TEAMtalk

Atletico Madrid reportedly see Johnny Cardoso as a priority transfer in January, which would spoil the plans of Tottenham, who have a clause to land him in the summer.

Cardoso has performed aptly for Real Betis for the past couple of seasons. He has been consistent since moving there for the 2023/24 seasons, standing out among his peers.

He seemingly caught the eye of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone this season, due to his performance in Betis’ 1-0 victory over his side in October.

Now, journalist Ruben Uria suggests the Madrid-based outfit could act on that interest.

Indeed, he reports that Cardoso is a priority for Atletico in the January transfer window.

It’s said the USA international is one of the preferences of Simeone to reinforce his midfield, and the move could bring a ‘winter revolution’ at Betis, who want to sign players in a couple of positions but are tight on funds.

They are aware that Cardoso is one of the members of their squad with the highest market value.

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Tottenham in danger

Tottenham have a priority option to buy Cardoso from Betis in a two-week window in the summer for €25million (£21m/$26m).

However, it seems they would have no defence against the midfielder being signed by another club in January.

With Betis seemingly hopeful that they can improve their side soon, they might not want to wait to receive funds from Tottenham if Atletico are to match their offer in January.

If Spurs don’t activate their option to buy Cardoso, they’ll receive 35 per cent of his future sale, though it’s not entirely clear if that is valid before the period in which they could sign him.

As such, there may be a chance they are left with nothing, with Atletico instead the winners.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs planning Fulham raid

There are a good pool of players to have played for Spurs and Fulham, and Joachim Andersen could join them, as it’s reported the north London outfit are tracking the centre-back, as are Liverpool.

Both of those clubs are also said to be in battle for Ajax’s Devyne Rensch.

Meanwhile, Spurs are said to be ‘serious suitors’ for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who’s currently on loan at Chelsea.

And the north London club’s price tag of Pedro Porro is said to have repelled Real Madrid, but they will still have Manchester United to contend with for their right-back, as per reports.

Cardoso’s stats this season

Johnny Cardoso stats so far this season

Tottenham Hotspur outcast Sergio Reguilon is eager to reignite his career by securing a winter move away from North London, it has been revealed.

Reports in the Spanish press state that Reguilon has been ‘ostracised’ by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, having failed to make a single first-team appearance and being named in just one squad so far this term. Postecoglou clearly does not want to use the left-back and would rather rely on the likes of Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies.

This is described as a ‘strange’ decision given Reguilon’s decent form with Brentford and the fact Davies’ Tottenham contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

The report comes from Marca and labels the situation ‘dramatic’. The 27-year-old’s entourage are determined to find him a new club so he can start playing regularly once again.

Reguilon being shunned by Postecoglou is the latest twist in what has been a ‘volatile’ few years for the player.

He joined Spurs from Real Madrid in a £32million deal in September 2020 but has since been loaned out to Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.

Reguilon’s move to United in September 2023 was particularly surprising, and he only played 12 times for the Red Devils before his loan was terminated in January.

The Spaniard’s agent will be desperately fielding interest to try and find a solution.

In October, it emerged that Jose Mourinho is looking to reunite with Reguilon at Fenerbahce.

It has also been claimed that Reguilon could rip up his Spurs contract – which is due to expire in June – in order to return to former club Sevilla on a free transfer in January.

Reguilon’s departure would free up space on the wage bill for Spurs to sign a new player, potentially a younger left-back who can provide competition and cover for Udogie.

Reguilon’s overall record for Spurs stands at two goals and eight assists in 67 appearances.

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Tottenham transfers: Shock Chelsea link; Real Madrid star monitored

Meanwhile, surprise reports coming out of Spain suggest Spurs are in the mix to land Jadon Sancho from Chelsea.

Sancho swapped United for Chelsea in the summer via a season-long loan. Chelsea have the obligation to sign him permanently if certain conditions are met.

But the Blues are already looking for ‘more consistent’ options out wide, which has allegedly seen Spurs become ‘serious suitors’ for the Englishman.

Brahim Diaz is another player Spurs are being credited with interest in.

Spurs have joined Arsenal and Newcastle in keeping tabs on the Real Madrid attacker as he is ‘unhappy’ with his lack of game time.

At this stage, Arsenal are the Premier League club leading the race for Diaz, though that could change.

