TEAMtalk

Ange Postecoglou stated “I always win things in my second year” after his Tottenham side lost to Arsenal, and he feels “nothing has changed” as he entered his second campaign with Spurs.

Postecoglou’s Spurs side were dealt a 1-0 loss by rivals Arsenal in the north London derby. It’s their second loss in four league games this season, which means they are now 13th in the table.

Speaking after the game, the Tottenham manager made it clear he knows there is improvement needed, but is adamant that his side can win a trophy this term, his second in charge.

“We need to fix the areas we need to fix. Otherwise all our dominance, we’re going to keep opposition teams in the game. All teams will think they’re in the game. We need to have more conviction in the front third to finish teams off,” he said on Sky Sports.

“We could rotate the squad, give players opportunity. I prefer it that way. After the international break, the last loss puts you in a pause mode. But we have plenty of games this month.”

“I will correct myself: I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed.”

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Tottenham in worse place than last season

At this point last season, Spurs were second to Manchester City, having gained 10 points from a possible 12.

Their first league loss last season did not come until the 11th game.

They have lost both of the last two games, so to some, Postecoglou’s confidence may feel misplaced.

However, he seems unfazed by the challenges his side – who have not won a trophy since 2008 – face.

Tottenham transfers could help

If middling form continues until January, some inbound transfers could help Tottenham on their quest for silverware.

According to reports, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on Postecoglou’s radar at the moment.

As is Harry Gray, the younger brother of Spurs teenager Archie, who was bought from Leeds in the summer.

But outgoings will not help the cause, and one big one could be on the horizon.

Real Madrid are said to be planning an attempt to sign centre-back Cristian Romero in January, and the Argentine is apparently ‘willing to join’ the La Liga giants.

Postecoglou’s second season triumphs

At Postecoglou’s last club, Celtic, he failed to win anything in 2020/21, his first season in charge, but in his second campaign, 2021/22, he guided them to both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish League Cup title.

One job further back, he was appointed manager of Yokohama F Marinos in 2017/18, and a season later, they won their first J League title for 15 years.

He also won the Asian Cup with Australia in 2014/15, having gained the job in 2013/14.

He was inserted as manager of Brisbane Roar in 2009/10, and they won the A League in both 2010/11 and 2011/12.

In some locations, he has not won a trophy, but it must be said that Postecoglou certainly has a knack of winning things in his second season.

But the English top flight and the cups in the country are harder to win, so there’s a chance he has bitten off more than he can chew. Whether that is the case or not remains to be seen.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is reportedly ‘willing to join’ Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants ‘planning to make a move’ for him in January.

Real decided against bolstering their defensive ranks in the summer. That was despite the fact they lost long-term asset Nacho Fernandez on a free transfer, and sold Rafa Marin.

Links to Aymeric Laporte arose, but were shut down, with Carlo Ancelotti adamant that he did not need to strengthen at centre-back.

But now, it seems he has changed his tune. Indeed, transfer insider Ekrem Konur has stated that Real are ‘planning to make a move’ for Tottenham central defender Romero in January.

And they have been given confidence that they can get him.

That’s as the Argentine defender is said to be ‘willing to join’ the Spanish giants if an offer comes his way.

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Romero strongly linked with Real

That Real are now eager to sign Romero is not a surprise. Links between the defender and the La Liga club have existed for quite some time.

In the summer, it was suggested that a bid was going to come in for the important Tottenham man.

It did not, but he will be watched closely by Real throughout this season.

Indeed, it’s said they are to send their chief scout to attend Sunday’s north London derby, to check on the performance of the Spurs centre-back.

Real keen on talent in England

It is believed that William Saliba is also one of the reasons for the attendance of a Real scout.

Indeed, he has also been strongly linked with them, with it being suggested they could also soon move for the Arsenal defender.

Meanwhile, Championship star Chris Rigg is on the radar of the Spaniards, as a result of some good performances for Sunderland, while still just 17 years of age.

Further afield, goalkeeper Mike Maignan is of interest to Real, despite Andriy Lunin recently penning new terms with the club.

Interest in the AC Milan man was exclusively revealed by TEAMtalk.

Romero could be next Spurs talent to join Real

There are a couple of very notable examples of players who have taken a huge step in their career, joining Real from Tottenham.

