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TEAMtalk can reveal that Darwin Nunez’s situation is being closely monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with the former Liverpool star potentially heading back to England this summer and with sources making clear the personal sacrifice the player is prepared to make to help secure his escape from Saudi Arabia.

The 26-year-old joined Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer in a deal worth around £46million (€53m, $74m), but after just 24 games and nine goals for the Riyadh-based club, Nunez‘s fortunes have taken a dramatic turn.

In February, Al-Hilal swooped to sign Karim Benzema from rivals Al-Ittihad, and the French superstar’s arrival saw Nunez dropped from Al-Hilal’s Pro League and Cup squad due to the league’s strict foreign player quota. That means Nunez cannot play league football again this season – a huge blow ahead of the World Cup finals.

TEAMtalk understands Nunez has been left blindsided by the move and the situation has left him considering his future in the Middle East.

Now, sources confirm to us that a host of European clubs have made enquiries ahead of the summer.

Intermediaries have spoken to a number of clubs in England, and we can confirm that some have been alerted to the prospect, should Nunez become available – these include Tottenham and Newcastle, amongst others.

Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also long-term admirers who, we are told, would be keen on Nunez if the opportunity arose and the finances were within their reach.

To move back to Europe, Nunez would have to give up a huge chunk of wages, but the situation has taken such a turn that it is believed he would be open to that, likely meaning his Saudi Pro-League adventure will end after just one year come the summer.

The player earns a reported £400,000 a week in Saudi.

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Newcastle set clear Gordon exit stance; Liverpool truths over Allan transfer

Elsewhere, with interest mounting in Anthony Gordon ahead of the summer window, TEAMtalk can reveal Newcastle United’s stance on a big-money sale, amid genuine interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and several other big-spending Premier League giants.

Over at Anfield, a trusted Brazilian outlet has backed up our reporting amid Liverpool links to Palmeiras star Allan.

It was claimed earlier this week that the Reds were on the brink of finalising a €35m deal to sign the 21-year-old midfielder.

However, TEAMtalk sources insisted those claims were premature, and the Brazilian side were happy to sit on a potential sale until after the World Cup and knowing Allan’s possible inclusion could see his valuation skyrocket…

That has now been backed up by a trusted Brazilian outlet, who have also moved to play down claims that a deal to bring the player to Anfield had been agreed.

Down at Tottenham, ENIC have been sent a double warning that the ‘Croatian Sam Allardyce’ could lead them to relegation amid claims that talks have now begun with an eye-catching replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur have no guarantees of survival under new manager Igor Tudor with one observer claiming the Croatian could lead them to relegation, while Jamie Carragher has also issued a barren warning of why a drop to the Championship would be a “catastrophe”.

The north London side opted to pull the plug on Frank’s reign after a disastrous home defeat to Newcastle last time out left them with just two wins in 17 Premier League games; form which had seen Tottenham tumble down the table and within five points of the relegation zone.

In the immediate aftermath of the Dane’s dismissal, Spurs moved to bring in Tudor on a contract until the end of the season; his mission a very simple one: survival.

And while Spurs are already turning thoughts towards next season and are already in talks with their next manager – more on that later – they have been warned that they may not even survive the dreaded drop, which would be a first for the club since 1977 – almost half a century ago.

“I don’t think Tudor will last longer than the season. And by the way, he’d better keep them up. You know, this is going to be a tough one,” former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told the Inside Track podcast.

“So the Croatian Sam Allardyce better get his fireman’s hat on and do the job because it’s not an easy one. And a bad run, three or four losses on the go, could really put some jitters around the new big stadium at Spurs.

“So it’s not a nailed-on certainty they’re going to be staying up. Although I think they are probably odds on to do that. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they can get dragged in. One team normally does get dragged in towards the end of the season, and it could be Spurs.”

Spurs, though, are thinking long-term and how to rebuild back towards the upper echelons of the Premier League. With that in mind, Football Insider claims conversations have already begun with Mauricio Pochettino over a second stint in charge at N17.

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Spurs told relegation would be a ‘catastrophe’ as next manager says ‘yes’

Indeed, TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher had already revealed, before the axe fell on Frank, that Pochettino had already said yes to a return to Spurs if the opportunity presented itself.

However, as Fletcher explained, there was a major caveat over when he was prepared to take on the role.

