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Tottenham Hotspur's young midfielder Matthew Craig is at a pivotal moment in his development.

Despite being one of the club’s promising prospects, the 21-year-old has seen his opportunities dwindle during his current loan spell, prompting Spurs to reconsider his immediate future.

With interest mounting from lower-league clubs, Craig’s next step could play a significant role in shaping his career trajectory.

The Scottish U21 international has already shown flashes of his potential, but sitting on the bench or playing in the reserves is unlikely to benefit his growth.

With Tottenham keen to ensure he gains valuable match experience, a new loan move could soon be on the cards—one that might just reignite his momentum.

Matthew Craig current situation

Craig is currently on loan at Barnsley but has fallen out of favour, no longer featuring regularly for the League One side.

This lack of game time has led Tottenham to consider recalling him during the January window.

Reports from Football Insider indicate that Spurs are now exploring alternative loan destinations, with Mansfield Town and Doncaster Rovers emerging as potential suitors.

Craig has already had a stint at Doncaster, which could influence his willingness to return.

Both clubs see the midfielder as a short-term solution to strengthen their squads and are reportedly eager to secure his services before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are taking a long-term approach. The club values Craig highly and is determined to find a club where he can play consistently and continue his development.

With his contract running until 2026, the North London outfit clearly sees him as part of their future plans.

Why a loan move makes sense

For Craig, regular game time is essential. A new loan spell could provide him with the platform he needs to sharpen his skills and gain confidence in competitive matches.

Staying at Tottenham, where first-team opportunities are limited, is unlikely to aid his growth at this stage of his career.

A successful loan spell could also boost his chances of breaking into Tottenham’s senior squad in the coming seasons.

As a versatile midfielder, Craig has the potential to become a valuable asset, but only if given the right environment to thrive.

With Mansfield and Doncaster keen to bolster their midfield options, and Tottenham prioritising his development, all parties appear aligned in their goal to see Matthew Craig succeed.

As per another report from media publication CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are said to be monitoring the situation of VFB Stuttgart's Enzo Millot, who has seriously impressed for the German side in the last 18 months in particular.

Spurs said to be looking at French midfielder in Germany

The 22-year old is a very technical player, whom has scored eight goals and provided five assists across 24 games in all competitions so far this campaign. The report says the player's vision, ball control, and offensive capabilities have earned rave reviews from talent evaluators. It is said that Spurs are not alone in their pursuit, with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Chelsea also expected to be in the conversation for the player's signature.

Most certainly a versatile player, the 22-year old has played in various positions during his career so far, including as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and on the right wing. Spurs could kill a few birds with one stone with this signing. Perhaps they are not the positions of absolute need - but one thing he would give Spurs is goals from midfield, something they have often lacked in recent times - albeit an improvement this time round with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Last season, Millot played 31 games and started 27 times (out of 34), as Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga, ahead of Bayern Munich. Finishing above Bayern and not winning the league is a reminder of 16/17, where Spurs became the first team to ever finish above Pep Guardiola and not win the league.

His player report from Sofascore suggests that his strengths are; passing, high pressing, and playmaking - whilst his weakness is aerial duels. The high pressing part would make him already a good fit for an Ange Postecoglu side, with top passing and playmaking also ideal, particularly against deep blocks.

Sure, aerial duels are not ideal, though he is around 5'9. That is the trade off when you bring in a player of that size. Three crucial pros certainly outweigh the singular con here.

Not only has the French midfielder been impressive in the Bundesliga, but also in the Champions League too, including in their game against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has registered two goals, three assists, and five big chances created in just six games in the competition so far, as Stuttgart hover just outside the final play-off spot with two games remaining.

Let's see. Would certainly be a top signing, were anything to come from it.

Everybody is aware of the crisis that Tottenham Hotspur have in defence. They are without their two first choice central defenders, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, whom have both played just one game since November, until at least the end of this month. Then, usual deputy, Ben Davies, has also been out since early November, and is expected back at a similar time to those two.

The injury to Davies also means that he cannot cover at left-back for the absence of Destiny Udogie, meaning Sergio Reguilon has actually played 85 minutes across the last two Premier League games.

So, as you would imagine, they are being linked to plenty of centre backs. We have seen Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan and England linked, as well as Abdukodir Khusanov of RC Lens and Uzbekistan - and a whole host of others.

Spurs linked to promising central defender from Udinese

The next to be linked is Udinese's Danish defender Thomas Kristensen. Media publication CaughtOffside suggest that they are joined in their interest by Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen, but that Spurs have the "strongest interest." They then caveat that by suggesting the other two can guarantee more game time, given Romero and van de Ven will play when fit.

