TEAMtalk

Another young player Tottenham are due to sign in the summer of 2025 is getting rave reviews for his performances in the Belgian Pro League so far this season.

Centre-back Luka Vuskovic is the player in question, with the 17-year-old currently on loan at Westerlo from Hajduk Split ahead of an agreed move to north London for a fee between €11-15million next summer.

Tottenham are making a concerted effort to get the overall age of their first-team squad down, while also bringing in some of Europe’s top young talent in the process.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were both brought in during the last transfer window to compliment the likes of academy stars Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, with all four players starting the Europa League win at Ferencvaros on Thursday evening.

Depending on what happens in January, Vuskovic will be the next to walk through the door and, judging by the comments from Croatian newspaper Vecernji List on his start to the season in Belgium, Spurs are signing another incredible talent.

Sunday’s edition of Vecernji List reported about the defender: “He really started the season wonderfully. Not only did he as a 17-year-old become an unquestionable starter in the position of central stopper in a formation with three at the back (started in all games this season), but in ten games in Belgium he has a rather incredible attacking performance of four goals and one assist.

“He particularly excelled in the last game where his club drew 2:2 with Beerschot, scoring both of his team’s goals as a stopper. But the goals weren’t everything, Vuskovic had an incredible seven shots in that test, seven out of eight in duels won, 100 touches with the ball, two dangers removed, three successful sliding starts with which he saved his team from dangerous opponent counterattacks, and eight out of twelve successful long balls.”

The same report also suggests that Vuskovic is the kind of player ‘born once in a hundred years’, which is some way to build up the young defender.

Vuskovic a deadly set-piece threat

Vuskovic, who is playing alongside Tottenham loanee Alfie Devine at Westerloo, certainly has the physical attributes to play at centre-back, already standing at 6ft 4in despite his young age.

Unsurprisingly for his height, he is a real weapon in the air and a massive threat from set-pieces, as is evidenced by his eight goals in 35 senior career appearances so far.

Scouting expert Jacek Kulig also reports that Vuskovic has no significant weaknesses, while his style of play has been likened to that of Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique.

And while all that bluster must be tempered by the fact that he is currently excelling in Belgium’s top flight and not in one of the bigger European leagues, Tottenham’s track record of identifying outstanding young talent in recent times suggests they could have another potentially big success on their hands.

Tottenham set for Dibling blow as Paratici recommends Italy star

In other Tottenham news, Manchester United and Spurs’ hopes of signing a Southampton ace are set to fade after a report claimed an alternative deal is on the way.

The 18-year-old right winger Tyler Dibling has established himself as a key performer on the south coast, excelling in a Saints side that have yet to win a game in a Premier League since their return.

But despite their struggles, it’s reported that the Tottenham, Man Utd and Newcastle target is poised to sign a new deal on the south coast.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended him by Fabio Paratici.

IN FOCUS – Tottenham future is sound

Tottenham’s focus on signing younger talent and developing their already successful academy should see them set fair for years to come.

Although we’ve mentioned nine players here, there were also plenty more who could have got on the list as Daniel Levy and co. look to develop and build for the future in north London.

Tottenham and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended him by Fabio Paratici. The Italian recruitment expert was forced to step down as Tottenham’s managing director in April 2023 after failing to overturn a FIFA ban, but he still influences transfer decisions at the club.

Paratici has been very impressed by Ricci’s performances for both Torino and the Italy national team of late.

On the defensive midfielder, Football Insider pundit and ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robison added: “I think it’ll be a tough one to do in the winter.

“If you look at the way the team’s played in recent weeks in more of a 4-3-3 formation, I’m not sure whether the midfield will be a pressing position.

“But he’s a young player, he’s only 23 years old and he’s already got four caps for Italy.

“Tottenham are certainly interested in signing him. I think it’ll be tough to do in the winter but that is potentially one they’ll explore in the summer.

“We know that Spurs like to do their business in Italy. They’ve had a lot of success from players who have come to the club from the Serie A, and maybe that’s why Ricci is the latest name to be mentioned.

“It’s still got the fingerprints of Fabio Paratici working with Tottenham’s recruitment team.”

Tottenham view Ricci as someone who can compete with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma for the defensive midfield role in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven. However, they are not alone in hunting his services.

On September 29, it emerged that Manchester City have ‘set their sights’ on Ricci too and have opened preliminary talks with Torino over a potential deal.