Luka Modric did so in 2012, and he is still representing the Spanish giants, 540 games, 39 goals and 86 assists later.

The Croatian midfielder has won 26 team honours in his time as a Real player, as well as winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or award.

Gareth Bale headed to Madrid from north London in 2013. He immediately became a star in Spain after his £85million transfer.

In 258 games, he bagged 106 goals, as well as 67 assists, while also winning 16 team honours with the Spanish giants.

If Romero is to move, he is likely to have a much more successful time of it in Spain than in north London, with Tottenham not having won a trophy since 2008, a triumph which Bale was part of.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to renew their interest in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the January transfer window in Ange Postecoglou’s search for a more physical No.9.

Dominic Solanke was signed in a club-record £65million deal over the summer but has only played one game so far after picking up an injury during his debut at Leicester.

However, reports from Spain suggest that Postecoglou is looking for a partner for Solanke or at least a player who is capable of providing a different dimension in the Tottenham attack.

To that end, Fichajes reports that Spurs are looking to take advantage of Calvert-Lewin‘s contract situation at Goodison Park, with the England forward set to be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

The Toffees frontman, who now appears to be over the injury issues that have plagued him in recent seasons, certainly showed his aerial threat again as he scored from a header in Everton’s 3-2 loss at Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

And Fichajes states that Postecoglou is keen on having that different point of attack, even if having a front two does not necessarily match up with the Australian’s normal attacking formation.

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Everton could be forced into Calvert-Lewin sale

As TT has previously reported, everything is currently pointing towards Calvert-Lewin turning down a new contract offer on Merseyside as the 27-year-old looks for a fresh challenge at this stage of his career.

If he does reject a chance to stay, then Everton could look to cash in on the player in January for a cut-price fee rather than lose him for nothing next summer.

Newcastle are also known admirers of the striker, so Spurs will certainly not have it all their own way in any potential transfer chase.

Calvert-Lewin can hardly be called prolific, having scored 84 goals in 295 career outings, but his injury issues have to be taken into account in terms of the player building on seasons that have gone well.

Indeed, the attacker had back-to-back campaigns of 15 and then 21 goals in 2019/2020 and 2020/21 before two seasons where he struggled to get on the pitch due to one injury or another.

Quite what that all means for Richarlison remains to be seen, although the Brazilian continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in 2025.

Postecoglou also hunting another midfielder

While the focus on this piece surrounds Tottenham’s interest in bringing in another striker, it’s no secret that Postecoglou wanted to get another midfielder on board before the summer window shuts and that is expected to be one of his main priorities when the new year rolls around.

And the latest reports suggest the north London outfit are now the main suitors for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez after an approach was made over the summer.

However, Lopez’s current club closed the door by pointing to the player’s €400m (£337.8m/$443.3m) release clause, which was obviously never expected to be activated.

Meanwhile, Tottenham also ‘fear’ their chances of signing Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze have been dashed by one of two bigger Premier League sides, while Manchester United may also have missed out amid confirmed interest.

It’s claimed that England star Eze is content to play for Palace for one more season before moving to Arsenal or Man City next summer.

Calvert-Lewin a luxury Tottenham signing

When fully fit, Dominic Calvert-Lewin can be force to be reckoned with but signing him as a partner for Solanke makes little sense given the importance Postecoglou puts on his wide players in his attacking formation.

The article also references Calvert-Lewin’s preference as a more imposing physical threat but Solanke is also strong in the air and was brought in to convert the plethora of crosses Tottenham get in the box every game.

Son Heung-min is also a more than able deputy centrally, even if Richarlison does eventually move on, while the club also have the highly-rated Will Lankshear waiting in the wings.

The talented young forward has been likened to the club’s all-time record scorer Harry Kane and could get his chance in the senior stage at some point on the near future.

Former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora has revealed why he decided to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to north London rivals Tottenham despite talks with Arsene Wenger back in the day.

Zokora joined Spurs from Saint-Etienne for £8.2million in the summer of 2006 after impressing for Ivory Coast at the World Cup in Germany that year.

But at the time, Zokora was also on the radar for Wenger’s Arsenal, who had just pipped Spurs to Champions League football after the infamous ‘lasagna-gate’ incident.

