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After Manchester United’s bid to sign Yan Diomande, Liverpool are now facing a threat from Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to bring the winger to Anfield, with a journalist revealing that Spurs are ready to make an offer for the RB Leipzig winger.

Diomande’s emergence at RB Leipzig has seen Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham taking a keen interest in the Ivory Coast international winger. The 19-year-old, who is able to play on either wing, has scored seven goals and given four assists in 16 appearances for Leipzig so far this season.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on December 31 that Liverpool, Man Utd and Tottenham are among the clubs keen on Diomande.

While Tottenham were the first Premier League club to send scouts to watch the teenager in action, Liverpool and Man Utd have started to take notice of the winger.

Indeed, Man Utd have reportedly already made a bid for Diomande, with CaughtOffSide reporting that Leipzig are holding out for €100million (£86.9m, $116.4m).

Tottenham are now ready to firm up their interest by making a “big offer” for Diomande, according to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon on January 13.

Spurs are so keen on Diomande that they are willing to outbid any offer for the Ivorian gem should there be an “auction”.

Nixon wrote: ‘Tottenham are taking on Liverpool in the race for Red Bull Leipzig wing sensation Yan Diomande.

‘Spurs are keen to splash out in this window and could top any offer for the Ivory Coast talent who is just 19.

‘Liverpool have been hovering and see Diomande as a long term capture but Tottenham could make the big offer that lands him now.

‘Diomande has shot to prominence with his speed and skills and Spurs think a buy would work for them now and be an investment too.

‘The auction may take the deal over £40 million but Tottenham are backing Thomas Frank as they go for it in the market.’

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Liverpool also face Bayern Munich threat for Yan Diomande

Tottenham’s determination to sign Diomande will come as a blow for Liverpool, especially after the winger recently publicly revealed his desire to play for the defending Premier League champions, adding that it is also his father’s “dream” that he stars at Anfield.

The winger said in French during a live stream on social media, as relayed by DaveOCOP on X: “I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool.

“I’m a big Liverpool fan. My father’s dream is to see me play for Liverpool.”

Liverpool will be further rocked by a German source claiming that Bayern Munich, too, are pressing ahead in their pursuit of the Leipzig winger, although the defending Bundesliga champions’ plan to sign him in the summer of 2026.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg wrote on X at 2:09pm on January 13: “FC Bayern definitely want to sign a new winger in summer, preferably for the left side, and this is independent of the upcoming contract extension of Serge Gnabry.

“The current focus is on Yan #Diomande and Said El Mala, depending on their availability and the price in the summer.”

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Latest Liverpool transfer news: Right-back targets, Xabi Alonso ‘preference’

Meanwhile, sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Liverpool are tracking three potential right-back targets, but there is not going to be any panic signing.

A top journalist has revealed the latest on the futures of Liverpool duo Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah – it would not make pleasant reading for the Anfield faithful.

The future of Radu Dragusin has taken a dramatic twist, with a journalist revealing that Napoli manager Antonio Conte is now interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur defender despite him having already reached an agreement with AS Roma.

Dragusin has fully recovered from an ACL injury that he suffered in January 2025 and is now fully match fit. However, the defender’s days at Tottenham are numbered, with AS Roma keen on securing his services in the January transfer window.

Roma have already had a loan offer for Dragusin with the option to make the deal permanent next summer turned down, but the Italian club are still determined to sign him.

According to a report published in Il Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday morning, Dragusin is ‘pushing for Roma’.

The Romania international defender is said to have been ‘in contact with Roma for days’ and has ‘already reached an agreement on a contractual basis’.

While Tottenham are willing to sell the 23-year-old this month, last season’s Europa League winners are asking for €20million (£17.3m, $23.3m).

Not only do Roma not want to pay more than €15m (£13m, $17.5m) for Dragusin, but the Italian club want to make a loan deal with an option to buy, subject to certain conditions.

That is because Roma do not want to invest a lot in a player who has only just recovered from a long-term cruciate ligament injury.

There has now been a twist, with Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale reporting on Tuesday afternoon on X that Napoli have ‘enquired’ about Dragusin.

Napoli are now managed by former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, who won the Scudetto with Gli Azzurri last season and is aiming to clinch the Serie A title in the 2025/26 campaign.