Man City have been forced to enter the market for a new No 6 following news of Rodri’s season-ending injury, and Ricci is one option they are considering.

As the four-time Italy international does not play for one of Serie A’s truly elite clubs, he should be relatively cheap to sign. A price tag of around £18.4m (€22m / US$24.2m) has been suggested.

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Tottenham fans might prefer attacking signing

While Ricci would be a solid addition to Postecoglou’s side, there is a good chance Spurs will push to bring in a more attacking player instead.

The North London outfit are big fans of Crystal Palace playmaker Ebere Eze, who is aiming to follow in Michael Olise’s footsteps by joining a top club in the near future.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Spurs are planning to bid for attacking midfielder Eze next summer.

While Eze’s £68m (€81.2m / US$89.2m) release clause was not met during the recent summer window, it will reactivate at the end of the campaign.

Spurs round-up: Real Madrid worry, Bournemouth link

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing Spurs star Pedro Porro as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid are on the hunt for a new right-back and Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold is their dream signing. But if the Englishman opts to remain at Anfield by penning a new contract, then Madrid will open talks for Porro over an ambitious swoop.

In terms of potential new additions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it has been claimed that another Bournemouth raid is on the cards.

Spurs broke their transfer record in the summer by paying £65m to make Dominic Solanke their new striker. It was recently claimed that Antoine Semenyo is the latest Bournemouth ace on Spurs’ radar.

The winger has started the campaign in great form, having registered three goals and one assist in six Premier League games so far.

Tottenham remain in the hunt for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who will be available for a big fee next summer due to a release clause in his contract.

The Eagles are at the beginning of a new era under Oliver Glasner but keeping hold of their best players has proved a challenge, as evidenced by Michael Olise’s switch to Bayern Munich.

Glasner had his side playing some fantastic football last season but they have endured a disappointing start this term and find themselves in the relegation zone.

There are no fears of relegation at Selhurst Park due to the quality of their squad but some questions are being asked about the future of their key men.

Palace did manage to keep hold of Marc Guehi after turning down three big offers from Newcastle in the summer, the last of which amounted to £65m including add-ons. The interest from top Premier League sides in the defender remains.

Eze is considered one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League and many expected him to leave Palace in previous windows.

However, the London club managed to tie him down to a new long-term contract in November, which includes a release clause of £68m that becomes active next year. Tottenham are big admirers of Eze and we understand that they are considering a move for him.

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Tottenham plot 2025 swoop for Eze – sources

Palace’s valuation of Eze put off some of his suitors last summer as they weren’t keen to spend that amount due to the Premier League’s stringent financial rules, which limited a lot of team’s business.

Tottenham have previously pondered a bid for Eze and sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that they remain interested in the England international.

A lot would need to happen for Spurs to sign Eze in January, including player sales, but Ange Postecoglou’s side are ‘looking at possibilities of how to bring him to North London’, per sources.

A move to Tottenham at the end of the season is the most likely outcome for Eze as things stand.

Spurs are in a good position in terms of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and Daniel Levy is prepared to back Postecoglou with some big signings.

Eze is one of Palace’s highest earners, taking home just shy of £5m per year, and this wage was earned on merit after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents.

He was keen to have a similar contract to other players at his level and eventually got his wish.

Eze’s new contract, which is valid until 2027, is not expected to keep him at Selhurst Park for its duration, but rather acts as security for the Eagles who will only allow him to move for a big fee, or at least the value of his release clause.

Eze was delighted to break into the England squad and wants to remain there, but sources have been clear that a move to a side playing in Europe may be his best chance of achieving that.

The 26-year-old’s full focus for now is on helping Palace to rise up the league table, but a big move to Tottenham or another top club next summer will be difficult for him to turn down.

Tottenham to rival Arsenal, Chelsea for centre-back – report

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also considering signing a new centre-back and are one of the clubs keen on Benfica star Tomas Araujo, per reports.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Chelsea enquired about the defender over the summer, while Crystal Palace also had a bid rejected for him.

Now, it’s claimed that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in Araujo, who could be available for around €20m (£16.6m; £22.1m) in January.

The 22-year-old is the latest highly-rated youngster to rise to prominence in Portugal. He broke into the Benfica first team in December 2021 and has made 29 appearances so far, scoring one goal.

