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It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Tottenham are the Premier League club whose squad will complete the biggest transformation via the January transfer window – and not without reason.

We’re now at the midpoint of the January window and elsewhere in the so-called ‘big six’, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all kept their powder dry, while Manchester City have only added one new player. Tottenham, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do.

We predicted in December that Spurs would be one of the busiest clubs in January, which is coming true. They have confirmed the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and aren’t finished there as they look to relieve the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank by bolstering the squad that he hasn’t been able to get out of the bottom half of the Premier League table since the end of November.

Some upgrades will have to wait until the summer, but if Tottenham are serious about regaining European qualification, they will need to splash more cash before the transfer window closes.

In a best-case scenario, what will they come out of it looking like?

GK: Guglielmo Vicario

Vicario’s position as Spurs’ main goalkeeper could come under threat in the summer, but the expectation is for no change to be made in January.

The Italian has been ever-present in the Premier League and Champions League for Spurs this season, despite some question marks over his form.

Tottenham are tracking other goalkeepers, like Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, but may find it easier to make that kind of change in the summer than right now.

RB: Pedro Porro

No outfield player has logged more minutes of gametime for Spurs this season than Porro, who has nailed down the starting right-back spot as his own.

Still under contract until 2028, the Spaniard should expect to remain the regular starter, even if Djed Spence gradually gains more freedom to come back onto the right-hand side on occasion.

CB: Cristian Romero

Romero became Tottenham’s captain in August after the departure on Son Heung-min and is pretty much an automatic starter when available.

Under contract until 2029, Romero has settled at Spurs since his 2021 arrival from Atalanta.

CB: Micky van de Ven

Spurs may consider adding to their defence if they recognise Radu Dragusin’s desire to leave, but any new arrival would have to work hard to break up the partnership between Romero and Van de Ven.

The Dutchman is renowned for his speed and strength carrying the ball, providing balance as a left-footer.

Spurs may have to resist interest from elsewhere in Van de Ven further down the line, but need to keep him until the summer at least.

In a statement of intent, they are prepared to double his money with a new contract.

LB: Djed Spence

Tottenham are ready to add a new left-back in the shape of Souza from Santos, but given he’s only 19 years old, don’t expect him to become the starter straight away.

With Destiny Udogie struggling to convince Frank, Spence has started the bulk of Spurs’ games at left-back this season, a pattern that should continue.

They will hope Souza can become a more natural fit on the left in the long run, but should be patient with the teenager.

CM: Joao Palhinha

Now midway through his loan spell from Bayern Munich, Palhinha hasn’t yet done enough to convince Tottenham to go ahead with a permanent deal – leaving other suitors like his former club Fulham at the window – but is doing enough to retain his place in the starting XI.

With Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for around three months, Palhinha remains the go-to man as Tottenham’s midfield anchor, owing to his reputation as one of the top tacklers in the Premier League.

Like with the goalkeeper position earlier, his position may be one Spurs look to upgrade in the summer, but some of the stats he has been posting – such as boasting the most tackles in the whole league this season – make him hard to take out of the team right now.

CM: Conor Gallagher

The new face in Tottenham’s midfield, Gallagher has cost the club around £34m in a transfer fee, so will be expected to force his way into the side quickly.

Recalling his previous time in the Premier League with Chelsea, he seems best equipped to playing in a double pivot, although the energy he brings shouldn’t limit his position too much.

Starts have been few and far between for him in the first half of the season with Atletico Madrid, so it remains to be seen how soon he’ll be able to post frequent 90-minute outings.

But even though they have the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in rotation, as well as Pape Matar Sarr returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Spurs will have to back Gallagher to get up to speed and become a regular alongside Palhinha in their midfield.

GO FURTHER -> Four ways Tottenham could line up with Conor Gallagher revealed as Xavi Simons role changes

AM: Xavi Simons

Tottenham’s marquee signing from the summer after being beaten to Eberechi Eze by Arsenal, Simons has found it tricky to adapt quickly to Premier League football, but still has plenty of potential.

What hasn’t helped is him having to play out on the left wing, a position Spurs consider it a priority to strengthen, rather than in a central attacking midfield role.

Improving their winger options would allow Frank to be able to use Simons regularly in the No. 10 role, with Dejan Kulusevski still working his way back from injury and James Maddison out for the long term too.

The question remains if Spurs have enough behind him in midfield to be able to progress the ball towards the territory where he can in turn do something with it, but playing consistently in the same role should help Simons’ integration from a tactical perspective.

RW: Maghnes Akliouche

The right-wing spot is usually reserved for Mohammed Kudus, but he’s expected to be injured until the spring, which puts Spurs in a bit of a quandary.