Presumably, that would only happen if Spurs were still a Premier League side and now Carragher, writing in his Daily Telegraph column, has explained why the fear must now be real for the Premier League giants as they go into a vital home date with league leaders Arsenal.

“It is often said that a club are too big, or even too good, to go down,” Carragher stated. “No one is making that claim about Tottenham Hotspur.

“The fear that prompted the end of Thomas Frank’s unhappy reign is justified. Watching Spurs, and comparing their current form to third-bottom West Ham United – a team who recently won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – warrants the suggestion they are on the verge of catastrophe.

“If they drop into the Championship, it would be the most shocking descent of the Premier League era, and the most embarrassing for a club of such wealth and stature since Denis Law’s back-heel for Manchester City sent Manchester United into the old Second Division in 1974.

“Analysing the quality of the squad Igor Tudor leads for the first time in this weekend’s North London Derby, the scale of the challenge is obvious.

“The concern is the prolonged dip under his two immediate predecessors, and how soon that can be reversed. There is no escaping the shadow of the dreaded ‘R word’ at Spurs. Relegation is possible. Add “ridiculous” or “reprehensible” and plain “rubbish” to the valid descriptions of their record over the past 27 months, which has led them to this perilous situation.

“Despite Tudor’s success in Italy, there is an element of risk when appointing a coach who might need a period to adapt to English football. Spurs do not have any time. “Since the Premier League formed in 1992, of the original ‘big five’ who initiated its formation, only Everton have flirted with relegation.

“What was until recently considered unthinkable for Tottenham is now conceivable. Tudor does not just need to hit the ground running. He needs to start his reign like an Olympic sprinter to keep Spurs out of the bottom three.”

Latest Tottenham news: Shock move for Italy star; Prem duo chase prized asset

Meanwhile, Tudor has been appointed on an interim basis but he’s wasted no time recommending certain players to the board, per a report, who says he wants the club to move for an Italy star who ‘moves like a God’ this summer.

Elsewhere, a reliable report has named the 15 first-team players who Tottenham fans can expect their club to let leave in the event they’re relegated, and there’s actually a sixteenth star who won’t stick around too.

One of those, Lucas Bergvall, already finds himself in high demand ahead of the summer window, with our sources naming the two Premier League clubs who are already hot on the Swede’s trail and having made it clear they are ready to pounce if there are any signs that Spurs will consider his sale.

Igor Tudor wants Tottenham Hotspur to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini if he gets the manager’s job permanently, with a report revealing how the Roma star feels about securing a move to the Premier League.

Tottenham sacked Thomas Frank on February 11 after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United left them 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the drop zone. They have replaced Frank by bringing in Croatian coach Tudor on a deal lasting until the end of the season.

Spurs want Tudor to steady the ship, and he could put himself in contention for the permanent job if the next few months are a success.

Although, Spurs will also consider other options, with plenty of managerial moves expected this summer.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the ambitious Tudor is already making plans to change the Spurs squad in the summer, with Pellegrini a key objective.

Tudor is a huge fan of Pellegrini and ‘would be delighted to coach him in the Premier League,’ with Spurs ‘closely monitoring’ the situation as a result.

If Tudor wins the race to become the next Spurs boss in the long run, then the Italy midfielder, 29, could be his first signing.

Pellegrini’s future is ‘up in the air’ as his contract expires this summer and an extension still has not been agreed. Spurs could pounce to get one of Serie A’s finest midfielders on a free transfer.

Pellegrini is ‘seriously tempted’ by the opportunity to leave Italy and take part in an exciting new adventure, with the Premier League high up in his thinking.

Although, that stance may change if Roma step up talks over a renewal.

Pellegrini has managed four goals and one assist in 24 matches for Roma so far this term, while also captaining them on two occasions in the Europa League.

Leadership is a quality Spurs have been lacking in recent years, so the 29-year-old’s potential arrival would ease that issue.

Last season, former Roma boss Ivan Juric said Pellegrini ‘moves like a god’ and is a ‘true captain’. However, he will need to work on his finishing if he is to make a big impact in England.

“Pellegrini has had 6-7 scoring opportunities in the last few games. What does that mean? That he moves like a god, that he is well, that he runs a lot, that he has a fantastic spirit and does not hide,” Juric said.

