TEAMtalk

Manchester City hope for Savinho to become one of the Premier League’s best ever Brazilian stars, but TEAMtalk sources suggest he could yet become the subject of further transfer speculation in 2026.

Tottenham tried to sign him last summer, but Pep Guardiola’s side deemed him off-limits and handed him a new contract to show their faith in him.

Man City want to use Savinho as a marker to other South American talent that they continue to be a top destination in Europe, despite their slide in recent times.

Yet while Estevao is the attacking sensation making waves down at Chelsea, Savinho is struggling to make such a global impact so far.

Some sources close to Man City were surprised at the way the club refused to consider letting him leave for £70m when Tottenham came knocking in the summer.

But there is a feeling their faith in him could yet be tested again, at a time when Savinho’s performances have been inconsistent, and he continues to come under some criticism.

The 21-year-old has started just four Premier League games this term and has scored just one goal across all competitions, but Spurs are still keeping an eye on his situation…

Tottenham still keen on Man City star as Frank eyes big January

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham still believe Savinho would have been a strong addition to their set-up and there is some feeling from sources close to the North London cub that they would be interested if the door opened for a new attempt at signing him.

Over the next week, Spurs are expected to whittle down their transfer shortlists for January.

Savinho is unlikely to be available at that point, but sources are suggesting he is being kept in mind if an opportunity arises.

The Spurs hierarchy are accepting that Thomas Frank needs time and support to get the team into his mould.

Tottenham are expected to be one of the few Premier League clubs willing to spend a significant sum in the January transfer market, before showing further ambition next summer.

January is generally seen as a window for small fixes rather than extravagant signings, but Spurs believe the manager needs backing to strengthen the squad.

Internal talks have acknowledged that the absence of key attacking players has hit the team this season. These factors, on the back of the 4-1 loss to Arsenal and 5-3 defeat to PSG, are being kept in mind as the club assesses its start to the campaign.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are currently sidelined through injury and the impact of that has been felt.

Frank is requesting at least one attacker, while there are also considerations for a goalkeeper, a left-sided defender, and a central midfielder.

Spurs will need to decide where to spend most effectively, with a potential pot of around £100million available this winter.

Latest Man City news: LaLiga maestro targeted / Livramento update

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher reports that Man City are one of the clubs to have spoken to the agents of Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.

Arsenal are considered favourites to sign the 20-year-old, but the race is open with the Cityzens, Chelsea and Tottenham also keen. He has a £17.5m release clause.

In other news, Man City remain interested in Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, but his potential arrival at the Etihad is far from guaranteed.

Livramento, 23, is contracted until 2028. He is in a good position to push for a lucrative new deal with Newcastle, but could be tempted by the opportunity to join Man City.

Randal Kolo Muani opened his account for Tottenham with an impressive brace against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, and TEAMtalk sources have revealed Spurs’ stance on signing him permanently after his loan ends.

Thomas Frank’s side fought off the competition to sign the 26-year-old striker on a season’s loan from PSG, but it took him some time to find his feet.

Kolo Muani had failed to score for Tottenham in nine previous appearances but made a huge impact in Paris, with two goals and an assist in the dramatic 5-3 defeat. He was allowed to play against his parent club because it is permitted in UEFA’s rules.

The French international could now become Spurs’ main striker under Frank, and rival Dominic Solanke for a starting spot once he recovers from injury.

TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones believes that Tottenham would be open to signing Kolo Muani permanently next summer, though they’ll have to negotiate a deal as his loan does not include an option to buy.

“Tottenham were so happy to sign Kolo Muani, and now we are starting to see his true qualities,” Jones exclusively told TEAMtalk.

“They always felt that when he was back to his usual sharp self, they would have one of the best goal scorers in the league, and his finishing in Paris this week was a sign of that.

“They think there is so much more to come from him, and there is still every chance that this could turn out to be a longer-term signing.

