TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur have been told how much it will cost to sign rising Lens star Abdukodir Khusanov amid competition for his services from Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, it has been claimed.

Tottenham need defensive reinforcements as they usually struggle when starting centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are out injured, as showcased in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth. Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are Ange Postecoglou’s backup options, though the latter is now 31 years old and may soon need to be replaced.

Khusanov is the latest centre-half to emerge on Tottenham’s radar. According to new reports, Tottenham are ‘monitoring’ the 20-year-old’s exciting development and have scouted him on several occasions this year.

The report, which comes from CaughtOffside, states that Khusanov’s solid performances in Ligue 1 – despite his tender age – have alerted a host of top clubs to his potential.

Spurs are at the front of the queue to snap him up, though they will face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle and Marseille.

The report has also revealed Khusanov’s price tag. Lens want €15-20million (up to £16.6m / $21.2m) before selling the right-footed defender in January.

Spurs need to move quickly to land Khusanov as Lens have been tipped to increase their asking price if the Uzbekistan international enjoys even better form during the second half of the campaign.

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Tottenham eye left-field signing

Spurs’ interest in Khusanov was first revealed in October. Chelsea were also backed to enter talks for him, though they are now targeting different players.

It also emerged that Lens players have been describing him as a ‘monster’ as the 6ft 1in starlet does not seem to be scared of any challenge.

On November 28, French reports stated that Spurs are battling PSG to land Khusanov. PSG view him as a possible successor for club captain Marquinhos, who is now 30 years old.

At that point, Khusanov was rated at just €5m (£4.1m / $5.3m). However, his value has quadrupled as more and more sides declare their interest.

Tottenham transfers: Inter raid advances; flop’s La Liga exit

Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim Spurs are ‘ready to offer’ €35m to snare an Inter Milan ace.

Midfielder Davide Frattesi is the player in question, and Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is understood to be a big fan of his.

But ‘budgetary needs’ may force the Italian giants to sell and this would play into Spurs’ hands.

While Frattesi might arrive in North London in 2025, left-back Sergio Reguilon is gunning to leave.

Reguilon has been cast aside by Postecoglou, while his Spurs contract expires in June.

The Spanish media state Getafe are ready to hold negotiations over the prospective signing of Reguilon in January.

Tottenham are ready to bid €35m for a goal-scoring midfielder and Inter Milan’s surprise stance on a January sale has been revealed by a report.

Tottenham have found Serie A fertile ground for signing new players in recent years. Indeed, Guglielmo Vicario, Radu Dragusin, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski were all bought from Italian clubs.

And according to a fresh update from SpazioInter.it, Spurs have once again fixed their gaze on Serie A.

It’s claimed Tottenham are ‘ready to offer 35 million euros’ to secure the signing of Inter Milan midfielder, Davide Frattesi.

The 25-year-old joined Inter from Sassuolo for a season-long loan last year. The deal contained an obligation to buy worth €29m that was activated ahead of the current campaign.

Manager Simone Inzaghi is said to ‘highly value’ Frattesi, though his protestations might not prevent Inter’s hierarchy from sanctioning a sale.

Inter are reportedly not in the healthiest place financially and ‘budgetary needs could push the management to seriously evaluate an offer of this magnitude.’

That isn’t likely to go down well with Inzaghi whose side are in a title race in Serie A and remain unbeaten in the Champions League group phase without conceding a goal.

Nonetheless, the club’s overarching needs will come first and if Tottenham do launch a bid, it may well succeed.

Why Frattesi starts for Italy but not Inter

Frattesi operates primarily as an attack-minded central midfielder and has been a regular scorer of goals throughout his career.

The Italian notched seven goals in Serie A for Sassuolo during the 2022/23 campaign. That was followed up by a return of six league goals in his loan season at Inter. Frattesi has scored three more for Inter in Serie A this time around and that’s despite starting just five out of a possible 13 league matches.

Inzaghi can call upon a cluster of high calibre players for the three positions in his midfield. Aside from Frattesi, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are also on the books.

As such, Frattesi has actually emerged as more of a guaranteed starter for Italy when compared to his playing time at club level over the last few years.