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Tottenham target ‘never backs down’

“He has not scored and it is a shame. He has had important opportunities, he hit the crossbar. I see him in training, he never backs down.

“It can be a negative moment for him, even in the national team everything he tries goes wrong. But working as he is doing, as a true captain, he will get there.

“I see a player to whom Spalletti gives the number 10 shirt. I am convinced that he will unlock himself.”

It remains to be seen whether Spurs actually need a new No 10 such as Pellegrini. Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are already in the squad, though the latter two have had long spells out injured.

In terms of Spurs’ favoured managerial targets, we revealed on February 6 that Mauricio Pochettino has greenlit a spectacular return.

Plus, sources confirmed to us earlier this week that Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has also been discussed by the Spurs hierarchy.

Tottenham: Relegation exodus; striker target

Meanwhile, we have taken a look at the 15 stars who could leave north London if Spurs are shockingly relegated to the Championship.

Spurs are reportedly interested in a ‘revolutionary’ centre-forward worth £17.5m as they seek attacking recruits.

Igor Tudor’s first game as interim Tottenham Hotspur boss takes place against bitter north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, and TEAMtalk has looked at how an injury-hit Spurs side could line up against the Premier League leaders.

Tudor has taken over from Thomas Frank in the Spurs hotseat until the end of the season and could be leading out a side closer to the relegation places, if results go against them prior to Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.

Which players, and the formation the Croatian opts to use, given the plethora of big Tottenham names unavailable, is a fascinating prospect – one we’ve tried to dissect ahead of the contest.

Despite not having the likes of Cristian Romero (suspended), Kevin Danso and Ben Davies available, Tudor is still is expected to utilise his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, which will mean a midfielder having to step into the back three.

The wing-back positions are also a problem, given the absence of Destiny Udogie, while Pedro Porro is not expected to be fit enough to start despite returning to training.

Tudor does, at least, have more options to pick from in his midfield, although Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall remain on the sidelines, while the attack remains woefully short in terms of creative and wide players.

The ACL injury suffered by Wilson Odobert compounded on an attacking group that is already missing James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus, although Richarlison could return to the bench against the Gunners.

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GK: Guglielmo Vicario

Despite his critics, the Italy international will almost certainly retain his place, given how little time Tudor has had to fully assess the position. He will also have known Vicario from his time managing in Serie A.

RWB: Djed Spence

Spence gets to play on his natural side and will likely enjoy the more attacking freedom he should have in Tudor’s system. He needs to be wary of helping out the right-sided centre-back called into action by Tudor, though, but more on now.

RCB: Archie Gray

The versatile England Under-21 international has already shown he is capable of operating as a centre-back, although that was more in a back four under Ange Postecoglou. Tudor, who played the position himself, trusts the teenager in huge game.

CB: Radu Dragusin

Playing the Romanian in the middle of the three makes a ton of sense, as the last thing Tottenham will want is Dragusin getting isolated against a winger. Although there have to be some concerns if Tudor tries to play a higher line, given the 24-year-old does not have elite recovery pace.

LCB: Micky van de Ven

The only first-choice Spurs defender fully fit and available, and goodness knows what would happen if the Dutchman misses any time between now and the end of the season. Arguably the only world-class player in the Tottenham squad.

LWB: Souza

This is where things get tricky for Tudor, as it feels he has no real choice but to hand the winter window signing from Brazil his first start for the club. Souza did look impressive off the bench at Man Utd, showing tremendous pace and a willingness to get forward, and should get that playing in the wing-back role against the Gunners.

CM: Joao Palhinha

Tudor could opt for Yves Bissouma here, although the majority of Spurs fans will hope he doesn’t and that Palhinha is trusted as one of the defensive midfield pivots instead. It’s not always been great from the Bayern loanee, but he should relish a derby contest in front of home support.

CM: Conor Gallagher

The January window signing could be asked to play slightly deeper and provide a better base from Tottenham to operate from, while his energy and driving runs will be critical against a strong Arsenal pairing of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

ACM: Xavi Simons

Spurs desperately need the Dutchman to find his top level and offer the creativity in the final third that has often been lacking for Spurs this season. Reports suggest Simons has made a big impression in training throughout the week and is ready to deliver a stellar display. Home fans will be keeping everything crossed that happens.