“He’s looking for somewhere to thrive and feel happy, and Spurs need someone they can rely on for goals. This loan spell suited everyone, but I know that Spurs do have an eye on trying to make it permanent if it works out.

“If he stays fit and is in form, then Spurs won’t have to sign a striker in January and can focus on a wide attacker, as initially planned. With Solanke and Kolo Muani as the main strikers, they could be in good shape – it’s just knowing whether they are going to be out there frequently enough.

“If Kolo Muani is a success, then it really helps Spurs out, not just for this season, but maybe beyond that too.”

Tottenham thrilled to have Randal Kolo Muani

Kolo Muani joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth around £76m in the summer of 2023, after notching 26 goals and 17 assists in 52 appearances for the German club.

However, the 31-time capped French international struggled to replicate that form for PSG, and was loaned out to Juventus for the second half of last season after falling down the pecking order.

Kolo Muani has always been considered to be a world-class player when in form, and Tottenham will hope his performance this week will help get him back to the levels he showed at Frankfurt.

If he proves to be a success in the Premier League, Spurs could look to negotiate his permanent signing, but he is unlikely to be a cheap addition.

Kolo Muani’s contract with PSG runs until 2028, so the French side are in a position to demand a sizeable fee for his signature.

It will be interesting to see if other clubs come forward with offers for Kolo Muani next summer too should he prove himself in England.

Latest Tottenham news: Star a ‘liability’ / LaLiga star eyed

Meanwhile, a journalist has deemed Tottenham star Cristian Romero a ‘liability’ following his disappointing performance against PSG.

Romero is one of Spurs’ most important players but talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has heaped the criticism on the Argentine international.

In other news, TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Tottenham are one of the clubs to have spoken to the representatives of Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.

Arsenal are considered favourites to sign the 20-year-old, but the race is open with Spurs, Chelsea and Man City also keen. Mendoza has a £17.5m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal have joined the race for Samu Aghehowa and could destroy Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea’s plans by signing the Porto striker, according to a report.

Arsenal finally signed an outright No 9 in the summer, with Viktor Gyokeres arriving from Sporting CP in a £64million deal. However, Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is looking to hand Mikel Arteta another lethal goalscorer.

Gabriel Jesus looks set to leave next year, with his contract expiring in June 2027. Jesus has been joined by both Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in the treatment room, though the latter is stepping up his recovery from a knee issue.

Samu Aghehowa: Europe’s next top striker?

Joined Atletico Madrid in August 2023 after impressing at Granada

Spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Deportivo Alaves before signing for Porto in August last year

Has netted 36 goals in 60 appearances for the Portuguese giants so far

Arsenal signing a new centre-forward could stun their rivals and almost guarantee silverware, with Arteta’s side sat top of both the Premier League and Champions League.

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Chelsea in pursuing Samu ahead of the transfer window reopening in January.

Arsenal and Spurs are ‘the ones to watch’, having expressed their interest in the Primeira Liga ‘goal machine’.

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Arsenal tracking three centre-forwards

Berta has added Samu, Serhou Guirassy and Jean-Philippe Mateta to his striker shortlist as he seeks ‘alternatives to injury-prone pair Jesus and Havertz’.

Newcastle United have also been linked with Samu, but they have ‘cooled their interest’ after landing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

The release clause in Samu’s deal is a massive €100million (£88m), but Porto have been backed to accept a lower price of €90m (£79m).

Our transfer correspondents Fraser Fletcher and Dean Jones have both reported on the Spain star’s likely move to England.

Fletcher revealed on Tuesday that Chelsea are plotting a £133m double deal for Samu and one of his Porto team-mates.

Sources have also confirmed to Fletcher that Spurs are hoping to sign both Samu and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in January.

Jones has confirmed Samu is Spurs’ ‘dream’ striker target as they look to move on from the likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Arsenal signing the 21-year-old first would serve as a major blow to Spurs and Chelsea. Although, Spurs are leading the chase for him as things stand.

We can confirm speculation that Samu is likely to leave Porto for £80m.