Di Natale, who has over 33,00 followers on X, wrote at 12:23pm on January 13: “#Napoli has recently inquired about the situation regarding Radu #Dragusin.

“#Roma remains the club furthest along, but negotiations with #Tottenham are at a standstill. There’s no agreement on the deal structure (there’s currently no conviction on the loan with option to buy).

“#Lipsia (which is offering #Tottenham the outright purchase) stays in the background.”

Dragusin joined Tottenham from Genoa in January 2024 for £26.7m (€31m, $30.8m), including add-ons.

The Romania international centre-back is under contract at the north London club until the summer of 2030.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Mathys Tel exit, Conor Gallagher truth

Meanwhile, the secret reason why Mathys Tel wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window has been revealed.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Dean Jones, the three reasons why Conor Gallagher has chosen Tottenham over Aston Villa, with the Atletico Madrid midfielder set to undergo a medical with the north London club on Tuesday.

Thomas Frank’s position at Tottenham is increasingly precarious, with his job security hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial fixture against West Ham this weekend, and the club have three potential replacements in mind.

The Danish coach is under intense scrutiny as Spurs navigate an extremely difficult period. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa on Saturday, and have dropped to 14th in the Premier League table.

Frank, who had been a cornerstone of Brentford’s rise from the Championship to an established top-flight presence after taking charge in 2018, had guided the Bees through promotion and several seasons of mid-table stability.

However, his tenure at Tottenham has raised concerns among supporters and within the club hierarchy. A defeat in their upcoming match against West Ham United could significantly escalate the situation, potentially placing Frank at serious risk of dismissal.

According to well-placed sources, a loss to the Hammers would mark a tipping point. Spurs’ form has been inconsistent, and the pressure is building as the team looks to avoid slipping further down the table.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed on January 11 that Spurs’ CEO Vinai Venkatesham was warned that Frank would be a risky addition by some members of the Tottenham hierarchy.

The board are now split on whether to sack Frank, with crucial days ahead for his future. A loss to a struggling West Ham side could prove to be the final nail in the coffin.

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Tottenham identify THREE potential Frank replacements

In the event of a change, several names have been listed by Spurs as potential successors. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is understood to be highly regarded and features among the top candidates.

The Spanish coach has impressed since arriving in the Premier League, instilling an attacking philosophy that has elevated the Cherries’ standing.

Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is also listed by sources, with the Austrian’s experience in high-stakes environments – including leading Palace to FA Cup glory and a Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt – making him an attractive option for a club seeking stability and progression.

Should the board opt for a short-term solution rather than a permanent appointment mid-season, an interim manager could be installed until the summer.

Among the names circulating in some discussions is Ryan Mason, the former Tottenham Hotspur interim who has experience in English football circles, though his recent managerial stint at West Brom ended prematurely.

Looking further ahead, Mauricio Pochettino has been mentioned as a figure who would be receptive to a return. The Argentine, previously linked with the club in earlier contexts, remains a high-profile name with deep Premier League roots from his time at Tottenham and Chelsea. While his current commitments with the United States may influence timing, sources suggest openness to taking the role post the World Cup.

Despite links in the Spanish press, NO approach has been made for Xabi Alonso since his Real Madrid departure, although Spurs admire all he has achieved in the game.

Spurs’ hierarchy, led by the Lewis family, are ready to make significant changes should they feel their season is at a loss and Frank cannot turn it around.

Fabio Paratici has left his role as sporting director, and sources have confirmed he did not believe Frank was the correct man to take the job from Ange Postecoglou.

Latest Tottenham news: Gallagher coup explained / Sherwood on Frank axe

Meanwhile, 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.

In other news, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has dropped his verdict on the Frank saga.

He said of the Tottenham vs West Ham clash: “El Sackico isn’t it, it’s a huge game. If West Ham go there and play on the front foot and take advantage of the fragile confidence of Tottenham at home, I think they’ve got a real chance.” You can read his full comments HERE.

Paris FC are pushing to sign Mathys Tel on loan and the Frenchman is open to leaving Tottenham, though there’s more to the forward’s reasoning for wanting out than just a lack of game-time, according to a source.

Tottenham signed Tel outright for £30m over the summer following a six-month loan spell from Bayern Munich. The deal was viewed as a real coup at the time, with Tel widely regarded as one of the brightest young forwards in European football.