Arsenal hold concrete interest in ‘unhappy’ Real Madrid ace Brahim Diaz, while Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on his situation, it has been claimed.

Reports claim Diaz is frustrated with his lack of minutes under Carlo Ancelotti this season, as he has largely been used as a substitute to impact games late on. This has opened up the possibility of the former Manchester City player returning to England, with several clubs eyeing his signature.

Arsenal are ‘actively’ monitoring Diaz and will swoop in if the central attacking midfielder – who can also shine as a right winger – pushes for a Real Madrid exit.

The report originates from TBR Football and explains how Diaz could follow in the footsteps of other players such as Martin Odegaard, Mesut Ozil and Dani Ceballos by joining Arsenal from Madrid.

There is ‘concern growing’ in Diaz’s camp that he will have to leave the Bernabeu in order to become a regular starter elsewhere, which could play into Arsenal’s hands.

Mikel Arteta’s side may face competition for the electric 25-year-old, though. The report adds that Tottenham and Newcastle are in the frame for Diaz too, believing he is undervalued at Madrid.

Interestingly, Diaz is not the only Madrid playmaker being watched by Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle.

They are among a host of the Premier League’s biggest clubs who are hoping that Arda Guler will be made available for transfer in the near future.

Guler, like Diaz, is struggling for starts due to the fierce competition for places at Madrid.

Ancelotti has insisted that 19-year-old Guler has a bright future in the Spanish capital, which suggests Diaz is the more likely of the two to leave.

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Brahim Diaz would be exciting Arsenal capture

Diaz would be a great signing for Arsenal. The Gunners have long been on the lookout for a right winger who can provide cover for Bukayo Saka, and Diaz’s versatility means he could fulfil that role while also improving Arteta’s midfield options.

Plus, Arsenal’s lack of spark when Martin Odegaard was out injured showed that Arteta needs another creative midfielder who can cause opposition defences problems with his forward-thinking play.

Diaz would be a great solution as he has fantastic dribbling ability and great vision.

Arsenal will have to pay a significant fee for the Morocco international, though. Madrid are in a strong negotiating position as they have him tied down until June 2027.

Previous reports have valued Diaz at around €40million (£33.2m / $41.6m).

Arsenal news: La Liga pursuit ramped up; signing blasted

Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their chase to sign Villarreal’s Alex Baena.

It is claimed that Arsenal sent a scout to watch the left winger during Spain’s 2-1 win over Denmark over the international break.

Baena has a €60m (£50m / $63.1m) release clause in his contract, though his stunning assists record means he could be worth every penny.

Baena joining would show Raheem Sterling that Arsenal do not intend to sign him permanently following his loan from Chelsea.

Pundit Stan Collymore has labelled Sterling ‘one of the flops of the season’ and claimed he has ‘stunk the place out’ at Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as shock suitors for struggling Chelsea forward Jadon Sancho, it has been claimed.

According to reports in the Spanish press, Tottenham are ‘serious’ about landing Sancho in summer 2025 if his Chelsea spell does not work out. Ange Postecoglou is thought to be an admirer of the winger and feels he can get the best out of him at Tottenham.

It is suggested that Chelsea are looking for ‘more consistent’ options in attack, with Sancho’s form stuttering – just like it did at Manchester United previously.

The report originates from Fichajes, and they claim Spurs want to ‘revitalise’ the Englishman’s career, viewing him as someone with ‘undeniable talent’.

Sancho has already moved between two ‘Big Six’ Premier League teams once, having joined Chelsea from United in August.

Chelsea rescued Sancho from his disappointing Old Trafford spell by signing him on a season-long loan which includes a £20-25million obligation to buy.

Although, there are certain conditions which have to be met before the deal will be made permanent.

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Jadon Sancho to Tottenham would be surprise transfer

While Sancho is certainly a big name in European football, owing to his brilliant performances for Borussia Dortmund, Spurs fans will likely want their club to steer clear of the 24-year-old.

Sancho cost United a whopping £73m in July 2021 but never managed to shine on a consistent basis for the Red Devils.

He was banished from the United first team under Erik ten Hag amid a row over his commitment in training.

Sancho was hopeful of reigniting his career in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea project, and he had some success early in the campaign.

Sancho has since fallen down the pecking order though, while a knock and an unspecified illness have also kept him out of action recently.