Although the main focus is on finding a new left winger, they could do with some cover on the right-hand side too, unless they decide to shift Kulusevski there once he’s available again.

If there’s room for a new signing, one player known to be admired is Akliouche, who currently plays for Monaco.

Left-footed, he primarily plays on the right wing, but occasionally in behind a striker. At the age of 23, he’s someone Tottenham see the long-term potential of, after sending their scouts to make further checks on him this month ahead of a potential move that could cost more than £50m.

LW: Christos Tzolis

Although it would take a sizeable outlay to secure Akliouche, he isn’t the left winger that Spurs need, given his tendency to play on the right.

Frank has shown some extra trust in Mathys Tel recently, despite some exit considerations, and Wilson Odobert is on the books too, but it would be a travesty if Spurs don’t address the left-wing role properly.

With that in mind, they have been paying attention to Club Brugge’s former Norwich City winger, Tzolis.

Turning 24 later this month, Tzolis is right footed and crucially plays on the left. Better still, he has been known to play in other attacking roles too, which ticks a few boxes for Spurs when they’ve been looking to improve all across the forward line.

But it’s on the left he would be most useful for Spurs, who may have to meet an asking price of £35m to bring him back to English football.

CF: Samu Aghehowa

Finally, the icing on the cake for Spurs would be a new centre-forward, with Dominic Solanke struggling for fitness, Randal Kolo Muani only on loan and Richarlison someone who could be upgraded on.

If they can clear space, Tottenham would love to cap off their attack with Aghehowa, who is flourishing in Portugal with Porto.

His release clause is worth £86.5m, so a record fee could be required if Porto stand firm. But, still only 21, Aghehowa is one of the most highly rated strikers in his age bracket.

Tottenham are known to have Aghehowa high on their shortlist and it would be a dream for them to get hold of him now.

How many of these dreams become reality is another matter, though. Tottenham have already set aside a decent chunk of money for Gallagher and Souza, and all three of these attacking targets are expensive in their own right.

If they can only sign one, perhaps Tzolis should be the priority due to his role as a left winger, coupled with his versatility – with existing cover relied upon on the right (Odobert, or a returning Kulusevski) and up front (Richarlison and Kolo Muani).

But alone, he might not be enough to move the needle. ENIC know they need to back Frank and, if the Spurs boss was to hypothetically end up with a lineup like this, he would have few excuses if unable to steer their form in the right direction.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen as director of football operations and Dan Lewindon as performance director, as they prepare to bid farewell to Fabio Paratici in a behind-the-scenes re-structuring.

Sporting director Paratici is poised to leave his role at the end of the January transfer window, just a few months after his return, following the news that he has accepted a similar position back in his homeland with Fiorentina.

The role for Moersen is a newly created one which Tottenham say is part of their “approach to build a modern, high-performance football structure which they believe will drive long-term success”.

Indeed, Paratici‘s fellow sporting director, Johan Lange, told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the club in the newly created role of Director of Football Operations. He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.

“His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”

Moersen joins from City Football Group, where he spent more than a decade in senior roles at City, New York City FC and DC United.

The appointment of the former City man comes in tandem with that of Dan Lewindon as performance director, who will join the club in February. He will lead football administration, player care, and training ground operations, and join the club’s executive leadership team.

Increased investment in Tottenham’s academy is also expected as the club take on a rebuild that will hopefully benefit Thomas Frank going forward, along with any managers that follow.

DON’T MISS: Four ways Tottenham could line up with Conor Gallagher revealed as Xavi Simons role changes

Paratici work not done yet

As for Paratici, his work continues until the end of the month, with Spurs still looking to add new recruits to Frank’s struggling squad.

Beset by injuries, once again, the north London outfit announced the signing of Conor Gallagher on Wednesday and are also closing in on 19-year-old Santos left-back Souza.

However, the club also remain on the hunt for another left-sided centre-back, a left winger and a striker, while the addition of another midfielder can also not be ruled out.

As for Gallagher, the former Chelsea skipper is expected to make his debut in Saturday’s home clash with London rivals West Ham, a game which is arguably a must-win for Frank if he is to remain in a job in north London.

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More Tottenham news: Record striker signing; midfield target exclusive

Tottenham are now being tipped to trump their signing of Conor Gallagher with an incredible swoop for one of the hottest strikers in European football.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough are determined not to be pressured into selling Hayden Hackney during this month’s transfer window, amid interest from Tottenham, while Michael Carrick is keen on a reunion at Manchester United.

Middlesbrough are determined not to be pressured into selling Hayden Hackney during this month’s transfer window, amid interest from Tottenham, while Michael Carrick is keen on a reunion at Manchester United.

