TEAMtalk

Tottenham are weighing up a shock January move for Manchester City winger, Jack Grealish, and a report has revealed how Spurs could replicate a dubious Arsenal deal to make the move work.

Grealish, 29, became the most expensive English player of all time when moving from Aston Villa to Man City for £100m in 2021. Declan Rice (£105m) has since assumed that mantle, though while Rice has been an instant hit at Arsenal, the jury is still out on Grealish.

The winger has notched vital goals at times during his City career. However, a return of just 14 goals and 20 assists in 143 matches for Man City is well below expectations for a £100m player.

Indeed, Mohamed Salah, for example, has more goal contributions in half a season this year (37) than Grealish does in three-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad (34).

Grealish has gone more than a full year without scoring for City, with his last goal coming against Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw in December of 2023.

Yet according to a fresh update from Mail Online, Tottenham are showing interest in bringing Grealish on board.

It’s claimed both they and Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ the winger’s situation, while a second report from Football London has zeroed in on a potential move to north London…

Tottenham could replicate Arsenal transfer with Grealish loan

Following on from Mail Online’s update, Football London stated that if Grealish were to join Spurs in January, it would be via the loan route.

Man City are expected to spend heavily in January in the hopes of rescuing their ailing season. A loan move wouldn’t do a great deal to boost their spending power, though it would chop a sizeable sum off the wage bill and remove an under-performing player from the equation.

But with Grealish pocketing a mammoth £300,000-a-week on his current deal, Tottenham would reportedly insist Man City subsidise a healthy portion of the salary.

As such, a loan where the parent club are still paying a significant slice of the player’s wages would mirror the deal that brought Raheem Sterling from Chelsea to Arsenal last summer.

The Gunners believed they’d snagged a bargain when loaning the four-time Premier League winner, not least because Chelsea are on the hook for around half of Sterling’s high salary.

However, Sterling has failed to make any meaningful level of impact thus far and given Grealish’s struggles in 2024, there’s no guarantee he’d fare any better at Tottenham either.

Nonetheless, TEAMtalk has been informed the flanks are a position where Spurs hope to strengthen in January and taking a punt on Grealish via the loan route would ensure there’s plenty of cash to splash in other, arguably more pressing positions…

Latest Tottenham news – January transfer exclusive

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Gillan, has been told Spurs hope to strengthen four positions in the winter window.

Tottenham aim to be among the busiest Premier League sides next month and additions at goalkeeper, centre-back, on the wings and at striker are being sought.

Regarding the centre-back chase, Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi and Abdukodir Khusanov of Lens – valued at £25m – are being tracked.

The full details in Gillan’s exclusive – including an SPL ace and a Premier League striker who are also being targeted – can be found here.

Tottenham are primed to attack the January transfer window and hope to strengthen in FOUR different positions, and TEAMtalk can reveal which players are in Spurs’ sights.

Tottenham are in desperate need of reinforcements in January amid a lack of adequate squad depth and a crippling injury crisis.

Having to start 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray at centre-back in each of Spurs’ last four Premier League matches sums up the situation Ange Postecoglou is working with.

The Spurs hierarchy are well aware Postecoglou has been dealt a bad hand and accordingly, they are willing to be the most active Premier League side in the winter window.

Postecoglou has made it clear the January window is extremely important and sources have confirmed that Tottenham are looking to bring in players in four different positions over the next few weeks.

The positions Spurs aim to strengthen are goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and striker.

The need for a central defender – amid injuries to Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies – is clear. As such, the club have a number of players listed…

Tottenham transfer targets revealed

Illya Zabarnyi of Bournemouth is hugely admired by Spurs, but the Cherries centre-back is also courting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea too.

Chelsea in particular may seem like a more appealing option at this point in time and there is also interest in the Ukraine international from LaLiga sides too.

Tottenham also had scouts watching 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov who has caught the eye with a string of stellar displays in Ligue 1 for Lens this term.

The Uzbekistan international is seen as one of the brightest young defensive talents in football and has major interest in his services.

Lens’ coaching staff have been clear that they hope to hold onto Khusanov until the summer at least and will do all they can to keep him at the club in January.

He is contracted until the summer of 2027 and viewed as a key player for the club’s efforts this season under manager Will Still.

However, Lens sporting director, Diego Lopez, has indicated the club are open to doing business if their price point is met. We understand Lens value Khusanov around the £25m mark.

