TEAMtalk

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven remains a key storyline ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window, with the centre-back drawing increasing attention from Europe’s elite.

As previously reported, TEAMtalk understands that Real Madrid holds a genuine interest in the 24-year-old, who is one of Spurs’ most important players.

Van de Ven’s blend of pace, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability has marked him as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.

Since joining Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023, he has established himself as a cornerstone of the north London club’s backline. Real Madrid, ever proactive in their recruitment, see the Netherlands international as a long-term successor to their ageing defensive core.

Club scouts have been impressed by his composure under pressure and ability to neutralise high-calibre forwards. His incredible goal against FC Copenhagen yesterday evening yet again showcased his ability.

Tottenham, however, remain resolute. With Van de Ven contracted until 2029, the club faces no immediate financial or contractual pressure to sell.

Spurs’ hierarchy view him as a world-class centre-back and a symbol of their ambitious project under Frank. Sources close to the club insist there is “zero intention” to part ways, with the defender’s development central to their plans, but one factor could prove pivotal…

Tottenham’s season could be crucial to Van de Ven’s future

TEAMtalk understands that Van de Ven has ambitions to play at the highest level consistently, and therefore, it is paramount that Tottenham seal Champions League qualification.

Failure to secure this could open the door for suitors. Paris Saint-Germain, long-term admirers since his Wolfsburg days, are also monitoring the situation closely. The Ligue 1 giants see him as a potential partner for Marquinhos in a revamped defence.

For Real Madrid, 2026 represents a strategic window. With veterans like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba nearing the latter stages of their careers, Van de Ven fits the profile of a modern, versatile defender capable of thriving in Xabi Alonso’s system.

Tottenham’s stance is clear: only an astronomical offer, likely exceeding £90m and a new world-record deal for a defender, would force negotiations.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Van de Ven’s performances this season will dictate the intensity of the tug-of-war. For now, Spurs hold the cards – but Europe’s giants are circling.

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Latest Tottenham news: Ivan Toney on radar / Juventus star eyed

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk has revealed that Tottenham are in a strong position to sign Ivan Toney, who could leave Saudi club Al-Ahli in January.

A number of clubs are interested in a mid-season loan, but the former Brentford forward’s relationship with Thomas Frank could give Spurs the upper hand.

In other news, Tottenham are one of four Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who could be available for €20m (£17.5m / $23m) in January.

Micky van de Ven’s incredible goal for Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night has had supporters around the world purring, with some demanding they award him the ‘Puskas award’ now and with beaming manager Thomas Frank comparing him to arguably the greatest player of all time.

The Dutchman has comfortably been Tottenham’s best player this season, not only marshalling a defence that has conceded just eight times so far – a tally bettered only by Arsenal, though matched by two other sides. But it’s not only his defensive prowess that Van de Ven has thrived, scoring an incredible six goals in 15 appearances to thrust him right to the very top of the club’s goalscoring charts.

However, his strike on Tuesday night, as FC Copenhagen were well beaten 4-0 in the Champions League, was comfortably his best yet, with his burst from one penalty area to another, which saw him dribble through several challenges, completely breaking the internet.

In reaction to the strike, fans have marvelled at his goal and drawn comparisons to two Tottenham legends in the process.

Commenting on Facebook, Owen Jakes wrote: “If Son’s goal was a Puskas Award winner. Then this is as well ”

Daniel White also added: “Just me or does this remind you of the Bale solo goal for Spurs in Europe? What a goal that is fair play.”

Ben Barnes also compared Van de Ven to the Spurs legend, adding: “Dude is like Bale [swear word]. Stick him upfront!!”

Mark Banks also wrote: “Finished like a striker, dribbles like a winger, ran like a sprinter.”

Michael Baker couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at Arsenal either, commenting: “Wouldn’t see Saliba or Gabriel do that.”