ACM: Randal Kolo Muani

Bit of a toss up this one between Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, but Tudor’s familiarity with the former, after their time together at Juventus, gives the edge to the on loan PSG star – despite the fact that he is STILL to score a Premier League goal for the club.

ST: Dominic Solanke

With top scorer Richarlison, who scored a worldie against the Gunners at The Emirates, only likely to be fit enough for the bench, Solanke continues to lead the line. The England forward is at least starting to find his form after an injury-hit campaign so far and has four goals in his last six games.

Tottenham are ready to enter the market for a new striker in the summer, and a 20-year-old dubbed a ‘revolutionary talent’ has been placed at the top of their shortlist, per reports.

Spurs have endured a woeful campaign and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone, with interim manager Igor Tudor tasked with turning things around following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

However, those behind the scenes are still planning for the summer transfer window, and a new striker is set to be a top priority.

Randal Kolo Muani is highly unlikely to stay at the club once his loan from Paris Saint-Germain ends, while Richarlison’s future is also in doubt.

Tottenham are therefore expected to bring in a new forward this summer, and according to Sports Boom, ‘revolutionary’ Japanese international Keisuke Goto is firmly on their radar.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan from Anderlecht with Belgian first-tier side Sint-Truiden, where he has notched 12 goals and four assists in 25 games so far.

The 6ft2in ‘towering forward’ is also being watched by Newcastle, Chelsea and Brighton, per the report, but is at the ‘top of Tottenham’s summer shortlist’ as they look to bring in a ‘versatile striker with a high work rate’.

With Goto’s contract with Anderlecht running until 2028, they are expected to demand up to €20million (£17.5m / £23.5m) for his signature – a bargain for a striker in today’s market, if he proves to be successful.

There is also interest in Goto from Germany, with Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart said to be ‘monitoring the situation.’

Anderlecht insist they have received no offers for the striker yet, but interestingly, the report adds that his agents have ‘held preliminary talks in London.’

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Tottenham latest: 15 to leave after relegation / Shock coup sealed

Meanwhile, a reliable report has named the 15 first-team players who Tottenham fans can expect their club to let leave in the event they’re relegated.

In other, more positive, news, Tottenham have secured the signing of highly-rated England youth international George Jobling after his shock release from Chelsea’s academy this week.

Right-back Jobling, 16, has been playing with Chelsea’s Under-16 and Under-17 sides this season and was with the club for four years. However, he was surprisingly told he would not be offered scholars’ terms and, after a trial, has now been snapped up by Spurs.

A reliable report has named the 15 first-team players who Tottenham fans can expect their club to let leave in the event they’re relegated, and there’s actually a sixteenth star who won’t stick around too.

Relegation is now a very real possibility at Tottenham, hence the recent decision to sack Thomas Frank and hire Igor Tudor.

The Croatian’s appointment until the end of the season won’t be greeted all that warmly by many Spurs fans. However, the latest from The Athletic has shed light on why Tudor has been chosen.

The 47-year-old is viewed as a ‘premium’ and modern-day version of the likes of Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce. In other words, he’s someone who can be relied upon to join a relegation-threatened team late in the season and steer them to safety.

The report stated Tudor ‘twice rescued Udinese from relegation in Serie A, before plugging holes at Marseille and Juventus — ensuring Champions League football on both occasions.

‘Tudor is a premium alternative to the likes of Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce, who built reputations domestically on reviving disastrous seasons.’

Opta’s model currently predicts Tottenham’s chances of being relegated are just 3.36 percent. However, Spurs face Arsenal at the weekend at a time when West Ham – the club currently in 18th – play Bournemouth.

It’s entirely possible Tottenham’s gap to the relegation zone is cut from five points to two upon the conclusion of the weekend’s games.

And per The Athletic, Spurs fans should not be shocked if their club either sells or loans out almost every player of note if they’re relegated.

The full list cited by The Athletic was: Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero. Kevin Danso, Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Another player not named by the report but who wouldn’t remain a Spurs player in the Championship is Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international is on loan right now and his deal contains an option to buy worth €30m.

It is inconceivable Spurs as a Championship side would be sanctioning €30m transfers for a 31-year-old who in all likelihood, wouldn’t agree personal terms anyway.

Randal Kolo Muani – also on loan – wouldn’t hang around either, though in truth, Spurs won’t re-sign the French forward even if they avoid the drop anyway.