Arsenal boosted by ‘outstanding’ duo; Spurs star a ‘liability’

Meanwhile, Paul Merson has named the ‘absolutely outstanding’ Arsenal stars who could help Arteta’s side ‘streamroll’ their way to glory.

Elsewhere, Spurs came out on the wrong side of an eight-goal thriller in the Champions League on Wednesday, losing 5-3 to holders Paris Saint-Germain.

One of Tottenham’s best players has been branded a ‘liability’, though one of his teammates was a notable bright spark in the 5-3 defeat to PSG.

Tottenham’s defence had initially looked much improved under Frank, though recent results have opened old wounds.

Spurs shipped two goals to Manchester United, four to Arsenal and on Wednesday night, conceded five against PSG.

Tottenham did put up a spirited fight against the reigning Champions League holders, though the loss ensured Spurs are now entrenched in the play-off places in the 36-team group phase.

Among Tottenham’s biggest strugglers on the night was Cristian Romero. The Argentine conceded a penalty and produced a dismal 4.9 match rating on FotMob. Only Djed Spence returned a lower figure.

Taking to X post-match, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook branded Romero a “liability”, though did hail Randal Kolo Muani who bagged his first and second goals for his loan club.

Crook tweeted: “Many more positives than on Sunday, particularly with Kolo Muani netting twice but Thomas Frank will be raging with some of the defending. Romero in particular a liability.”

While it’s fair to say Romero didn’t enjoy the best of nights in Paris, criticism of the centre-back this season may be unfair.

Romero ranks fourth among all Spurs players with an average match rating of 7.08 in the Premier League this term. Only Joao Palhinha (7.3), Guglielmo Vicario (7.13) and Mohammed Kudus (7.11) rank higher.

Regarding Kolo Muani, Spurs do not hold an option or obligation to buy in the Frenchman’s loan.

As such, Tottenham would have to negotiate a deal from scratch if intending to sign the striker outright at season’s end.

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Latest Tottenham news – Simons struggles explained / £145m January deals…

In other news, and as Xavi Simons continues to struggle for Tottenham, a reliable French source has revealed what the attacking midfielder privately thinks about his situation, with Frank’s tactics to be partly blamed.

Elsewhere, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham plan to sign two players for £145m in the January transfer window.

As Xavi Simons continues to struggle for Tottenham Hotspur, a reliable French source has revealed what the attacking midfielder privately thinks about his situation, with Spurs manager Thomas Frank’s tactics to be partly blamed.

Much was expected of Simons when Tottenham signed the Netherlands international attacking midfielder for £51.8million (€59m, $68.2m) in the January transfer window. Although Simons could not make a massive impact at Paris Saint-Germain, he shone for RB Leipzig, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in 78 appearances for the German club before earning the move to Tottenham.

Simons has been largely underwhelming for last season’s Europa League winners.

The 22-year-old has not scored in 15 matches in all competitions for Tottenham and has given only two assists.

Simons did not start for Tottenham in the North London derby against Arsenal last weekend, while against Chelsea on November 1, Spurs manager Thomas Frank brought him on as a substitute in the seventh minute and took him out on 73 minutes.

L’Equipe has revealed what Simons thinks about his struggles at Tottenham so far this campaign, with the French publication noting three reasons – the ‘intensity’ of the Premier League, lack of pre-season and Frank initially playing him on the left wing.

‘Spurs would like Xavi Simons to be a little less subdued than he was during his last appearance at the Emirates Stadium and deliver a more immediate return on investment,’ wrote L’Equipe.

‘But the former Paris Saint-Germain player is struggling to adapt to the demands of English football.

‘In private, he admits to being surprised, nonetheless, by the intensity of the matches and training sessions across the Channel.

‘He also believes that not having completed preseason training with the team—he transferred from Leipzig, with whom he started the season, just three days before the transfer window closed in August—didn’t necessarily facilitate his integration.