The centre-back is absolutely one to watch, especially as we understand as the Lens director is willing to trump his manager and sell the talent in a bid to raise funds for incomings of their own.

ICYMI: James Maddison in spat with Tottenham fan after being hammered for night out at the darts

Tottenham are also looking at attacking targets and Nicolas Kuhn at Celtic is admired. The left-footed right winger has serious interest from Brentford and Brighton also, and is set to be the subject of tempting bids in the coming weeks.

The German, 24, has arguably been the best player in Scotland this season, with 14 goals and 11 assists to his name in 25 matches for Celtic.

And keep and eye on striker Evan Ferguson who is free to leave Brighton via the loan route next month.

Spurs have flirted with the idea of bringing Ferguson in to support Dominic Solanke, but it’s likely the north London side will want a option or obligation to buy and the Seagulls have placed a high valuation on the Irishman.

James Maddison has hit back at a Tottenham fan who questioned his trip to Alexandra Palace to watch the World Championship darts with teammate Brennan Johnson after Sunday’s draw with Wolves.

Spurs conceded an 87th-minute equaliser to Jorgen Strand Larsen to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Wolves on another difficult afternoon for Ange Postecoglou, which left the club sitting in 11th place in the Premier League heading into 2025.

Postecoglou has given the squad Monday and Tuesday off ahead of Tottenham‘s visit of Newcastle this coming weekend, confirming to reporters: “It was always planned. We kind of knew this is the first week where we don’t have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.

“It’s been fairly intense for a real small core group of players, particularly over the last four or five weeks and I think it’ll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves, with their families, and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.”

Maddison and Johnson took the opportunity to join the thousands at Alexandra Palace as reigning world champion and No.1 seed Luke Humphries was knocked out by two-time winner Peter Wright on a thrilling night of action.

The official Instagram account of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) posted a photo of Maddison and Johnson at Ally Pally in the hours after the loss to Wolves, and some Spurs fans took exception.

One wrote: “U taking the p***? The form were (sic) in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable.”

Maddison was certainly in no mood to let the fan get away with that criticism by responding “shut up you wally”, with an added laughing emoji.

While it’s not exactly a great look after another negative result for Tottenham, Maddison and Johnson were clearly doing nothing wrong after being given permission for a couple of days off by Postecoglou.

Maddison left out by Postecoglou again

Maddison’s inconsistent season continued against Wolves on Sunday after he was left out of the side again by Postecoglou.

The 28-year-old has started Tottenham’s last two games on the bench and has been in and out of the side for the majority of the season, something which has irked the attacking midfielder.

Indeed, after being recalled to Postecoglou’s side and scoring twice in the outstanding 4-0 win at Manchester City in November, Maddison was adamant that Spurs are a better side with him in it.

Speaking after that match, Maddison told Sky Sports: “I’m never happy with not playing. The gaffer took me out for a tactical reason because he wanted [Pape] Sarr and [Dejan] Kulusevski – two really fit lads who can really go and press for 90 minutes – for a couple of games.

“I’ve got a lot of self-belief and if I go through tough spells of having two games out I’m at the age now where I’m able to go and show you that this team is much better with me in it.

“That is the mindset – not in an arrogant, big-headed way – just the mindset of myself and that self belief. That’s the only way you get out of them little ruts.

“I’ve actually been really happy with my form this season, been a couple games when I haven’t maybe been at the level, but I watch all the games back and I know when I’m not playing at the level.

“There’s been a couple which in football, it happens, but I’m really happy and proud I bounced back, back in today for a big game, really showed my leadership and the manager will be happy with that so I am.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eye shock centre-back swoop / Brazilian striker a January target

Tottenham are reportedly holding internal talks over what would be a sensational centre-back signing, as they look to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit backline during the January transfer widow.

The north London club have been missing first-choice central defensive pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for a number of weeks now, while backup Ben Davies is also sidelined and left-back Destiny Udogie suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Sunday.

That has led to reports of a January swoop for at least one defender and the Daily Mail reports that Tottenham have held ‘internal talks’ about signing Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

Tottenham are reportedly holding internal talks over what would be a sensational centre-back signing, as they look to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit backline during the January transfer widow.

The north London club have been missing first-choice central defensive pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for a number of weeks now, while backup Ben Davies is also sidelined and left-back Destiny Udogie suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Sunday.