Boro allowed star forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to leave in a big-money move last winter, and it was a decision that club sources admit impacted them.

There is a strong resolve internally to retain key assets this time around, with the club fighting for promotion.

Boro, under manager Kim Hellberg, are enjoying an excellent season and currently sit second in the Championship table. There is, of course, a long way to go, though.

Hackney, 23, is undoubtedly one of Boro’s best players and his assured performances in midfield are a big reason for the club’s success. He has notched three goals and six assists in 26 league appearances this term.

Sources confirm Hackney has attracted significant Premier League interest. Tottenham and United are high-profile suitors monitoring his situation, while Fulham and Everton have also been linked.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, reported Everton’s interest in Hackney on December 16. However, while they are admirers of the player, we understand their priorities for this month are to sign a new striker, right-back and left-back.

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Man Utd, Tottenham in the mix for Boro star

Tottenham, in particular, remain active in the transfer market this month and are expected to continue exploring options to strengthen their squad before the window closes.

Thomas Frank’s side have already added to their midfield by signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, but Hackney remains on their radar.

Interestingly, my colleague Bailey has reported how United’s boss for the rest of this season, Carrick, continues to be a huge admirer of Hackney – having worked closely with the midfielder.

It is no secret that the Red Devils want to add to their midfield, especially with Carrick expected to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation moving forward.

Boro have a £30million valuation on Hackney and know he has been heavily scouted across this season. Should any club pay the £30million price tag, it would be the biggest sale in Boro’s history, surpassing the £18.4million Atalanta United paid for Lath.

But they are reluctant to sell and do not believe any one will meet his valuation in this window.

Beyond this season there is, however, an acceptance they would have to sell in the summer if they do not win promotion.

Latest Tottenham news: Exciting striker eyed, big Adam Wharton update

Meanwhile, we have reported previously how Tottenham are big admirers of Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, and now journalist Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the situation.

Gold states that Aghehowa, who has scored 19 goals in 26 matches this season, remains ‘high on the list’ for Spurs’ recruitment duo Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici.

In other news, we understand that Spurs have identified Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a ‘dream’ target – evidence that Frank is open to adding another midfielder after Gallagher

Following on from the impressive capture of Conor Gallagher, Tottenham Hotspur are now being tipped to trump that deal with an incredible swoop for one of the hottest strikers in European football during the remaining weeks of the January window.

Gallagher signed from Atletico Madrid in a £34.6million deal on Wednesday and will give an immediate boost to a Spurs midfield that has been beset by injuries, with Rodrigo Bentancur undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury and sidelined for at least three months, while Lucas Bervall is also out with a lesser hamstring problem.

Tottenham remain on the hunt for a left winger, as well as a left-sided centre-back, while highly-rated Brazilian talent Souza is expected to eventually provide competition in the left-back spot when he completes his switch from Santos.

However, the north London outfit have also had their issues in the striking department, with Thomas Frank constantly switching between Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani to try and find a dynamic presence through the middle.

Richarlison has answered that call to a certain extent this season, scoring seven times in 21 games, but PSG loanee Kolo Muani is still to score a Premier League goal for the club and there is a strong argument to suggest that his style is not suited to English game.

One striker whose style almost certainly is, however, is Porto attacker Samu Aghehowa, who would provide an immediate spark for a struggling frontline.

According to respected Football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, Spurs are one of several European heavyweights closely monitoring the 21-year-old Spain striker, as he continues to score for fun in Portugal.

Indeed, Aghehowa has been in imperious form this term, netting 19 goals across all competitions, with Gold reporting that he remains ‘high on the list’ for Spurs’ recruitment duo Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici, before the latter heads back to Italy at the end of the window to take up a new job at Fiorentina.

As we’ve previously reported, though, Aghehowa’s release clause is a substantial one, standing at €100million (£86.5m / $116m), meaning the club will need to obliterate their transfer record to get a deal done for a player who has scored 46 goals in just 70 games for Porto.

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Reality dawns on ENIC as huge Tottenham investment promised

However, it appears to have finally dawned on majority owers ENIC, who are run by the Lewis family, that Tottenham are falling behind many of their rivals when it comes to investing in the addition of top players and paying the sort of wages that can also attract said talent.

Indeed, a statement signing is being promised and the signing of Aghehowa would be exactly that, if Tottenham can convince Porto into a mid-season sale, which will not be an easy task.

In the meantime, though, Spurs and Frank will be hoping that the return to fitness of Dominic Solanke could give the club just the lift they need.

The England forward made an appearance off the bench in the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, having spent almost five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury that ended up needing surgery.