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Thomas Frank compares Van de Ven to Lionel Messi

Spurs boss Frank, meanwhile, claimed Van de Ven looked like prime Lionel Messi as he was racing forward for his stunning solo strike.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Frank said: “It seemed like we had Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven.

“Running from his own goal all the way to the other end and scoring a fantastic goal.

“I think he’s our top scorer in all competitions so he can keep going. He can keep walking past me if he’s angry after the game if he delivers like this!”

That last comment was in reference to the Dutchman ignoring his manager’s instructions to thank the fans following Saturday’s home loss to Chelsea, along with fellow defender Djed Spence.

While Tottenham were able to get their home form back on track against a toothless Copenhagen side, it will be much tougher against a resurgent Manchester United this weekend.

Frank will be hoping to have his best attacker this season, Mohammed Kudus, back for that game after the Ghana winger missed the latest Champions League outing with a knock.

Latest Tottenham news: Striker chase update; Morgan Rogers blow

Tottenham are leading the race to sign a proven striker Thomas Frank knows well in January, and TEAMtalk can reveal the Spurs boss has already held direct talks with the frontman.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa have delivered a clear ‘hands off’ message to clubs interested in Morgan Rogers, and TEAMtalk understands that Unai Emery’s side are set to make a major statement, in a blow to his SEVEN confirmed suitors.

And finally, Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Tottenham Hotspur have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday looking to build on a rare home win in the Champions League, with Thomas Frank being tipped to switch formation and also make four changes to his side.

Spurs were desperate to record a home victory and put on a strong performance after their listless display against London rivals Chelsea last time out, and, for the most part, they did just that to dispatch Danish side Copenhagen 4-0.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, who also saw red early in the second-half, Wilson Odobert, a remarkable Micky van de Ven solo effort and Joao Palhinha gave the home fans something to cheer about for once.

However, the focus now switches to United, and there are rumours circulating that Frank is ready to change up his formation and move to a back three for the first time since the Super Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to PSG back in August.

The Dane was notorious for changing up his formations while at Brentford but has been fairly rigid with his 4-3-3 at Tottenham so far.

That could all change against Ruben Amorim’s side, who also operate with three at the back, and it could unleash a marauding Van de Ven even more after his heroics on Tuesday evening.

United will still have memories of what the Dutch centre-back did to them last season at Old Trafford when his unstoppable burst from the back ended up with an assist for an early Johnson goal.

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Danso slots into back three

The Austrian defender was unlucky to be dropped from the starting XI against Copenhagen after performing well in Romero’s absence, but there was never any doubt that the Argentine World Cup winner would return when available.

Having Danso in the team, however, means Tottenham also have the added bonus of his long-throw weapon, while defensively it gives Frank another big body to cope with United’s set-piece threat.

Danso lines up on the right, with Romero central and Van de Ven able to burst out from the back in the left-sided berth.

The wing-backs are likely to be Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, with Destiny Udogie dropping back to the bench after playing 73 minutes on his return from injury in midweek.

Palhinha returns as Bentancur drops out

Rodrigo Bentancur is due a break after starting the last 12 games, amid fears over fatigue, although there is an argument for the Uruguay star to go again after his impressive performance against Copenhagen in midweek.

Joao Palhinha is a straight swap in that regard and will start alongside Pape Sarr in the heart of the Spurs engine room.

It’s only likely that Lucas Bergvall will be involved as he continues with the concussion protocols, while Archie Gray remains out wth a groin issue.

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Kolo Muani gets the nod in attack

Despite missing a couple of sitters on Tuesday night, Kolo Muani was a lively presence through the middle and it feels like only a matter of time before the France international starts to register on the stats sheet.

With Frank playing wing-backs, it means Mohammed Kudus, should he recover from his knock, and Xavi Simons will have more roaming roles in and around Kolo Muani.

Spurs finally showed some attacking flair at home in the win over Copenhagen and will look to carry that on against a United side that are finally showing some consistency under Amorim.