‘Finally, he was initially used on the left wing, where he doesn’t feel comfortable, before being repositioned more recently as a number 10, a more natural role.’

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Questions raised over Xavi Simons’ suitability for Premier League

Given the intense North London rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal, Spurs fans may not be huge fans of Gunners legend Thierry Henry, but the Frenchman’s verdict on Simons will be something that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will be worried about.

Henry told Sky Sports: “It’s not easy to arrive in a team and perform straight away. We can see Florian Wirtz at Liverpool, but I always have a question mark on people that perform in Germany.

“That’s only me. I’m not saying that they won’t perform in another league. I’m just saying, because of the way the league is, they’re really stretched.

“So if you can run well, you’re going to have a lot of opportunity, goals, assists. People can run with you in this league. So it’s very difficult.

“Do you think the managers right now are letting their players dribble or do they want to control everything to make sure they’re not going to get countered?

“Playing a low block all the time is not always easy to create. Look at Arsenal. We don’t create a lot of opportunities. We score a lot on set pieces.

“I’m not going to go back to the old story and everything, but you need to find a way to score goals.

“So, you’re going to create way less than what we used to be able to do in our time because teams are playing low. They don’t try to bite or come out.

“So, the spaces are tight. And if you don’t allow people to dribble and make mistakes, like I always say, the reward is in the risk.

“Where are you going? You’re not going to have the stats of creating. And if you don’t take your chances when you have one, well, you’re in trouble.”

Meanwhile, Simons has said that he is looking forward to playing against his former club Paris Saint-Germain in Paris in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

The 22-year-old failed to make a huge impact during two spells at PSG, but the Dutch youngster has fond memories of his time at the Ligue 1 club.

Simons told Le Parisien: “I’m really looking forward to it. You know, I had some excellent times in Paris. It’s where I took the first steps of my professional career.

“Being alongside Neymar, Mbappé, Verratti, such talented players, and seeing how the whole team approached football, not only on the pitch but also off it, was very enriching for me.

“They showed me what I needed to do to reach the highest level. Playing here was a fantastic experience.

“I made a lot of friends in Paris. But now, I have to admit that after playing with Wilson Odobert in the PSG youth team, I’m especially eager to return to the Parc des Princes and share that moment with him.”

When asked why he left PSG, Simons said: “It was the right decision at the time. I needed more playing time to continue developing. I have very fond memories of that period.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: £145m double raid, Real Madrid blow

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham plan to sign two players for £145m in the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have already decided on their first signing of 2026, and it will come as a huge blow for Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur face a return match with PSG on Wednesday night as the two teams go head-to-head again, this time in the Champions League, and TEAMtalk has predicted how Thomas Frank will line his side up against the holders – with one headline name dropped to the bench.

After squandering a two-goal lead in the Super Cup final against the French giants before eventually losing on penalties, Spurs will be looking for revenge in a game which could see them jump into the top eight of the expanded group phase with a win.

However, Tottenham go into the contest on the back of one of their worst performances of the season, having suffered a 4-1 humbling at north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Indeed, the lack of ambition and a clear tactical approach to the game left some fans firing shots at Frank, who is on a slippery slope unless performances and results start to pick up.

With all that in mind, the big question is whether the Spurs boss opts for a back three again, as he did in the first contest with PSG and also against the Gunners over the weekend.

Judging by how disjointed Tottenham were against Arsenal and how badly the game went, we predict that Frank will go back to a four and look to pack his midfield – which is likely to mean bad news for Xavi Simons against his old club.

Injury list

Tottenham remains without the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke for the contest, while Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai are not yet ready to return.

Brennan Johnson is suspended after his red card last time out against Copenhagen, while Mathys Tel is ineligible.

Selection battles

The back five pretty much picks itself, with Pedro Porro almost certain to return at right-back. There is, however, a chance that Djed Spence switches to the left, given that Destiny Udogie rarely plays two games close together in a row, due to his past injury record.

