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Tottenham are on the lookout for midfield targets ahead of January as Thomas Frank’s side anticipate the potential exit of Yves Bissouma, TEAMtalk understands.

Sources have indicated that Spurs would be willing to let the 29-year-old move on in the new year, and as such, they are identifying targets for the midfield.

Primarily, it is expected that they will aim to sign an attacker as a priority, with a defender also a real possibility as they look to invest and show ambitions to challenge for the Champions League positions.

But midfield is another area of need over the course of 2026, with Bissouma central to the situation.

The Malian international is yet to make a single appearance this season. He was dropped from Frank’s squad for persistent lateness ahead of the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in August, and has since been sidelined with an ankle injury.

His contract expires in the summer, and it could prove to be the case that he holds out to move as a free agent at the end of the summer.

However, we understand that Tottenham would move him on in January if the right conditions arise, giving them an opportunity to further strengthen.

Tottenham already set to make one midfield signing

Tottenham are very likely to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal at the end of his loan from Bayern Munich.

The loan deal gives Spurs the option to sign the midfielder permanently if they pay a fee of £27m to the German giants.

Palhinha has featured in all 11 of Tottenham’s Premier League games this term, starting in 10, and scoring two goals.

Yet sources indicate there will also be scope for an additional figure to be signed as well.

We have consistently reported that Frank will be given the full backing of the club’s hierarchy in the coming transfer windows.

Spurs’ hunt for midfield targets is still in its formative stages, though we already revealed that Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk is one player who has been considered.

Latest Tottenham news: Solanke injury latest / Striker hunt update

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke has opened up on his injury struggles in a recent interview, admitting his frustration that his recovery is taking longer than expected.

Solanke has also given his thoughts on manager Frank, as the striker continues to be linked with moves away from Spurs.

In other news, TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has revealed an update on Tottenham’s interest in Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has broken his silence on his expected return to action amid rumours that he could be sold, while Thomas Frank is facing a full-blown injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s clash with north London rivals Arsenal.

Solanke has been restricted to just three substitute appearances so far this term, all coming in August, having also endured multiple fitness issues in the last campaign as well as during pre-season.

The striker suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury, which was originally described as “nothing big” by Thomas Frank back in September, but Solanke then underwent surgery and has been forced to watch on from the sidelines ever since.

Frank was asked at the beginning of November whether fans could expect to see Solanke back on the pitch before the end of the year, to which he replied: “I do hope so.”

Solanke, however, has now delivered a rather vague update on when he could return, amid speculation that Tottenham have grown frustrated with his injury woes and are looking to sell – rumours that have been ruled out by TEAMtalk sources.

Speaking to The Athletic, Solanke said: “It’s been very difficult. At first, I didn’t think I would be out for too long but we didn’t really understand the extent of the injury. I was trying to get back as quickly as I could but it didn’t happen, so I had to have surgery.

“Since then, I have been working to get back.

“I’m not putting a timeline on it because I’ve been telling everyone ‘I’m going to be back soon’ for the last few months. I’m taking it day by day but hopefully I won’t be much longer.”

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Solanke talks up Frank as Tottenham injury crisis piles up

As for Solanke thinks of his new boss Thomas Frank, the former Bournemouth man added: “I haven’t had the chance to work with [Frank] too much but he is a great man manager. All the players are loving having him around.

“He speaks with us all and has meetings every day. Even with the coaching staff he has brought in, everyone gets on so well. It’s a great environment.

“We have had a good start to the season. When a few of us come back (from injury) and strengthen the squad, hopefully we can do some big things.”

Solanke appears to be a bit optimistic over the return of some Tottenham stars, in what is a growing injury list for Frank.

The striker will again be absent this weekend as Spurs put their impressive away form to the test against Premier League-leading Gunners.

Indeed, Solanke could be one of as many as 12 possible absentees for Tottenham ahead of their toughest test of the season so far.