All of those issues have forced Postecoglou into playing 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-back alongside Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, who has yet to convince that he has the quality to become an elite Premier League player.

Postecoglou has already admitted that January signings are needed at Tottenham, with the likes of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore at the other end of the pitch also still missing through injury.

Speaking before the recent loss to Nottingham Forest, the Australian said: “[Transfer policy] can be disciplined, but we need a clear picture of where we’re at. There is a need to reinforce if we can, it’s not an easy time to do that in this window.

“The club is working hard behind the scenes to help the players we’ve got, who are giving everything in every game to try and get us through. We’re working hard to try to get reinforcements.”

To that end, a rather fanciful report from the Daily Mail states that Tottenham are ‘holding internal talks’ over a potential move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is one of four players currently under consideration.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but ended up remaining at Goodison Park, although the spotlight is very much on his future again amid rumoured Manchester City interest as well.

Branthwaite a pricey option for struggling Tottenham

The report states that Spurs are discussing the option of trying to land Branthwaite, who still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his £35,000-a-week deal on Merseyside.

The England international is being considered as a replacement for Ben Davies, who will be out of contract next summer, given his ability to play centrally or fill in at left-back.

Any hopes of a January deal appear remote though, given that the Toffees recently slapped an £80million price tag on Branthwaite, who is one of the first names of Sean Dyche’s team sheet.

It also makes little sense for Everton to sell arguably their best player when they are only three points off the bottom three and likely to be in another relegation scrap this season.

Add in the fact that paying £80m for a player who would essentially be viewed as a backup to Romero and Van de Ven and the report does not make an awful lot of sense.

Other proposed targets include the likes of Milan Skriniar and David Hancko, who can both cover left-back as well, along with Japan international Ko Itakura and Atalanta’s former Everton star Ben Godfrey.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs chasing Barcelona striker / Arsenal join race for full-back target

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

The Brazilian may have struggled to make a name for himself at The Camp Nou, but six goals and two assists for Betis so far this season has piqued Tottenham’s interest.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been offered a soon-to-be free agent defender and are considering striking a deal, though Arsenal have entered the frame by opening talks, according to reports.

Online outlet TBR Football recently revealed Tottenham had been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell at season’s end.

The 25-year-old is in the prime of his career and racked up two caps for England in 2022. However, he’s out of contract in the summer and Palace’s attempts to thrash out a new agreement ‘have failed.’

TBR Football claimed Spurs had been offered Mitchell by his camp and Postecoglou’s side were giving consideration to signing him. But according to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Spurs could be shunted aside by bitter rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

The Brazilian may have struggled to make a name for himself at The Camp Nou, but six goals and two assists for Betis so far this season have shown why Roque has previously been spoken of in such glowing terms.

Beits do have the option to sign the Brazilian permanently for €25million (£20m / $26m) in the summer and it was reportedly recently that the Spanish outfit were ready to issue Tottenham a hands-off warning.

And now Estadio Deportivo are the latest to report on Spurs’ pursuit of the 19-year-old, claiming that things are hotting up in the race for his signature.

It’s no secret that cash-strapped Barcelona are in urgent need to raise funds in January in order to sign the players they want and register others in their squad, including the likes of Dani Olmo, with the Catalan club therefore willing to sell Roque in the new year.

It’s also been reported that Palmeiras have already tabled a €20m (£16.5m / $21m) bid for the teenager, while adding that ‘Tottenham’s pounds are putting pressure on all parties’.

The report adds that the Premier League side are willing to offer Roque a ‘tempting salary’ and that the striker’s camp are ‘appreciative’ of the interest shown by Tottenham and others.

However, at this stage, Roque is not thinking about leaving Betis mid-season and wants to have a strong second half of the campaign in Seville, complicating Spurs’ pursuit as a result.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs chasing January left-back signing / Chances of Rashford deal rated

Tottenham are reportedly planning to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window due to concerns over Destiny Udogie’s workload and a position change for a veteran star.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries for much of the 2024/25 campaign, particularly centrally, with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven and Ben Davies all currently sidelined. while Udogie himself also limped out of Sunday’s clash with Wolves with what looked like a hamstring issue.

Those problems have led to a search for more defensive recruits, with several left-back options on their radar.

Meanwhile, Tottenham aim to strengthen their attack in the upcoming January transfer window and a report has shed light on whether Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford, will wind up in north London.