Since making his senior debut in 2022, Frattesi has made 25 appearances for Italy, scoring eight goals along the way.

A prior report from InterLive in November – that also detailed Tottenham’s interest – claimed Frattesi was growing unhappy at not being an automatic pick at Inter.

His apparent dissatisfaction combined with a hefty Tottenham bid and Inter’s willingness to cash in could prove the perfect storm for Spurs in January.

Latest Tottenham news – Reguilon, Son, Romero

In other news, reports in Spain claim Getafe are ready to rescue Sergio Reguilon from his never-ending nightmare at Tottenham.

Reguilon – who hasn’t played a match for Spurs since the 2021/22 season – is not in Postecoglou’s plans and could secure a return to LaLiga in January by joining Getafe.

Elsewhere, GiveMeSport remarkably claim Man Utd and Ruben Amorim view Son Heung-min as a viable transfer target.

However, the chances of United securing a deal look slim at best, not least because Tottenham have already set about extending Son’s contract.

Finally, talkSPORT reported: ‘Tottenham risk losing defender Cristian Romero if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.’

The Argentine is on Real Madrid’s radar and the suggestion is Romero could push to leave Spurs if they fail to qualify for Europe’s premier competition once again.

Real Madrid have four alternative right-back targets to Trent Alexander-Arnold in case they fail to sign the Liverpool star, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season and Real Madrid have made him their top transfer target for 2025.

As things stand, the England full-back will be able to open pre-contract talks with foreign clubs ahead of a potential free transfer next summer – something Liverpool are desperate to avoid.

However, as we reported on Tuesday, the Reds are still confident Alexander-Arnold will sign an extension before January, with the club willing to offer him a significant pay rise.

Madrid’s recruitment chiefs are set to meet with Carlo Ancelotti in the coming days to discuss the next steps in regards to Alexander-Arnold. Nothing has been decided yet, but they have drawn up a shortlist of right-back targets in anticipation of missing out on the 26-year-old.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is being eyed by the LaLiga giants. Ironically, he’s one of the players Liverpool could sign if they lose Alexander-Arnold.

Frimpong, 23, is one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe. He’s under contract with Leverkusen until 2028 and is happy with the Bundesliga club. However, it’s thought he would find it difficult to turn down the likes of Real Madrid or Liverpool if they come calling.

Real Madrid target Man Utd man, Tottenham star

In addition to Frimpong, TEAMtalk can reveal that Real Madrid consider Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot as a ‘valid alternative’ to Alexander-Arnold.

He has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu recently and while Real Madrid do appreciate Dalot, we can confirm that there has been no contact made with his agents, yet.

Dalot’s contract with the Red Devils is valid until 2028 and Ruben Amorim is keen to keep the full-back despite Madrid sniffing after him.

Also on the shortlist is Tottenham star Pedro Porro. However, they are aware that Spurs are in a strong negotiating position given he’s under contract until 2028 and will demand a hefty fee for his signature. In all likelihood, he’ll be too expensive to sign next year.

Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrej Ratiu is also an option for Real Madrid. He would be significantly cheaper than Frimpong, Dalot and Porro and is those behind the scenes at Madrid believe he’s of ‘high quality.’

Whoever is brought in by Ancelotti’s side will have to fill the boots of Dani Carvajal, who has been Madrid’s first choice right-back since 2013, up until he picked up a serious knee injury this season.

Real Madrid round-up: Gravenberch wanted / Romero linked again

Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that Real Madrid are considering a surprise move for Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, as well as Alexander-Arnold.

The Dutch centre-mid has been one of the standout performers under Arne Slot this season and is a key reason why the Reds sit top of the Premier League table.

The report claims they have been impressed with Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool this term and while a move for him will be difficult, they are monitoring his situation.

In other news, Real Madrid continue to keep close tabs on Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero as they eye replacements for aging duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

Eder Militao is also sidelined with a serious injury, so Ancelotti wants more reinforcements at the back.

Romero is a key player for Tottenham and they will demand a huge fee for his sale. There have been rumours, however, that Romero is very interested in making the switch to the Bernabeu.

A struggling La Liga side is reportedly willing to take a Tottenham outcast off of Ange Postecoglou’s hands by offering him a January transfer exit.