Hopes are relatively high that Mohammed Kudus and skipper Cristian Romero should be fit to return for the trip to Emirates Stadium. However, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Randal Kolo Muani and Archie Gray have joined longer-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison on the sidelines.

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Latest Tottenham news: Double signing update; Semenyo concern

First up, a report has shed light on Tottenham’s January transfer plans and the most eye-catching developments concern their chase of a ‘world class’ goalkeeper and a tantalising update on Dusan Vlahovic.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the advantage that Liverpool have over Tottenham in their quest to bring Antoine Semenyo to Anfield, with the transfer guru and TEAMtalk sources also noting if Manchester United are planning to raid Bournemouth for the forward.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a clinical centre-forward has zeroed in on FC Porto’s explosive 21-year-old Spaniard Samu Aghehowa, with sources confirming the club view him as the ideal profile for Thomas Frank’s evolving system at N17.

Since Frank succeeded Ange Postecoglou in the summer, the Dane has repeatedly stressed the need for a mobile, physically dominant No.9 who can press from the front, link play and finish half-chances – traits the Brentford-bred coach knows inside out. While Ivan Toney remains a serious option for 2026 as he wants a move back to England, insiders close to the recruitment team describe Samu as the “younger, longer-term successor” Tottenham truly covet.

The numbers back up the excitement. In his breakthrough season at Porto following a €15million move from Atletico Madrid, Samu notched 27 goals in 45 matches.

This term, he has already struck a further nine goals and provided one assist across all competitions before November is out.

His 6ft 4in frame, combined with deceptive speed and two-footed finishing, has drawn comparisons to a prime Diego Costa – precisely the chaotic presence Frank believes can elevate Spurs’ attack beyond mere reliance on an injured Dominic Solanke and inconsistent Richarlison.

Yet any January swoop appears dead in the water. Portuguese sources are adamant Porto have no intention of losing their prized asset mid-campaign, especially as they chase a first Primeira Liga title in six years.

The message from the Dragao is crystal clear: nothing below €80m (£70.5m, $92m) will be entertained, with president Andre Villas-Boas reportedly telling intermediaries that “Samu is not for sale at any price in the winter.”

Even Spurs’ healthy financial position would balk at such a fee – plus agents’ demands – in the middle of the season.

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Tottenham forced to wait until the summer

For now, Frank and technical director Johan Lange will continue extensive scouting while keeping Toney warm as a contingency.

One source summed it up bluntly: “Samu is the dream. January is a nightmare. Summer 2026 feels far more viable for a move.”

Tottenham’s striker hunt rolls on – and Porto’s golden boy likely remains tantalisingly out of reach.

Dean Jones reported for TEAMtalk on September 30 that Spurs are tracking the Spain international’s progress after identifying him as a long-term target.

Jones revealed on October 28 that Spurs are weighing up a move for Samu, though it could depend on outgoings.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the goalscorer, but Spurs are currently showing the strongest interest in signing him.

Spurs news: McTominay latest; Toney update

Meanwhile, sources confirmed to us earlier on Thursday that Spurs are among four sides who have approached Scott McTominay’s camp.

With Premier League interest growing, Napoli have given the midfielder a huge price tag.

A report has shed light on Tottenham’s January transfer plans and the most eye-catching developments concern their chase of a ‘world class’ goalkeeper and a tantalising update on Dusan Vlahovic.

Tottenham are primed to enter their first transfer window without Daniel Levy pulling the strings. Levy, whether justified or not, had become a lightning rod for criticism for much of Spurs’ fanbase for keeping the financial handbrake on at times when Tottenham should’ve pressed the accelerator.

Fabio Paratici, Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are the key decision-makers right now and a fresh update from The Daily Mail has offered insight into how Spurs will attack the January window.

And despite the improvements made by Guglielmo Vicario and the signing of quality back-up in Antonin Kinsky just last year, it’s claimed Tottenham are ‘actively looking’ to sign a ‘world class goalkeeper.’