A sickness bug swept through the Tottenham squad on the eve of the final game of the season, leading to a 2-1 defeat that saw them lose fourth place to rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners had also been Premier League champions just two years earlier and were about to move to the Emirates. However, despite holding talks with Wenger, Zokora has revealed why White Hart Lane was the right place for him.

“When I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me,” he once told the Telegraph. “I spoke with Arsene after the World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.”

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Zokora’s Tottenham trophy legacy

Zokora’s decision actually ended up being vindicated as became one of the players who last tasted silverware for the club as Tottenham beat Chelsea in extra-time to win the League Cup in 2008.

Arsenal, meanwhile, where on the nine-year trophy drought which eventually ended with an FA Cup triumph back in 2014.

Zokora’s form at Spurs also saw him linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid, but after signing a new deal in the white half of north London in 2008, the midfielder revealed why it was important to stay.

He added: “Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and, if they want me, I stay.

“The club needs me, my life is here. Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!”

Zokora actually only lasted another year at Tottenham after losing his place to Wilson Palacios as a regular starter, moving to Sevilla in the summer of 2009.

Spells in Turkey, India and Indonesia followed as his playing career drew to a close and the 43-year-old is now back in his homeland and was most recently assistant manager at AFAD Djekanou.

Tottenham midfield balance one of the keys to cup final win

Zokora made 88 Premier League appearances for Tottenham without scoring but offered a fine balance with Jermaine Jenas at the heart of Juande Ramos’ midfield in that final win over Chelsea.

Indeed, that engine room had a bit of everything with Zokora’s driving runs, ability to break up play and dynamism aided by Jenas’ more technical quality play but also his willingness to stick his boot in when it mattered.

Out wide there was the technical ability of Frenchman Steed Malbranque, who only spent two seasons in north London but walked away with a League Cup winners’ medal, and the searing pace and energy of Aaron Lennon on the right.

The latter spent a decade at Tottenham and was a hugely popular figure at the club, scoring 30 goals in 364 games under numerous managers.

In truth, the spine of that Tottenham team was very strong with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, who scored the extra-time winner, an outstanding centre-back pairing while club legends Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane formed the front two.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott named a big-money Tottenham star when asked for his signing of the season, while another Spurs man has been talked up by Jamie Redknapp.

Walcott spent 12 years on Arsenal’s books, scoring 108 goals across all competitions and placing seventh on the club’s list of all-time leading scorers in the Premier League era with 65.

Yet despite his loyalties to the Gunners, Walcott showed no hesitation when naming Dominic Solanke as potentially the smartest piece of business over summer.

Speaking to NOW TV, Walcott was asked who has made the best signing in the Premier League this season.

“I like Solanke,” replied the 35-year-old. “I do really like Solanke.”

Tottenham committed to a package worth £65m (£55m plus £10m in add-ons) when prising Solanke out of Bournemouth.

If the add-ons are met, Solanke would become Tottenham’s all-time record buy, surpassing Richarlison (£60m package)

Explaining his decision to select Solanke, Walcott added: “I think he did exceptionally well for Bournemouth and I think now if you’re putting him in a Tottenham team who, no disrespect to Bournemouth, [he’s] going to be around better players, he’s going to be playing with the likes of [James] Maddison behind him as well.

“The amount of goals he scored [at Bournemouth]… I was a bit disappointed for him bless him that he didn’t get into the England team.

“But again now he’s gone to Tottenham, a big, big stage for him. I think he’s probably going to be a one under the radar signing, definitely.”

Redknapp expects big things from Archie Gray

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was asked the same question by NOW TV and cited fellow Tottenham new boy, Archie Gray.

“I like Archie Gray that Tottenham have signed,” began Redknapp. “Really good young midfield player.

“You look at [Fabio] Carvalho who’s gone to Brentford, they’re really good signings.”

Redknapp added: “I’ve got a feeling for Archie Gray this year. I think he’s going to be a really big signing for them.

“A really good midfield player and a really good lad as well.”

Solanke wasn’t first choice / Another Leeds raid wanted

According to Football Transfers, the money Tottenham spent on Solanke had originally been earmarked for Eberechi Eze.

However, amid claims the Crystal Palace talisman had his ‘head turned’ by a bigger Premier League rival, Spurs switched focus to Solanke and did not disappoint.