Tottenham have been struggling with injuries and a busy fixture list this season, forcing head coach Postecoglou to play some of his more youthful players on multiple occasions.

Despite admitting he had several “schoolboys” on the bench for Spurs’ 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma last week, one player is finding minutes hard to come by.

Sergio Reguilon signed for Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020 for a fee worth up to £32m (€38.6m, $40.6m) and despite making a bright start at the north London outfit, the 27-year-old has not played a single game for them since 2022.

Now, Super Deporte claims Getafe are willing to ‘negotiate hard’ with Spurs to sign the out-of-favour left-back in early 2025. The report adds it’s been made clear to Reguilon that if he wants regular football, he needs to go elsewhere.

The Spaniard could head out on loan in January, run down his contract – which expires next summer – or make a permanent exit next month. A contract termination is reportedly also a possibility as Postecoglou has made it clear he is not a key member of his squad.

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Postecoglou hints at Reguilon exit

This season, Destiny Udogie has been the club’s first-choice left-back, while midfielder Archie Gray has also filled in there on occasion.

And despite being without Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in defence, Reguilon is still not getting a look-in.

He was an unused substitute in Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday and the Australian hinted Reguilon will be in the squad for Thursday’s trip to Bournemouth, too. But that may be the best he can hope for at present.

On Wednesday, Postecoglou told reporters: “He [Reguilon] is ready. He is training every day so [he is] part of the squad and we’re down in numbers, but there is also a reason why Reggy is in the last year of his contract with us.

“We’ll see how that all transpires but [there is] nothing wrong with his attitude. He is training every day and we literally have schoolboys on the bench, so we’re low down on numbers and he’ll probably be involved again tomorrow (Thursday).”

Son to Man Utd?

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly urged the club to make a surprise move for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.

The 32-year-old forward is out of contract next summer, although Spurs do have an option to extend his deal by another 12 months, and the South Korean is allegedly seen as a ‘viable option’ for the Red Devils.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are said to be upping their interest in Tottenham centre-back Romero – despite the Argentine not being at his best this season.

However, he is reportedly eager to play Champions League football and Los Blancos would be able to deliver that for him, barring a disastrous season.

Manchester United have made a ‘concrete objective’ to sign a certain left-back as Ruben Amorim’s team plot a double Serie A signing in 2025.

The left-back spot has proven to be a cursed position for Man Utd over the past 18 months or so, with Tyrell Malacia only just returning from a serious knee problem that first flared up in June 2023.

And fellow full-back Luke Shaw has made just three substitute appearances for the Red Devils this season after being sidelined since February through injury.

Soon after the England international admitted he was “devastated” a new injury blow has ruled him out for several weeks, United have again been linked with Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.

The left-back/left wing-back had a breakout season for the Serie A team in 2023/24 and it seems the 20-year-old is reaching new heights this term, as United, Tottenham, and Chelsea chase his signature.

Now, Sport Mediaset claims the Red Devils’ ’emissaries’ watched Dorgu in his team’s 1-1 draw with Juventus on Sunday and the Denmark international is a ‘concrete objective’ for Amorim’s team. They face competition from Napoli but they have reportedly ruled out a January move for him.

Previous reports claimed United are prepared to offer €30-35m (£24.8-29m) for the youngster and they also allegedly scouted Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, 19, in the Lecce game.

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Double transfer unlikely?

The fee that Lecce may be able to command for Dorgu, who has predominantly been utilised as a right-winger for the club this season, is only likely to increase off the back of his impressive displays.

Although he began to make a name for himself as a left-back and a left wing-back, Dorgu has been played on both wings – highlighting his versatility. While Lecce will be able to make a hefty profit on the ex-FC Nordsjaelland academy product, whose current deal runs until 2029, he may not be at the club next season.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Danish Young Player of the Year winner, who has four goals and three assists to his name this campaign, is expected to leave Lecce in 2025.

He added that they Lecce already rejected approaches from Tottenham, Chelsea, and Strasbourg. Whether United will be able to secure his services remains to be seen.