Who they’re looking at was not hinted at in the piece beyond a cursory mention of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

However, the report only cited the Argentine as an example of a deal Tottenham could explore, as opposed to one they’re actively seeking to secure at this moment in time.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are also exploring the market for a new striker. Per the report, that area of the pitch was termed the club’s ‘priority’, though it was stressed the club will only move for an upgrade on what they already have, rather than simply adding depth.

TEAMtalk understands Ivan Toney is prepared to accept a colossal pay-cut in order to reunite with Thomas Frank. Toney rose to prominence under the Dane’s guidance during their time together at Brentford.

Toney now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli but is willing to return to England in January to boost his chances of earning a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

Frank is very much on board with forging the reunion, and while The Mail acknowledged Toney in their piece too, they focused more on Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.

Dusan Vlahovic to Tottenham latest

Vlahovic, 25, is in the final year of his contract in Turin and the expectation despite a recent managerial change is the frontman will move on at some stage in 2026.

The report read: ‘The Paratici factor makes me think they will at the very least check out what’s happening with Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract at Juventus expires in June. His situation has changed slightly since Luciano Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor as boss.

‘Spalletti says he wants to keep Vlahovic and would like him to sign a new deal, but the 25-year-old Serb is on big wages worth £10million a year after tax and a free transfer in the summer would be hugely lucrative for him.

‘If Spurs can afford to pay him what he is asking for then this deal, either in January or in the summer, feels at this stage a more viable option than Ivan Toney, who has been subject to a lot of speculation because of his links to Thomas Frank.

‘Toney at 29, would jar with Tottenham’s policy of recruiting younger players with scope to develop and his inflated Saudi wages would make him potentially more expensive than Vlahovic.’

Latest Tottenham news

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the advantages that Liverpool have over Tottenham in their quest to bring Antoine Semenyo to Anfield.

That might not matter to Spurs, with reports claiming they’re already lining up Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo as a more-than-worthy alternative.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the advantage that Liverpool have over Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to bring Antoine Semenyo to Anfield, with the transfer guru and TEAMtalk sources also noting if Manchester United are planning to raid Bournemouth for the forward.

Semenyo has emerged as a star for Bournemouth, with the Ghana international forward’s form and calibre sparking interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Man Utd.

The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and gave seven assists in 42 appearances for Bournemouth last season, and has found the back of the net six times and registered three assists in 12 matches in all competitions for the Cherries so far this campaign.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on November 18 that Liverpool are “ahead in the race” to sign Semenyo.

Not only are Liverpool ready to trigger the winger’s release clause of £60million plus £5m in add-ons (up to €73.6m, $84.9m), but Semenyo himself prefers a move to the defending Premier League champions, amid interest from Tottenham.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, has reported that, like Liverpool, Tottenham are also ready to trigger Semenyo’s release clause, but the Merseyside club have the advantage.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has noted that another big advantage that Liverpool have in the race for Semenyo is their ‘very good’ relationship with Bournemouth, having made a deal with the Cherries over Milos Kerkez and Ben Doak in the summer of 2025 (although it must also be noted that Tottenham, too, did a transfer with the Cherries when they signed Dominic Solanke in 2024).

Romano said about Semenyo on his YouTube channel: “The clause is going to be valid in January and also the summer transfer window. The value is different.

“For the January transfer window, the value is £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

“For the summer transfer window, it is slightly above £50 million.

“Bournemouth hope to keep the player, but if a club triggers the clause or tries to negotiate the value of the clause, that can be different, and in that case, Bournemouth would have to let the player go.

“Manchester United were interested last summer, and Tottenham also called for Semenyo last summer.

“These two clubs have been following the player for a long time.

“Liverpool are interested and keen in a potential deal for Antoine Semenyo.

“From what I am hearing, Liverpool are considering this possibility.

“They are following the player and have a very good relationship with Bournemouth (after signing Milos Kerkez last summer and Ben Doak heading the opposite direction).

“Let’s see what is going to happen in the next month, so let’s see what is going to happen, there could be another club to add, from what I am hearing.”