However, as good as the two players are, they cannot be relied on when it comes to their injury records. That isn't criticism, it's just the way it is. There will be plenty of games for any incoming central defender to play. Particularly with Spurs still currently being in all four competitions. It is not a simple case of "He isn't first choice, he won't get a chance to play", everyone will get their opportunies to play and impress.

As for Kristensen, he is a 22-year old, tall central defender, who has also played in both full-back positions in his career. Despite a stop start beginning to the season due to an injury (he'll fit right in) the Denmark U21 international has been a regular in the team of late, as Udinese currently sit 9th in the Serie A standings.

Let's begin with the forwards. They report that: Heung Min-Son earns £9.8 million, Timo Werner £8.5 million, Dejan Kulusevski (he's a midfielder, really, but they have him down as an attacker) £5.7 million, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke £4.68 million, Brennan Johnson £3.64 million, and Wilson Odobert £1.3 million.

Into midfield, where James Maddison earns £8.84 million, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray £3.9 million, Pape Matar Sarr £3.64 million, Yves Bissouma £2.86 million, and Lucas Bergvall £780,000.

At the back, Cristian Romero earns £8.58 million, Pedro Porro and Radu Dragusin £4.42 million, Ben Davies £4.61 million, Destiny Udogie £3.9 million, Sergio Reguilon £2.75 million, and Micky van de Ven + Djed Spence £2.6 million.

Finally, the goalkeepers - Guglielmo Vicario and Fraser Forster both make £3.9 million, Brandon Austin £780,000, and Alfie Whiteman £390,000.

The top three earners are 1) Son, 2) Maddison, and 3) Romero. The captain and the vice captains. That checks out you would say.

From the forwards, clearly the one that sticks out the most is Werner. Whilst Spurs are not going to have to pay a transfer fee for him, these wages are still not ideal for someone who offers very little in the most part. For him to earn more than Kulusevski feels crazy. Though, in fairness, part of that is because the latter has a fairly low wage given what he gives the team. You'd think, and hope, that will be something amended at some point.

The wages of Gray have surprised some, but it is worth remembering that Brentford appeared to be in advanced negotiations for the teenager. In order for Spurs to hijack a deal, it always did feel likely that they were going to have the push the boat out, and that they did. There is very little doubt that the player is going to prove to be worth those wages for many years to come. 100% confident in that.

In defence, madness to think that Reguilon earns more than Spence, and particularly van de Ven. Whilst he has been okay in his cameos so far, you would be absolutely amazed if he is a Spurs player as of July the 1st. Elsewhere, Dragusin's wages being higher than most defenders is also pretty brutal.

Safe to say the Forster wages have surprised some, especially earning the same amount as Vicario. Worth mentioning that the former came in as a very experienced player, who had played for England and in the Champions League, coupled with being homegrown. Meanwhile, Vicario came from Empoli, and wouldn't have been on much (relatively) there. He has certainly earned his stripes since, though, and any new contract will surely see quite a big increase on those numbers.

We are barely a week into the January transfer window, and yet we are seeing Tottenham Hotspur linked with a whole host of players, from a variety of different leagues, in a variety of different positions. Needing, and being linked to as many players is a suggestion of how the season has gone so far, but needs must and all that.

Tottenham interested in promising English centre-forward

The latest player to be mentioned in the same sentence as Spurs, is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, as per journalist Ben Jacobs. Having joined on a permanent deal from Manchester City in the summer, the striker has seriously impressed for his new side, scoring eight goals in 1455 Premier League minutes so far.

Fans will know only all too well that one of those goals came in a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they registered their first Premier League win of the season, and first in 22 years. Aside from the goals, the 21-year old offers a real presence up front. Able to run the channels and hold the ball up, Delap is a serious battering ram that causes many issues for opposition defenders.

Such has been the player's form this campaign, there have been shouts for him to be called up to the England national team. His eight league goals cannot be bettered by any Premier League striker, and only Harry Kane overall. It is worth mentioning that Spurs' Dominic Solanke does have more non penalty goals, though both players are having good seasons. We could perhaps both see them in an England squad under Thomas Tuchel soon.

When mentioning this news, Jacobs also mentioned that Chelsea will be "the early front runners", but not to rule Spurs out of anything. He also stated that there will be "several clubs" interested.