Tottenham are reportedly planning to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window due to concerns over Destiny Udogie’s workload and a position change for a veteran star.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries for much of the 2024/25 campaign, particularly centrally, with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven and Ben Davies all currently sidelined, while Radu Dragusin also suffered an ankle problem in the Boxing Day defeat at Nottingham Forest.

At this stage, it’s unclear whether or not the Romanian will be able to face Wolves on Sunday, which could mean Tottenham line up with Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma as their centre-back pairing against Vitor Pereira’s men.

However, left-back also remains a concern going forward, with Udogie having to play more minutes than any other outfield player so far this season simply because there’s been nobody to come in and replace him – unless Djed Spence plays out of position.

Postecoglou also has concerns over Udogie’s fitness and has to continually monitor his game time after issues last season and at the start of the current campaign. Indeed, the Italy international’s form has regressed since he made such a big impression in the 10-match unbeaten stretch at the start of last term.

There is now a strong feeling that Tottenham need a player capable of competing with Udogie for the role, rather than have a big drop-off in quality when he is unable to take to the pitch. That is certainly no slight on the ever-improving Spence, but he is much more suited to playing on the right as competition for Pedro Porro.

The need to strengthen on the left is also as a result of Postecoglou now deciding that Davies is regarded as a central defender – as reported by Football.London – and will only be used in the role going forward.

However, Davies will be out of contract in the summer, and at 31 years of age, Spurs could opt for a younger defensive option going forward.

Left-back options for Tottenham

In terms of who could come in and challenge Udogie for the role, recent reports suggested that Tottenham could be back in Slovakian star Milan Skriniar.

A centre-back by trade, the PSG man can also fill in at left-back and his height and power would certainly be a welcome when it comes to defending set-pieces – something that remains a massive Achilles’ heel for Postecoglou’s side.

Lecce star Patrick Dorgu is a more natural left-back and has been linked with a switch to north London since the summer, although he is also being chased by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United too.

However, landing the Denmark international in January could prove problematic as the Serie A side are not keen on doing a deal midway through the season.

Another name strongly linked with Tottenham is Feyenoord defender David Hancko who, like his fellow countryman Skriniar, can play centrally or in the full-back position.

The 27-year-old, who thrived under Arne Slot in Holland, could be available for around £40m – although it remains to be seen if Daniel Levy is prepared to spend that much on what could essentially be a top-quality squad player.

Latest Tottenham news: Real target van de Ven swoop / Bundesliga centre-back eyed

Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has reportedly been ‘shortlisted’ by Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti looks to bring in cover for Eder Militao.

The Spanish giants brought in two exciting attackers in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick last summer but didn’t make any additions to their back line, after missing out on Manchester United star Leny Yoro.

And, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, Madrid have begun drawing up a shortlist of defensive targets for the January window and Van de Ven is among their top targets.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly turned their focus to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in their efforts to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window.

Japan star Ko Itakura, who was known to be a target for the club during the 2023 summer window, is the player in question and is perfect for playing in Postecoglou’s high defensive line.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will not be sacked while Spurs remain in the Carabao Cup, per a report, suggesting that the semi-final against Liverpool will be crucial.

The Aussie coach has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks amid Tottenham’s poor form that’s seen them lose three of their last six games, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Spurs have dropped to 12th in the Premier League table and at this stage it appears very unlikely they’ll qualify for the Champions League next season.

There is some sympathy for Postecoglou though, who has been without several key defenders this season, including his two best centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

However, Postecoglou is currently the Bookies’ favourite to be the next Prem manager sacked. According to The Daily Mail, he ‘‘maintains the backing of the board but the Carabao Cup semi is emerging as key to his prospects”.

Tottenham haven’t lifted a trophy since they won the Carabao Cup in 2008. As mentioned, they face Liverpool in the semi-final, with the first leg to to be played on January 8th.

The report claims that Tottenham have ‘made a decision on Postecoglou’ and he ‘remains safe for now, though there is an acknowledgment that results need to improve’. A win against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and their success in the Europa League will be ‘crucial’ for Postecoglou and winning a trophy would be viewed as a ‘major success’.

Tottenham will back Postecoglou in January – sources

TEAMtalk correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this month that Tottenham are minded to be patient with Postecoglou, even if there is an acceptance that recent performances have been poor.