It’s an unlikely he will start against West Ham on Saturday, a game that has now turned into a must-win for under-pressure boss Frank, but just having Solanke back in the mix is a huge boost for the club.

DON’T MISS: Four ways Tottenham could line up with Conor Gallagher revealed as Xavi Simons role changes

More Tottenham news: Dream midfield signing; shock Alonso move

Tottenham have set their sights on completing the ‘dream’ signing of a midfielder at the very top of Manchester United’s shortlist, and sources have revealed what it will take for Spurs to press ahead with the hugely audacious deal.

Elsewhere, Spurs’ chances of convincing Xabi Alonso to replace Thomas Frank as the manager following his exit from Real Madrid have been analysed in the Spanish press.

Tottenham have fought off competition from Aston Villa to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in a permanent deal worth £34.6million.

Spurs have needed midfield reinforcements, with Yves Bissouma out of favour and Rodrigo Bentancur now expected to be out for at least three months with a hamstring injury.

Gallagher will bring plenty of Premier League experience to Thomas Frank’s midfield, having played for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

The 25-year-old England international is also very versatile and able to fill a number of different roles in midfield.

“I always try and run as far as I can for the team,” he said while at Chelsea in 2024. “I’ve played in a number of positions this season – more so holding midfield at the start of the season and box to box, in the No.10, even up front for a few games.

“But I’m happy to play anywhere for the manager, and I’m happy wherever I play. No problem.”

We’ve taken a look at four ways Tottenham could build their midfield with Gallagher.

Option 1: Palhinha and Gallagher pivot

Frank has predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 formation at Tottenham this season, and Gallagher is expected to replace Bentancur as the partner for Joao Palhina in the midfield pivot.

Palhinha joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer and has since made the most tackles of any player in the Premier League, averaging 5.1 per 90 minutes.

Gallagher plays in a box-to-box role at Atletico Madrid and is also renowned for his out-of-possession work, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per 90 minutes in LaLiga this season.

The duo would bring much-needed energy and tenacity to the middle of the park, making life difficult for the opposition midfielders and breaking up play.

Admittedly, they aren’t the best at recycling possession and getting the ball upfield quickly, but in this set-up, their job is to do the defensive work.

The creative burden would fall on the shoulders of Xavi Simons, who was signed from RB Leipzig in a £51.8million deal in the summer transfer window.

He’s had a difficult start to the 2025/26 season but has often played out on the wing rather than in his preferred No.10 role as Frank focuses on defensive solidity.

With Palhinha and Gallagher doing the defensive work behind him, the Netherlands international should now be able to play as a No.10, where he can provide a creative spark with his vision and technical quality.

Option 2: Gray and Gallagher pivot

While a midfield duo of Palhinha and Gallagher would undoubtedly cover a lot of ground, Tottenham are still crying out for a deep-lying playmaker who can pull the strings and dictate play.

Gallagher is averaging only 10.9 forward passes per 90 in LaLiga this season, and Palhinha has a pass success rate of just 81.9% in the Premier League.

Fulham are keeping a close eye on Palhinha’s situation at Tottenham amid claims the Lilywhites could abort their planned deal to make his loan permanent.

Spurs should look to sign another midfielder before the transfer window shuts but from their current options, Archie Gray might just be the best partner for Gallagher.

The 19-year-old played in defence under Ange Postecoglou, but can become a top-class deep-lying midfielder and his on-the-ball qualities would complement the combative traits of Gallagher.

Simons would still play as the No.10 in this line-up, and this midfield duo may help him receive the ball more often.

Option 3: 3-5-2 with Gray, Bergvall and Gallagher

There are going to be games where Frank shifts to a 3-5-2 formation, as he did against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League.

The midfield three could suit Gallagher, who likes to push high up the pitch and previously played as the most advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 system at Crystal Palace under Patrick Vieira.

“He’s given me the licence to run forward as much as I can and make the box to score goals,” Gallagher said. “I’ve got the legs to run up and down the pitch and that’s what I want to be doing.”

The midfielder won the Palace Player of the Season award in 2021/22 after scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Kevin De Bruyne, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Emile Smith Rowe and Phil Foden were the only midfielders to score more Premier League goals than him in 2021/22.

Spurs need to add more goals to their team and Gallagher could play in that role under Frank, with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski currently out injured.

Gray and Lucas Bergvall would then play alongside him in a balanced and mobile midfield three.

Option 4: 4-2-3-1 with Palhinha, Sarr and #10 Gallagher

Mauricio Pochettino worked with Gallagher at Chelsea in the 2023/24 season and was a huge fan of the midfielder, making him one of the first names on his teamsheet.