Skipper Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will look to form a solid foundation centrally, but also supply a goal threat – with both players on target in that Super Cup clash with PSG.

Midfield is always an interesting call, given it remains a weak point of this Tottenham team and one that Frank will probably try and rectify in January.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur playing together has shown time and time again that it does not work, with the latter coming off arguably his worst game of the season at Arsenal.

To that end, Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall step up from the bench, with the latter in a more advanced role that leaves Simons among the substitutes again. Sarr and Bergvall should give the Spurs engine room some energy and running power that was sorely lacking at Emirates Stadium.

Mohammed Kudus is a nailed-on starter on the right of the front three, while Randal Kolo Muani is handed the start against his parent club, given that Champions League regulations allow that.

The left side remains a conundrum, but we believe Frank will opt for experience and start Richarlison there ahead of Wilson Odobert.

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Predicted XI (4-3-3)

GK – Guglielmo Vicario

RB – Pedro Porro

CB – Cristian Romero

CB – Micky van de Ven

LB – Djed Spence

CM – Joao Palhinha

CM – Pape Sarr

AM – Lucas Bergvall

RW – Mohammed Kudus

ST – Randal Kolo Muani

LW – Richarlison

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to make Thomas Frank’s dream come true by signing Antoine Semenyo and Samu Aghehowa from Bournemouth and FC Porto, respectively, in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Spurs, who won the Europa League last season, were very busy in the summer of 2025 following the appointment of Thomas Frank as the manager. Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were the players brought in, while loan deals of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent and Luka Vuskovic was sent out on loan to Hamburg after he made his long-awaited transfer to the north London club.

Tottenham, though, have not done as well as expected, with their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby at the weekend pushing them to ninth in the Premier League table, three points off the final Champions League place.

Spurs have picked up eight points from four matches in the League Stage of the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham are ready to go big in the January transfer window and back manager Frank.

In a transfer window that promises fireworks, Tottenham are gearing up for a seismic double raid for Bournemouth star Semenyo and Porto sensation Aghehowa.

Sources close to Tottenham have confirmed that manager Frank, in his first full season at the helm of Spurs, views the duo as the perfect injection of pace and potency into his evolving front line.

Frank’s ambition is clear: transform good into great for the second half of the season and ensure that Tottenham qualify for the Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign as well.

It is going to be expensive for Tottenham to get deals done for Semenyo and Aghehowa in the January transfer window, though, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Liverpool are also keen on the former.

Semenyo has a release clause of £60million plus £5m in add-ons (up to €74m, $85.5m) in his contract at Bournemouth, while Porto will demand £80m (€91m, $105m) for Aghehowa.

This means that Tottenham will have to spend a total of £145m (€165m, $190.6m) on the two players, which they are willing to do.

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Why Tottenham want Antoine Semenyo and Samu Aghehowa – sources

Splashing a staggering £145m (€165m, $190.6m) on just two players would shatter Tottenham’s January spending record, but insiders insist the board is prepared to back Frank.

“Thomas has made it crystal clear: we need firepower that terrifies defences,” one source revealed to TEAMtalk.

“Semenyo’s directness on the left and Sam’s clinical finishing represent the profiles they want.”

Semenyo, who has terrorised Premier League backlines with six goals and three assists this season, has long been on Frank’s radar.

The Ghana international winger, whose contract at Bournemouth runs until 2030, feels “ready for the next step” amid the Cherries’ mid-table comfort.

Meanwhile, Aghehowa has lit up Porto this season with nine goals and one assist in 15 appearances.

The 21-year-old Spain international striker cost Porto €20m (£17.6m, $23.1m) in transfer fees when they signed him from Atletico Madrid in 2024.

Porto are reluctant to sell Aghehowa in the middle of the season, but the Portuguese giants could be swayed by an offer north of £80m (€91m, $105m), a bid that would match his release clause.

If Tottenham are successful in their pursuit of Semenyo and Aghehowa, then the duo could form a lethal front line, blending youth, experience, and raw athleticism.

