Frank revealed that eight Tottenham Hotspur players are back in training and potentially available for the big north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday, including one surprise addition.

Spurs head into the contest with their bitter rivals boasting the best away record in the Premier League this season, having won four and drawn one of their five outings on the road.

However, Tottenham will be going up against an Arsenal side who have the second-best home record in what promises to be a closely fought clash.

While The Gunners will be missing key centre-back Gabriel, Tottenham have had some surprisingly good news on the injury front for Frank.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game, Frank revealed that Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani all trained and are available for the game.

The news on the latter is the most surprising after he suffered a jaw injury on the draw with Manchester United before the international break. However, the France international has been cleared to play after being fitted with a protective mask.

Frank said: “They are good, most of them. Pape [Matar Sarr] and Lucas [Bergvall] both trained and available. [Randal] Kolo Muani trained and available, he will wear a mask. Dom [Solanke] is not ready yet. We want to be absolutely sure when we put him out there, no setbacks.”

The Tottenham boss also had updates on the likes of Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Ben Davies and Kota Takai, adding: “Radu is in full training. Played his first 45 minutes in nine months last week. Trained fully today. He is very close to being selected. Kota and Ben both trained with the team today. Archie trained with the team today.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Winger target ‘just like Bale’; Rodrygo signing boost

First up, as Tottenham prepare to launch a £65million bid for an incredible attacking talent in the January transfer window, one former star has made a heady comparison to Gareth Bale, while TEAMtalk explains why it will be a major fail from the club if they don’t get their man.

Elsewhere, Rodrygo wants to join Arsenal and work under Mikel Arteta should he have to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window, according to a Spanish report, but Florentino Perez wants the Brazilian winger to team up with Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur instead.

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to launch a £65million bid for an incredible attacking talent in the January transfer window, one former star has made a heady comparison to Gareth Bale, while TEAMtalk explains why it will be a major fail from the club if they don’t get their man.

The winter window could be pivotal to Spurs’ chances of a top-four finish this season, with a number of positions arguably in a need of a significant upgrade.

However, it would be viewed as a complete disaster if Tottenham do not sign another left winger in January, after their failure to replace club legend Son Heung-min over the summer.

That role has been the one glaring issue for Thomas Frank so far this term, although some might argue that the striker position is also a major problem – given the lack of availability and goal output from Spurs’ No.9s.

In terms of that wide left role, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a player TEAMtalk has continually mentioned as a name Tottenham are pursuing in the new year.

News that the Ghana international has a release clause set at £65million for the winter window has only added fuel to that particular fire, although Liverpool will also be a major player when it comes to trying to land the Cherries star.

With all that being said, former Spurs striker Darren Bent believes his old club could be signing a player with very similar qualities to Bale – if they can win the race for Semenyo‘s signature.

The pundit told talkSPORT: “He [Smeneyo] has exploded out of the traps this season and he just looks really comfortable in himself. Every game you see him do something and you go, ‘Oh my goodness’… he’s one of those rare players, and I call players like this unstoppable. Gareth Bale was like that.

“When I talk about unstoppable, I’m talking about their attributes. When Bale started to move, you just couldn’t stop him, and Semenyo is the same. Once he gets going, he’s going past people, and he’s gliding.

“What’s good about him is that he can go both ways. I think he’s got the full package.”

DON’T MISS ➡️ Transfer Debrief: Man Utd plot £250m triple deal; Huge Toney to Tottenham update; Leeds bid ‘imminent’ for Real Madrid star

Why Tottenham MUST win Semenyo race

Spurs transfer chiefs cannot afford to make it a hat-trick of targets with triggered release clauses that do not end up in north London.

The embarrassment of missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White was one thing, before Eberechi Eze’s U-turn then took it to another level. Yes, they eventually paid up for the so far largely ineffective Xavi Simons, but missing out on Semenyo, if they do indeed trigger his clause, would be a crushing blow to their new proactive way of working.

Under Daniel Levy, it was so often a wait-and-see approach, but with the former chairman now gone and a recent £100m cash injection made by majority owners ENIC, Tottenham are expected to make headlines in January.

What bigger headline than beating Liverpool to one of the best players in the Premier League this season, in what is also a major position of need.

Indeed, if the likes of Fabio Paratici, Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are not bashing down Bournemouth’s door on January 1, offering to pay that clause, it proves that nothing has really changed.

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Latest Tottenham news: Midfield revamp; top striker target

First up, Tottenham are on the lookout for midfield targets ahead of January as Thomas Frank’s side anticipate the potential exit of Yves Bissouma, TEAMtalk understands.