The 25-year-old was often used in an attacking midfield role in a 4-2-3-1 shape, where he pressed from the front and ranked first in the Chelsea squad for duels won (212), tackles won (52), interceptions (43) and possession won (221) in the Premier League.

Alongside that defensive work, he also enjoyed his most productive season in a Chelsea shirt with seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.

His 53 key passes and 11 big chances created in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season made him Chelsea’s second-most creative player after Cole Palmer.

“He is a player with a great commitment to the team,” Pochettino said. “He is always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations. It’s priceless to have a player like him.”

The no.10 position allows the England international to showcase both sides of his game, providing a goal threat while also helping to sustain pressure in the final third.

Gallagher could play in front of a midfield two of Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr and this set-up would suit fixtures against big six rivals or Champions League knockout games as they all work relentlessly hard off the ball.

As Tottenham Hotspur are about to complete a deal for Conor Gallagher, the north London club will be over the moon to learn Omar Marmoush’s stance on leaving Manchester City in the January transfer window, according to a journalist.

Spurs were on the hunt for a dynamic midfielder even before Rodrigo Bentancur’s long-term injury. The Uruguayan being sidelined for up to three months hastened Tottenham’s pursuit of Gallagher, so much so that they hijacked Aston Villa’s deal for the former Chelsea star and agreed a permanent transfer with Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham are also on the lookout for a winger, as manager Thomas Frank aims to bolster his attacking unit in order to finish in the Premier League top four this season.

On January 3, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported that Tottenham have made ‘enquiries’ about Omar Marmoush.

Jones also noted at the time that Aston Villa were ‘making a move for Marmoush’, who joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for £59million (€67.7m, $79.5m).

However, sources have told us that Man City manager Pep Guardiola does not want to lose the Egypt international, who can play as a striker, a number 10 and a winger.

There has now been a claim in the Turkish media that the 26-year-old is willing to leave Man City in the middle of the season.

The forward has made only two starts in the Premier League and just one in the Champions League for Man City so far this campaign.

Moreover, Man City have signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth already this month.

Journalist Cagatay Celik has reported that Italian agent George Gard has offered Marmoush to Galatasaray, but the Egyptian wants to stay in the Premier League and is open to leaving Man City on a loan deal.

Haber Sarikirmizi quotes Celik as saying: “George Gardi has proposed Manchester City’s Egyptian footballer Omar Marmoush to Galatasaray.

“Aston Villa and Tottenham are interested in Marmoush, whose priority is to stay in England.

“The Egyptian footballer is only considering leaving Manchester City on loan.”

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What Fabrizio Romano has said about Omar Marmoush

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently spoke about Marmoush’s situation and dismissed suggestions that he wants to leave.

The Italian journalist said on his YouTube channel last week that despite the signing of Semenyo, Marmoush wants to stay.

Romano noted: “Man City signed Antoine Semenyo, and so adding one more player to their roster.

“But my understanding is that this doesn’t mean Omar Marmoush has to leave Man City in the January transfer window.

“First of all, he’s focused on AFCON, so there’s nothing moving. But also, I’m told that even after AFCON, Marmoush is not desperate to leave Man City.

“He wants to compete for his place and spend the next six months at the club trying to show his best level possible and to help Man City.”

Romano is one of the most trusted transfer insiders out there, but other journalists will have their own source.

There is no smoke without fire. Tottenham and Villa would not have tried to sign Marmoush had they not been given some sort of indication that he could be available.

Watch this space.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Bournemouth raid off, winger rejection

Meanwhile, sources have told us about the two signings that Tottenham plan to make following the deal to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.

We also understand that Tottenham have cooled interest in a Bournemouth star, but Manchester United and Manchester City are still in for him.

Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of convincing Xabi Alonso to replace Thomas Frank as the manager following his exit from Real Madrid have been analysed in the Spanish press, which has also pondered on whether the former Liverpool midfielder could end up replacing Arne Slot at Anfield or take over as the Manchester United boss next summer.

Alonso and Real Madrid parted ways on Monday, less than 24 hours after Los Blancos lost the final of the Spanish Super Cup to bitter rivals Barcelona. Since then, there has been speculation linking Alonso with Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and even Manchester United.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on January 12 that Tottenham like Alonso and might try for the former Bayer Leverkusen manager should they decide to sack Thomas Frank.

Frank is in danger of losing his managerial role at Tottenham, with the team 14th in the Premier League table and already knocked out of the FA Cup.

Sources have told us that Liverpool remain keen admirers of Alonso, having first tried to hire him in 2024 when Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down.

We understand that should Liverpool manager Arne Slot fail to turn things around, then the defending Premier League champions could restart talks with Alonso.

The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney reported this week that a source at a major European club has told him that Man Utd should appoint Alonso.