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Man Utd stance on Antoine Semenyo revealed

While Romano mentioned Man Utd’s interest in Semenyo on his YouTube channel, he told GiveMeSport on Wednesday that the Red Devils are not planning to bid for him.

Romano said: “There are at least 3/4 clubs interested, but nothing is close or even advanced now.

“It’s too early to say, and also I’m told United’s main focus remains on midfielders.”

Sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that while Man Utd admire Semenyo, the club are now focused on signing a new midfielder in the January transfer window.

The Athletic, too, has played down prospects of Man Utd going all in for Semenyo, as things stand.

Latest Liverpool transfer news: Konate update, exciting Guehi news

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on Ibrahima Konate, with the Spanish media claiming Liverpool’s extraordinary stance on the Real Madrid target if he does not sign a new contract before the January transfer window opens.

A journalist has revealed exciting news about Marc Guehi for Liverpool fans, with the Crystal Palace and England international central defender having made up his mind.

Ivan Toney has told close associates he is ready to take a pay cut to force a move back to the Premier League in January, and TEAMtalk understands Tottenham lead the race, but a Premier League rival also hold ‘serious’ interest in the forward.

The 29-year-old is eyeing a Premier League return with the sole aim of securing his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Toney has been in devastating form for Al-Ahli, scoring 41 goals in 59 appearances since his £40m switch from Brentford 18 months ago, including 11 in 15 games this season.

Yet the striker believes regular minutes against elite opposition are essential if he is to displace Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke in Tuchel’s plans.

TEAMtalk sources close to Toney say he has personally informed Al-Ahli he wants to leave, despite sporting director Rui Pedro Braz insisting publicly that the forward “will not be sold”. The Saudi club remain adamant they will reject approaches, but Toney’s camp are working on a compromise that could see him accept wages closer to £200,000 a week – roughly half his current package – to make a deal viable.

Tottenham are currently leading the race. Thomas Frank views Toney as the clinical No 9 his side have lacked, and preliminary talks have already taken place, their former relationship also strengthening Spurs position. West Ham and Chelsea have also made checks, but both are wary of the complexities involved in extracting a player from the Saudi Pro League mid-season. Chelsea are also not expected to move as Toney goes against their recruitment values. But another English side are firmly in the mix…

Tottenham face serious competition for Ivan Toney

Solanke has struggled with injuries this season, Richarlison’s form has been inconsistent and Randal Kolo Muani is yet to make any real impact since joining Spurs over the summer.

Frank believes that Toney could be the man to propel Tottenham to trophies and into the top four of the Premier League table.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Everton’s interest in Toney is serious, with David Moyes identifying him as the proven goal scorer who could keep the club moving up the table.

Beto and summer signing Thierno Barry have failed to find consistent form and that has left Everton eyeing striker additions.

However, Toffees officials have demanded cast-iron assurances over Toney’s salary demands and willingness to commit long-term before advancing negotiations.

With the January window just weeks away, one of the most prolific English strikers is prepared to sacrifice millions to resurrect his Three Lions career.

Whether Al-Ahli blink is another question and the potential tax hurdles Toney could face are a whole other problem, but a mid-season return to English football is a possibility for Toney.

Latest Tottenham news: Rayan blow, big Semenyo update

Meanwhile, Barcelona have reportedly leapfrogged Tottenham and Chelsea in the race to sign Vasco da Gama forward Rayan, by submitting a ‘first offer’ for the Brazilian.

The exact value of the bid has yet to emerge, but it is thought to be less than the winger’s €40million (£35m / $46m) release clause.

In other news, TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Dean Jones has revealed that Tottenham are confident they have the financial capacity to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, which stands at £60m, plus £5m in add-ons.

Liverpool are primed to compete with the London side for the Bournemouth star’s signature.

Barcelona have reportedly made the first move for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur target Rayan, giving the Vasco da Gama forward a big decision to make.