Yildiz, on the other hand, is said to be very happy at Juventus and currently has no plans to leave the Turin-based outfit, reports Sky Germany. The teenager, who has four goals and three assists to his name this season, is also on a contract until 2029.

Son to Man Utd?

A sensational report has claimed that United may make a move for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old is said to be seen as a ‘viable target’ to bring to Old Trafford in 2025 but Spurs have an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

Elsewhere, United may look to sell backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, while targeting Sunderland stopper Anthony Patterson as a potential replacement.

Andre Onana is very much first choice at Old Trafford and Bayindir is seemingly growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of first-team action.

Finally, Amorim may be keen on signing Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, as the speculation over reuniting with his former Sporting CP players continues on.

IN FOCUS: The rise of Patrick Dorgu

Lecce originally acquired Dorgu from Nordsjaelland in his native country, where he was yet to make his first-team debut.

He spent a year in the Italian side’s academy ranks, but once he was promoted into the Lecce first team, there were no second thoughts as he went on to record 34 appearances between Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season.

The teenager’s potential has long since attracted some clubs of serious stature – with his agent namedropping Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona before he had even made his Lecce debut – while he made his senior international debut for Denmark during the September break.

This season, he has split his gametime between playing as a left-back or a right winger, developing his output considerably.

Lecce will hope to benefit from their faith in his potential, with Dorgu a candidate to become their record sale when he leaves (eclipsing Morten Hjulmand after his €19.5m move to Sporting CP in 2023).

For now, he remains under contract until 2029. It seems unlikely he will stay at Lecce for all that time, with a big club almost certainly in his destiny.

Ruben Amorim is reported to have urged Manchester United to target a surprise move to bring Son Heung-min to Old Trafford in 2025 – after it was claimed the Red Devils feel a deal is there to be done and they have a chance of prising the iconic star away from Tottenham in 2025.

The 32-year-old star is widely considered the best South Korean star of all time, having moved to Tottenham for a bargain £22m (€30m, $32.5m) back in summer 2015. Now in his 10th season in north London, Son has played a part in an impressive 254 goals (166 scored, 88 assists) in 422 games for Spurs – giving him a goal contribution every 1.66 games.

And having been appointed as club captain following the departure of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris in summer 2023, Son‘s importance to Spurs – both in terms of his on-field contributions and of the global and commercial appeal he brings – cannot be underestimated.

But with the 32-year-old’s deal in N17 is due to expire next summer meaning the player is eligible to negotiate a pre-contract move overseas from January 1 – just 28 days from now.

However, a surprise report from Givemesport claims that new United boss Amorim sees Son as a ‘viable target’ to bring to Old Trafford next year themselves, with there being ‘plenty of chat around Old Trafford’ that an approach could be made to lure him to the north-west at the end of the current season.

Amorim is looking to help restore Manchester United back to their former glories and, while they have made some quick progress under his management, the club plans to strengthen in a number of key areas across the summer window.

Operating in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Son could be seen as a possible option to play as one of the two No.10’s behind the frontman, forming a potentially devasting partnership with Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford.

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Tottenham have ace up their sleeve to block ambitious Man Utd move for Son

While talks over a new deal for Son at Spurs are yet to see an agreement reached, they do still have a one-year option in his deal that can at the very least ensure the 131-times capped South Korea international remains with the club until summer 2026.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have already started the process of activating that option, with the trusted reporter providing an update on his situation on his YouTube channel last month.

“I have something to say about Heung-min Son, a top player of Tottenham Hotspur,” Romano said. “It’s important to say that, according to my information, Tottenham are prepared to take the option to extend the contract of Son.

“So if you check on Son, on all the websites, for example, Transfermarkt, you can see that his contract is expiring in the summer of 2025.

“But Tottenham have an option, have a clause in the contract to extend the deal for one more season, 2025/26, and they are in the process, from what I’m hearing, of extending this contract for one more year.

“This is the idea, this is the plan, the process has already started and so the expectation is for Son to have a longer contract at Tottenham.”

However, reports last month also stated that a sensational parting of ways could be on the cards with the player informing the club that he has no intention of signing a deal for longer than that and the player is seeking one final career challenge away from Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Whether that would force his sale this summer, or whether United would move to pay a fee for him, remains to be seen.