It certainly makes for an interesting link. Spurs spent a lot of money on Dominic Solanke to be their new nine last summer, and so far he has been a good signing. It is clear that he needs more cover, with the striker already playing over 2,000 minutes so far this season, but would another, assumably fairly expensive, striker be the right way of going about it? It feels like a cheaper, more versatile option is the more likely deal - a Randal Kolo Muani type.

Still, let's see. He is certainly a fantastic player, and is having a great season to date.

You would be forgiven for not having paid much attention to the North London derby next week. Before that game, Spurs have two games, in two different competitions, that are far, far bigger priorities than the Premier League. Sure, one is against non league side Tamworth, but there is a Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool to deal with first.

Nevertheless, Ange's side have been given a boost, a little over a week before the game. Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is now going to miss the game, having picked up an injury in their draw against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out - a game that he had opened the scoring in himself.

Arsenal youngster will now miss the North London derby

They are already going to be without Bukayo Saka, who is set to be out until March at the earliest, having picked up an injury just before Christmas. In the previous North London derby, it was Saka who assisted the only goal of the game. In the one before that, he scored. Two vital contributions in games Spurs lost by just one goal.

Since the 23-year old picked up this injury, their goals from set pieces have began to dry up, when that was their main source of goals before that. The idea of Saka potentially going up against Reguilon felt pretty daunting. Even the idea of Nwaneri felt pretty concerning, so for him to be out too is just huge. They are now extremely short changed on the right hand side as a consequence.

Everybody knows the issues Spurs have had with injuries this campaign, and how it has, in part, derailed their season to date. So it does feel nice that an opponent is going to be without some key players too. Ideally by that game, one or more two will be in the door too.

Although the last two, aforementioned North London derby defeats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been very painful, they did draw 2-2 in the only derby at the Emirates under Ange Postecoglu so far, back in September of 2023. That game was only last season, but feels like it could have been five years ago.

It can't be denied that a lot has changed since then, and that result is not going to have any bearing on the game. However, it does show how much Spurs can compete when they are at their best. Although you always want to win these games, and lord only knows how much they need wins, but you would probably be okay with another draw in that one.

The January transfer window is well and truly in full swing. Spurs have already signed one player, and have been linked with a host of other players in the past few days, and even before the window. This coupled with the sheer amount of games Ange's side are playing in January, means it is going to be an incredibly intense month for everyone involved.

Tottenham looking at French midfielder for a bargain price

Another player to be linked with the club this month is Maxence Caqueret of Lyon, as per media outlet GiveMeSport. The French midfielder has impressed with his performances for the Ligue 1 outfit, and could find himself on the move this month, whether it be to Spurs or elsewhere.

At the moment, the 24-year old has two and a half years remaining on his existing contract, but Lyon are in no position to be fussy. The club are in serious financial difficulties, and need to raise money by the summer to avoid serious repercussions. As a result, Spurs could manage to bring him in for a very modest fee.

The report says that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the midfielder this season, and took a liking to him. They further state that the club are "keeping track" of developments regarding the aforementioned financial situation, with the idea of potentially pouncing should they be forced in to selling the player.

In terms of play style, Caqueret is very capable on the ball, yet also very good off of it. He currently averages 2.3 tackles a game in Ligue 1 - only Destiny Udogie averages more than that this season from the current Spurs squad. This is despite averaging just 64 minutes per game this season.

Further on in the report, it is stated that there is serious competition for the player's signature, with fellow Premier League sides West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Everton also "eager to discover" a potential forced situation for Lyon regarding a sale of the player. For those that are concerned by the level of sides mentioned there, it also said that a move to Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, fell through in the summer.

We will have to wait and see on this one. It does not feel like a position of absolute need, at least not over other positions, but it has been felt for a while that they do need a midfielder who can put out fires, with none of the current midfielders out and out number sixes.

According to a report from high profile journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur have been joined by Manchester United and Serie A side Juventus, in their pursuit of Paris Saint Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs one of three clubs mentioned as interested in player

The Frenchman, 26, has found himself out of favour under PSG boss Luis Enrique, and it has become clear that the best thing for him is to depart the club. So far this season, he has started just two games in Ligue 1, and will be fully conscious of the fact this is doing his chances of becoming a starter for the national team no good at all.

In his report, Ornstein confirms the interest is in a loan dealn - though did not state anything about an option or obligation either way. Mind you, it is worth saying that there has been talk from elsewhere that PSG are currently "insisting on an obligation" for any potential deal, with the Parisians wanting "at least £50 million plus a loan fee", though they are "open to negotiating" on that figure.

It does not feel like an exaggeration to say that the difference between an option and an obligation, should probably be the difference in signing him or not. With an obligation, it just feels too risky - especially for that reported fee. With a loan, Spurs have the chance to assess him for four months, before making a decision in the summer.