Elsewhere, TBRFootball claims Tottenham aren’t content to settle with signing just one Gray.

Spurs are reportedly in the mix for Archie’s younger brother Harry who like his sibling, has risen through the youth ranks at Leeds United.

A cluster of heavyweight sides are tracking the 15-year-old starlet, though the belief is Tottenham have the upper hand given the presence of Archie on the books.

News out of Italy suggests a £17m raid on AC Milan is also being lined up for the January window.

Solanke or Gray – who’ll have the better season?

The obvious answer to that question is Solanke given the frontman will be the regular starting striker when fit.

Furthermore, Ange Postecoglou has shown reluctance to throw Gray into the heat of Premier League action, with the teenager limited to two substitute appearances so far.

However, Solanke has been signed as the de facto replacement for Harry Kane and will be judged accordingly.

As Walcott mentioned, Solanke is now playing alongside more creative and higher quality stars and anything less than the 19 Premier League goals he notched for the Cherries last season will be viewed as a disappointment.

Gray, meanwhile, may actually see his importance and influence reach boiling point in the Europa League.

When Tottenham recently announced their squad for the Europa League group phase – which now consists of eight matches instead of six – only one right-back was named (Pedro Porro).

Djed Spence was omitted from the squad and Emerson Royal was sold to AC Milan over the summer.

To avoid burning Porro out and to keep him fresh for the Premier League, Gray – who regularly played at right-back for Leeds – may find himself in the starting eleven in the backline.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the main suitors for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez after a report revealed they made an approach in the summer.

It was certainly a summer to remember for Lopez, who was part of the Spanish squads that won Euro 2024 and the men’s Olympic football tournament. And it has now been uncovered that he caught the attention of multiple clubs along the way.

As revealed by Relevo, Tottenham were at the front of the queue for Lopez this summer after making an approach to Barcelona.

However, Lopez’s current club closed the door by pointing to the player’s €400m (£337.8m/$443.3m) release clause, which was obviously never expected to be activated.

And Barcelona are now working on upgrading Lopez’s contract, not only beyond its current expiry date of 2027 but also to adjust his salary more appropriately for a player who made 42 appearances for the first team last season.

Therefore, Tottenham may have missed their chance to sign Lopez, who – as the report explains – is now fully classed as a first-team player by Barcelona and not someone who will drop into the B team if he isn’t selected by head coach Hansi Flick.

The midfielder may find it interesting, then, that it is simultaneously being reported that Barcelona want to reinforce his position.

According to Marca, Barcelona have taken an interest in PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten, who they could sign for €25m (£21.1m/$27.7m).

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Barcelona transfers: Schouten in sights

Barcelona director Deco is still tasked with finding a new holding midfielder who can fill the void left by Sergio Busquets over a year ago.

In his prime at the age of 27, Schouten has been identified as a possible target. He may be easier for Barcelona to sign than either Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich or Aston Villa new boy Amadou Onana.

Alternatively, Flick could put his faith in another La Masia graduate, Marc Casado, depending on how he develops.

Since Lopez isn’t a sitting midfielder, it shouldn’t seem to affect him too much, but at a club like Barcelona, key areas are always going to have high competition.

Who could Tottenham turn to in midfield?

It remains to be seen if Tottenham will return for Lopez in the future, but with a potential new deal on the table at Barcelona, that appears unlikely.

Re-energising their midfield remains something on their agenda for their long-term plans and it has led to Spurs being linked with other midfield options.

For example, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace is still on Tottenham’s radar, although the latest reports have indicated their fear of being outbid by rivals for the England international.

Tottenham have also been one of the many clubs linked with recent England debutant Angel Gomes over the past couple of weeks, with Lille only having him under contract until the end of this season.

Lopez could save Barcelona millions

With Barcelona due to tie Lopez down, they have the opportunity to build up their core of academy graduates flourishing in the first team.

La Masia has produced a plethora of top talents over the years and, while under Financial Fair Play scrutiny, perhaps Barcelona should be maximising them even more.

Lopez enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, during which Casado, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Guiu and Hector Fort also made their LaLiga debuts, not to mention Lamine Yamal becoming a superstar.

After quoting Tottenham such an extortionate fee for Lopez, Barcelona could benefit further if the Andalusian continues to develop within their senior setup.