Elsewhere, Spurs striker Dominic Solanke has broken his silence on his expected return to action amid rumours that he could be sold, while Thomas Frank is facing a full-blown injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s clash with north London rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal return from the international break on Sunday with the north London derby against their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

Currently top of the Premier League table, Arsenal have started the season well, but will be looking to pick their momentum back up. However, a few injury issues are at play throughout their squad.

Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping he can find the right combination of players to lead Arsenal to a positive result at the Emirates Stadium.

Last time out

In their last game before the international break, Arsenal drew 2-2 with Sunderland.

David Raya was in goal, behind a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori.

The midfield three was composed of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were the wingers either side of Mikel Merino, who was operating as a false nine.

Arteta made just one substitution towards the end of the game, taking off Eze for some extra security in defence with Cristhian Mosquera.

But just a few minutes later, Brian Brobbey scored the equaliser for Sunderland.

Injury list

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remain long-term absentees for Arsenal, which is why Merino has played further forward recently.

A fresh concern is for centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who was forced off with a thigh injury during Brazil’s game against Senegal last weekend.

Arteta has confirmed Gabriel will be out for a few weeks, requiring a scan on Wednesday before setting a clearer timeframe for his return.

“Gabriel has unfortunately picked up an injury with Brazil and he’s going to be out for weeks,” the manager said at a press conference.

“We need to have another scan, I think on Wednesday, then we will have the timeline much more clear than we have at the moment.

“It’s clear it’s a blow because it’s our leader in the back line. To lose him is never a good thing but the positive is that we have very good options and people have to stand up now and do the job.”

Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock during the break while on duty with Italy and hasn’t yet been back in training with his club.

Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, was absent for Arsenal just before the break, whilst Martin Odegaard might not be ready to return just yet either.

There have also been question marks over the availability of Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, but both are expected to be back in contention to play.

However, Arteta has been quite vague with his updates on the fitness of the players other than Magalhaes.

Selection battles

With Gabriel out and Calafiori at risk, Arteta will have to work out who to pick on the left-hand side of his defence.

Piero Hincapie can be a replacement for either Gabriel or Calafiori at centre-back or left-back. Presuming he comes into the lineup, the alternate role could be taken up by Mosquera (centre-back) or Myles Lewis-Skelly (left-back).

There may even be some thinking for the right-hand side of defence, with Timber trying to allay fears of any significant injury from the international break but Benjamin White being a candidate to replace him if he isn’t at 100%.

Arteta could stick with the same midfield that started against Sunderland. In attack, it will depend on which players are back, with Gyokeres potentially rivalling Merino for a place at centre-forward and either Madueke or Martinelli being candidates to threaten Leandro Trossard’s place on the left wing.

That said, it’s Trossard’s place to lose after his goal against Sunderland.

Predicted XI

GK – David Raya

RB – Jurrien Timber

CB – William Saliba

CB – Cristhian Mosquera

LB – Piero Hincapie

DM – Martin Zubimendi

CM – Declan Rice

CM – Eberechi Eze

RW – Bukayo Saka

CF – Mikel Merino

LW – Leandro Trossard

Rodrygo wants to join Arsenal and work under Mikel Arteta should he have to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window, according to a Spanish report, but Florentino Perez wants the Brazilian winger to team up with Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that Rodrygo is not in his preferred starting line-up, with the winger making just two starts in LaLiga and only one start in the Champions League so far this season. Alonso is using Rodrygo to push Vinicius Junior to up his game on the left wing.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Rodrygo has ‘signalled openness to a mid-season move’.

While Real Madrid are prepared to let the winger leave, they would prefer to wait until the summer of 2026 and also value Rodrygo at €80million (£70m / $93m).

E-Noticies has now brought an update on Rodrygo’s situation, claiming that the three-time LaLiga and two-time Champions League winner prefers a move to Arsenal to joining Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be ‘prepared to offer €80million (£70m / $93m)’ for Rodrygo ‘with the aim of closing his signing as soon as possible’.

Madrid president Florentino Perez believes that Tottenham are a better option than Arsenal, with the reason being that Spurs are ‘less of a direct rival in European competitions than Arsenal, and Real Madrid prefer to avoid strengthening a team that is usually more competitive’.

However, Rodrygo does not agree with it and ‘is very clear about it’ – the 24-year-old ‘believes that his style fits better with Arsenal’s project and that he can have a more prominent role at the Emirates’, with the winger’s ‘personal preference’ creating ‘an internal dilemma at Real Madrid’.