Jamie Carragher appears to have done a bit of a U-turn when it comes to Tottenham Hotspur’s signing of Joao Palhinha over the summer, after analysing the midfielder following the deflating weekend defeat to Chelsea.

The 30-year-old Portugal international has largely delivered what was expected of him after making his loan switch from Bayern Munich, even chipping in with three goals for Thomas Frank’s men.

Palhinha has been posting excellent numbers when it comes to ball recoveries, tackles and interceptions so far this term, and has clearly made Tottenham a tougher nut to crack defensively.

However, his partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur has not been a productive one in home outings, with Caragher pointing out how the duo shy away from passing the ball fowards and often opt to go sideways or back when in possession.

Indeed, Carragher brutally named the reason why top Premier League clubs didn’t move for Palhinha when he left Fulham and also why he struggled to feature at Bayern Munich.

That’s in stark contrast to his comments on the Portuguese in The Telegraph just a week ago, when he wrote: “The best signing under Frank so far is Joao Palhinha, a highly effective ball-winner more so than a playmaker.

“In the early stages of his Spurs career, Palhinha is exactly what Frank and his new club need, and it could bring instant success.

“Going forward, there will have to be an evolution, as the pairing of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur is perceived by supporters to be over-cautious in home games.”

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Carragher doubles down on Palhinha weaknesses

When Palhinha and Bentancur have played together at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs have struggled for creativity from the middle of the park.

The midfielders across the Premier League were plotted on a graph for tackles and line-breaking passes on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

Carragher pointed out that while Palhinha is comfortably outperforming almost every other midfielder for tackles, neither he nor Bentancur are making many passes through the lines to forward players.

The Liverpool legend said: “One of his [Thomas Frank’s] first signings is Palhinha. He is not capable, I don’t think, of doing this [breaking the lines with his passes]. There was a reason why teams from the Premier League didn’t buy him from Fulham. There was a reason Bayern Munich bought him and didn’t play him. So, that would be a worry.

“For Thomas Frank going forward, when you think of pragmatic managers in the past who have made the jump up from a smaller club to a bigger club, that has always been the problem, in terms of can they coach the rotations, the build-up play, to break the lines?”

Carragher is perhaps being unfair on Palhinha, who is doing what is asked of him by Frank and perhaps more focus should be on Bentancur being more progressive with his passing.

Frank has also not been helped by the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and now Lucas Bergvall all being sidelined, in terms of the creative options available to him.

And, while Spurs have the best away record in the Premier League this season, the Tottenham boss needs to quickly find the right formula to fix those home woes.

Latest Tottenham news

First up, Tottenham are leading the race to sign a proven striker Thomas Frank knows well in January, and TEAMtalk can reveal the Spurs boss has already held direct talks with the frontman.

Elsewhere, Juventus are starting to hope there might yet be a chance of Dusan Vlahovic staying at the club, as four Premier League clubs wait on standby for a decision, with Tottenham among them, TEAMtalk understands.

Finally, Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Spurs have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands.

Tottenham are leading the race to sign a proven striker Thomas Frank knows well in January, and TEAMtalk can reveal the Spurs boss has already held direct talks with the frontman.

Ivan Toney could be poised for a sensational Premier League comeback in January, with sources confirming the England striker’s burning desire to secure regular minutes and cement his place in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old, who swapped Brentford for Saudi side Al-Ahli in a £40m deal last summer, has impressed with his goalscoring feats in the middle east, but remains unsettled in the region.

A permanent exit mid-season is off the table – clubs baulk at a £30m fee in January – while Toney risks a hefty tax bill if his lucrative Saudi contract is terminated early.

A straight loan, or loan-to-buy arrangement, is the only viable path, allowing Al-Ahli to protect their investment while Toney chases top-flight football.

Tottenham Hotspur lead the race for Toney. Manager Thomas Frank, who coached Toney to stardom at Brentford, has already held direct talks with the player.

Relations between the pair remain strong and few would come with a greater guarantee of succeeding in Frank’s Spurs team than Toney. The frontman knows the Dane’s system and tactical demands intimately.