For Frank, who did extremely well during his time as manager of Brentford, it would be a statement of intent – no more also-rans.

As January draws closer, N17 pulses with excitement. Tottenham aren’t just shopping; they’re hunting for players who can bring them trophies.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Vuskovic plan, LaLiga raid

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, Tottenham’s plan regarding Luka Vuskovic, who is on loan at Hamburg at the moment.

Tottenham have been warned against signing a top international striker in the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to secure the future of highly-rated centre-back Luka Vuskovic, amid rising interest from clubs on the continent, TEAMtalk sources can reveal.

The Croatian defender has settled so well on loan at Hamburg that other clubs in Germany, including Borussia Dortmund, have started to pay attention – and are wondering if he fits into Spurs’ long-term plans.

Hamburg have him for the season and would love to keep him, but are under the impression that would not be possible.

Tottenham do indeed have long-term plans for Vuskovic and, as part of that, sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange will look to tie him down to an even longer deal.

It is unclear yet whether he will fit into their squad for next season, but that will be established towards the back end of the season.

His assuring performances in the Bundesliga have proven he is worth sticking by, as Tottenham’s beliefs that he is a star of the future seem to be justified.

They agreed a deal for Vuskovic well ahead of him actually joining them – at a time when Bayern Munich had also looked at him – and decided to let him join Hamburg to gain crucial first-team experience.

He has risen to the challenge and Tottenham are impressed, so will now look to reward him and show further commitment to his future.

Vuskovic is already tied to Spurs until 2030, but the club are expected to reward him by the end of this season with a pay rise as well as adding an extension to his contract.

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Latest Tottenham news: Ivan Toney warning; Frank facing fan revolt

First up, Tottenham have been warned as to why they should steer clear of top striker target Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, although TEAMtalk has a completely different take on the situation.

Elsewhere, Thomas Frank is in serious danger of Tottenham fans eventually turning on him and demanding an exit unless he starts acting like he is managing a Champions League club and not a Premier League minnow.

Tottenham Hotspur have been warned as to why they should steer clear of top striker target Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, although TEAMtalk has a completely different take on the situation.

We’ve been right on top of Spurs’ hunt for a new No.9 and understand that there is genuine interest in bringing the England forward back to the Premier League in the new year.

Indeed, our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher revealed on November 19 that Toney would be willing to take a pay cut of around 50 per cent to join a a Prem club this winter.

Meanwhile, in our latest report on the Al-Ahli frontman, another source, Dean Jones, highlighted two problems with a potential to England for the 29-year-old.

Tottenham‘s interest in Toney is an obvious one due to the links with his old Brentford boss Thomas Frank, while Dominic Solanke’s continued spell on the sidelines has left the Spurs chief short on central striking options.

However, Spurs expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes the club should wait for Solanke to regain fitness rather than going all out for Toney this winter.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News about a move for Toney, Wenham said: “It could only be a full-term investment. You’ve got massive money and he’s over 30.

“I don’t really like him. Listening about him, I just don’t don’t really get on board with him if I’m being honest with you. When we were linked with him before, I didn’t really want him, and I would have much preferred Solanke, and we got him.

“I still prefer Solanke to him. I would just rather that Solanke came back to fitness rather than signing Toney on any sort of basis, I’m being honest with you.

“And I know Frank has worked with him before and likes him and relies on him, but I just think Solanke is a better footballer.”

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Ivan Toney just what Tottenham need

Some of Wenham’s argument is based around how poor Toney was in his final season at Brentford, although there were mitigating factors behind that.

The striker netted just four times in 17 appearances after returning halfway through the 2023/24 campaign, when his eight-month ban for breaching Football Association gambling rules came to an end.

He clearly struggled to find his form again after that enforced break, although there were also genuine fears he was past his prime at that stage.

Toney has been sensational in the Saudi Pro League, though, scoring 41 goals in 60 games and rediscovering his scoring touch – albeit, it has to be said, in a weaker environment than the English top flight.