Rodrygo has been on the books of Madrid since 2019 and is under contract at the Spanish and European giants until the summer of 2028.

The winger has made 283 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 68 goals and giving 53 assists in the process.

READ NEXT 🔴 €40m midfielder ‘wants to join Real Madrid’ despite Man Utd ‘approach’ – report

Are Arsenal and Tottenham interested in Rodrygo?

E-Noticies is a Catalan publication and does not always get things right, so one has to be cautious about the claim that Rodrygo prefers Arsenal to Tottenham.

Moreover, one also needs to question how a Catalan news outlet could get such personal information about Rodrygo, given that he stars for Barcelona’s bitter rivals Real Madrid.

While it would be remiss to suggest that E-Noticies does not have its own sources, until and unless other publications backs this story, one needs to tread cautiously.

Despite claims of a big bid from Tottenham for Rodrygo, TEAMtalk understands that last season’s Europa League winners are not planning to try to bring the Brazilian winger to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Manchester City are leading the race for Rodrygo, with manager Pep Guardiola a huge fan.

While the Tottenham board and manager Thomas Frank admire Rodrygo, his salary demands are too high.

While Tottenham are not planning to bid for Rodrygo in January, they could reignite their interest in him in the summer of 2025 should the forward still be at Madrid.

TEAMtalk also understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Rodrygo, along with defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, too, has reported Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo.

Bailey told Arsenal Insider on November 10: “Rodrygo is very much back on the radar now.

“He’s wanting out again as he’s not playing anywhere near enough football for Real Madrid at the moment. Arsenal are fully aware of what’s going on with him, his situation, etc.

“And if he’s available on loan, I just have a gut feeling that Tottenham are going to go for him and Arsenal are going to beat them to the punch again.

“I think with Martinelli or Trossard potentially leaving next summer, he could be the icing on the cake signing for [Andrea] Berta.”

Former Arsenal and Brazil international defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva has also endorsed the Gunners’ pursuit of Rodrygo.

Silva told talkSPORT: “I know him and we’ve met a couple of times, but I don’t know his situation with Arsenal.

“At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.

“It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he’s a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench – but obviously, there is big competition at Arsenal as well.

“He’s got the ability to perform not only from the left side but in other positions across the forward line as well.

“Should Arsenal go in for him? Why not. If he’s not happy and there is an opportunity to increase the strength of the squad, then we can try and get him.”

Silva added: “The only question is, where would he fit? Maybe a few years ago, it would have been much easier to find a good player to fit that Arsenal squad.

“However, nowadays, even if you are a good player, it’s not so easy to find a starting place in this current team.”

Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Garcia stance, Man Utd bid

In other news, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s stance on letting Gonzalo Garcia leave in the January transfer window has emerged in the Spanish media, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Leeds United are planning to make an ‘imminent’ bid for the Spanish striker.

Real Madrid have responded to Jorge Mendes after the super-agent offered Los Blancos the chance to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham have moved quickly to dampen speculation that the club is urgently hunting for a new first-choice goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk understands Thomas Frank has a different top priority for January.

Despite persistent links with several high-profile names in recent weeks, sources close to the club insist that Guglielmo Vicario remains very much the undisputed number one and a key leadership figure in Thomas Frank’s dressing room.

Although he has made a few mistakes, the Italian has won widespread praise both internally and externally since arriving from Empoli in the summer of 2023.

Vicario leads the Premier League in saves made this season and ranks among the top shot-stoppers for distribution accuracy and command of his penalty area.

Senior figures at Hotspur Way describe him as ‘integral’ to the project, with one source adding that the 29-year-old is seen as a future captaincy candidate alongside James Maddison and Cristian Romero.

While Spurs continue to monitor the goalkeeper market – as every elite club does – any January activity is far more likely to be focused on adding depth behind Vicario rather than replacing the current incumbent.

Reports linking the club with big-money moves for the likes of Diogo Costa or Giorgi Mamardashvili have been played down as opportunistic agent briefings, rather than reflective of the club’s thinking.

Tottenham have other priorities for January

Tottenham’s attention has instead shifted firmly towards the opposite end of the pitch.

As previously reported, Tottenham have made initial enquiries about Antoine Semenyo, with the club readying a bid that will meet his release clause. It stands at £65m, inclusive of £5m in add-ons.

The 25-year-old Ghana international has been one of the standout wide forwards in the Premier League this season, contributing eight goals and six assists already for the Bees.