Sources say Spurs view him as the ideal short-term solution to their striking woes, potentially replacing the inconsistent Richarlison. Inserting an obligation to buy in the summer could sweeten the deal for Al-Ahli and ensure their green light.

West Ham, Everton circling, but Tottenham favourites

West Ham have entered the frame too, having sounded out Toney about a switch.

With Niclas Fullkrug struggling for form and minutes and determined to leave in January, Nuno Espirito Santo sees the Englishman as a proven goal threat to ignite their season.

The Hammers’ proactive approach signals serious intent as they try to turn their dismal campaign around.

Everton, long linked with Toney, are more cautious. David Moyes admires the forward but is wary of squad disharmony.

With Beto and Thierno Barry already vying for places, sources reveal Moyes is reluctant to stockpile strikers and risk unrest on the bench.

The Toffees may yet move if injuries strike or if a sale is secured, but harmony trumps firepower for now.

No deal is done, but momentum is building. Toney’s camp are pushing hard, and Al-Ahli are open to a loan that safeguards their £40m outlay.

For a player who scored 20 goals in a Premier League season as recently as the 2022/23 campaign, the upcoming winter window represents a career crossroads, and a chance to remind Tuchel why he belongs on the biggest stage.

Latest Tottenham news – Xavi Simons…

In other news, plenty of Spurs fans have seemingly given up hope that Xavi Simons can be an effective player for Thomas Frank’s side after his latest dismal display against Chelsea, but TEAMtalk has looked at two factors that could alter everything for the talented playmaker.

Plenty of Tottenham Hotspur fans have seemingly given up hope that Xavi Simons can be an effective player for Thomas Frank’s side after his latest dismal display against Chelsea, but TEAMtalk has looked at two factors that could alter everything for the talented playmaker.

Simons was initially dropped for the weekend defeat against Spurs’ bitter north London rivals, only for Thomas Frank to turn to him after just seven minutes when Lucas Bergvall suffered a head injury and was forced off.

However, the Dutchman, much like many of his Tottenham teammates, failed to have any positive impact on the contest. Indeed, Simons’ most telling contribution was a poor pass to Micky van de Ven that ended up leading to Chelsea’s winner.

The sub was then subbed as Frank took Simons off with 17 minutes to go to add further insult to his day.

And, while some Spurs fans are still playing the patience game, many have already seen enough and do not think Simons can be a success in English football.

Commenting on Reddit, PinZealousideal1914 added: “I am afraid he is, a Bryan Gil. Too light weight for the Prem, I sure he has bags of skill but if he can’t put it down in a game players like him just get lost. I literally haven’t seen anything about him to get excited about, both in games I have attended and the TV games.”

WeeJonnieR also wrote: “My biggest concern about Simons is that I do not see any physical trait that he has that is not below average. I knew he would struggle with the physicality, but he just seems extremely slow.”

Mooncake45 added: “Sell him in January. Send a message to the squad, invest the money better.”

ski2310 also stated: “I keep saying, hes really good just watch to people….. and 13 games and im starting to go crazy.”

MelodicAd7752, meanwhile, stated: “I think the importance of physicality is severely underestimated in the prem, physical players are trending in the league and a small light player like Xavi will struggle against teams that have large players who can bully him.”

There was a bit of positivity, though, with Harvey_loves_Hoddle adding: “I won’t pass judgement on the kid until the end of the season. Modric was voted worst ever signing by Madrid fans after his first season there. Sonny wanted to leave during his first season with us. Yes, he has disappointed so far but I won’t lose faith in him so easily.”

Fantastic-Macaroon-3 aldo added: “He’s not confident at all, but he absolutely cannot play lw with Spence lb because neither wants to go outside. If he’s forced to play lw udogie has to play because he can actually hold width.”

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Two factors that can spark Simons at Tottenham

That last comment is a real salient point when it comes to Simons playing on the left-wing and not having any width outside of him.