€20m is a relatively cheap fee for a player of Araujo’s quality and potential, so there may well be a battle for his services in the coming months.

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Tottenham retain their interest in Eberechi Eze, and while reports state a January transfer is unlikely, they are among the sides that feel they can get him for lower than the £68million release clause which will soon return.

Eze was believed to have a release clause of an initial £60million in the summer, with add-ons taking it to £68million. Tottenham were said to be willing to match that, but nothing came to fruition.

They have since returned with interest, as per Football Insider.

The report states that a January move is unlikely, but their interest in the attacking-midfielder remains. That they may not be able to get him in the winter seems largely due to the fact that Crystal Palace could demand anything, before Eze’s clause of £68million returns in the summer.

But Tottenham are among the sides who feel that they can get him for less than that.

Indeed, Eze will have two years left on his deal by the summer, and some clubs – Tottenham included – are said to be ready to explore a cut-priced deal, with offers from £50-60million in that window.

Tottenham have big-club competition

While the report does not name any of the other interested sides, they do suggest there are ‘top clubs’ in the mix.

TEAMtalk revealed interest from Manchester City in the summer, and that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Eze suggests that might well remain.

The Citizens would surely be able to afford the £68million release clause – which TEAMtalk can confirm – but they, along with other sides, may be more likely to look for the cheaper option.

Liverpool have also been linked with the snare of the Palace man of late.

Tottenham round-up: Postecoglou looking all over

Ange Postecoglou is seemingly keen to recruit both from within the Premier League and outside of it.

From within England, Tottenham are said to be willing to pay £33million for the services of Antoine Semenyo.

Elsewhere, both they and Arsenal are going after Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo.

Both those sides are also going after monstrous Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has already reached 11 goals for the season.

Eze’s Premier League stats

Eze was directly involved in two more goals than James Maddison last season in the Premier League, and he’d likely be competing with him for a place in the Tottenham side.

This term, both men have a single goal to their name in the league, but Maddison has two more assists, so he’ll feel his chances of staying in the side are good if he can keep up form.

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has claimed that the Reds are making progress in their contract talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Real Madrid are reportedly looking at Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro as a backup target.

Alexander-Arnold, like fellow elite stars Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract. This has led to speculation that the right-back might leave his boyhood club, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both keen on signing him in a bargain deal.

During an appearance on TNT Sports, Liverpool hero McManaman admitted it is a ‘problem’ that those crucial three contracts have not been sorted out earlier.

But the pundit did suggest that Liverpool are firmly in renewal talks with all three of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk, and it is the Englishman’s fresh terms which are likely to be announced first.

“The circumstances for Trent and how it’s come, this is well-known,” McManaman said.

“The sporting director and Jurgen [Klopp] leaving, so it’s got to this limbo, of sorts. What’s helping is Virgil and Mo Salah are in the same predicament.

“There’s been a problem within the club that it hasn’t been sorted out sooner. Hopefully, it won’t be hard for the three of them – particular Trent – to get it all sorted amicably.

“I know they’ve all been talking in the club. I’ve been talking to the players, so it’s well on the way, the club won’t say anything until it’s signed, sealed and delivered.”

In another boost for Liverpool fans, CaughtOffside report that Real Madrid are eyeing Tottenham full-back Porro as an alternative target in case they are unsuccessful in landing Alexander-Arnold.

The report suggests that Real Madrid could bid €65million (£54.7m / US$71.7m) for Porro. Although, his exit would not please Ange Postecoglou, as the Spaniard has developed into one of Tottenham’s best performers in recent seasons.

Madrid have also shortlisted Manchester United ace Diogo Dalot and Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen as backup targets to Alexander-Arnold.

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Liverpool confident of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold

McManaman’s comments come after TEAMtalk revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool are confident of tying Alexander-Arnold down to fresh terms.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Gillan that Man City hold shock interest in the England ace, while there is an obvious attraction for him to link up with friend Jude Bellingham at Madrid. Nevertheless, there is a calm confidence at Anfield that Alexander-Arnold will stay put.

Liverpool are ready to offer the player a big pay rise as they look to tie him down until June 2030.

Alexander-Arnold staying on Merseyside would see him go against the advice of Michael Owen, who swapped Liverpool for Madrid in August 2004.