Spurs are known to be on the lookout for a left winger who could eventually replace club captain Son Heung-min, with Timo Werner cutting a frustrated figure in front of goal.

However, Spurs should be able to find a player in better form – and with more confidence – than Sancho.

Alternatively, Postecoglou could place his trust in youth by prioritising game time for electric 17-year-old Mikey Moore.

Tottenham transfers: Full-back boost; team-mate’s price tag set

Meanwhile, Spurs have been successful in stopping Real Madrid from capturing Pedro Porro.

Spurs want €70m (£58.2m / $73.4m) for the right-back, a fee Madrid do not intend to match.

While Madrid are chasing Trent Alexander-Arnold instead, Man Utd could be the next club to make an enquiry for Porro.

Radu Dragusin is the subject of transfer speculation, just like Porro.

His agent has shut down rumours of a January move, though a summer switch remains on the cards if Dragusin continues to warm the bench.

Spurs want €30m (£25m / $31.5m) for the centre-back amid interest from Juventus and Napoli.

Liverpool are prepared to challenge Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Ajax star Devyne Rensch, according to a report.

It has been claimed that Liverpool are ‘keen’ on signing Rensch after sending scouts to watch him on multiple occasions this season, with those scouts returning glowing reports. The Reds have been particularly impressed by Rensch’s versatility, as he mainly operates at right-back but can also play as a centre-half or left-back if needed.

Rensch is described as someone who could bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options at Liverpool amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

The report comes from CaughtOffside and they add that Tottenham are also ‘hovering’ for the Dutchman’s capture, setting up a potential transfer battle between the two Premier League giants.

However, it is not guaranteed that Rensch will arrive in England at some stage in 2025. He has also ‘held negotiations’ with Ajax chiefs over penning a contract extension, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Rensch is tempted to snub interest from the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham – for now – so he can prioritise his development in the Eredivisie.

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Liverpool scouring market amid contract talks

Liverpool are currently fighting on two fronts, as they are looking at signings who can improve their squad while also trying to tie down their most important stars to new contracts.

Van Dijk appears the most likely to sign a new deal out of him, Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah, all of whom have contracts which expire in June.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, seems to be leaning towards staying at Anfield, despite strong interest from Real Madrid.

Although, one Liverpool decision has sparked fresh rumours that two or more of that elite trio may move on.

Rensch would be a good addition to the Liverpool ranks as he can cover several positions. Plus, he is only 21 years old, which means he has plenty of time to grow into a top star.

Should the one-cap Netherlands international decide against signing a new Ajax contract, then he will be available for a cut-price fee in January. Previous reports have valued Rensch at around the €10million (£8.3m / $10.5m) mark.

There is a clear Dutch connection with Liverpool as Slot, Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch are all from the Netherlands. They could help Rensch to settle in quickly on Merseyside, should Liverpool complete a deal for him.

Spurs cannot be ruled out though as they are eyeing the defender, too.

Liverpool news: Winger bid; midfielder transfer truths

Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest Liverpool have drawn up a major proposal to try and beat Spurs and Bayern Munich to a forward signing.

Exciting Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is the player in question. He has been touted as a potential replacement for Salah at Liverpool.

Liverpool are supposedly willing to pay as much as €80m (£66.6m / $84m) for Kubo, though this could be the Spanish media trying to drum up interest in Sociedad’s player.

Liverpool are also thought to be keeping tabs on Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who they previously missed out on in summer 2022.

It has been claimed that Liverpool will use their upcoming Champions League clash with Madrid to try and forge a deal.

Liverpool reporter James Pearce has tried to quash such speculation by stating the Reds do not hold ‘concrete’ interest in Tchouameni as things stand.

How Tottenham have successfully fended off Real Madrid interest in Pedro Porro has been revealed, though a growing threat from Manchester United must now be contended with.

Porro, 25, joined Tottenham on loan at the beginning of 2023 before his move was made permanent six months later. The Spaniard has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic right-backs and is capable of making huge impacts from both defensive and offensive standpoints.

As you might expect, Porro has begun to attract attention from some of the biggest clubs in the game. Real Madrid are among them, with the LaLiga giants determined to sign a right-back in 2025.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold – out of contract in the summer – is their primary target in the position. However, Liverpool remain hopeful they’ll convince their homegrown hero to commit his long-term future to the club by penning fresh terms.