Frank is known to want another explosive attacking option who can add real quality and depth while also providing a genuine goal threat from the right.

Semenyo’s pace, power, and improving end product fit the profile perfectly. Bournemouth are reluctant sellers mid-season but are tied by his release clause and are prepared to lose him.

Liverpool are poised to rival Spurs in the race for Semenyo.

As things stand, Vicario will continue to wear the gloves with the full backing of the club, while Spurs push to give him more protection – and more firepower – in front of him.

Latest Tottenham news: Sale of star approved / ‘Dream’ striker target

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that Tottenham are ready to listen to offers for Yves Bissouma in January.

Bissouma hasn’t featured for Spurs all season and his exit could allow the London side to sign a new midfielder in the winter transfer window.

In other news, TEAMtalk has shared a big update on Tottenham’s interest in Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.

We understand that the Spanish international is considered the ‘dream’ striker target for Spurs.

Manchester United are planning to sign THREE new midfielders worth a mammoth £250m, Ivan Toney has given Tottenham and Everton genuine hope of signing him in January, while this week’s exclusive Transfer Debrief can reveal that Leeds are set to submit a bid for a Real Madrid forward, with Daniel Farke personally keen to bring him to Elland Road this winter.

Three in, three out for Man Utd in major reshuffle

It’s no secret that Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his midfield options, but TEAMtalk understands that United could sign all THREE of their top targets if the transfer dominoes fall into place.

The Red Devils want a new midfielder in January, but there is an acceptance that the full reshuffle could take two or three windows to complete, given the huge sums of money required to fund it.

We revealed on November 18 that United are set to offload three players to fund their midfield rebuild: Marcus Rashford, who is expected to join Barcelona permanently next summer, Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and most strikingly, club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Sources confirm that Fernandes, 31, is on United’s list of players that they plan to replace in the coming transfer windows.

The triple exit, which will free up a significant amount of space on the wage bill, will enable United to seriously pursue their top midfield targets.

As we have consistently reported, the trio are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

And in a major development, we understand that Amorim isn’t happy with just signing one of those players – he wants all three.

However, this will be very expensive. Palace value Wharton at roughly £70m, while Forest are set to demand £80m for Anderson, and Brighton continue to insist on £100m for Baleba.

Of course, the price tags could change in the coming months, but they are the players Amorim wants to help usher in a successful new era at Old Trafford.

Ivan Toney to make HUGE sacrifice to seal Prem return

Ivan Toney is desperate to return to the Premier League, and TEAMtalk has revealed that he is willing to take a major pay cut to facilitate this, amid serious interest from Tottenham and Everton.

As we reported on November 19, the 29-year-old has informed Saudi club Al-Ahli that he wants to leave in January, with the sole aim of fighting his way back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup next year.

And crucially, we understand that Toney is willing to take a major pay cut. He has told close associates that he would accept a wage of £200,000 per week – around half of what he currently earns in Saudi Arabia – in order to return to the Prem.

Tottenham, who are looking to add a new striker in January, are firmly in the mix for his signature, and his relationship with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank could give Spurs an advantage in the race.

However, Everton are equally as interested in Toney, as David Moyes looks to bring in more competition for Thierno Barry and Beto this winter.

Al-Ahli continue to insist that Toney is not for sale, but the forward has his heart set on a return to English football, and that makes things very interesting for the January window.

Leeds ready to bid for Real Madrid ace

Leeds are another side who are actively looking to sign a new striker in January. Farke views it as essential to their push to avoid relegation.

We have already reported how the failure to bring in another new forward over the summer is viewed internally at Leeds as a mistake – but they plan to put that right this winter.

Free signings Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have managed just two Premier League goals between them so far this term.

TEAMtalk revealed on November 19 that Leeds are ready to submit a formal offer of around £17m for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia in January, which would meet the Spanish giant’s demands.

The offer is described as ‘imminent’ by sources as the Whites look to get ahead of rival suitors Aston Villa, Wolves, Brighton and Sunderland in the race.

We understand Farke has convinced the 49ers Enterprises board that Garcia, 21, is the final piece to secure top-flight safety and push for mid-table respectability.

The Spaniard, who exploded onto the global stage with four goals at the Club World Cup this year, has managed only 96 LaLiga minutes for Real Madrid this season as he sits behind Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the pecking order.

Liverpool, Semenyo boost / Chelsea, Yildiz update / Crystal Palace record-breaking move and more…

Liverpool are leading Tottenham in the race to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who has a release clause worth £65m in his contract.