Earlier this week, Owen suggested Alexander-Arnold should strongly consider Madrid’s advances as it is ‘only a short career’ and such a transfer would allow him to take part in a ‘different experience’.

The former striker added that he did not leave Liverpool ‘because I hated it’, but because he feared he would regret not taking the opportunity to join Madrid. That is the huge decision facing Alexander-Arnold, though at this stage he is leaning towards staying at Liverpool.

Anfield news: Striker battle, Zubimendi speaks out

Meanwhile, Liverpool will face competition from a host of clubs including Arsenal and Juventus to sign Lille centre-forward Jonathan David.

As per Football Insider, Arsenal, Juve, AC Milan and Inter Milan have all joined Liverpool in the hunt for the Canadian, who netted the winner for Lille against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

All of those clubs have been alerted by the fact David’s Lille contract expires at the end of the season, which means he can be signed for a cut-price fee.

Earlier this week, the Italian media suggested Liverpool are leading the charge for the goalscorer, having prepared a five-and-a-half-year contract for him worth €5m per year (£80,000 a week).

Elsewhere, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been quizzed on a summer of noise after he rejected the chance to join Liverpool.

“My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times,” he said. “So far, things have gone well for me.

“It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that.”

When asked if Sociedad’s poor start to the season had him wishing he had left, the Spain star replied: “Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within.

“I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season.”

Tottenham are ready to splash the cash to sign another high profile Bournemouth player in 2025, according to a report.

Tottenham made Dominic Solanke their record signing over the summer when committing to a package worth £65m (£55m plus £10m in add-ons). The ex-Cherries striker endured a slow start in north London, though has since scored in each of his last three matches – all of which Spurs have won.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ange Postecoglou’s side are ready to raid Bournemouth once again for winger Antoine Semenyo.

The report stated Tottenham above all other suitors are showing the strongest interest in the right-footed forward.

Spurs are said to have identified the 24-year-old as the ‘perfect option’ to bolster their attacking ranks in 2025. Per the report, Semenyo’s signing ‘is shaping up to be one of the most important of the next transfer window.’

Semenyo bagged eight goals for Bournemouth in his first full campaign in the Premier League last term. He’s taken his game to new heights this season, notching three goals and providing one assist in his first six matches.

As such, Semenyo is reportedly valued around the £33m mark and per the report, that is a price Tottenham ‘would be willing to pay.’

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Do Tottenham need another winger?

Tottenham already have an abundance of wide options at their disposal and the Spanish outlet in quesion aren’t known for being among the more reliable ones when it comes to transfer news.

Nonetheless, a move for new blood out wide could make sense when casting your eye over Tottenham’s forward ranks.

Timo Werner is only at the club via a loan agreement that contains an option to buy worth £8.5m. The German’s shortcomings in front of goal when squandering two one-v-one opportunities against Manchester United were laid bare on Sunday.

Dejan Kulusevski has primarily been used in more of a midfield role under Postecoglou this term, while captain Son Heung-min is now 32 years of age.

The Spurs icon is out of contract next summer, though his deal does contain an option for an extra season. TEAMtalk understands Spurs do plan to activate the option, but how long Son will remain a world class winger while edging towards his mid-thirties is something the club must carefully consider.

As such, the addition of a lively new winger like Semenyo would make sense. Brennan Johnson – who’s scored four in his last four matches – and Wilson Odobert are Postecoglou’s other options for the flanks.

Eze on the move / Gyokeres to rival Solanke?

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly been granted the green light by Eberechi Eze’s camp to wrap up a deal for the Crystal Palace talisman.

Eze was a transfer target at Spurs over the summer and Football Transfers reported as recently as mid-September that Tottenham have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the England ace.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have been linked with smashing their transfer record for Sporting CP hotshot, Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede has been in irresistible form over the last 14 months, notching 54 goals in 59 matches for Sporting since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Given Spurs have only just made striker Dominic Solanke their record buy, a move for Gyokeres would come as a major shock.

The spectacular rise of Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool have received a boost in their hunt to sign Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze, as the playmaker is reportedly open to securing a big transfer, though several other top clubs are also lurking.

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have been given the ‘green light’ by Eze’s camp to strike a deal next summer as the attacking midfielder is ready to take the next step in his career. Eze has shone for Palace since joining the club in August 2020 but he is now ready to challenge himself at a higher level and play in European competitions such as the Champions League for the first time.

