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Xavi Simons suffered the embarrassment of being taken off after coming on as a substitute for Tottenham against Chelsea, with his worrying spell of form leaving some fans wanting to cut their losses already.

Simons could have been lining up for the other side tonight after Chelsea tried signing him from RB Leipzig in the summer. Ultimately, Tottenham won the race for the attacking midfielder after being beaten to Eberechi Eze by Arsenal.

But it has been a brutally difficult start to life in the Premier League for Simons. He is yet to score for Spurs and had nowhere to hide after his showing against Chelsea.

As expected, Simons was dropped from the starting lineup for the game, but had to come on after seven minutes due to an injury to Lucas Bergvall.

But Simons was taken off 17 minutes before the end of the game after failing to make an impression and frustrating some with his lack of effort.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher compared Simons’ struggles to keep up with the pace of the Premier League to Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz.

Carragher said: “I thought one of them would be Simons coming off. It won’t be nice for him.

“It doesn’t feel the same as when that situation normally happens as he came on so early.

“But his final touch was a perfect example. He has a lovely turn, gets away from someone, before you know it, someone’s back at him.

“That’s just the nature of the Premier League. It’s really interesting with him and Florian Wirtz just finding it tough to get up to the speed of the Premier League.”

And patience is wearing thin among some Spurs fans, with social media painting a picture of their thoughts.

Spurs urged to cut losses on Simons

On Reddit, one posted: “This has to be his worst performance so far…what’s going wrong?”

Among the replies, another user advised: “Sell him in January. Send a message to the squad, invest the money better.”

Similarly on X, one account suggested: “Xavi Simons is definitely a bust, we should cut our losses.”

Another stated: “My agenda against Simons is growing by the minute. Worst performance from a ‘star signing’ I may have ever seen today.”

A third summarised: “Xavi Simons has been absolutely dreadful, he was a panic buy because we fumbled the Gibbs White, Paz and Eze transfer and now Johan Lange’s mistakes led us to this guy.”

Latest Tottenham news: McTominay stance/striker signing chances

In other news, Spurs have learned Napoli’s stance on doing a deal for midfield target Scott McTominay.

We have also revealed what their chances are of signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after a change in coach in Turin.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a reality check in their pursuit of Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay and it’s one that should have been painfully obvious – but will it stop them?

Talk of a Premier League return for McTominay has been widespread over the past week. His move from Manchester United to Napoli last summer was a roaring success and culminated in not only a Serie A winner’s medal, but the award for being the best player in the league last season.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher revealed that Tottenham have put McTominay on their radar – a link that’s since been backed up by other outlets too.

However, signing McTominay from Napoli won’t be straightforward, with the latest insight coming from Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke.

“I can’t imagine Napoli will be open to letting Scott McTominay leave,” the journalist warned.

“He’s such a key man for them. He’s their talisman right now in that Napoli side, especially now with Kevin De Bruyne out injured.

“They’ll need to keep hold of their best players and McTominay is definitely that. Four goals in 11 appearances this season and Napoli are top of Serie A again.

“Napoli won’t want to weaken their squad by losing such an important player like Scott McTominay. He’s under contract until 2028, so, to even consider selling him would be a huge fee as well.”

Napoli stance no surprise – but what next for Spurs?

Realistically, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to Spurs. Despite some odd claims last week that McTominay was struggling with the off-field attention he gets in Naples – something sources have denied – his current situation is a match made in heaven.

McTominay is thriving and that’s good for both his career and Napoli’s prospects as they aim to do something they’ve never done before: win back-to-back Serie A titles.

Of course Napoli wouldn’t be keen on letting one of their best players leave. Our original report last week shed light on their plans to offer him a contract renewal until 2030.

Those talks could take place in January, a month in which the transfer window being open would have almost no bearing on McTominay’s immediate status.

If he was to leave Napoli, it would be far more likely to occur next summer than midway through this season, but even then it would be a tall order.

Thus, Spurs will have to decide how highly they value McTominay, how important he would be to their plans and how much money it’s worth putting on the table to try and tempt Napoli.

If they have their wits about them, though, it would be prudent to draw up some alternative targets as well, perhaps with similar skillsets to the Scotland international.

Tottenham transfer news: Man Utd warning

If it was easier to get their hands on McTominay, Tottenham could succeed where Man Utd failed by getting the best out of him in English football.

However, one pundit has warned that United could be looking to hijack a Spurs deal for a different midfielder.

In other news, David Ornstein has named an Everton player as Tottenham’s dream signing.

Tottenham Hotspur are not expecting Dominic Solanke to see any action for the club until late November at the earliest amid a big Thomas Frank admission over his injury struggles and with two sources revealing whether his issues could lead to a January departure.

The striker was a £55m signing in summer 2024, with his move from Bournemouth set to net the Cherries a further £10m in add-ons and bonuses if Solanke proved a success. And after a promising first season in Tottenham colours, that resulted in 16 goals from 45 appearances and success in the Europa League, Spurs were hopeful that the striker could push on in his second season in north London.

However, with the striker suffering an ankle injury back in August, the 28-year-old has been forced to watch from the sidelines this season under the guidance of new manager Thomas Frank.

But with his time on the treatment table now spanning 70 days, Frank has revealed the three-times capped England striker will not be considered for first-team duty until after the November international break.

Confirming another setback for the striker, Frank stated: “We are very aware that we want Dom back. We want him back and no setbacks. We are very aware of doing it in the right way. It is going in the right way but he will not be back before the international break.”

With just two appearances and no goals to his name this season, Solanke has been given little opportunity to show Frank what he is about.

And while Spurs have not struggled to score goals, the fact that defender Micky van den Ven is their top scorer with five goals tells you everything about where Frank’s side have fallen short in their quest to push even higher up the table.