However, Tel has been used sparingly this term, with the 20-year-old an unused substitute on seven occasions in the Premier League so far. He’s started just five times in the league.

French journalist Fabrice Hawkins led the way when revealing Tel is actively encouraging offers to leave Spurs via the loan route this month.

Fabrizio Romano subsequently stated Tel believes he has a real shot at making France’s World Cup squad, though of course, that can only happen if he’s playing regularly and to a high level in the second half of the season.

Ligue 1 side Paris FC – not to be confused with PSG – have made a loan approach. Tel is more than willing to return to his home country for the remainder of the season.

But according to the latest from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, there’s a second reason eating away at Tel that explains why he wants out.

Beyond wanting regular game-time, Plettenberg revealed Tel is desperate to play as a central striker.

Tel’s first three starts in the league this term did come up front, though his last two starts both saw Tel deployed on the left wing, with Richarlison favoured as the central striker.

And with Dominic Solanke now fit and available for selection, the prospects of Tel playing in his customary position if remaining at Tottenham look bleak.

“Paris FC working on a loan move for Mathys Tel,” began Plettenberg when reporting on X. “Their main selling point is offering him his preferred position as a striker.

“The core of his frustration is not only his lack of playing time, but above all the fact that he is rarely used as a number nine.

“Tottenham are still blocking every enquiry for now, as they want to keep Tel at the club. His contract runs until 2031.”

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Tottenham could let Tel leave on one condition

As mentioned, Tottenham are thus far refusing to loan Tel out despite the player’s desire to move away for six months.

However, our insider, Graeme Bailey, has been informed of a way in which Tottenham could perform a U-turn and greenlight a move.

Bailey explained on Monday, January 12: “We are informed that should Spurs be successful in bringing in another forward, which they are trying to do, then they would reassess Tel’s situation.

“Tel himself sees a long-term future for himself in North London, but his main concern is for the rest of this season.”

Spurs have wrapped up deals to add a left-back (Souza) and central midfielder (Conor Gallagher) to their ranks this month.

A new forward – ideally a left winger – is on the agenda too, and if one does arrive, Tel might be allowed to leave later on in the window.

Latest Tottenham news – Why Gallagher chose Spurs over Villa / Frank sack claims not going away

In other news, family ties were just one reason why Tottenham Hotspur managed to beat Aston Villa to the signing of Conor Gallagher after sources took a deep dive into the three reasons behind the £34.7m transfer.

Family ties were just one reason why Tottenham Hotspur managed to beat Aston Villa to the signing of Conor Gallagher after sources took a deep dive into the reasons behind the £34.7m transfer, and with Thomas Frank already closing in on the exciting capture of a Brazilian defender next.

The England midfielder has agreed to join Tottenham after failing to convince Diego Simeone he was worthy of a regular start with Atletico Madrid and will now return to the Premier League after 18 months in the Spanish capital. Per multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, a medical has been booked in with Gallagher due to travel to London on Tuesday to take the first steps towards completing the move.

The 22-times capped England star was initially expected to sign for Aston Villa, who had been in negotiations with the Spanish club, and while a deal had been agreed and had been given a tentative yes from the player himself, as confirmed by our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher, it was Spurs who ultimately beat them to the punch by raising the stakes over a deal.

In what sources have described as a ‘now-or-never’ scenario for Spurs, they quickly moved in to agree a fee with Atletico and personal terms with the player on a deal to 2031 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And we can now reveal exactly how Villa were beaten to the punch…

Ultimately, it was Spurs’ willingness to pay a transfer fee up front that proved instrumental. And the deal, worth £34.7m (€40m, $47m) in a straight sale, trumped the loan to buy offer that Villa had initially struck with the Spanish side.

There were two other factors involved, too, however.

Firstly, and as mentioned, being back close to his tight-knit family in Surrey after 18 months in the Spanish capital helped prove decisive for Gallagher.

In addition, Frank’s promise to pitch the star straight into his starting line-up – and an easy offer given the frustrating injury suffered by Rodrigo Bentancur – helped convince the player, who hopes the move can help play his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

Spurs will welcome his midfield energy and workmanlike qualities with open arms; a perfect addition to a midfield sometimes lacking the legs to compete with rivals.

However, Frank is not resting on his laurels by signing Gallagher and soon also hopes to add Brazilian star Souza to his mix…

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Spurs close on signing of Brazilian star Souza

Before Gallagher signs on the dotted line, however, Spurs expect to finalise the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza in a €15m (£13m, $17.5m) deal from Santos.