At this point, you might be wondering who’s left? Of course, such a colossal exodus would result in Spurs filling their ranks with players more suited to the second tier, but it would also open the doors for some of their younger and fringe players to establish themselves as regular starters.

The report listed Antonin Kinsky, Luka Vuskovic, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Mikey Moore as current stars on the books who’d quickly become regulars on the teamsheet.

Wilson Odobert given he’s just suffered an ACL injury would also be retained and return to action half-way through the next campaign.

Ben Davies, Souza, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel weren’t mentioned by the report.

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Latest Tottenham news – Done deal / Ivan Toney

In other news, Tottenham have secured the signing of highly-rated England youth international George Jobling after his shock release from Chelsea’s academy this week.

Elsewhere, Ivan Toney has made an intriguing admission when quizzed about a potential return to the Premier League, and we can confirm that Spurs are among the sides to have considered a move for him.

Tottenham Hotspur have secured the signing of highly-rated England youth international George Jobling after his shock release from Chelsea’s academy this week.

Right-back Jobling, 16, has been playing with Chelsea’s Under-16 and Under-17 sides this season and was with the club for four years. However, he was surprisingly told he would not be offered scholars’ terms and, after a trial with Spurs, was picked up by the north London club.

The teenage talent, highly regarded at England youth level, will now join up with Tottenham’s Under-18 squad, having already featured on trial for the Under-16s against Man City in the PL Cup earlier this month.

He’s expected to sign a professional contract with the club when he turns 17, in what is considered a rare win for Johan Lange after the club’s sporting director has received plenty of vile from some supporters over Tottenham’s lack of January window transfer activity, along with how long it took to eventually sack Thomas Frank.

As for Jobling, the young defender is also a current England Under-16 international and was called up to the most recent camp this week, having previously skippered the team towards the end of 2025.

He is expected to feature for the Young Lions when they face Denmark, Spain, and France this week.

Chelsea‘s reasoning behind surprisingly letting Jobling go is unclear, but their loss is very much Tottenham’s gain as the young defender aims to move through the ranks and eventually push for first-team football in north London.

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More Tottenham news: Centre-back raid; Richarlison battle brewing

Tottenham are the side “most interested” in raiding a Premier League rival for a centre-back who is also being watched by Barcelona, according to an insider.

Elsewhere, a battle is brewing for Tottenham striker Richarlison between clubs from two different continents, per the latest reports, as the optimal time for Spurs to cash in approaches.

Liverpool have begun plotting a raid on Tottenham for a thriving star after receiving an answer on the pursuit of a fellow midfielder from a European giant, TEAMtalk sources state.

The Reds are not the dominant side they were last season under Arne Slot. After winning the Premier League at a canter last term, they’ll be hard pressed to get into the top four this campaign.

That won’t do for one of the country’s most successful clubs, and as such the Anfield hierarchy are on the hunt to bring in some new talent.

With speculation over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, midfield moves are increasingly being spoken about.

Liverpool have Bergvall in sight

That could lead to a raid on fellow big-six club Tottenham, and TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has learned the Reds have registered an interest in Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall’s situation.

With Spurs struggling far more than Liverpool, near the Premier League drop zone, their interest in the thriving midfielder is certainly an interesting one.

It comes amid the Reds’ monitoring of emerging talent in midfields across Europe.

The fee Tottenham would ask for would be designed to deter suitors, the list of which includes Aston Villa as well as Liverpool, TEAMtalk is aware.

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Reds receive Thuram answer

One of the talented midfielders in Liverpool sights is Juventus’ Khephren Thuram, who has long been admired by the club.

TEAMtalk is aware that they are bracing for disappointment in their pursuit of the Juve man, though.

Insider Graeme Bailey has learned that the Italian club are closing in on an agreement to keep Thuram with them for years to come.

Thuram himself believes in the long-term project at Juventus and has had trust placed in him by the coaching staff, making any raid very difficult.

Liverpool gutted by injury update

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo was recently injured when filling in at right-back for the players who naturally play there: Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed the side were “really gutted” after that, suggesting that type of foot injury is difficult to take.

Van Dijk continued: “On the pitch he gives everything and you saw that in the game. It’s a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully it’s not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a while.”

Tottenham are the side “most interested” in raiding a Premier League rival for a centre-back who is also being watched by Barcelona, according to an insider.