Our transfer correspondent Fraser Gillan has looked into the rumour about United potentially moving for the 32-year-old and at this stage has not been told anything that backs up such speculation.

Man Utd target Feyenoord midfielder; Spurs have Cristian Romero fear

Reports on Wednesday morning claimed Amorim is very much focused on strengthening his attacking midfield in 2025 and has reportedly instructed United bosses to secure a deal for Arne Slot’s former Feyenoord favourite Antonio Milambo.

Per Florian Plettenberg, the 19-year-old ‘fits perfectly’ into the profile of player Man Utd want to sign in the INEOS era.

Elsewhere, reports in Italy claim Man Utd are considering a surprise swoop for Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Finally, TEAMtalk understands Amorim has approved the potential signing of Bayern Munich left-back, Alphonso Davies, though several hurdles need to be crossed before a deal can be nudged over the line.

Over at Tottenham, a fresh report claims Postecoglou is in growing danger of losing Cristian Romero to Real Madrid amid what has been described as growing concerns the club aren’t capable of matching the Argentinian’s ambitions.

Son down the years: a true Tottenham icon

August 2015 – Son signs for Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m, eclipsing the record of the most expensive Asian player of all time.

September 2015 – Scores his first two goals for Tottenham in a Europa League match.

September 2016 – Equals his Premier League goal tally from the season before in 25 fewer appearances.

October 2016 – Becomes the first Asian player to win the Premier League Player of the Month award.

March 2017 – Scores his first Tottenham hat-trick in an FA Cup win.

May 2017 – Becomes the only player that season to win the Premier League Player of the Month accolade twice.

November 2017 – Becomes the highest-scoring Asian player in Premier League history.

January 2018 – Matches a club record that had lasted 14 years of scoring in five consecutive home games for Spurs.

June 2018 – Receives the first of four Tottenham goal of the season awards.

July 2018 – Earns a long-term contract extension with Tottenham.

October 2018 – Reaches the landmark of 150 appearances for Tottenham and celebrates by scoring a brace, and soon after scores his 50th goal for the club.

April 2019 – Scores the first competitive goal at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

May 2019 – Named Tottenham’s player of the season for the first time.

November 2019 – Scores the first goal of the Jose Mourinho era at Tottenham.

February 2020 – Hits the landmark of 50 Premier League goals.

July 2020 – Picks up the Tottenham player of the season award for the second year in a row.

September 2020 – Scores four goals in a single game for Spurs, all assisted by Harry Kane.

November 2020 – Named the Premier League Player of the Month for the third time in his career.

December 2020 – Wins the Puskas Award for a goal he scored 12 months earlier.

January 2021 – Reaches the milestone of scoring 100 goals for Tottenham.

July 2021 – Extends his Tottenham contract until 2025.

November 2021 – Scores Tottenham’s first goal under Antonio Conte, the third permanent manager in a row for which this was the case.

April 2022 – Enters the top 10 of Tottenham’s all-time scorers after firing in a hat-trick.

May 2022 – Finishes the season as the joint-top scorer in the Premier League along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and is named as Tottenham’s player of the season.

April 2023 – Becomes a member of the Premier League’s 100 Club.

August 2023 – Chosen as the new Tottenham captain by Ange Postecoglou.

September 2023 – Scores a North London Derby brace to bring up 150 goals in Tottenham colours, and eventually earns the Premier League Player of the Month award.

December 2023 – Becomes Tottenham’s top assist provider in the Premier League era.

May 2024 – Finishes his first season as Tottenham captain as their top scorer, for the first time when considering all competitions.

Real Madrid could poach a critical Tottenham star amid growing concerns the club aren’t capable of matching his ambition, though Spurs have taken action to prevent an exit, according to reports.

It’s been another season of frustration so far for Tottenham, with the last three results summing up the club’s inability to take the next step.

Spurs pulled off the result of the season so far when demolishing Manchester City 4-0. However, they were then held to a 2-2 draw by Roma in the Europa League before dropping points in the 1-1 stalemate with Fulham last Sunday.

Tottenham have already tasted defeat on five occasions in the Premier League this season. While they’re only three points off of fourth spot, they’ll need to show far greater consistency if they’re to secure Champions League qualification.