The report states that Liverpool held concrete interest in landing Eze during the recent summer transfer window and that interest remains ‘active’ ahead of 2025.

The England ace had a £68million (€81.7m / US$90.7m) release clause in his contract which expired once the summer window shut. Although, that exit clause will be available to trigger again next summer, which means Liverpool know exactly how much they need to pay to prise Eze out of Selhurst Park.

Football Insider add that the 26-year-old has seen former Palace team-mate Michael Olise go on to star for Bayern Munich and now he wants to make an impact at the highest level, too.

Even though a release clause is in place, it will not be straightforward for Arne Slot’s side to land Eze. Tottenham Hotspur are big fans of the player too, having scouted him on several occasions over the past year.

Plus, Arsenal and Manchester City cannot be discounted either. On September 14, Football Transfers claimed that Tottenham have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place with Eze, though they ‘fear’ that any future move could be ‘hijacked’ by Arsenal or City, currently two of the most powerful clubs in England.

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Where will Eze go next?

It is hard to predict where Eze will end up, given the fact he is being chased by a number of elite sides. Although, it is likely that Liverpool will position themselves at the very front of the queue.

Liverpool’s current central attacking midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, has yet to truly justify his £60m (€72m / US$80m) price tag. The Hungary star has shown glimpses of his huge talent but has yet to do this on a regular basis.

Slot has spoken about the need for his attacking midfielder to notch regular goals and assists, and if Szoboszlai fails to improve his numbers then Eze could come in to replace him.

It could be argued that Liverpool have more need for a new No 10 than City, Arsenal and Spurs. After all, City have Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, Arsenal have Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, while Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou can utilise James Maddison in that playmaker role.

While Foden is poised to succeed from De Bruyne at City, it would not be a surprise if Pep Guardiola’s side launch a move for Eze, too. De Bruyne has been so good for City that he may need two top players to replace his influence.

Liverpool round-up: Alexander-Arnold verdict, midfielder link

Meanwhile, Michael Owen, who represented both Liverpool and Real Madrid during his playing days, has explained why Trent Alexander-Arnold might leave for the Spanish capital next year.

“The only other great experience that I could see for Trent is to play for Real Madrid,” Owen said. “That’s nothing to do with liking a team, supporting a team, whatever, that’s just, do you want that life experience or are you happy playing for Liverpool all your life and it’s not a bad choice is it? I mean, what a lovely position to be in if that was the case.”

The former striker added that Alexander-Arnold needs to consider Madrid’s offer as a player’s career is short and such a move would provide a great new experience for him.

Owen then said: “If Trent leaves, it’s not because he hates Liverpool. When I left Liverpool, it’s not because I hated Liverpool, it’s because that might be something that I’ll regret if I don’t try it.

“That was my attitude. My advice to Trent would be ‘If you’re not really interested in seeing a different side of the football in terms of playing in a different country, different team, etc then stay at Liverpool all your life because you’re not going to get any better anywhere else’.”

Liverpool might look to get their revenge on Madrid by finally capturing long-term midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni.

As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Madrid have decided they are ready to let Tchouameni leave as long as an €80m (£66.7m / $89m) offer comes in.

Liverpool, who were eager to sign the France star when Jurgen Klopp was in charge, are ‘willing’ to spend big to bring him to Anfield at last.

How does Eze compare with Szoboszlai and Diaz?

Eze predominantly played as an attacking midfielder for Palace in the 2023/24 season, making 15 Premier League appearances in that position.

The England international registered six goals and one assist in those games, averaging a direct goal contribution every 167.2 minutes.

Liverpool’s current No.10 is Szoboszlai, who registered three goals and two assists from midfield in the Premier League in 2023/24.

He made 31 appearances in that position and averaged a direct goal contribution every 417.6 minutes.

“I think something that we have to work on with him is that he’s also even more involved in scoring goals and creating chances for us,” Arne Slot said.

“Last season he scored three [in the league] if I remember correctly and for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool his numbers need to go up.”

Eze also showcased his versatility by registering another five goals and two assists from the left wing.

He made nine Premier League appearances in that position last season and averaged a direct goal contribution every 107.5 minutes when playing on the left wing.

Liverpool already have a few left wing options and Luis Diaz registered eight goals and five assists in the Premier League last season.

The Colombia international made 35 league appearances in that position and averaged a direct goal contribution every 192.9 minutes.