They accept that the injuries Spurs have had to deal with this season have made his job extremely challenging.

Rather than sacking him any time soon, sources suggest that the Tottenham board are set to back Postecoglou with some new additions in January. They are in a strong position with regards to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) are likely to be active in the window.

A new centre-back to cover for Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin is Tottenham’s priority and they have already begun scouring the market for options.

Reports suggest that Tottenham are considering a January move for Borussia Monchengladbach Ko Itakura, who, like Van de Ven, is known for his electric pace.

TEAMtalk understands that another player who could join Spurs in January is Getafe centre-back Omar Alderete, who is considered to be an affordable option.

As for Postecoglou, Tottenham aren’t at the stage of deciding whether or not to sack him on a game-to-game basis yet, but it could reach that point if results don’t change soon.

Spurs face Wolves at home next, before travelling to Newcastle, with the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool to follow.

DON’T MISS: Tamworth hammered over ‘horrendous’ ticket price hike for Tottenham FA Cup clash as fans lash out

Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has reportedly been ‘shortlisted’ by Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti looks to bring in cover for Eder Militao.

The Spanish giants brought in two exciting attackers in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick last summer but didn’t make any additions to their back line, after missing out on Manchester United star Leny Yoro.

With Militao and David Alaba currently sidelined with injuries, Madrid’s decision not to invest in a new centre-back has been a mistake, given they’ve conceded 29 goals in 26 games so far.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Madrid have begun drawing up a shortlist of defensive targets for the January window.

The report claims that Tottenham star Van de Ven is among their top targets and they would be very interested in bringing him to the Bernabeu.

RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba is also being looked at by Madrid and it’s claimed he could be available for around €60million (£49.7m / $62.5m) next month.

Madrid are expected to ‘hold meetings’ in the coming weeks to decide who to prioritise in the winter window, but a new centre-back is their top priority.

Real Madrid linked with Tottenham ace

Van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023 and has established himself as one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

The Dutch international is statistically the fastest player in the Premier League. Sources close to Tottenham say they believe their back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are among the best in the division.

However, Van de Ven has suffered with injuries and has missed nine league games due to that so far this term, which has negatively impacted Spurs’ season.

He is under contract until 2029 and Tottenham have absolutely ZERO intention of selling him in January, so Madrid will have to look elsewhere for a new defender.

Romero has also been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu in the past, but Tottenham have made it clear they won’t sell him either unless a huge offer is submitted.

With this in mind, it would be a major shock to see Tottenham part ways with any of their defenders in January, as they’re actually looking to add to their centre-back options, rather than take away from them.

Spurs ramp up centre-back hunt

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Tottenham are considering a January move for Borussia Monchengladbach Ko Itakura, who, like Van de Ven, is known for his electric pace.

As mentioned, Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries at the heart of their backline for much of the season, with Radu Dragusin suffering an ankle injury at Nottingham Forest to join Romero, Van de Ven and Ben Davies on the sidelines.

It has been claimed that Tottenham are keen on signing Monchengladbach star Itakura, who was known to be a target for the club during the 2023 summer window.

The north London club have reportedly refused to rule out the prospect of launching a formal proposal for Itakura, even though he has not been pinpointed as their first-choice recruit at this stage.

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Manchester City have moved their prospective signing of Jonathan David forward to January as Pep Guardiola looks to get his side back to winning ways, it has been claimed.

David has been a brilliant performer for Lille since joining the French club from Gent in August 2020. He has scored 101 goals in 209 games for Lille and helped them win the French title and French super cup.

David continues to be Lille’s main source of goals, as he has found the back of the net 17 times in 26 appearances across all competitions so far.

However, Lille must begin to prepare for life without the Canada ace as he has run down his contract and is expected to leave in either January or summer 2025.

As per the latest from TBR Football, Man City have entered the frame for David’s capture.

Guardiola’s side had been planning to swoop for David at the end of the season, but they have accelerated the pursuit to January after a tough few months in which they have won just once in 13 matches.

Man City need to sign a new centre-forward to take some of the pressure off Erling Haaland and have identified David as a great solution.

Given the 24-year-old’s expiring contract, he should be available for a reduced price in January.

Lille have previously valued their star forward at around the £60m mark, but there have been rumours he could now be available for just £25m instead.

City have scouted David on several occasions this season and are ‘working behind the scenes’ to get this deal done.