And according to a fresh update from talkSPORT, UCL football is quickly becoming a must for centre-back Cristian Romero.

They claim: ‘Tottenham risk losing defender Cristian Romero if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.’

Real Madrid are ‘known admirers’ of the centre-back and hope to sign at least three new defenders in 2025. Additions are being sought at right-back, left-back and centre-half.

talkSPORT concluded Romero is ‘keen to test himself against Europe’s elite’ in the Champions League. Failure to qualify could result in the 26-year-old pushing to leave.

Tottenham take action to prevent Cristian Romero exit

Romero’s ambition of playing regularly in the Champions League is understandable.

He’s featured in just one UCL campaign (2022/23 season) since joining Spurs. Tottenham finished top of their group thanks to a last-minute victory over Marseille on matchday six, though bowed out of the competition to AC Milan in the first knockout round.

Romero – when fully fit again – will be key to Tottenham’s attempts to return to that competition for next season.

However, according to TBR Football, Tottenham have already taken steps towards preventing what would unquestionably be a damaging exit.

They reported Spurs have approached Romero’s camp with a view to officially opening talks over a contract extension.

Whether Romero will be open to hearing what they have to say could depend on how likely UCL qualification is looking.

Ironically, many Spurs fans will point to Romero’s dip in form this season as one reason why they don’t currently reside in the top four positions.

Latest Tottenham news – Toney, Fagioli

In other news, remarkable reports out of Spain claim Ivan Toney could yet sign for Tottenham or Chelsea less than six months after joining Al-Ahli.

The two London clubs are understood to have retained their interest in the striker who is already weighing up a quick-fire return to England.

Elsewhere, TuttoJuve have revealed Tottenham hold interest in signing Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli.

Spurs’ good relations with Juventus could reportedly stand the club in good stead. Indeed, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski were both bought from Juve in recent years.

Tottenham are being tipped to swoop for a versatile Juventus midfielder who could be allowed to leave in the January transfer window as interest ramps up in his services.

Italy international Nicolo Fagioli is reported to be looking for more game time and is open to quitting the Turin giants next summer, with the likes of Marseille and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Fagioli has made 15 appearances for Juve in all competitions this season but only six of those have been in the starting XI and the 23-year-old wants more game time in order to enhance his chances at international level – which could happen at Tottenham under Ange Posetcoglou.

And, despite being happy to leave the Bianconeri in the summer, TuttoJuve’s Mirko di Natale has reported that Juventus will keep an eye on the midfielder’s situation till the end of the January transfer window. Indeed, di Natale states that if any appropriate offer arrives, Fagioli will be sold as he is not considered to be an unsellable entity.

Spurs’ interest stems from some inconsistent play again in their engine room this season as Postecoglou often chops and changes that area of his team.

Rodrigo Bentancur has started a domestic ban but will be available again for the Boxing Day clash with Nottingham Forest, while Yves Bissouma continues to be an enigma and not the same player who was so outstanding at Brighton. The only real constants have been the impressive form of Pape Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski in a newer role for the Swede this term.

The report adds that Palace and Marseille are expected to challenge Tottenham for Fagioli but that the north London club’s good relationship with Juventus could give them the upper hand.

Bentancur and Kulusevski were both signed from the Italian giants in the past, with former Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici playing a role in their captures and still having influence when it comes to Serie A transfers.

Versatile Fagioli a good fit for Postecoglou

Fagioli would be a good fit for Tottenham if he does arrive in north London either in January or next summer, having also been linked with both Manchester clubs.

Having been likened to Luka Modric in terms of his style of play, the Italian is versatile enough to play all three main central midfield positions and is as equally comfortable playing as a No.6 as he is in his more natural No.10 role.

As per Football Talent Scout, Fagioli is described as a playmaker with natural flair who has good vision and the ability to thread accurate passes in behind defences.

He also has superb coordination, agility and balance and is capable of dominating games from the middle of the park, something Tottenham sometimes struggle with when they are on the back foot.

In 62 total games for Juventus, Fagioli has scored three goals and eight assists, but at just 23 years of age there is a feeling that he has yet to reach his full potential – something that Postecoglou will relish the challenge of harnessing.