Real Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat will be in attendance for Sunday’s North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal with William Saliba and Cristian Romero on his radar and amid claims a high-profile swap deal could be on the cards.

The reigning European and LaLiga champions flexed their transfer muscles over the summer by bringing in Kylian Mbappe on a high-profile free transfer and with top young Brazilian talent Endrick arriving from Palmeiras for a fee of €47.5m (£40.1m / $52.6m). Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid are highly fancied to repeat their 2024 trophy double with Carlo Ancelotti’s side boasting incredible options across their midfield and attack.

Despite that, the LaLiga giants could be gearing up for an even bigger transfer assault in 2025, with ambitious president Florentino Perez casting his eye over some serious defensive additions.

To that end, their interest in repeating their Mbappe free-transfer trick with Trent Alexander-Arnold is well documented as time ticks down on his Liverpool deal, while another big 2025 move is beginning to gather pace with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies in their sights.

However, Perez also wants to strengthen in central defence and they have been strongly linked with moves for both Tottenham defender Romero and classy Arsenal counterpart, Saliba, in recent weeks.

Now according to Defensa Central, interest in prising one of that pair to the Bernabeu in 2025 is set to ramp up with Los Blancos sending their chief scout Calafat to check on the pair in Sunday’s north London derby.

And it’s claimed the Spanish champions see ‘enormous potential’ in both players to slot into their defence and with Calafat’s assessment likely to be key to which of the pair they prioritise.

Deals for Saliba and Romero not easy as Arsenal swap deal is mooted

Their prospects of signing either player though will be tough with both Romero and Saliba both still have three years remaining on their existing contracts.

Furthermore, Defensa understands it would take a fee in the region of €100m (£84.4m / $110.8m) to persuade Spurs to cash in on World Cup winner Romero, while Arsenal value Saliba at even higher and in excess of €125m (£105.6m / $138.5m).

Of the two, it’s suggested that Saliba is likely to be their preferred option with Fichajes on Friday claiming Perez is willing to sacrifice France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in a high-profile swap deal for the Arsenal man.

And the report claims that, with the Gunners well stacked for central defensive options, Arteta would be prepared to let the stylish French centre-half leave, believing that a midfield axis of Tchouameni and Declan Rice will be key to ultimately wrestling the Premier League crown from Manchester City’s grasp.

However, Saliba is hugely appreciated by Arsenal boss Arteta and it’s reported by Football.London that securing both Bukayo Saka and Saliba – the former whose deal also runs to 2027 – will be something soon addressed by the club.

Arsenal target three big signings in 2025

With Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all capable of playing at centre-half, Arsenal certainly have a lot of quality options there, so reports earlier on Saturday linking them with a January move for Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen perhaps come as a surprise.

Per the report, via El Nacional, Barcelona are open to offers for the former Chelsea man as they look to move him on for a sizeable profit and with Hansi Flick well blessed for options to cover in the centre of his defence.

In other Arsenal news, Arteta and Co are reported by The Times to be planning a massive 2025 summer assault with three of the game’s elite stars – Nico Williams, Jamal Musiala and Benjamin Sesko – all under discussion as transfer planning for next year begins.

The incredible side Real Madrid could play next year if three big signings arrive

With Real winning an incredible six Champions League trophies in the last 11 seasons, it feels like Perez is starting to put the wheels in motion for what could be a sustained period of domination.

Blessed with quality options all over the park, the side they could play in 2025/26 season looks frighteningly good and one capable of sweeping all before them for years to come.

Much is made about the Galacticos era that saw the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos swashbuckling their way around Europe; now it seems like a similar era could be taking shape with the very best in the world earmarked to join their ranks.

A defensive unit of steel and strength, solidifed by three summer signings, Tchouameni and Federico Valverde marshalling the midfield and a front four of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappe, together with Endrick in reserve, really would be an elite XI.

Tottenham ‘fear’ their chances of signing Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze have been dashed by one of two bigger Premier League sides, while Manchester United may also have missed out amid confirmed interest.

Tottenham courted Crystal Palace and England ace Eze over the summer, with the 26-year-old available via a release clause. But the clause – believed to be worth £68m – expired on August 16 without being activated.

According to online outlet Football Transfers, Spurs had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Eze earlier in the window, presumably regarding his willingness to join the club.