Spurs are considering a move for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, who is valued at £35m. Aston Villa, West Ham, and Crystal Palace are also interested.

Tottenham are planning to keep young striker Jamie Donley, who is on loan at Stoke City. They want to avoid a repeat of the Troy Parrott situation, who left before his form exploded for AZ Alkmaar.

Porto star Samu Aghehowa is viewed as the ‘dream’ striker signing for Tottenham.

Tottenham are willing to sell Yves Bissouma in January, and his exit could lead to them signing a new midfielder.

Wolves manager Rob Edwards has been given assurances that midfielder Joao Gomes will not be sold in January, amid links with Man Utd.

Man Utd and Manchester City are set to battle to sign Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown.

Man Utd are putting a contingency plan in place in case Kobbie Mainoo tries to force a January loan exit.

Parrott, 23, who recently scored a crucial hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland to keep their World Cup dream alive, is a target for Everton, Leeds, Wolves and Crystal Palace.

Leeds are willing to listen to offers for winger Wilfried Gnonto in January, who will leave if a big enough club comes calling.

Chelsea are waiting to see how Kenan Yildiz’s contract talks with Juventus progress before approaching the forward.

Bayern Munich are still undecided on whether to sign Nicolas Jackson permanently, as his form has been inconsistent since his loan move from Chelsea.

Crystal Palace are willing to break their transfer record to sign Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande in January, but Chelsea could hijack their pursuit.

Fulham are willing to sell Adama Traore in January, and West Ham are keen to reunite him with Nuno Espirito Santo at the London Stadium.

Wolves have made an enquiry for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford. However, Man City could use Trafford as a makeweight in a deal for Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento.

Celtic are in advanced talks to appoint Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy as their new permanent boss.

Kilmarnock will reluctantly sell confirmed Rangers target David Watson in January.

Tottenham are on the lookout for midfield targets ahead of January as Thomas Frank’s side anticipate the potential exit of Yves Bissouma, TEAMtalk understands.

Sources have indicated that Spurs would be willing to let the 29-year-old move on in the new year, and as such, they are identifying targets for the midfield.

Primarily, it is expected that they will aim to sign an attacker as a priority, with a defender also a real possibility as they look to invest and show ambitions to challenge for the Champions League positions.

But midfield is another area of need over the course of 2026, with Bissouma central to the situation.

The Malian international is yet to make a single appearance this season. He was dropped from Frank’s squad for persistent lateness ahead of the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in August, and has since been sidelined with an ankle injury.

His contract expires in the summer, and it could prove to be the case that he holds out to move as a free agent at the end of the summer.

However, we understand that Tottenham would move him on in January if the right conditions arise, giving them an opportunity to further strengthen.

Tottenham already set to make one midfield signing

Tottenham are very likely to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal at the end of his loan from Bayern Munich.

The loan deal gives Spurs the option to sign the midfielder permanently if they pay a fee of £27m to the German giants.

Palhinha has featured in all 11 of Tottenham’s Premier League games this term, starting in 10, and scoring two goals.

Yet sources indicate there will also be scope for an additional figure to be signed as well.

We have consistently reported that Frank will be given the full backing of the club’s hierarchy in the coming transfer windows.

Spurs’ hunt for midfield targets is still in its formative stages, though we already revealed that Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk is one player who has been considered.

Latest Tottenham news: Solanke injury latest / Striker hunt update

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke has opened up on his injury struggles in a recent interview, admitting his frustration that his recovery is taking longer than expected.

Solanke has also given his thoughts on manager Frank, as the striker continues to be linked with moves away from Spurs.

In other news, TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has revealed an update on Tottenham’s interest in Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has broken his silence on his expected return to action amid rumours that he could be sold, while Thomas Frank is facing a full-blown injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s clash with north London rivals Arsenal.

Solanke has been restricted to just three substitute appearances so far this term, all coming in August, having also endured multiple fitness issues in the last campaign as well as during pre-season.

The striker suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury, which was originally described as “nothing big” by Thomas Frank back in September, but Solanke then underwent surgery and has been forced to watch on from the sidelines ever since.

Frank was asked at the beginning of November whether fans could expect to see Solanke back on the pitch before the end of the year, to which he replied: “I do hope so.”

Solanke, however, has now delivered a rather vague update on when he could return, amid speculation that Tottenham have grown frustrated with his injury woes and are looking to sell – rumours that have been ruled out by TEAMtalk sources.