A deal for the 19-year-old was agreed last Friday, though Spurs did work their magic given the Brazilian side were initially seeking a fee worth €20m.

Per trusted reporter, Edu Burgos, Souza arrived in the UK on Monday ahead of medical checks and sign on the dotted line.

Taking to X, Burgos wrote: “Souza is travelling this Monday to England to undergo the medical exams and sign his contract.

“Santos and Tottenham have already reached a total agreement for the player. It was finalised [on Sunday afternoon].

“Five-year contract, until 2031. Santos will receive €15m, fixed and variables.”

Burgos’ claims were quickly backed up by Ben Jacobs, who wrote on the same platform: “Souza will fly to England on Monday to complete his €15m move to Spurs. Five-year contract agreed.”

Tottenham transfer latest: Gladbach star wanted; Frank axe imminent?

As mentioned, the left-back position is under scrutiny in north London right now, and Fletcher has been informed on the uncertainty surrounding Destiny Udogie and his long-term future at the club.

Last week, Fletcher brought news of Tottenham taking a close look at Borussia Monchengladbach’s Luca Netz, who would be signed, as well as Souza and not instead of.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have told the unsettled Mathys Tel they have no plans to allow him to leave the club this month, though there are circumstances in which that could change, sources can reveal, while a loan bid for a second Spurs star has also been rejected.

A busy January will hopefully give Frank the tools he needs to secure his minimum target of a top-six finish and ease the pressure building on his shoulders.

Currently down in 14th place, but just five points shy of fifth place, Frank has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks and with a former Spurs boss now revealing when he expects the axe to fall – and it’s sooner than you think.

A second observer, this time a former Tottenham manager, has outlined when Thomas Frank could be sacked – and it’s not far away.

Frank is under significant pressure at Tottenham right now, with the club exiting both domestic cup competitions in the early rounds and labouring in the Premier League.

When speaking on Sunday Supplement, pundit and broadcaster, Jacqui Oatley, insisted Frank’s situation will devolve into a full-blown crisis if his side lose to West Ham on Saturday.

The Hammers haven’t won a league match since November 8 and defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would signal a new low for Frank in north London.

“I think the key thing now is the next three or four games,” began Oatley.

“They’ve got West Ham at home. Now, lose that, and this crisis becomes a full-blown mega multi-crisis.

“Then they’ve got Borussia Dortmund at home in the Champions League. They are well-placed, potentially for a top-eight finish [in the Champions League].

“And then they’ve got Burnley as well in the Premier League, so these are really crucial games for Thomas Frank now.”

Now, former Spurs boss, Tim Sherwood, has added to suggestions Frank will be axed if Tottenham lose to West Ham at the weekend.

When appearing on Sky Sports and asked point blank if Tottenham have to beat West Ham for Frank to remain in charge, Sherwood responded: “No more than Nuno has to win it to stay in charge at West Ham.

“El Sackico isn’t it, it’s a huge game. If West Ham go there and play on the front foot and take advantage of the fragile confidence of Tottenham at home, I think they’ve got a real chance.”

Giving his take on what Frank and Tottenham are doing wrong, Sherwood insisted the Dane must “take the shackles off” his players.

“They need to start passing the ball forward instead of sideways and back,” declared an increasingly exasperated Sherwood.

“Their midfield players are capable of getting turned and passing it between the lines. If they take the lead from the Aston Villa game it’s exactly what Unai Emery did.

“They had two No 10s with Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia and what their midfielders like Youri Tielemans did was pop it in behind Tottenham’s midfield players … and they ripped Tottenham to shreds.”

“Not because they’ve got better players, but because their playing style was on the front foot, it was positive.”

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What we’re hearing on Thomas Frank sack

TEAMtalk tasked insider, Graeme Bailey, with speaking to sources high up in the Tottenham food chain about Frank’s situation.

Reporting back, Bailey explained: ‘Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy are split on the future of Thomas Frank, but the club remain determined not to make a change this season.’

‘Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham believed he landed the right man in the summer when luring Frank across London from Brentford.

‘However, we are now told by sources that Venkatesham was warned by some members of Spurs’ hierarchy that the former Arsenal man was not a good fit in terms of his system and the Tottenham players already in situ.