You could argue that Toney is exactly the sort of striker that Tottenham need right now, a menace to opposing defences and lethal when he gets his chances.

Richarlison has never really been that, while Solanke is now spending more time on the sidelines than the pitch, and the jury is still very out on loan signing Randal Kolo Muani, who has yet to find the net in a Spurs shirt.

Frank needs a striker who he knows and can trust, and bringing back Toney would make a ton of sense for Tottenham in January, as long as the deal is a favourable one for a player who turns 30 in March next year.

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Latest Tottenham news: Semenyo signing concerns; winger hijack

First up, Tottenham are primed to launch a January assault for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United could have a potential trump card in the race, while Liverpool are also poised to strike.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting the stunning hijack of a Chelsea and Liverpool winger target after matching the €70million offer on the table from their London rivals, although TEAMtalk can reveal why a proposed January move has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Tottenham are primed to launch a January assault for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United could have a potential trump card in the race, while Liverpool are also poised to strike.

Semenyo, 25, is set to be at the epicentre of a Premier League bidding frenzy. The 25-year-old, whose explosive start to the 2025-26 season has yielded six Premier League goals – trailing only Erling Haaland (14), Igor Thiago (9) and Danny Welbeck (7) – is the subject of serious interest, with approaches ‘imminent’, per sources.

Tottenham, under Danish tactician Thomas Frank, are poised to act decisively. Frank, who once hailed Semenyo as Bournemouth’s “main threat” during his time at Brentford, is eager to elevate Spurs’ attacking firepower amid their goal-shy campaign.

With Richarlison one goal behind Semenyo’s tally, insiders say Spurs are READY to match the £65million release clause in Semenyo’s contract, which activates in January but expires on a fixed date, allowing Bournemouth time to sign replacements.

This clause, down from a £70million summer valuation, represents a bargain for a player whose counter-attacking prowess has terrorised defences.

However, TEAMtalk understands that United’s interest has intensified, bolstered by an unlikely ally: Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis, a lifelong Red Devil.

Francis is set to pitch Old Trafford’s vision to Semenyo, positioning United ahead of rivals despite their summer pivot to Matheus Cunha. Ruben Amorim views the versatile winger as the missing spark in a squad craving dynamism, with a bid in advanced planning stages…

Liverpool to also push hard for Antoine Semenyo

Despite the advances from Tottenham and United, as we have consistently reported, Liverpool are currently the favourites to lure Semenyo away from the Cherries.

The Reds, frontrunners since Semenyo’s brace in their chaotic 4-2 opening-day opener at Anfield, remain undeterred.

Arne Slot sees him as an upgrade and fresh energy in a struggling squad, fitting seamlessly into his high-pressing blueprint.

Despite racist abuse endured by Semenyo at Anfield that night souring initial ties, sources confirm Liverpool will counter any advances, prioritizing Semenyo’s one-v-one mastery and ambidextrous finishing.

Bournemouth, buoyed by sales of Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi without derailing progress, reluctantly brace for departure.

Semenyo, content yet ambitious, hasn’t pushed for a move but welcomes elite suitors.

Bristol City are also set to pocket 20 per cent of profits following his £10m move in 2023, so the Championship club will benefit financially when he moves.

As the release clause looms, this saga could redefine mid-window dealings, with Semenyo’s 2024-25 haul of 11 goals and five assists underscoring his elite trajectory.

Latest Man Utd news: Target says YES to joining / Casemiro twist

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that Joao Gomes’ head has been turned by United’s interest in him. He wants to join in January.

Wolves have told new manager Rob Edwards they’ll reject offers for Gomes, but in reality, a bid of £40m to £50m would be considered.

In other news, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United have performed a U-turn on Casemiro and now want the legendary Brazilian to sign a new contract.

However, this will only happen if the 33-year-old agrees to reduced terms, with his current salary standing at a whopping £350,000 per week. His current deal expires next summer.