As per Vasco da Gama reporter Joel Silva, Barcelona have ‘sent an official offer’ to sign Rayan. The two clubs are said to be in ‘positive negotiations’ as Barcelona edge closer to reaching an agreement.

The exact value of the bid has yet to emerge, but it is thought to be less than the winger’s €40million (£35m / $46m) release clause.

Rayan: Need to know

Born in Rio de Janeiro and represents Brazil U20s at international level

Developed in the Vasco academy before graduating to their first team in 2023

Has managed 17 goals and one assist in 49 appearances this season

Silva adds that Barca’s chances of snaring Rayan increased after they told Vasco they would be willing to loan him back to the Brazilian club until the summer.

Barca feel such a loan move would aid Rayan’s development and prevent a repeat of the Vitor Roque scenario. Roque joined the Blaugrana in January 2024 after they agreed a €40m deal with Athletico Paranaense for him, but the centre-forward did not live up to expectations and was sold a year later.

For Vasco, keeping Rayan until June would give them time to find a replacement, either in their academy or via a transfer.

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Barcelona lead Chelsea, Tottenham in winger chase

Silva is seen as an authority on Vasco transfers, so it is likely that Barca are indeed in talks to bring him to Europe.

This update comes after we revealed on October 17 that Barca, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are among the clubs interested in Rayan.

Real Madrid see the right winger as a future Galactico, but other teams are trying to get him first.

At the time, sources told our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Chelsea and Spurs had opened talks with Rayan’s agent.

However, Chelsea and Spurs could now miss out on him to Barca, with Hansi Flick’s side having taken their pursuit to the next level.

Fletcher described the 19-year-old as a ‘silky’ dribbler who has enjoyed a ‘meteoric rise’ in Brazil.

Standing at 185cm (6ft 1in) tall, Rayan ‘combines searing pace with physical strength to torment defenders’.

Where Rayan should go next

The teenager should avoid moving to Chelsea or Spurs and prioritise a switch to Barca.

Chelsea already have strong options on the right wing, with Pedro Neto and Rayan’s compatriot Estevao Willian available there. Cole Palmer can also thrive on the right if needed.

Spurs invested in the position over the summer, spending £55m on Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United. Brennan Johnson provides him with competition for his starting spot.

As such, Rayan would pick up little game time at either London club.

Yes, Barca have global superstar Lamine Yamal as their main right winger, but they are seriously concerned about his long-term recovery from a groin issue – even leading to speculation about possible replacements.

Therefore, Rayan could fill in for Yamal when the Spain ace is out injured.

Roony Bardghji is Yamal’s current backup, but Rayan would fancy his chances of usurping the Swede in the pecking order.

Barca get striker boost; Romano provides Chelsea clarity

Meanwhile, Barca have reportedly learned that top striker target Julian Alvarez has no interest in joining Chelsea.

Although, Flick’s side face a new competitor for the Atletico Madrid goalscorer.

Real Sociedad have been urged to accept a “very good” offer from Tottenham Hotspur to sign highly-rated Japan winger Takefusa Kubo, who is likely being lined up as an alternative to top target Antoine Semenyo in January.

Spurs are desperate to land a new left-sided attacker in the new year, with none of the options tried in that position so far this season offering enough of a threat for Thomas Frank.

That has led Tottenham to search for January alternatives, with Bournemouth star Semenyo and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman their main two targets to date.

In the case of Semenyo, it’s emerged that the explosive winger has a £65million (€74m, $85.5m) release clause in the winter window – although TEAMtalk can reveal that it’s Liverpool who are leading that current chase.

With that being the case, Spanish journalist Marco Antoni Sande has been discussing Tottenham’s interest in Kubo in a round-table on COPE Gipuzkoa, with those links seemingly getting stronger.

Having shown an initial interest in the Sociedad winger back in August, Sande believes that a deal for the player could still be done for his €60m (£53m, $69.6m) release clause.

Indeed, Sande thinks a move involving that sort of sum of money makes sense for the Basque club in terms of them then reinvesting in their squad.