Delaney revealed on Independent Sport’s YouTube channel: “Someone at another major club, another Super League club said: Well, I mean this is the sort of appointment that Manchester United should be immediately looking towards because as they put it, he is an Arne Slot/Mikel Arteta level coach who has the potential to be an elite coach.”

AS, a Real Madrid-leaning Spanish publication, has claimed that Tottenham and Man Utd would find it tough to convince Alonso to take over, noting his chances of moving to Liverpool.

The report has stated: ‘Three major clubs value Xabi above average: Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

‘All three clubs currently have managers, but they won’t hesitate to pursue him if the opportunity arises.

‘Slot’s future is the most uncertain, Guardiola’s continued tenure has a constant question mark, and perhaps Kompany is the most secure at the moment.’

AS added: ‘It seems more difficult for clubs like Tottenham and United, who live with constant bench instability, to convince Xabi, although they would obviously like to.’

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Xabi Alonso backed to return to management despite Real Madrid failure

Alonso was appointed the Madrid manager only at the end of last season, and it must come as a huge blow to the Spaniard that he could not succeed at Estadio Bernabeu and had to leave midway through the campaign.

However, the former Bayer boss has been backed to get back into management by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, while ex-Liverpool and Madrid star Steve McManaman believes that he could end up at Anfield.

McManaman told TNT Sports: “Certain people, depending on who you listen to, have already started talking about some of their form. That will continue if Liverpool fail to show how good they are.

“Life as a football manager, you’re 90 minutes away from the pressure coming back on your shoulders and the fact that Xabi is now available, and his history at the club, will suggest that there’s always going to be pressure.

“But Xabi will be wanted by a number of his clubs that he’s worked as well, so I wouldn’t necessarily take it as pressure for Arne Slot because he puts pressure on himself anyway.”

McManaman added: “Xabi had a clause in his contract at Leverkusen that he could talk to a lot of his old, ex-teams, that he played for – and Manchester City. That was public knowledge.

“So, there must be a desire for him, in his mind, that he would like to manage here. But I don’t think that should have any bearing on the current manager.

“He’s a young man, Xabi. He’ll have another 25 years in the business if he wants to, so it could be right down the line.”

Flick said: “This is football, and it’s not my business.

“What I can say is that I have a good relationship with Xabi; we met in Leverkusen when I was with the national team and have stayed in touch.

“It’s football, and I wish him all the best. I’m sure he’ll have a great project soon for himself and his coaching staff.

“It’s football, and we have to move on, but he’s a great coach and has a bright future.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Winger move fails, shock Liverpool links

Meanwhile, our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have cooled interest in a Bournemouth star, but Manchester United and Manchester City are still in.

Tottenham have failed with a move for a winger who is in huge demand, with Liverpool and Manchester United also keen on him.

Conor Gallagher isn’t the only signing Tottenham are wrapping up, and two transfer insiders have revealed what else Thomas Frank’s side could have up their sleeves before the window closes.

Stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table again, Tottenham and their head coach Frank have faced plenty of criticism this season. The current transfer window is more important to them than most sides of a similar stature, giving them a chance to bolster their squad to climb back up the table.

A major reinforcement is on the way in the shape of former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher, who has opted for a London return with Spurs rather than going to Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid.

But midfield isn’t the only position Spurs are short in – and some have even doubted if Gallagher alone will be enough to give them what they need there.

With their work cut out to become competitive again, Tottenham will be turning their attention to what’s next after Gallagher – a subject TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones and Graeme Bailey have shed some light on after exploring how Spurs won that particular battle.

“Aston Villa had definitely started to get ahead on that one,” Jones said, speaking on TEAMtalk’s latest Facebook live broadcast. “When I reported the Gallagher story to Tottenham, I wasn’t convinced they were going to win the race, to be honest with you. But I think they couldn’t really face losing out on another one.

“There is going to be more to come,” he promised.

“I like Conor Gallagher as a player,” Bailey replied. “I think it’s a good signing whoever got him. I’m slightly surprised Manchester United didn’t make a bigger push for him.

“With Thomas Frank and his system, we don’t know what he’s going to play. He doesn’t know what his best XI is. He clearly thinks there’s space for him. It’s clearly not going to be a #6, because he’s got Palhinha in there.

“Is it going to impact on Bergvall and Archie Gray going forward, especially in the short term? Possibly, but he’s a class act, he improves Tottenham’s XI – not massively, but I do think he improves the XI.

“In terms of him rebuilding his England career and getting in the World Cup squad, I think he’d have been better off choosing Villa at this moment in time. I think he would have had a better chance feeding Morgan Rogers for the rest of the season.”

However, financial factors may have helped sway Gallagher towards Tottenham.