The Timo Werner loan is a good example. Spurs were able to see if they rated him highly enough or not. In the end, they decided on a loan extension. Although he is clearly not of the requisite quality, they are not lumbered with him on a permanent deal. The wages are pretty annoying, but at least is not that as well as a fee - nor having to pay those wages beyond this summer (god willing).

You can completely understand why fans are not excited about a potential deal, given how the last 18 months have gone for him. Just simply suggesting that if, and specifically if, it is with an option, or a dry loan (unlikely), bringing in a forward that can cover both wings and up front, would not be a terrible idea. Some will say "jack of all trades, master of none", perhaps true - but with the amount the likes of Heung-Min Son and Dominic Solanke have been ran into the ground, that wouldn't be the worst thing.

Tottenham Hotspur have seen plenty of players come and go over the years, but one loanee’s performances this season have caught the attention of many, and it seems like a permanent departure from the club is on the cards.

Bryan Gil, who never quite managed to establish himself at Spurs, has been making waves since his loan move to La Liga side Girona.

His displays have been so impressive that they’ve even sparked speculation about his long-term future.

Gil's time at Tottenham was less than stellar. Despite his clear talent, the young winger struggled for game time under three different managers at the North London club.

However, his fortunes have taken a turn for the better since making the move to Girona last summer.

Girona’s serious interest in Bryan Gil

According to AS, Girona are seriously considering exercising the option to buy Gil for €15 million (£12.4 million) at the end of the season.

This option was included in the deal when Gil moved to the Spanish side on loan in the summer.

The La Liga outfit have been impressed by Gil’s performances and have made him a key figure in their attacking setup.

As a result, Girona are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window with plans to make the move permanent.

Even though we are still in January, the report indicates that Girona are 'already seriously considering' retaining Gil beyond this season.

The winger has settled well in the club’s system under manager Michel Sanchez, and he is reportedly happy at the Estadi Montilivi.

Bryan Gil’s resurgence in La Liga

Gil’s resurgence at Girona has not only caught the attention of his current club but has also led to his return to Spain's national team.

His standout performances have shown glimpses of the talent that Tottenham originally took a chance on.

The Spanish international, who was once seen as a promising talent at Sevilla, has found consistency at Girona, something that was hard to come by at Spurs due to his lack of regular playing time.

With multiple loan spells in recent years, it’s clear Gil has been searching for stability, and Girona might just be the place where he can finally settle.

Furthermore, Girona's financial stability means they are in a position to activate the €15 million clause, making the move permanent.

It looks like a summer decision will soon be on the horizon for Bryan Gil and his future at Tottenham.

On Sunday, the 5th of January, we saw Tottenham Hotspur make their first signing of, hopefully a busy window, when they confirmed the signing of Antonin Kinsky from Czech side Slavia Prague on a six and a half year contract, for a fee of a little over 10 million pounds.

Latest recruit ready to make his Spurs debut on Wednesday

With this signing, fans have wondered: Will he go straight into the team for the huge Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool? There is no doubt that it will be a risk, but what wouldn't be a risk? Despite his solid debut against Newcastle United, Brandon Austin would also be a risk, perhaps even more so.

Then, with all due respect, Fraser Forster is more than a risk, bless him. No hate intended, but we know what he is. At the moment, Kinsky is at least an unknown quantity, as is Austin - to a lesser extent albeit.

Something that could be key. Goalkeeping legend Petr Cech gave his seal of approval on the deal, and mentioned that he spoke to the player ahead of the move. Something that the 42-year old said stuck out - how that playing with his feet is the keepers "great asset."

We know how important playing with your feet is in the modern game, particularly in this system. We saw Spurs nearly surrender their place in the semi-finals from a 3-0 lead, when Forster made two individual errors with his feet. Having Kinsky in goal would be a big advantage from that alone.

The man himself seems to think he is ready, saying: "I will prepare to be ready [for the semi-final against Liverpool. And if the coach decides to point to me, I'll be ready. I feel great. I'm calm in my head.”

During the same interview, the 21-year old also said: I remember consistently watching Tottenham’s Champions League matches - especially because I liked the style of Hugo Lloris, who was the goalkeeper here for a long time. So it’s a huge honour for me ".

One thing to note, is that any idea of him playing will be in vain if he does not get a work permit in time, though Spurs have until Midday on Tuesday. Despite all of their incompetence, surely this is something that will be sorted, and therefore allow Kinsky to play against Liverpool.