The Dutchman is getting crowded out when he plays centrally but often plays on the left side of the attack when Djed Spence is the starting left-back.

The right-footed Spence will not go on the overlap and create space for Simons to move inside onto his stronger foot, so the return to fitness of Destiny Udogie should help the former Leipzig man massively.

Another problem Simons has faced is not having a central striker he can connect with in and around the box.

Richarlison and the clearly rusty Randal Kolo Muani have offered next to nothing in the forward line of late, but Dominic Solanke’s return could be just what Simons needs.

The England forward’s hold-up play is better than both his rivals for the N0.9 spot and he has linked up well with the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in the past.

Solanke is expected to return to action towards the end of November after suffering an ankle injury in August that ended up requiring surgery.

While the 28-year-old is not the most prolific of goalscorers, his all-round play is better than Richarlison’s, while the jury remains out on Kolo Muani for now.

But getting Udogie raiding down the left and creating space for Simons to cut inside, along with Solanke’s ability to link with the Dutchman in and around the box could be just the ticket to get Tottenham’s £51.8m signing finally firing.

Latest Tottenham news: Vlahovic chase update; Kane secret weapon

First up, Juventus are starting to hope there might yet be a chance of Dusan Vlahovic staying at the club, as four Premier League clubs wait on standby for a decision, with Tottenham among them, TEAMtalk understands.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Tottenham have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands.

And finally, Spurs remain in the hunt to sign an explosive left-sided winger from a Premier League rival, although their hopes of securing a much-needed January transfer appear to be disappearing fast.

Juventus are starting to hope there might yet be a chance of Dusan Vlahovic staying at the club, as four Premier League clubs wait on standby for a decision, with Tottenham among them, TEAMtalk understands.

Vlahovic, 25, was in good form for Luciano Spalletti’s first game in charge as Juventus manager, as he played 85 minutes of the 2-1 win over Cremonese at the weekend.

There remains uncertainty about his future after the two parties failed to agree on a new deal, with the Serbian striker needing to take a pay cut if he is to stay.

Vlahovic’s current deal expires at the end of the season, which means, as things stand, he’ll leave on a free transfer next summer.

The signs had not been good despite Vlahovic showing very good commitment and professionalism across the campaign.

TEAMtalk sources are indicating that Juventus would still be keen on him to stay if they could find an agreement and there is some fresh hope since the new coach arrived.

Still, the finances remain an issue to overcome – and English clubs have been made aware of the terms that would be needed to sign him in 2026.

Vlahovic available for bargain fee; Four Prem clubs keen

TEAMtalk can confirm that Vlahovic has a €20million (£17.5m / $23m) valuation for the January window if no new contract is agreed in Turin.

The Italian club do not want to face a moment where they lose him for free at the end of the season, meaning a mid-season sale is likely as things stand.

We understand that Premier League sides, including Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham – are expected to be updated on his situation later this month, sources say.

Thomas Frank is looking to add a new forward at Spurs, while Chelsea could also move for Vlahovic should the opportunity for a cut-price deal arise.

Everton, meanwhile, are crying out for a new centre-forward amid the poor form of Beto, and summer signing Thierno Barry, who is still developing.

West Ham’s lack of potency up front is glaringly obvious, too, so the Premier League quartet could battle for Vlahovic’s signature in January, if no new deal is agreed with Juventus.

Vlahovic signed for Juve in 2022 and has notched 63 goals and 15 assists in 158 games for the Italian giants so far.

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Latest Tottenham news: Another striker targeted / Thomas Frank reunion?

Meanwhile, shock reports suggest that Porto are preparing to sell confirmed Tottenham target Samu Aghehowa in the January transfer window.

The Spanish international has notched 36 goals in 57 appearances for Porto, and Spurs’ scouts have been watching him for some time, but he will command a much higher fee than Vlahovic.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly plotting a move for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, with Fabio Paratici working on making a sensational reunion with Thomas Frank happen.

Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Tottenham Hotspur have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands.

The England captain must notify Bayern by January 31 if he wants to activate the €65m (£57m / $75m) release clause that will free him next summer – and sources in Barcelona say he is seriously tempted by the LaLiga side’s vision of a post-Robert Lewandowski attack.

At 32 years old, Kane has already plundered 107 goals in 111 Bayern games, yet the lure of Camp Nou under Hansi Flick has turned heads.

Barcelona see him as the perfect bridge before they attempt to sign Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, and are poised to offer Kane Champions League nights and a salary north of €500,000 (£440,000 / $575,000) per week, as they anticipate Lewandowski’s departure next summer.

Exploratory talks began last month; Kane’s camp has signalled openness to a new league, even if it means parking his pursuit of Alan Shearer’s 260-goal record (he sits on 213) in the Premier League.

However, Tottenham hold matching rights from the 2023 sale, so if Bayern accepts a bid for Kane or his release clause is met, then the club have the option to match it. This could be the secret weapon that helps them in negotiations.

Thomas Frank’s positive start and system would suit Kane, and the emotional pull of unfinished business – plus 47 goals to immortality – remains potent. North London whispers suggest Bayern would demand the full clause plus add-ons from Spurs, testing even ENIC’s appetite…

Harry Kane has 89 days to decide his future

TEAMtalk state that many inside Tottenham are expecting their former captain, Kane, to return to the club.

They do believe he will be wearing their white shirt again and go on to become the best ever goalscorer in Premier League history.

We understand that Manchester United, who are long-term admirers, are watching Kane’s situation but trailing in the race.

Ruben Amorim wants a proven No.9, but Old Trafford’s inconsistent reality and a rebuild still in diapers make Kane’s trophy obsession a hard sell. Only a top-four surge would keep their hopes alive.

Bayern, meanwhile, are relaxed. Sporting director Max Eberl insists Kane is “happy in body and soul” in Munich, family settled, goals flowing.

Contract talks for 2027 and beyond are pencilled in—unless January brings the bombshell letter.

One clause, three suitors, 89 days to decide. When Kane finally speaks, Europe’s strikeforce map could redraw itself.

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Latest Tottenham news: Striker hunt boost / Thomas Frank reunion?

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Porto are preparing to sell confirmed Tottenham target Samu Aghehowa in the January transfer window.

The Spanish international has notched 36 goals in 57 appearances for Porto, and Spurs’ scouts have been watching him for some time.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly plotting a move for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, with Fabio Paratici working on making a sensational reunion with Thomas Frank happen.

A third source has confirmed Tottenham’s interest in signing a Spanish striker and the new update states a January transfer can be made if Spurs bid €80m.

Tottenham’s mark of 17 goals in 10 Premier League games is not to be sniffed at, though those actually watching their matches can see there are issues in attack.

While it’s fair comment to say Thomas Frank is currently without two of his most effective attackers due to injury (James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski), it’s also fair to say those that are playing right now aren’t performing.

The striker position is proving particularly troublesome for Frank. Loanee Randal Kolo Muani is yet to bag a single goal or assist in England.

Richarlison’s early-season form has subsided and the Brazilian has largely been used off the bench of late. Dominic Solanke continues to spend a frustrating amount of time on the treatment table.

As such, Tottenham are understood to be on the lookout for a potent new striker in 2026. They retain interest in bringing Harry Kane back from Bayern Munich, but whether the veteran frontman wants to return is another matter entirely.

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Instead, various outlets and sources including CaughtOffside and our own Dean Jones have confirmed Spurs are circling over FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.

The Spain international, 21, has bagged nine goals in 12 appearances this term to bring his overall tally for the club to 36 goals in 57 matches.

And according to the latest from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha (as cited by Goal), Porto are ready to sell Aghehowa in January.

Tottenham won’t have to pay release clause

Aghehowa’s existing deal with Porto contains a release clause worth €100m / £87.8m. But while prior reports have stated Porto would demand that clause be triggered, the latest update claims they’re willing to sell for €20m less.