“Do you think it’s about money, because Tottenham have had to pay £35m for Conor Gallagher,” Jones offered. “I don’t know exactly what the wage sums are, but I know that the contract at Atletico Madrid was a big one; if he’d have met his bonuses (which to be fair he probably didn’t do) it’d have been worth about £200,000-a-week.

“Spurs are making a big outlay here. I know the financial terms weren’t going to be met by Aston Villa, theirs was more of a sporting project sell.

“Obviously, on top of that, Conor Gallagher is from Surrey, was playing for Chelsea his whole life, his family are all Chelsea fans, so it’ll be interesting to see what they make of his transfer to Tottenham.

“But maybe the finances come into it. Tottenham fans don’t seem to be wholly convinced that Conor Gallagher is necessarily the answer. Conor Gallagher brings a lot of energy, he’ll press high, he’s very technically astute, he’ll follow instructions well and he’s Premier League proven. I think Conor Gallagher is a good signing for Tottenham, but they need to do more.

“I think at the weekend we saw for the first time Palhinha playing how he used to play at Fulham. If you get players playing the roles that they’re actually suited to, Tottenham should have a good team. That’s down to Thomas Frank now to prove that he can do it.

“I was told that he’s being allowed to continue. I’m told that he’s not on the verge of losing his job at Tottenham, but obviously you can’t keep losing games, so it’ll be interesting to see now who comes into that attacking line, because there’s no doubt that they are going to sign someone who’s an attacking threat.”

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Tottenham need Johnson replacement in attack

Spurs’ need for new attackers has only been amplified by their decision to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace earlier this month, as Bailey addressed.

“Clearly I think they are missing something in that forward line,” he said. “I think Gallagher does improve the team. I’m coming round to the idea that I don’t think Thomas Frank really suits this squad, so I think they are going to back him. They were never really going to get rid of him this month, in my opinion and from what we’re hearing.

“Obviously if they go and lose to West Ham this month, it’s a results-based business. So while we can report that Tottenham aren’t planning it, in the Premier League you’re only a couple of results away from losing your job at times. I don’t think he’s quite there yet, but he does have to come up with something.

“That left side’s still an issue for them. It’s a bit strange for me that they let Brennan Johnson go without a plan in place, because I still think he had a lot to offer and they’ve weakened.

“They want to bolster those attacking options. Kulusevski’s been out for longer than they thought he would be, and he’s been a massive loss for them this season.

“With Solanke back now, they will look for that left winger role. We’ll see what they come up with. You have to presume they’ve got something in mind because allowing Johnson to go and not having a plan would seem a bit short-sighted.”

As for who fills the void, Jones shared some names of interest.

“I think they want somebody that perhaps can play on both sides, maybe even across the three positions,” he explained. “Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco is undoubtedly someone that they like. They’ve been scouting him regularly.

“Christos Tzolis is definitely a target. They’ve looked at a few Man City players; Oscar Bobb is probably the one Man City player that could be up for grabs. I’m not convinced that that’s where they’re turning right now.

“I’ve heard whispers about Karim Adeyemi being offered to them. I think he’s going to be pricey and I don’t know whether he’s exactly the right fit for what they want.”

Bailey replied: “They’ve just been down that route with Kolo Muani and Tel. I’m not saying they’ve been disasters, they haven’t, but it hasn’t quite worked out for them.

“An Akliouche or a Tzolis makes so much sense in the long term.”

Jones confirmed: “That is what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to find that mix now of players with a high ceiling but they do want players who are a little bit proven. With Gallagher, that’s exactly what you’ve got.”

More positions up for strengthening amid defensive dilemma

Away from the attack, Spurs also have some thinking to do about their defence, with Santos left-back Souza also set to sign but a complicated decision needed about their centre-back options as well.

“Obviously they’ve got Souza in, so that’s a left-sided defender ticked off,” Jones explained. “They’re getting Conor Gallagher through the door, which is a central midfielder ticked off. We know that they want a wide attacker, so that would be one. Goalkeeper?”

“Not in January, I don’t think,” Bailey replied. “I think they’ll do it in the summer. As we know, they’re working on players, the likes of Verbruggen, plenty of players on the continent.

“As for Gallagher, he’s probably going to be the highest-paid player at the club now, just ahead of Romero, so that is a consideration as well.

“Obviously the centre-half thing, they still haven’t solved that yet. We expect Dragusin to go. I think they’re in a bit of a quandary with centre-half. Vuskovic, the boy in Germany, is doing so well that they don’t want to block his pathway up. They don’t want to recall him from Hamburg because he’s doing ever so well, but it puts them in a bit of a quandary if they spend big on that, knowing they’ve got a better option in Germany coming back in the summer.