City overtake Spurs in Jonathan David chase

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with the player over the past few months. However, in a boost for City, it emerged recently that Spurs would rather bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers to improve their attacking options.

City landing David would rectify the mistake they made in selling backup striker Julian Alvarez over the summer.

Alvarez left for Atletico Madrid in an £82m deal and his exit has cost City both goals and creativity this term.

The Citizens decided it was best to cash in on Alvarez, particularly when such big money was on offer, but they perhaps underestimated his importance to the squad.

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Man City transfers: De Bruyne update; £150m signing links

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can provide an exclusive update on the future of City icon Kevin De Bruyne.

The Saudis would love to make De Bruyne their latest big-name signing, but they ‘fear’ he will move to the US instead.

The playmaker has informed all parties involved that he would ideally like to go to Major League Soccer if he cannot strike a contract agreement with City.

Guardiola is already planning how his team will look without De Bruyne, with Jamal Musiala emerging as a dream replacement option.

Reports claim City are ‘considering’ making an audacious move to prise Musiala away from Bayern Munich.

City will need to smash the Premier League transfer record as Bayern value Musiala at a whopping £150m.

Tamworth have been hammered by their own fans after implementing a massive ticket price hike for the biggest game in the club’s history when they host Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.

The National League side reached the third round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in its history when they won at Burton Albion on penalties in the second round, having previously seen off League One Huddersfield.

Their reward was a marquee home clash against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side, with the game due to take place at the club’s Lamb Ground on Sunday January 12 (kick-off 12.30pm).

However, fans who are keen to witness history at their club’s home ground off Kettlebrook Road, have voiced their anger at the ticket prices for the special occasion.

The club have posted their pricing for the match, with the top ticket costing a whopping £42, more than double the cost of a ticket to watch The Lambs play Huddersfield in the first round of the competition. While the price of the cheapest under-10s ticket is £25, five times the price of a similar ticket against the Yorkshire outfit back in October.

Tickets for the match are priced at £42 for the main stand for adults, or £38 for the terrace. Over 66s are £37 in the stand or £33 on the terrace. Under-17s are £34 and £30 respectively. And under-10s £29 in the stand and £25 on the terrace.

Those prices have led to hundreds of fans taking to social media to vent their fury, with Joe moore commenting on Facebook: “Wow. That’s disgraceful, the worse of it those kids prices!! Ripping off those regulars that you know will go and support as they do week in and week out, and putting off those that may have gone. Crazy prices.”

Jamie Phillips added: “Yeah I’m not paying that I’ll watch it at home and then carry on going to the normal-priced National League games.”

Another fan, Dawn Roberts, said: “Please justify your horrendous prices. Absolute Rip Off just cause you have a decent team to play against…”, while Alex Randle, who supports both Tamworth and Tottenham, added: “Pricing is exploitative when there are so many other potential revenue streams and will probably price me out anyway because I just don’t have enough money to spare. So disappointed.”

Tamworth accused of ‘madness’ over ticket pricing

With Tamworth trending on X over their decision to raise prices significantly, The Pyramid Podcast added: “How short sighted are these prices. A chance to repay and respect the fans that go and support you every week, and instead you release this monstrosity. Shameful.”

Jamie Hoskins said: “I appreciate that you want to earn as much money from this opportunity as possible but those prices are scandalous! Part greed from Tamworth & part blame for the FA abolishing replays because the big boys demanded so!

“No romance of the cup here whatsoever, poor from Tamworth.” And Dean Cornish said: “That’s madness. Make the money on the TV, the bar, the merch, the snack bar. Not by ripping off loyal fans on tickets.”

Matt Merrick added: “So looking at £150 for a family of four. I’m all for making a bit of money, but after Christmas and everything else that’s going on. That’s taking the mickey out of ordinary fans.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eye another rapid Bundesliga centre-back / O’Hara wants Postecoglou replaced

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their focus to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in their efforts to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries at the heart of their backline for much of the season, with Radu Dragusin suffering an ankle injury at Nottingham Forest to join Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies on the sidelines.

To that end, another centre-back is expected to arrive in the new year and a fresh report suggests Spurs are ready to move for Monchengladbach star Ko Itakura.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara is once again calling for Ange Postecoglou’s head after Spurs suffered their ninth Premier League defeat in 18 games this season and has named another Premier League manager he thinks could do a better job.