As such, Real Madrid have not put all of their eggs in one basket and have identified Porro as a viable alternative.

But according to a fresh update from Spanish outlet AS, Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy have quickly bamboozled Real Madrid.

It’s claimed Levy has slapped a hefty €70m price tag on Porro that is seen as prohibitive in Madrid. Per the report, that price tag is ‘well beyond’ what Real are willing to pay and as such, a transfer is practically ‘insurmountable.’

Spurs fending off Real Madrid’s interest in one of his best players will certainly please manager Ange Postecoglou. However, a growing threat from much closer to home may soon have to be contended with…

Pedro Porro to Man Utd?

New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim is expected to stick with the 3-4-3 formation that yielded two Primeira Liga titles at Sporting CP.

Key to that formation’s success is fielding specialised players in the all-important wing-back roles. To that end, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has declared Man Utd have “already planned” a new addition at left wing-back in 2025.

But per two separate reports from AS, Porro could be the man to take the mantle in the right wing-back position.

The outlet highlighted the Amorim connection given the United boss managed Porro during their time together at Sporting.

It’s claimed ‘sources close to Porro believe that the appointment of Ruben Amorim as United’s head coach would likely spark interest in bringing the player to Old Trafford.’

The second report from AS took it a step further, stating Porro’s entourage are ‘convinced’ Amorim will instruct Man Utd to bid for the player.

Of course, any such approach is likely to be met with Tottenham pointing to the club’s sizeable €70m (£58.3m / $73.7m) valuation.

Latest Tottenham news – Son, Zabarnyi

In other news, Turkish outlet Fanatik claim Galatasaray have approved a January bid for Son Heung-min.

Galatasaray are hoping Spurs will cash in on the ageing superstar, though Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Tottenham have already set about extending Son’s contract by 12 months via a club option.

Elsewhere, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City are considering moves for Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, sources have exclusively revealed to TEAMtalk.

The 22-year-old has settled well in the Premier League after he secured a difficult move from Dynamo Kyiv, playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s rise under manager Andoni Iraola, with the Cherries currently just four points outside the Premier League’s top four.

And TEAMtalk can reveal that Zabarnyi’s fine performances have caught the attention of several clubs, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City among those keeping close tabs on his situation.

Tottenham have reportedly set an asking price for a player who was only signed earlier this year, with Italian giants Juventus and Napoli ready to make their moves in the winter window.

Centre-back Radu Dragusin is the player in question, with the Romania international having failed to establish a regular starting role in the Spurs side despite his recent run of games following Micky van de Ven’s latest hamstring problem.

The 22-year-old has started the last three games for Tottenham but struggled badly in the loss to Galatasaray in the Europa League and the shock home defeat to Ipswich in the Premier League.

Sitting behind Van de Ven and Cristian Romero has reportedly led to the centre-back questioning his future at the club, with TuttoMercatoWeb stating that the likes of Juve and Napoli are keen on bringing the former Genoa man back to Serie A in January – just a year on from when he joined Spurs.

The report states that Dragusin wanted the opportunity to show that he is capable of competing in the English top flight but that his situation has changed over his struggles to oust either Romero or Van de Ven from the starting XI.

TuttoMercatoWeb adds that Tottenham will demand around €30million (£25m/$31.5m) for the player, which would represent a profit on the €25million (£21.5m/$20.8m) they initially paid for him.

Dragusin being wanted by top clubs in Italy is no real surprise given how well he played in Italy during his time with Genoa, although it would leave Tottenham short on options at the back if they agreed to a January exit.

To that end, the only way that Dragusin will leave in the new year is if a quality backup option is added to Ange Postecoglou’s squad, with Tottenham already known to be on the lookout for another central defender.

Tottenham keen on brilliant Bournemouth defender

One particular centre-back who TT can reveal is very much on the club’s radar is Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.

The 22-year-old has settled well in the Premier League after he secured a difficult move from Dynamo Kyiv at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The transfer was called off on several occasions after it proved difficult to get him out of his home country, before a deal was eventually sealed for £15million.

Zabarnyi has since played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s rise under manager Andoni Iraola, with the Cherries currently just four points outside the Premier League top four.