‘The source, who spoke to us on the guarantee he would not be named, told us: “Vinai feels Thomas is such a great fit for Spurs in so many ways. A great person, character – who is well liked, but he was warned that the system would not be a fit.

“There is a real concern in the club, up high, that this is how things are playing out. The players like Thomas, but do they believe in what he is asking? That is the worry.”

Bailey added: ‘Now with Spurs sitting in 14th and with just one win in their last seven games, including an FA Cup exit to Aston Villa on Saturday, pressure is mounting.

‘Spurs are ready to invest this month and want Frank to succeed, and insist they do not want to make a mid-season change. But forthcoming games against West Ham and Borussia Dortmund are huge.

‘We are told that whilst Tottenham would not describe the current situation as Frank being given the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ it does seem it is close to that situation.’

On Monday, another of our insiders, Fraser Fletcher, was informed Frank will be under ‘serious threat’ of being sacked if his side taste defeat to the Hammers on Saturday.

Latest Tottenham news – Bentancur surgery / Real Madrid deal / Spurs block move

In other news, Rodrigo Bentancur will require surgery to repair a hamstring injury that will rule the Uruguayan out for around three months.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have set a reasonable price tag on a player that Spurs are keen on bringing to north London, according to a report in Spain, and there is no doubt that he would walk straight into the starting line-up.

Tottenham Hotspur have successfully hijacked Aston Villa’s move for Conor Gallagher, according to Fabrizio Romano, while our sources have revealed the huge sums he will earn in north London.

Gallagher has been heavily linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid in recent months as he eyes a return to the Premier League. Villa had been in pole position to sign the midfielder after opening ‘formal talks’ with Atleti.

Indeed, sources told us earlier on Monday that Gallagher had provisionally said yes to joining Unai Emery’s side.

But Tottenham hold long-standing interest in the player and moved in quickly to hijack Villa’s negotiations.

David Ornstein soon revealed that Spurs were closing in on a €40million (£35m) deal for Gallagher.

This was followed by Romano, who has given Gallagher’s switch to Spurs his ‘here we go’ confirmation.

The former Chelsea star has ‘informed Atleti about his decision to join Spurs’.

Sources have informed our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Gallagher has been told he will be a key player under Thomas Frank and central to the club’s rebuild.

TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey has also provided the following update: ‘Tottenham have outbid Villa for Conor Gallagher.

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Conor Gallagher to become Tottenham’s best-paid player – Sources

‘Villa were close to concluding a loan deal with an obligation, and talks went well between Gallagher and Unai Emery.

‘However, Spurs were being kept aware of the situation throughout and have now decided to push on and strike a deal.

‘They are prepared to pay €40m for him, more than Villa initially were in their overall deal, and we can confirm that Spurs have agreed to meet his pay demands.

‘We understand Spurs are prepared to break their wage structure, and make Gallagher their highest paid player – putting him on more than Cristian Romero.

‘The lure of a move back to London has also had a major bearing on Gallagher.’

Romero currently earns a reported £200,000 a week, which will soon be eclipsed by Gallagher.

TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones added: ‘As we reported at the weekend, Tottenham decided to re-enter the race for Gallagher because Villa had made an approach. They did not want to sit back and watch.

‘They know Villa’s proposal was good from a sporting perspective but they have been able to appeal to the player in a different way. They have longer-term interest dating back one year, so he knows they truly admire him and that he will be central to how they build from here.

‘They have told him they are going to follow up his signing with some more statement moves in the market. They have also made a very big statement financially, in terms of his personal terms.

‘His family live close to London still and he is very close knit with them in terms of how he values that. Being away in Spain gave him a new challenge but the chances to be back in familiar surroundings will help. This is a bold move from Spurs but one they completely believe in.

‘Gallagher has the energy, quality and experience they have been crying out for. Frank is behind the move and will be relieved if the deal is completed.’

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face huge disappointment in their quest to bring Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with sources telling TEAMtalk the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s current stance on joining Aston Villa and playing for manager Unai Emery.

With Rodrigo Bentancur out of action for at least three months, Tottenham are aware of the need to press ahead to sign Gallagher and enhance the chances of the 2025/26 campaign being successful under manager Thomas Frank.

However, Aston Villa have been posing a major challenge for Spurs, with our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reporting on January 9 that the Villans have made a ‘definitive move’ for the former Chelsea midfielder.