Spurs could well lose a few important players in the summer. They are 16th in the Premier League and seem hard pressed to achieve European football next season unless they win the Champions League – a pretty inconceivable feat with how they’ve been playing.

There are suggestions that centre-back pair Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could be on their way out the door in the summer, with some big sides interested in the stars.

As a result, Tottenham are increasingly being linked with central defenders of late.

Spanish outlet Marca has heard from insider Matteo Moretto, who spoke of Atletico Madrid’s interest in Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, who will have Spurs to compete with.

He said: “Senesi is performing very well at Bournemouth and there are Premier League teams preparing offers.

“The team most interested is Tottenham, but there’s Borussia Dortmund and Juventus who are planning to make an offer. Barça is also very attentive to the Senesi situation.”

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Barca a big presence for Senesi

TEAMtalk is aware of interest in Senesi from each of Atletico, Barca and Tottenham. Insider Graeme Bailey also heard from sources who suggested there have been discussions with Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as Spurs, with the defender’s camp.

Barca are suggested to be the “most intriguing” of the potential locations for Senesi, no matter that Tottenham are believed to be pushing hardest.

A source told TEAMtalk: “There is a lot of interest in Marcos, but when Barcelona are interested, that is tough to ignore. He has not ruled out anything as yet, but fair to say Barca is a huge lure.”

Tottenham round-up: Danger for Bergvall

Tottenham are facing increased pressure from rivals wanting to sign Lucas Bergvall. Aston Villa interest has been evident and TEAMtalk have now learned that Liverpool have one eye on the Swedish midfielder.

Sources state Tottenham will set a fee for him designed to deter suitors.

Another potential outgoing transfer is that of Richarlison, with Flamengo said to be the leaders for the Brazilian, though reports have suggested Atletico Madrid are also keen on him.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will be on alert as striker target Ivan Toney has issued a “never say never” verdict on a return to the Premier League.

A battle is brewing for Tottenham striker Richarlison between clubs from two different continents, per the latest reports, as the optimal time for Spurs to cash in approaches.

Richarlison is out of contract in 2027, so faces an uncertain future ahead of the summer. It could be the last chance for Tottenham to recoup a decent fee for a player they paid Everton £50m plus add-ons for in 2022, but have only ever got mixed fortunes out of.

Amid the prospect of his value dropping, some clubs are starting to queue up in the race for Richarlison.

According to Fichajes, Flamengo are currently leading the race for Richarlison, in a move that would take him back to his native Brazil some nine years after he left Fluminense for Watford.

However, they have now been joined in the race by a top club who could keep him in Europe: Atletico Madrid.

The report claims Atleti boss Diego Simeone has given the green light to a move for Richarlison, believing he has the right kind of aggressive approach that would fit in well with his plans in the Spanish capital.

It remains to be seen if they will be able to overpower the emotional value of a return to Brazil for the 28-year-old, though.

As things stand, it seems Richarlison and his representatives are open to either destination, which could play into Tottenham’s hands if it means they can spark a bidding war.

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Richarlison faces uncertain future

But with so much uncertainty around Tottenham at the moment, after the sacking of Thomas Frank and appointment of Igor Tudor on an interim basis amid the threat of being sucked into a relegation battle, Richarlison’s future isn’t so clear-cut.

Sources even suggested to TEAMtalk in December that Spurs could consider offering a new contract to Richarlison should he stay beyond the January transfer window, in order to protect his value and buy themselves time to assess his future.

Obviously, Richarlison remains at Tottenham after the January window, so these are the kind of considerations they will now have to have.

As for the latest claims, it’s worth remembering that Fichajes is not a particularly reliable outlet.

As much as it is a Spanish source and Richarlison does seem to have the attributes to play for Simeone’s side, rumours of him being a target for Atletico can’t be verified just yet.

TEAMtalk can confirm that Richarlison has shown interest in returning to Everton, while Fulham have monitored his situation in recent months as well.

Tottenham transfer news: Bergvall future; Defender battle

In other news, interest has been building in Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

David Ornstein recently revealed that Aston Villa and Chelsea showed interest in Bergvall during January, and our correspondent Dean Jones has confirmed Villa – and another Premier League rival – are still keeping tabs on the Swedish star.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have been tracking a former Newcastle star whose value has more than doubled.