Speaking to The Athletic, Solanke said: “It’s been very difficult. At first, I didn’t think I would be out for too long but we didn’t really understand the extent of the injury. I was trying to get back as quickly as I could but it didn’t happen, so I had to have surgery.

“Since then, I have been working to get back.

“I’m not putting a timeline on it because I’ve been telling everyone ‘I’m going to be back soon’ for the last few months. I’m taking it day by day but hopefully I won’t be much longer.”

DON’T MISS ➡️ Premier League top-four debate: Can Arsenal go the distance, remarkable Liverpool recovery?

Solanke talks up Frank as Tottenham injury crisis piles up

As for Solanke thinks of his new boss Thomas Frank, the former Bournemouth man added: “I haven’t had the chance to work with [Frank] too much but he is a great man manager. All the players are loving having him around.

“He speaks with us all and has meetings every day. Even with the coaching staff he has brought in, everyone gets on so well. It’s a great environment.

“We have had a good start to the season. When a few of us come back (from injury) and strengthen the squad, hopefully we can do some big things.”

Solanke appears to be a bit optimistic over the return of some Tottenham stars, in what is a growing injury list for Frank.

The striker will again be absent this weekend as Spurs put their impressive away form to the test against Premier League-leading Gunners.

Indeed, Solanke could be one of as many as 12 possible absentees for Tottenham ahead of their toughest test of the season so far.

Hopes are relatively high that Mohammed Kudus and skipper Cristian Romero should be fit to return for the trip to Emirates Stadium. However, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Randal Kolo Muani and Archie Gray have joined longer-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison on the sidelines.

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Latest Tottenham news: Double signing update; Semenyo concern

First up, a report has shed light on Tottenham’s January transfer plans and the most eye-catching developments concern their chase of a ‘world class’ goalkeeper and a tantalising update on Dusan Vlahovic.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the advantage that Liverpool have over Tottenham in their quest to bring Antoine Semenyo to Anfield, with the transfer guru and TEAMtalk sources also noting if Manchester United are planning to raid Bournemouth for the forward.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a clinical centre-forward has zeroed in on FC Porto’s explosive 21-year-old Spaniard Samu Aghehowa, with sources confirming the club view him as the ideal profile for Thomas Frank’s evolving system at N17.

Since Frank succeeded Ange Postecoglou in the summer, the Dane has repeatedly stressed the need for a mobile, physically dominant No.9 who can press from the front, link play and finish half-chances – traits the Brentford-bred coach knows inside out. While Ivan Toney remains a serious option for 2026 as he wants a move back to England, insiders close to the recruitment team describe Samu as the “younger, longer-term successor” Tottenham truly covet.

The numbers back up the excitement. In his breakthrough season at Porto following a €15million move from Atletico Madrid, Samu notched 27 goals in 45 matches.

This term, he has already struck a further nine goals and provided one assist across all competitions before November is out.

His 6ft 4in frame, combined with deceptive speed and two-footed finishing, has drawn comparisons to a prime Diego Costa – precisely the chaotic presence Frank believes can elevate Spurs’ attack beyond mere reliance on an injured Dominic Solanke and inconsistent Richarlison.

Yet any January swoop appears dead in the water. Portuguese sources are adamant Porto have no intention of losing their prized asset mid-campaign, especially as they chase a first Primeira Liga title in six years.

The message from the Dragao is crystal clear: nothing below €80m (£70.5m, $92m) will be entertained, with president Andre Villas-Boas reportedly telling intermediaries that “Samu is not for sale at any price in the winter.”

Even Spurs’ healthy financial position would balk at such a fee – plus agents’ demands – in the middle of the season.

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Tottenham forced to wait until the summer

For now, Frank and technical director Johan Lange will continue extensive scouting while keeping Toney warm as a contingency.

One source summed it up bluntly: “Samu is the dream. January is a nightmare. Summer 2026 feels far more viable for a move.”

Tottenham’s striker hunt rolls on – and Porto’s golden boy likely remains tantalisingly out of reach.

Dean Jones reported for TEAMtalk on September 30 that Spurs are tracking the Spain international’s progress after identifying him as a long-term target.

Jones revealed on October 28 that Spurs are weighing up a move for Samu, though it could depend on outgoings.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the goalscorer, but Spurs are currently showing the strongest interest in signing him.

Spurs news: McTominay latest; Toney update

Meanwhile, sources confirmed to us earlier on Thursday that Spurs are among four sides who have approached Scott McTominay’s camp.

With Premier League interest growing, Napoli have given the midfielder a huge price tag.