However, the report then stated Tottenham’s move was put on ice once Eze’s representatives ‘informed’ Spurs a rival Premier League side had also made contact regarding a future move.

That prompted Tottenham to shift focus and the money set aside for Eze was channelled over to Bournemouth for the signing of Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham reportedly retain interest in Eze, though the optimal time to strike may have passed. Indeed, the report’s headline stated Spurs ‘fear’ a move for Eze has been ‘hijacked.’

Football Transfers added Eze’s ‘head has been turned’ by the high-powered club that registered their interest.

The identity of that club was not revealed, though the report narrowed it down to two teams – Arsenal and Manchester City.

The inference there is Eze is content to play for Palace for one more season before moving to Arsenal or Man City next summer.

Eze release clause clarified; Man Utd interest confirmed

Eze’s release clause may have expired on August 16, though the Daily Mail recently reported it will re-activate in 2025.

The value of the clause will reportedly remain unchanged, meaning clubs can take Palace out of the equation by bidding £68m.

Man Utd are another club to hold interest in the versatile attacker who bagged 15 goal contributions in 27 Premier League appearances last term.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in September of United’s admiration of Eze on the back of offloading Jadon Sancho to Chelsea.

Romano wrote: “Still, we can say that, with Jadon Sancho leaving for Chelsea, the idea of the club in 2025 is to add one more winger, and there have been some fans asking me about the links with Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace.

“For sure, Eze is a player United have been scouting and monitoring as they appreciate his ability, the same was true of Michael Olise while he was at Crystal Palace but the deal was too expensive and he joined Bayern Munich instead.

“In the next months, United will be tracking several wingers, and in summer 2025 there is a concrete chance that they will invest money in a new signing for that position.

“For now, I’m not in a position to say that it’s guaranteed that they’ll move for Eze, or who will be their top target, but they will consider bringing in a new winger, and so they will be following several players in the next months.”

But if Football Transfers are correct, Eze already has his sights set on joining either Arsenal or Man City.

Tottenham eyeing two different moves

With Eze seemingly now out of reach for Spurs, Milan Live recently brought news of Tottenham eyeing up a £17m move for Noah Okafor in January.

Tottenham are also seeking to make it a family affair by signing the brother of new recruit Archie Gray.

Archie joined Spurs from Leeds United in a deal worth roughly £40m over the summer, though the common consensus is his younger brother Harry may be even more talented.

Harry Gray is only 15 years of age, though counts heavy hitters Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool among his admirers.

But with older brother Archie already on the books, Tottenham hold the advantage and TBRFootball claimed Spurs have already informed Leeds of their desire to sign Harry too.

Where Eze would rank in all-time English transfers

Assuming Eze were to move for the £68m his release clause is set at, the Palace ace would become the seventh most expensive English player in football history.

Declan Rice leads the way following his £100m plus £5m in add-ons transfer from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023.

Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid could eclipse Rice’s fee if add-ons are met, while Jack Grealish (Man City) and Harry Kane’s (Bayern Munich) deals were also worth nine-figure sums.

Harry Maguire’s £80m move from Leicester to Man Utd is fifth and Maguire remains the most expensive defender of all time.

Jadon Sancho takes sixth spot at £73m. You’d be hard pressed to find a Man Utd fan who believes that deal proved value for money.

Slotting in at seventh would be Eze, while new Tottenham frontman Solanke (£65m) takes eighth. The players who round out the top ten can be found below.

Tottenham are reportedly willing to pay in the region of £17million for AC Milan forward Noah Okafor, as Ange Postecoglou is looking for attackers for the January transfer window.

Spurs currently have seven attackers in their first-team squad. The biggest name is Heung-min Son, and he has been joined by a couple of new signings in Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert of late, along with the other players already at Spurs’ disposal.

But after three games this term, and only one win, the north London outfit reportedly want more options.

Indeed, Milan Live suggests Tottenham have ‘started looking for offensive players’ to give to Postecoglou in January.

And one of those is Milan forward Okafor, according to the report.

It’s stated that Spurs are ‘on his trail’ and willing to pay approximately £17million for his services.

It’s believed he is seen as a fringe player at Milan, and they would use the money paid for him – which would be a profit of about £5million – to buy players who are more appreciated by the club.

It is also suggested that contacts could become ‘heated’ between Spurs and Milan in the coming weeks.