It’s stated Andre Villas-Boas – who serves as Porto’s president – considers €80m not only a fair price, but an ‘irresistible deal.’

The model at Portugal’s big three clubs relies on generating huge profits from the sales of their best players and Aghehowa’s exit is inevitable, the only question is when.

A January exit is more than possible, with Villas-Boas believing the club will be able to sign a worthy replacement with the money from Aghehowa’s sale in the same window.

As such, all eyes are on whether Tottenham firm up their interest and table a bid. At €80m, Aghehowa would become Spurs’ record signing, surpassing Solanke.

Latest Tottenham news – Xavi Simons / New winger…

In other news, the early verdict is in on summer signing Xavi Simons and it’s a brutal one.

Elsewhere, reports state Tottenham are hopeful of pulling off a serious coup by signing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in 2026.

Failure to sign Semenyo could see Spurs push for back-up target, Kevin Schade (Brentford). The full details in Spurs’ winger plans can be found here.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle Barcelona for the signing of former striker Harry Kane, who is reportedly ‘considering’ a shock Bayern Munich exit in a dramatic twist.

The 32-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since his move to Bayern in the summer of 2023, and looks set to fire his side to another Bundesliga title.

Kane helped Bayern win the league last term with 26 Bundesliga goals and could easily surpass that tally this season, as he’s notched 12 in just nine games so far.

But according to Spanish outlet Sport, Kane is ‘considering his options’ and hasn’t ruled out leaving Bayern next summer. It is understood that he can activate a €65m (£57m / $76m) release clause in his contract should he voice a desire to leave.

Barcelona are said to be in the mix to sign Kane, as they look to bring in a replacement for 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. Kane is on Hansi Flick’s shortlist, alongside Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

However, should Kane push for an exit, Barca won’t be alone in the race. The report claims that Tottenham are ‘desperate’ to bring the striker home.

Kane’s wage demands are lofty and his €65m release clause could pose a problem financially for Barcelona, which would put Spurs in a good position should he make the decision to leave Bayern.

Harry Kane ‘open minded’ about Tottenham return

Publicly, Kane has said that he is happy with Bayern and has no plans to leave. It would come as a shock for him to move, especially in a summer when he’ll be playing for England in the World Cup.

However, the forward has not fully ruled out a Premier League return in the future, which could be good news for Thomas Frank.

“In terms of the Premier League, I don’t know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back,” Kane said in an interview last month.

“Now I have been there a couple of years I would probably say that has gone down a little bit, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back. “I am fully all in with Bayern.”

Transfer insider Dean Jones exclusively told TEAMtalk on September 23 that Tottenham would jump at the chance to re-sign Kane, but Barcelona will also be keen to bring him in.

“Harry Kane’s price tag [if his release clause is triggered] for next summer is completely in range for Tottenham – especially in a moment when they start to push the bar in terms of ambition and intent,” Jones stated.

“It was already expected they look for another top level forward, so the timing would be good.

“Kane will be open minded about going back to Spurs one day, that has always been the impression, but they would need to be in the Champions League as he will not be interested in moving for sentimental reasons.

“Yes, he still holds them close to his heart and of course he would like the chance to tie up the goals record in the league (Kane trails Alan Shearer by 47 goals) – but if other clubs like Barcelona are truly in the picture then that is something serious to consider.

“Because of the clause that exists in his contract, it is not going to be out of reach for Barcelona to sign him.

“It could make sense that Barca go for Kane next summer while they wait for Haaland to join them from Man City when he is ready.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Crazy double signing / Thomas Frank reunion?

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly ready to spend a huge sum on Porto striker Samu Aghehowa in the January transfer window.

The forward is being targeted alongside West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, it’s claimed, who will also command a huge fee this winter.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly plotting a move for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, with Fabio Paratici working on making a sensational reunion with Thomas Frank happen.