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing up Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, despite securing the club-record signing of fellow forward Dominic Solanke this summer.

Solanke swapped Bournemouth for Tottenham in a deal worth up to £65 million (€78m, $87m) in August, as chairman Daniel Levy sought to fill the hole left by record scorer Harry Kane.

After initially failing to get off the mark in his opening matches for Spurs, the 27-year-old is coming good, with three goals in as many games in all competitions.

Despite splashing all that cash on the former Liverpool man, Portuguese publication Fichajes claims Ange Postecoglou’s team are in the market for another hitman – with the Australian targeting Sporting’s Gyokeres.

Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal, among others, have been linked with the Sweden international, who reportedly could cost up to £83.5m (€100m, $111.4m).

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Tottenham’s transfer plans

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham are planning to be active in the January transfer window as they seek to crash the top four of the Premier League.

Spurs, who finished fifth last season, saw Solanke as their top striker target this summer and they managed to secure his services on a contract until 2030.

Taking this into consideration, and the fact that the former Chelsea youngster is scoring for Postecoglou’s team, a move for Gyokeres – who has scored 54 goals in 59 games for the Primeira Liga outfit – seems unlikely.

Moreover, after breaking their transfer record fee on the one-time England international, it would, arguably, be strange to fork out an even bigger amount of money a matter of months later on the Lisbon talisman.

If Spurs are to throw around the big bucks in the coming transfer windows, it may be on other areas of the pitch – rather than the one where Solanke resides.

Spurs look to the future

Tottenham have been linked with a move for rising Lecce star Patrick Dorgu, but face competition from AC Milan, Chelsea, and more.

The 19-year-old, who was the subject of interest from Napoli earlier this year, enjoyed a breakout season for the Serie A side last summer. Now, Spurs are reportedly keeping tabs on the left-back, who can also play as a wing-back.

Elsewhere, the north London side are said to be monitoring the progress of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.

The 27-year-old helped Inter to the Serie A crown last season with 13 goals and this term he has four goals in seven matches.

Finally, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Bayer Leverkusen youth player Francis Onyeka.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed for the German team’s under-19 side but he is yet to make the step up to the first team.

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Harry Redknapp has tipped Dominic Solanke to score for Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, while Erik ten Hag is looking for a Manchester United win to reduce the pressure on his job.

In quotes carried by the Manchester Evening News, former Tottenham boss Redknapp predicted a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. He discussed how unreliable Ten Hag’s side are and backed Solanke to add to his Tottenham tally.

“Just as soon as Manchester United start to settle down and play, they have a couple of lacklustre performances and everybody’s back to square one,” he said.

“You never know which United are going to turn up. I think they’ll surprise everyone this weekend with a decent performance, but it’ll be frustration time at Old Trafford yet again.

“All credit to Ange Postecoglou in Europe, they [Spurs] went down to 10 men early in the game, but his team produced a professional performance to win the game 3-0.

“Spurs were sensational against Brentford and it’s encouraging to see Dominic Solanke banging them in. That’s just what any new player needs.

“I’m looking forward to this match, but I bet the Man Utd fans will watch it from behind the sofa!

“One to watch: Dominic Solanke has come out of the traps now and I think he’s going on a goal run.”

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Solanke starting to justify price tag

Following a club-record £65million (€77.8m / US$86.9m) move from Bournemouth, Solanke made his debut for Spurs in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City on August 19.

The striker then had a frustrating couple of weeks though as he missed two games with an ankle injury.

Solanke opened his Spurs account during the 3-1 win over Brentford last weekend, finishing from close range after James Maddison’s shot had been kept out.

Solanke also registered a goal and assist as Spurs ran out 3-0 winners against Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday, despite going down to 10 men.

The 27-year-old will be aiming to either match or better his record from last season, when he found the back of the net 21 times in 42 games to convince Spurs on signing him.

Man Utd defeat could affect Ten Hag

For Man Utd, meanwhile, there was plenty of talk about Ten Hag’s future over the international break following the damaging 3-0 home loss to rivals Liverpool.

Man Utd responded by beating Southampton and Barnsley and scoring a combined 10 goals in the process, but draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente since then have left fans frustrated.

It is unlikely that Man Utd will pull the trigger and sack Ten Hag if they lose to Spurs, but such a result would certainly lead to more speculation about potential replacements.