On January 12, multiple sources revealed that Villa are in talks with Atletico over a deal for Gallagher, including transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Journalist Ben Jacobs wrote on X at 3:46pm on January 12 that “Aston Villa now in formal talks with Atletico Madrid over a loan with a conditional obligation for Conor Gallagher”, adding that the Spanish club “value” the England international at “around €30m (£25m) with loan fee and wage coverage on top”.

Sources have now told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Gallagher has said yes to a potential move to Villa.

We understand that talks between Gallagher’s camp and Villa are going on at the moment, with the former Chelsea midfielder keen on a switch to Villa Park.

Villa and Atletico are in talks over a loan deal for Gallagher, with the midfielder open to joining Unai Emery’s side on a permanent basis, too.

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What Tottenham feel about around Gallagher’s Aston Villa stance – sources

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, has reported that Tottenham fear that Gallagher’s preference to join Villa is because of the contrasting positions of the two clubs.

While Tottenham continue to project confidence in their own transfer strategy, there is a sense that issues around vision, leadership and stability are continuing to influence player decisions.

Villa’s ability to get the best from their squad, while also maintaining a push for the top four in the Premier League, is impressive.

Spurs, meanwhile, are currently 14th in the Premier League table, and the atmosphere around the club is negative as fans protest against the ownership and hold concerns about manager Thomas Frank.

Sources have told Dean Jones that Villa are currently seen as the more stable and clearly defined project.

Spurs’ interest in Gallagher is genuine, and we revealed over the weekend that they had re-entered the race in an attempt to challenge Villa.

However, a move to Emery’s side has continued to gather momentum, leaving Tottenham to put on a brave face as they fear they will miss out.

Tottenham have already missed out on Antoine Semenyo this season and suffered other high-profile transfer setbacks in the summer of 2025, including failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

While missing out on Gallagher would not represent disappointment at quite the same level, the north London club would still need to move quickly towards alternative targets.

Sources insist there is significant ambition for this window, and we recently reported that Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is viewed internally as an ideal profile fit.

Wharton would also be a difficult acquisition, but Spurs would rather persist with top-tier targets than settle for compromise options at this stage of the window.

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Latest Tottenham and Aston Villa transfer news

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have learned the fee needed to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid.

Sources have told us that Tottenham do not want to sell a forward, despite his wish to leave the north London club this month.

Meanwhile, we understand that Aston Villa are planning a shock move to bring back a former striker, but sources have told us that there is interest from Everton.

Tottenham Hotspur will not find it easy to bring Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window, with Aston Villa set to agree on a deal with Atletico Madrid, as Rodrigo Bentancur is ruled out for three months.

Gallagher has been making the headlines in recent times, with both Tottenham and Villa keen on the former Chelsea midfielder. The 25-year-old England international has become a bench-warmer at Atletico Madrid this season, with his days at the Spanish club numbered.

Described as a “priceless” player “with a great commitment to the team” by former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on BBC Sport in February 2024, Gallagher has been restricted to just four starts in LaLiga and three starts in the Champions League for Atletico so far this season.

TEAMtalk has long reported Tottenham’s desire to sign Gallagher in the January transfer window, but Aston Villa have been pressing ahead in their quest to secure the services of the 25-year-old.

On January 9, our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, broke the news that Aston Villa have made a ‘definitive move’ for Gallagher, who has already spoken to Atletico manager Diego Simeone about leaving in January.

Then two days later, on January 11, our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported that despite Villa matching ahead for Gallagher, Tottenham remain keen on the midfielder, who will be allowed to leave Atletico should the Spanish club’s conditions for an exit be met.

Earlier on Monday, Spanish publication AS has now brought its take on the situation of the midfielder, with the Madrid-based media outlet claiming that there is a ‘war for Gallagher’.

The report has stated: ‘Conor Gallagher’s future is completely up in the air. The English midfielder is being monitored by several Premier League clubs.

‘Aston Villa were the first to initiate talks, but now Tottenham have joined the race. There’s a battle brewing in England for the Atletico Madrid player.

‘It is believed that the red and white club is only open to negotiations for a permanent deal and has no intention of letting Gallagher go on loan this month with an option or obligation to buy in the summer.’