The 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength during his time at Sociedad so far, scoring 24 goals and giving 18 assists in 147 appearances.

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Sociedad urged to accept Kubo offer from Tottenham

Sociedad legend Bixio Gorriz, meanwhile, believes that a €60m bid from Tottenham would be too good to turn down for his old club.

“There’s no debate here, I mean, if Tottenham pays €60m, it’s a very good offer, and the shame is that we won’t get the full amount, but half,” Gorriz added.

What Gorriz is referring to there is that Real Madrid are due 50% of any profit on the player. That clause was included in the original deal that saw him move to Sociedad back in 2022.

Sociedad paid €7m at that point, so half of the €53m profit they’d make will head back to Real Madrid.

Of course, it all depends on whether Tottenham are happy to cough up the asking price for Kubo. All indications suggest they were willing to do just that in August, so it’s not expected to be an issue in January – especially when you consider just how much Spurs need to get an elite left-sided winger on board.

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Latest Tottenham news: No repeat Parrott mistakes; Lookman signing twist

First up, former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott is on the radar of Bayern Munich and Juventus as he starts to live up to his hype as a goalscoring sensation, although TEAMtalk can reveal how Spurs are determined not to make the same mistake with another young talent.

Elsewhere, Spurs are among the clubs keeping tabs on highly-rated Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Tottenham Hotspur sources are confident the club have the financial capacity to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, should they decide to move for the Bournemouth man in January, but whether a deal can be struck may hinge on Liverpool.

It has been revealed there is a short activation window in which Semenyo can be signed for a fixed fee of £65million at the start of 2026.

The development comes as a slight surprise, as Bournemouth have previously been reluctant to reveal the precise timing of the clause.

Until recently, sources say Spurs had worked under the belief that any deal for Semenyo before the summer would be difficult – though they have been exploring the situation.

New clarity around the clause has elevated the possibility of a move – although sources have also indicated a fear that Liverpool will provide stiff competition.

That is part of the reason Tottenham have an extensive list of other transfer options for the next two transfer windows.

Semenyo is understood to be on Tottenham’s agenda though, and the club will assess the potential of meeting Bournemouth’s trigger clause.

Bournemouth still maintain hope they can hold on to the player for the remainder of the season – even though they would lose him for a cheaper price in the summer.

Tottenham are preparing for a period of heightened ambition heading into 2026, with significant funds anticipated to be made available for key additions.

Club sources suggest that the £65million fee required for Semenyo should fall within their financial reach but whether they bid for him is to be determined.

Tottenham require huge Liverpool favour

My fellow insider at TEAMtalk, Fraser Fletcher, shared his insight into the Semenyo situation earlier on Tuesday.

Sources told Fletcher it’s Liverpool who not only lead the race for Semenyo, but are the winger’s favoured destination.

As such, Spurs’ chances of sealing the blockbuster coup could rest entirely on Liverpool NOT tabling a bid. As it stands, it appears the Reds will make a move.

Should both clubs meet the release clause, the decision on who to join will rest with Semenyo and as we’ve seen in the past, Spurs don’t often win head-to-head transfer battles with their biggest Premier League rivals.

We’re just a few months removed from Eberechi Eze aborting his move to Spurs in favour of signing with their fiercest rivals Arsenal.

Furthermore, Liverpool have trumped Spurs in the not-too-distant past when stealing Luis Diaz out from their grasp in the January window of 2022.

Tottenham may well have the financial muscle to afford Semenyo, but realistically, they’ll struggle to convince the player to move to north London instead of Anfield, assuming Liverpool meet the clause too, of course.

Latest Tottenham news – Troy Parrott / Christos Tzolis / Harry Kane

In other news, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott is on the radar of Bayern Munich and Juventus as he starts to live up to his hype as a goalscoring sensation, although TEAMtalk can reveal how Spurs are determined not to make the same mistake with another young talent.