Latest Tottenham news: City target Romero swoop / Toney back on Spurs’ radar

Manchester City have reportedly joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who will look at Champions League football as a deciding factor on a contract renewal or his next club.

Spurs have been a more defensively sound side than City this season. The north London outfit, though seventh, have conceded 14 goals in 13 Premier League games.

And, according to TBRFootball, City have joined the clubs keeping tabs on Argentina World Cup winner Romero.

Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Ivan Toney is reportedly considering a return to England after only six months in Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest in him.

Manchester City have reportedly joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who will look at Champions League football as a deciding factor on a contract renewal or his next club.

Spurs have been a more defensively sound side than City this season. The north London outfit, though seventh, have conceded 14 goals in 13 Premier League games.

City, three points above them in fifth place, have already conceded 19 goals, including eight in their last three league games.

According to TBRFootball, the Citizens have joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham centre-back Romero, who has been a mainstay of their defence for the last few seasons.

Along with the Premier League champions, European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are all keen on Romero.

It is believed Tottenham hope to tie the Argentine down to a new deal, with plans to start talks in the New Year to make him the top earner at the club.

But the report also states that Romero sees Champions League football as key to his future. That could have a detrimental impact on Spurs’ hopes of keeping him happy.

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UCL much more likely at City

Romero has played just one season in the Champions League with Tottenham, in 2022/23. Given Spurs are currently seventh in the Premier League, they’ll have to make up some ground to secure a place in the elite European competition.

City, meanwhile, are Champions League regulars, playing in it every season since Pep Guardiola has been at the club, and winning it for the first time in 2022/23.

Though they are currently fifth in the league, the Citizens’ previous form suggests they are more likely to fight their way back and end up with a place in the competition.

As such, Romero could look more favourably on a move there, particularly knowing there could be space for him amid a defensive wobble, than staying at Tottenham where he may not be given the shot he wants.

Man City round-up: Big exits possible

City could have to get rid of three of their most influential players of the past few years, with journalist Henry Winter suggesting Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have lost it.

City boss Guardiola has also suggested that while sacked in the morning chants might not have been wide of the mark, he did not expect them from Liverpool fans during a loss to the Reds.

Jamie Carragher suggested that the game was made easy for Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk by the toothless performance of Erling Haaland.

Meanwhile, in order to rectify their current issues, City are said to be scouting Premier League left-backs Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

One of the best FA Cup third-round draws in recent years threw up some intriguing contests as Ruben Amorim will take his Manchester United side to Arsenal, while Liverpool face a Lancashire derby and Tottenham will be on their way to Staffordshire to face a National League giantkiller.

United and Arsenal will go head-to-head at The Emirates this week in the Premier League before facing off again in north London in January, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley and Tottenham head to Tamworth, who saw off League One sides Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion in the previous two rounds.

Elsewhere, Manchester City will host ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford City in a big local derby, while League Two Harrogate Town will have the short trip to Elland Road to face Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

The only other non-league side left in the competition, Dagenham & Redbridge, will go to Championship Millwall while Chelsea host League Two’s bottom club Morecambe and fellow fourth-tier strugglers Bromley travel to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

There could even be a potential father-son showdown on the cards when Everton host Peterborough, with Ashley Young’s son Tyler currently plying his trade with the League One outfit.

FA Cup third-round draw in full…

Southampton v Swansea City

Arsenal v Manchester United

Exeter City v Oxford United

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Reading v Burnley

Aston Villa v West Ham

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City v Salford

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbrige

Liverpool v Accrington Stanley

Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Preston North End v Charlton Athletic

Chelsea v Morecambe

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers

Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion

Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic

Tamworth v Tottenham

Hull City v Doncaster Rovers

Sunderland v Stoke City

Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers

Brentford v Plymouth Argyle

Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle United v Bromley

Everton v Peterborough United

Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth

Birmingham City v Lincoln City

Leeds United v Harrogate Town

Nottingham Forest v Luton Town

Sheffield United v Cardiff City

Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers

Fulham v Watford

Crystal Palace v Stockport County

The ties will be played January 9-13.