TEAMtalk can reveal that Zabarnyi’s fine performances have caught the attention of several clubs, with Tottenham, Chelsea and Man City among those keeping close tabs on his situation.

Bournemouth, however, are reluctant to lose Zabarnyi and a move away from the south coast could prove difficult this winter, but not impossible.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs join hunt for LaLiga winger/ Turkish giants want Son

Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City are all interested in Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro, who could be available for a ‘miniscule’ fee in 2025, per reports.

After bouncing around at a number of clubs, the 21-year-old has excelled at Valladolid, scoring three goals and making one assist in 13 LaLiga appearances so far this season.

And, according to Super Deporte, his good form has caught the attention of Spurs, Liverpool and City.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions of a European league are ready to table a January bid for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, according to a report.

Spurs legend Son’s existing contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, though there is a club option for an extra 12 months.

But, according to a fresh update from Fanatik, reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray have authorised the signing of Son in the upcoming winter window.

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to make Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo one of their most expensive-ever signings but face stiff competition for the winger.

With Mohamed Salah seemingly set to leave the club next summer, when he becomes a free agent, Liverpool have been on the lookout for potential replacements.

And if they want to secure long-term success, Arne Slot’s side may have to look towards more youthful players than the ones they already have at their disposal. One such target is said to be Japan international Kubo, with the 23-year-old seen as a top talent in his home country and across Europe.

Now, Fichajes claims the former Real Madrid player is high on Liverpool’s agenda, so much so that they are allegedly willing to fork out €80m (£66.6m, $84m) to secure his signature.

However, Tottenham and Bayern Munich are also understood to be in the race to sign the former Villarreal loanee – whose contract runs until the summer of 2029.

If the Reds did fork out that amount of money for Kubo, that would make him their fourth-most expensive recruit – behind Darwin Nunez (£85m), Virgil van Dijk (£75m), and Alisson Becker (£67m).

Incidentally, reports suggest Kubo has a €60m (£50m, $63m) release clause. So it seems Liverpool are willing to go well above that mark to get their man.

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Liverpool told to sign Kubo

One individual who would love to see Kubo – who signed for Madrid in 2019 from FC Tokyo but never played a game for Los Blancos – at Anfield is fellow Japan international Wataru Endo.

The midfielder has seen the rise of the former Mallorca loanee, who has scored 19 goals and bagged 14 assists in 101 games for Sociedad, and clearly wants him to join him at the Premier League giants.

When asked which of his compatriots he would like to play alongside at Liverpool, Endo said in July: “Kubo.”

He added: “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen. I think the player who can replace him, in the national team, would be Kubo.”

Whether Endo and Kubo will play alongside one another at Anfield remains to be seen.

Liverpool ‘intensity’ efforts to sign Ligue 1 ace

The Reds have also been linked with a move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, as they look to capitalise on the French team’s financial woes.

Some reports suggest the 21-year-old, who is also wanted by Fulham, Paris Saint-Germain, and more, could be made available for around £25m (€30m, $31.5m) in January.

Liverpool face competition to sign Lille and England midfielder Angel Gomes, with Manchester United joining the race to sign him.

The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and is yet to sign a new deal. Moreover, new United boss Ruben Amorim is said to be a fan of the diminutive player.

Finally, Liverpool are not planning to launch an offer to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the January transfer window.

Manchester United have joined Manchester City and Real Madrid in chasing Tottenham Hotspur ace Pedro Porro, it has been claimed.

Reports in the Spanish media state that Man Utd and Man City will be Real Madrid’s biggest competitors to sign Porro in the summer. Man City have been linked with the right-back before, having identified him as a potential successor for Kyle Walker, but United’s interest comes as a bombshell update.

Porro’s entourage are ‘convinced’ United will launch a bid to sign him.

AS reveal the main driver behind this pursuit is new United boss Ruben Amorim, who has an ‘excellent’ relationship with Porro following their successful time together at Sporting.

The report adds that Tottenham will demand at least €70million (£58.3m / $73.9m) before letting the Spain international leave.

Amorim plots Porro reunion

United’s alleged hunt to sign Porro makes sense as Amorim played a key role in making him a top star while at Sporting.

Amorim likes to play a 3-4-3 formation with wing-backs, and Porro would likely shine in such a system.