It has been widely reported that Man Utd chiefs will give the 54-year-old until Christmas before deciding to stick with him or initiate a new era with a different manager.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out in defence of Erik ten Hag feeling the pressure on the Manchester United job is unjust amid claims he is on the brink of the sack and that the Red Devils are already on the hunt for a world-class successor.

Ten Hag survived the axe by a whisker over the summer with success in the FA Cup seeing him deliver the second piece of silverware of his Manchester United reign. But after collecting just three wins from seven matches so far this season, the Red Devils find themselves in 11th place going into Sunday’s match with Spurs at Old Trafford.

The sloppy midweek draw against FC Twente appears to have accelerated claims Ten Hag could soon face the sack, but Postecoglou has offered his counterpart a strong defence, feeling he has done a good job and that critics will never be happy.

“I think Erik’s in a really tough job and he’s done really well,” the Tottenham boss told reporters ahead of Sunday’s match between the sides.

“He keeps mentioning he’s won two trophies and that’s not insignificant, everyone keeps telling me that’s all I have to do, but it’s not all you have to do, because when you do that there’s always more. He’s done a great job, a difficult job.”

Talking directly about the Man Utd job, the Aussie continued: “I don’t know who coined the phrase ‘the impossible job’, but I think it’s become even more impossible now.

“It seems like success is not enough if it doesn’t have an identity, [and] identity is not enough unless it’s followed by aesthetics. Aesthetics are not enough unless they’re followed by legacy.

“There’s always another layer. It seems like no one is doing a good job unless you win the competition at the end of the year. There doesn’t seem to be any sort of understanding of progress or the circumstances that people have to work under at times.”

Ten Hag sack: New favourite for Man Utd job emerges with axe ‘a matter of time’

Postecoglou insists Ten Hag, like many others, must learn to handle the pressure adding: “It’s just the nature of the role. I don’t think that’s going to change. I guess it’s about how you respond to it, how you react to it, how you let it affect you.

“The more experience you have maybe the better you deal with these things.”

Despite those words of sympathy, Postecoglou could put pile the pressure on Ten Hag with a win on Sunday and deliver what would be a third defeat in six Premier League matches so far this season.

Such a result would really turn the screw and TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Gillan reported on Thursday that Ten Hag is indeed on ‘borrowed time’ at Old Trafford with the Red Devils already actively discussing potential replacements for the Dutchman.

He revealed that questions are already being asked about just how long they allow their current situation to continue and that the Man Utd board only felt obliged to offer Ten Hag an extension over the summer for a failure to attract a better option.

As a result, Gillan claims that sources have told him there are genuine concerns that little has changed this season and that Ten Hag is incapable of leading United back to the very top. As a result, they are already on the lookout for a coach with it described as ‘just a matter of time’ before the axe falls.

That report followed hot on the heels of a report earlier on Thursday revealing Ten Hag was being heavily backed to lose his job before Christmas and with Ruud van Nistelrooy the new favourite to replace him from a four-man shortlist.

Man Utd to launch fresh bid for dream Ratcliffe signing as Arsenal striker signs

Elsewhere at Manchester United, the Red Devils are being backed to launch a fresh January move to prise Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to make a fresh move for a player he believes is destined for the top.

United made a series of offers for the one-time capped England international over the summer, only for Everton to resist all their bids. But despite the arrivals of both Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, Ratcliffe’s interest in Branthwaite has not waned and a fresh attempt to prise him away could now arrive in the winter window.

Meanwhile, teenage striker Chido Obi-Martin can officially become a Manchester United player, following reports that the Premier League have finally completed the ‘ratification process’ for his transfer from Arsenal.

The move was agreed over the summer window but a delay in ratifying the move means United have now been given the green light to finalise the transfer outside of the window, though it remains unclear what compensation costs they will need to pay the Gunners.

Miserable European record not helping Ten Hag

Ten Hag has taken charge of 19 matches for United across both the Champions League and the Europa League so far but has only won nine of those games, drawing four and losing six.

This season’s campaign got off to an inglorious side after a draw to the lowest-ranked side, in terms of the coefficient, that United will face at Old Trafford in the Europa League.

After Sunday’s Premier League game with Tottenham, United are back in Europa League action on Thursday with a difficult away match at FC Porto.

Only wins in both games will keep the wolves from the door.