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Okafor back on Tottenham radar

Okafor first emerged on Tottenham’s radar ahead of the 2023 summer window.

It was suggested at that point that he was highly likely to move on from Red Bull Salzburg.

And that was the truth, but not to Spurs, with Milan his eventual destination.

But while Okafor has notched seven goals for the Serie A giants – in games played throughout last season and the first three of this term – Alvaro Morata has now joined, and is seen as the better option up top.

As such, Spurs’ desire to get Okafor through the door again now makes sense.

Tottenham plotting more changes

The changes in the works at Tottenham are not only for the attacking positions. That said, Harry Gray, the 15-year-old brother of recent Spurs signing Archie, is on their radar, after eight goals up top for Leeds under-18s last term.

Centre-back Jonathan Tah is also on the radar, with Bayer Leverkusen struggling to get him to commit to another year, and his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, midfield star Angel Gomes is in their thoughts – his deal is also up at the end of the campaign.

Those two free transfers would add a lot to the side, and would obviously be good business, too.

How does Okafor compare to Richarlison

If Okafor is to be signed, given he plays anywhere across the front line, he could be competing with Richarlison. The Brazilian managed to avoid an exit this summer, with a lot of reports suggesting he would be pushed out.

And he also plays in a variety of attacking positions, so if Okafor is deemed a better option for one, he could be that for all of them.

So far this season, Richarlison is taking more shots per 90 minutes, with 3.6 to Okafor’s 2.76. Okafor’s expected goals tally is better, though, at 0.6 per game compared to Richarlison’s 0.2.

Okafor has scored one goal this season, and the Spurs man is yet to get off the mark. Richarlison has played fewer minutes, but if he wants to stay at the club, he will have to add value when he is in the side.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing 15-year-old Leeds academy star Harry Gray, brother of Archie, with Spurs taking steps to the transfer.

Tottenham signed Archie Gray in the summer off the back of a fantastic breakout season for Leeds. He played 44 Championship games and three in the playoffs, as the Whites missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the final.

He has played twice for Spurs since moving to north London.

But coming from a family full of talented footballers, Gray is not the only member of the current generation who has a chance of making it big.

Younger brother Harry has the eyes of some big Premier League clubs on him as a result of his displays for Leeds under-18s.

According to TBRFootball, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool are all very keen on the signing.

And Spurs, with his older brother already on the books, seem to be in the lead for the 15-year-old, with the report stating they have ‘already informed Leeds’ they’d like to sign him.

It’s believed they’re eager to be kept in the loop regarding the thriving young talent.

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Gray would join older brother

Tottenham’s interest in Gray makes a lot of sense, after he bagged eight goals in 11 under-18 Premier League games for Leeds last season.

He would also be linking up with his brother, which could be good for his development.

As such, Tottenham could be in with a good chance of signing the 15-year-old.

And if his trajectory is anything like his sibling’s, Spurs will be in good shape for years to come, particularly with teenage talents like Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore in the squad.

Tottenham plotting more signings

More signings are in the works at Spurs at the moment. The theme of youth stardom continues in one of their other linked players, Angel Gomes.

He is still only 24, and broke through in the Premier League at a very young age. The England midfielder is on the radar of a number of Premier League sides, with Spurs finding competition from Newcastle and Liverpool.

Elsewhere, the north Londoners are looking into the signing of Jonathan Tah.

It is believed that while Bayer Leverkusen are going to make one more attempt to keep him on board, the defender will not pen a new deal, and then he’ll be available to move on in the summer, potentially to Spurs.

Grays could become latest Prem brothers

If the younger Gray brother was to sign with Tottenham, he and Archie could become the latest pair of brothers to play in the Premier League.

There have been multiple sets of brothers to play in the English top flight.

Of late, the likes of Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsey and Michael Keane and Will Keane have done so.

It would take some doing to beat the record of most appearances for a pair of brothers – not necessarily for the same side.

Indeed, Gary Neville and Phil Neville played a combined total of 902 games in the English top flight.

The next most is Rio Ferdinand and Anton Ferdinand’s combined tally of 722 games. Both those pairs started in the Premier League at a young age, so if the junior Gray can soon make the move up, there’s chance that he and his brother could begin the quest to dethrone the Nevilles.