“I think they might try and get by at centre-half, maybe. I think the left winger is the next major one for them.”

Fabio Paratici appears to be going out with a bang at Tottenham Hotspur, following reports that he never wanted Thomas Frank as the club’s manager when the Dane was announced over the summer.

The north London outfit turned to the former Brentford chief after parting company with Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou at the end of last season.

After a bright start to life at Tottenham, in which Frank lost just one of his first 10 games in charge, one win in seven has heaped pressure on the 52-year-old. Indeed, Spurs have now dropped to 14th in the table, with fan unrest also growing.

Sporting director Paratici is set for a short-lived return to the club, with reports claiming that Saturday’s FA Cup loss to Aston Villa could have been the final game in his role.

The Italian is being lined up for a similar position at Fiorentina but now looks set to see out the final weeks of the winter transfer window, with Tottenham currently closing in on deals for Conor Gallagher and Brazilian left-back Souza.

Having been forced to resign in 2023 after he was given a 30-month ban by FIFA, Paratici returned to the Tottenham fold in October but now looks set for an exit again just three months later.

And with calls for Frank’s head growing louder, a report from The Athletic has revealed that Paratici never believed that Frank was the right man for Tottenham in the first place.

The report goes on to state that Paratici instead wanted to make an appointment of his own, even though he was not officially back at the club at the time Frank came in. There is no mention over who that might have been, though.

It is, however, known that Paratici is keen on former Juventus coach Igor Tudor to replace Frank as interim boss, should the Dane actually be shown the door.

Our sources, meanwhile, can reveal that Spurs have identified three exciting Frank replacements as the pressure intensifies on his job ahead of Saturday’s huge London derby clash with West Ham.

Indeed, there is a feeling that if Frank loses that, then he could well be gone.

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More Tottenham news: Adeyemi enquiry; Diomande hijack

Tottenham are being made aware of the situation surrounding Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi as they prepare to sign a new attacking option, sources confirm.

Elsewhere, Lucas Paqueta’s camp have turned down interest from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in recent weeks, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Tottenham Hotspur are being made aware of the situation surrounding Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi as they prepare to sign a new attacking option, sources confirm.

However, turning to the 23-year-old would be a surprise move from Spurs, as they already have their top targets established.

The main considerations for this transfer window have been Maghnes Akliouche, Yan Diomande and Christos Tzolis, and it is understood that new explorations around all three have been made since the window opened.

RB Leipzig have since insisted that Diomande will not be available, but Monaco star Akliouche remains a leading candidate. We have reported for several months how Tottenham’s scouting missions around the player have been consistent.

There is a feeling among some that Akliouche will be allowed to leave Monaco soon if the French side can find a replacement.

Meanwhile, Tzolis emerged at the back end of 2025 as a target to seriously consider at Club Brugge. My colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed in an update on January 3 that the Greek international is a favoured target with high-ranking members of Spurs’ scouting department.

Tottenham also made informal checks on Manchester City attackers Oscar Bobb, Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

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Tottenham mulling over opportunistic move

Spurs are currently closing out a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and sources have told us to expect a serious addition in attack before the window closes.

A new name that has begun to be mentioned though is Borussia Dortmund’s Adeyemi. At this stage it is unclear just how realistic a switch might be.

He has been linked with other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool – and Spurs appear to have now been targeted as a potential landing spot if he does aim for a move to England.

Any such move would likely be dependent on timing and the status of Tottenham’s other targets, with Adeyemi viewed more as a situational opportunity than a priority at this stage.

Adeyemi has had a difficult season on and off the field and his future is up in the air – but his quality and game changing ability is clear.

The youngster, who can play as a left or right winger or as a striker, has notched 32 goals and 22 assists in 130 appearances for Dortmund so far.

Adeyemi’s current contract expires in 2027 and the suggestions are that he is keen to take on a new challenge in 2026.

Check out TEAMtalk on Facebook at 5:30pm tonight for a live transfer chat with Dean Jones and Graeme Bailey.

Latest Tottenham news: Frank replacement targets / Gallagher coup explained

Meanwhile, my colleague, Fraser Fletcher, has revealed how Tottenham have begun considering potential replacements for manager Thomas Frank, as he prepares for a potentially make-or-break match against West Ham on Saturday.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and former boss Mauricio Pochettino are all said to be on the shortlist.

In other news, a report has revealed the three reasons why Tottenham beat Aston Villa to the signing of Conor Gallagher, with the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s arrival set to be announced soon.

Spurs have agreed a deal worth around £35m for Gallagher, who could prove to be a vital addition as they look to bounce back in the second half of the campaign.