Tottenham fans will hate to see one of their players linked with Premier League rivals such as United and City. But Ange Postecoglou’s side have been struggling of late, leading to rumours the manager could even be sacked.

While Postecoglou will be confident that he will stay in charge, there must be signs of progress otherwise the club’s top performers such as Porro will firmly consider offers from elsewhere.

Amorim’s current right wing-back options at United are Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.

The latter has performed brilliantly since his summer arrival, though he was one of Erik ten Hag’s signings.

Dalot, meanwhile, has been shortlisted by Madrid – just like Porro – as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

With Alexander-Arnold looking like he could remain at Liverpool by signing a new contract, Madrid may have to go down a different route by landing either Dalot or Porro.

Despite United and City’s interest in keeping Porro in the Premier League, it is hard to see Madrid losing out on him.

The 25-year-old has admitted he is flattered by reports linking him with a move to Madrid.

Such a transfer would allow Porro to return to his homeland, play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and fight for major silverware.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Spurs are keeping tabs on Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu as a possible replacement for Porro.

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Man Utd stars impressed by Amorim; Spurs hailed for ‘win-win’ deal

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can reveal how the United squad reacted to Amorim’s first two days leading training.

Sources have told us that the United players are feeling extremely positive as Amorim’s methods have wowed them.

Stars feel the club has finally moved into the modern era as training has solid planning and a clear idea behind it.

Elsewhere, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been praised for the proposed signing of Johnny Cardoso.

When selling Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis, Spurs struck a deal to give them first refusal on Cardoso.

Ex-Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has called it an ‘incredible’ deal and one that represents a ‘win-win’ scenario for the club.

The reigning champions of a European league are ready to table a January bid for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, according to a report.

Son, 32, is a bona fide Premier League legend having become the first Asian player to break the 100-goal barrier in the EPL era. His current tally of 123 goals places him joint-19th in the all-time rankings. With Nicolas Anelka (125), Robbie Keane (126) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (127) all just a few goals ahead, Son should take 16th spot before the season is out.

It’s important to note Son’s tally has also been achieved largely without the aid of penalties. Duties from the spot were primarily hoovered up by Harry Kane during his time at the club.

How much further Son climbs up the rankings will hinge on how much longer his Tottenham career extends. Son’s existing contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, though there is a club option for an extra 12 months.

And according to a fresh update from Fanatik, reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray have authorised the signing of Son in the upcoming winter window.

It’s claimed Galatasaray are ready to ‘release’ Hakim Ziyech who is expected to continue his playing career in MLS. Ziyech’s departure will open the door for a high profile addition on the flanks and Galatasaray have ‘set their sights’ on Son to become their latest ‘transfer bomb.’

Galatasaray do have recent history of signing ‘world star’ players, most notably Victor Osimhen via the loan route last summer.

Per Fanatik, Galatasaray have signed off on Son’s pursuit and will ‘offer a suitable transfer fee’ in January.

Tottenham plan already in motion

Galatasaray’s hopes largely rest with Tottenham being willing to cash in on an ageing player whose contract is running down.

However, there’s more to that story given Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed Spurs have begun the process of extending Son’s stay to cover the 2025/26 season.

“I have something to say about Heung-min Son, a top player of Tottenham Hotspur,” said Romano on his YouTube channel. “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.”

Of course, Tottenham activating their option doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t also accept the proposed Galatasaray bid.

Nonetheless, it would be a major shock to see Tottenham part ways with Postecoglou’s captain and talisman mid-way through a season in which the manager has promised to deliver a trophy.

Latest Tottenham news – Zabarnyi, Barry

Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City are considering moves for Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, sources have exclusively revealed to TEAMtalk.

The 22-year-old has settled well in the Premier League after he secured a difficult move from Dynamo Kyiv, playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s rise under manager Andoni Iraola, with the Cherries currently just four points outside the Premier League’s top four.

And TEAMtalk can reveal that Zabarnyi’s fine performances have caught the attention of several clubs, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City among those keeping close tabs on his situation.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Leicester are reportedly keen on the signing of Stockport loanee Louie Barry, who will command a fee in the region of £12.5m amid his dazzling form in the third tier.

Barry has been sent out on various loans from Aston Villa in recent seasons with differing success, but the frontman has been a great asset for Stockport over the last two seasons, starting with nine goals and four assists in League Two last season, and following it up in League One with 11 goals already.