However, it has now emerged that Villa are about to agree a deal with Atletico, with Tottenham seemingly set to lose the ‘war’ over Gallagher.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported on X at 2:19pm on January 12: ‘Aston Villa are on the verge of club-to-club agreement for Conor Gallagher.

‘Negotiations are at final stages with Atlético Madrid, loan with buy option clause to eventually becoming mandatory.

‘Talks to continue on player side now.’

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Rodrigo Bentancur injury makes Conor Gallagher deal imperative

Tottenham have long been looking at a deal for Gallagher in the January transfer window, and the injury suffered by Rodrigo Bentancur means that last season’s Europa League winners simply have to beat Aston Villa to the signature of the England international midfielder.

According to reliable sources such as Fabrizio Romano and BBC Sport, Bentancur will be out of action for at least three months.

The Tottenham midfielder needs hamstring surgery after he suffered the injury against Bournemouth last week.

We understand that Gallagher is ready to move to the Premier League, with the midfielder keen on cementing a place in the England squad for the World Cup finals in the summer of 2026.

Tottenham now need to step up their pursuit of Gallagher and do whatever they can to convince the midfielder to turn down Villa and move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Even before the extent of Bentancur’s injury came to light, Tottenham knew that it was a case of ‘now or never’ regarding Gallagher, according to Dean Jones, and the situation is only going to get more urgent now for Spurs manager Thomas Frank.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Andriy Lunin fee, medical NOW

Meanwhile, a Spanish report has revealed how much Tottenham Hotspur need to pay Real Madrid to sign Andriy Lunin in the January transfer window.

Tottenham are on the verge of making a major signing, with the star undergoing a medical on Monday.

Tottenham will lose Rodrigo Bentancur for around three months after determining his hamstring injury requires surgery, and Spurs are now ramping up efforts to sign a readymade and impactful central midfielder.

Bentancur, 28, has been a regular starter in Thomas Frank’s ever-changing midfield this season. Very little seems to go right for the struggling Spurs boss right now and against Bournemouth last week, Bentancur picked up a hamstring issue late in the contest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have now determined the injury’s severity and it’s worst-case scenario.

Taking to X, Romano stated Bentancur will now undergo surgery to repair the problem, thus ruling him out for roughly three months.

“Rodrigo Bentancur will be out for three months as he needs surgery, back before the end of the season,” stated the reporter.

Losing the Uruguayan is a big blow for Frank and Spurs, and according to Romano, the club will now accelerate plans to sign a new central midfielder.

He continued: “Tottenham now to explore midfielders market in January.”

Romano did not name names, though TEAMtalk was informed of one player Spurs set their sights on over the past 48 hours and in the wake of Bentancur suffering his hamstring injury.

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, exclusively told us on Sunday that Tottenham are exploring a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.

The all-action midfielder has been on Spurs’ radar dating back to Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge, and he remains a key target in the present too.

Atleti are willing to offload Gallagher this month if their demands are met. They want a permanent sale, not a loan, and Aston Villa at the behest of Unai Emery thundered into the race last week.

But according to Jones, Tottenham are well aware it’s now or never for Gallagher amid Villa ramping up their own pursuit, and Bentancur’s lay-off will only serve to increase their desire to sign the 25-year-old.

Atleti signed Gallagher for £34m in the summer of 2024. The LaLiga side are looking to roughly break even when cashing in.

Another of our transfer correspondents, Graeme Bailey, has been informed Gallagher is open to returning to England this month.

Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is on Spurs’ radar and ‘discreet enquiries’ into his signing have been made.

However, a move for Wharton looks extremely ambitious. It’s the same story regarding Carlos Baleba, who Spurs will struggle to out-gun Manchester United for when the time comes for the midfield destroyer to leave Brighton.

From further afield, Parma’s Mandela Keita has been scouted in recent weeks , and Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand is admired.

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Latest Tottenham news – Signing finalised TODAY / Paratici, Tel, Frank…

In other news, Tottenham will wrap up a fully agreed signing in a problem position later today, though that might not be the only move made.

Fabio Paratici – Tottenham’s co-sporting director – will leave the club at the end of the January window. Paratici is expected to return to Italy where he’ll join Fiorentina.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have told Mathys Tel that they currently have no plans to let him leave the club this month, though there are circumstances in which that could change, TEAMtalk understands, while a loan bid for a second Spurs star has also been rejected.