Spurs are among the clubs keeping tabs on Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Sources have revealed that Liverpool are “ahead in the race” to sign Antoine Semenyo after learning of the conditions needed for a transfer – but Tottenham Hotspur are also ready to throw their hat into the ring and cannot be discounted just yet.

As the Premier League winter window looms, Bournemouth’s breakout star Semenyo finds himself at the centre of a brewing storm. The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward, whose explosive pace and clinical finishing have lit up the south coast this season, is the subject of intense interest from two Premier League rivals: Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. With a £65million (€74m, $85.5m) release clause set to activate in January, the Cherries may soon face the unenviable task of waving goodbye to their talisman.

Semenyo’s meteoric rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. After joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in a £10million deal back in January 2023, he has evolved into one of the league’s most dynamic wide players.

This campaign alone, he’s notched six goals and three assists in just 12 appearances. His signature moments – lung-busting counter-attacks, thunderous left-footed rockets, and silky dribbles that leave defenders in the dust – have made him indispensable to Andoni Iraola’s high-octane system. No player has tallied more goals from fast breaks this term, underscoring his threat on the transition.

Semenyo’s new five-year contract, inked in July amid summer overtures from Manchester United and Spurs, includes the eye-watering clause – formally £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

It’s active only until a fixed mid-window deadline, granting Bournemouth a brief buffer to scout replacements, much like their swift recoveries from past sales of Dominic Solanke to Spurs and Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Come summer 2026, the figure dips further, but for now, it’s a January fire sale waiting to happen if triggered.

And per our sources, it is Liverpool who look primed to win the race for the in-demand Ghana international and are ‘ready to meet’ the price needed to prise him away from the south coast…

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Liverpool hold the aces in Antoine Semenyo race – Sources

As it stands, it is Liverpool who do appear to hold the aces. Under Arne Slot, the Reds are plotting a squad refresh, with Semenyo eyed as a versatile upgrade on the right flank – potentially even a long-term heir to Mohamed Salah’s throne.

Sources close to Anfield suggest the club is “ahead in the race,” buoyed by Semenyo’s preference for a Merseyside move. His full respect for Bournemouth hasn’t dulled his ambition; he’s even hinted at his dream destination in recent interviews, fueling Kop faithful’s excitement.

Tottenham, however, aren’t folding easily. Thomas Frank’s side has courted Semenyo since the summer, rebuffed at £70 million last summer but undeterred. With Richarlison’s goal tally lagging two behind the Bournemouth man, Spurs see him as the missing spark in their attack. Boardroom whispers indicate they’re “working tirelessly” on a bid, leveraging their prior talks to build rapport.

For Bournemouth, the maths is brutal. Bristol City pockets 20% of any profit, but the windfall could bankroll Iraola’s ambitions.

Semenyo, meanwhile, remains professional, skipping Ghana’s international camp for “personal reasons” amid the frenzy.

As bids crystallise, one thing’s clear: the Cherries’ reluctant acceptance signals the end of an era.

Will Liverpool pounce first, or can Spurs snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? January can’t come soon enough…

Konate offered ‘final’ Liverpool contract; Spurs track classy Greek star

Elsewhere, Liverpool are reported to have lodged a ‘very generous’ but ‘final’ offer to their soon-to-be out-of-contract defender Ibrahima Konate.

Paid just £70,000 a week right now, a top source has shared what is likely to happen next and having revealed truths over those rumours linking the France captain with a move to Real Madrid.

Off the back of that offer, our writers have debated if Liverpool should spend big money on the French defender, or let him waltz off into the sunset – and the responses may surprise you!

One man who will be waking up on Tuesday morning with a smile on his face is Florian Wirtz.

That’s after the struggling attacking midfielder rose to the occasion for his national side against Slovakia on Monday night and helped them book their place at the 2026 World Cup – with the German press going wild over his contributions and explaining why his Liverpool troubles looked ‘a world away’.

Down at Tottenham, sources can reveal that Spurs are among the clubs keeping tabs on a classy Greek star, who has caught the eye during this international break.