Off the back of that, reports of late have suggested Frank could look to sign another striker option in January, with England striker Ivan Toney, currently with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, among those being linked.

However, two sources insist that will not spell the end for Solanke at Tottenham with a January sale ruled out and with another Spurs frontman looking far more likely to leave….

READ NEXT ⚪🔵 ‘Significant’ Tottenham striker move hits roadblock but Paratici can still secure stunning deal

Sale of Solanke ruled out – but second Spurs striker could leave

Despite his poor injury record this season, our transfer insider Dean Jones insisted earlier this week that Solanke is still seen by Frank and his coaches as the club’s best No.9.

‘Inside the club, Solanke is still regarded as a player who can add a new dimension to the attack and increase their goal threat,’ Jones revealed.

‘Reports have recently suggested that manager Thomas Frank is willing to sell him in the January transfer market.

‘However, our sources believe that this is wide of the mark for now and that he is still viewed as the strongest number nine among their current options.

‘There remains confidence that he will score goals regularly once integrated into the side, with Frank’s track record of maximising the quality of his strikers strengthening that belief.

‘When Solanke is match fit, the Tottenham manager intends to give him his chance to thrive as the team’s main focal point.’

That view is also echoed by journalist Pete O’Rourke, who told the Inside Track podcast: “I think it’s very unlikely [he will be sold in January], I think it’s a very difficult deal to pull off midway through the season for several reasons.

“Look, he [Solanke] hasn’t really had a chance to showcase his worth to Thomas Frank just yet, he’s been injured most of the season.

“He’s only played 49 minutes in all competitions. His last action was in that win at Manchester City in August [23 August].

“So I think obviously Solanke’s injury problems have held him back this year. And obviously, he had a good debut season for Tottenham last year, got 16 goals in all competitions and went on to win the Europa League.

“I don’t think Tottenham will be making any massive decisions on him until he is fully fit. And as I said, once he’s fit, I still think he has a role to play in that Tottenham team under Thomas Frank.

“We know Tottenham are continually being linked with new strikers as they look to add to it, but it’s going to be very hard to land your top targets in January.”

Despite that, changes in the Tottenham Hotspur forward line are possible in the January window, and, as previously reported by TEAMtalk, it is Richarlison whose position is under greater threat.

Latest Tottenham news: Xavi Simons to be axed? Man Utd hijack worry

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has delivered the inside track on Tottenham Hotspur’s current thoughts when it comes to struggling summer signing Xavi Simons, who faces the prospect of being dropped against a club that also chased his signature this weekend.

With Romano’s information in hand, we’ve taken a look at the Spurs side that could take to the field in their clash with Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Elsewhere, David Ornstein has named the Everton star whom Frank would see as a ‘dream addition’ to his attack.

And finally, former Manchester United winger Nani has named a current Tottenham Hotspur star who perfectly fits into his old club’s ‘DNA’, amid talk of a potential hijack.

Former Manchester United winger Nani has named a current Tottenham Hotspur loan star who fits into his old club’s ‘DNA’, amid talk of a potential hijack of the north London club’s permanent move for the player.

As TEAMtalk have previously revealed, United are after at least one new central midfielder in the January window and have multiple targets currently lined up.

One player who was on Man Utd‘s radar in the summer of 2024 was Portugal international Joao Palhinha, only for the then Fulham star to end up joining Bayern Munich for £47.4million instead.

But after struggling to secure a regular spot under Vincent Kompany, Bayern allowed Palhinha to return to the Premier League when Tottenham swooped to sign him on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season for £27m.

Palhinha has since made a big impact in north London but Nani, who played alongside the midfielder at Sporting, believes the 30-year-old is a player United should be targeting instead.

“Joao Palhinha is a great player. I played with him at Sporting, where he was growing and learning a lot. After a few years, he became one of the best players in his position,” Nani told Covers.com.

“He’s very strong and talented at winning and recovering the ball, and tackling. He’s also improved his forward play, scoring goals, connecting with the team, and moving forward with the ball. He’s become a complete player in his position.

“I think he’s a great player and can do really well for Tottenham. He had an opportunity with Bayern and we’re not sure what will happen next season, but he’s a player who can play for any team in the world. He just needs to be consistent and fit, as injuries sometimes cause problems. I trust he will have a fantastic career.

“He is a player with energy, with power to recover balls and to fight, that is something that fits into Man United’s DNA.

“Having players who are able first to fight on the field, like to recover the ball and challenge opponents to help the team win games.

“You can’t give your opponents any time in the Premier League and he has the energy and physical abilities to be such an asset for anyone.”

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Latest Man Utd news: Hjulmand chase update; Zirkzee transfer storm

First up, Morten Hjulmand is expected to emerge as Manchester United’s top midfield target from outside the Premier League, while we can also reveal Ruben Amorim’s stance on offloading exit-linked stars.

Elsewhere, United’s Joshua Zirkzee finds himself at the centre of a January transfer storm, with AC Milan’s renewed interest just one thread in a complex web of suitors, with West Ham also in the mix along with four other Premier League sides, TEAMtalk understands.

And finally, Real Madrid are the reported subject of a surprise loan swap in the January transfer window involving a Man Utd misfit, but are set to deliver a sting in the tail to the Premier League club instead.

Thomas Frank will have the full backing of the Tottenham board as he looks to add players to his squad, and reliable journalist David Ornstein believes an Everton star would be a ‘dream’ addition.

Spurs have enjoyed an excellent start under their new manager and have jumped up to third in the Premier League table after a 3-0 victory over the Toffees last weekend.

In an opinion-based interview with Planet Football, Ornstein names his ‘dream’ signings for the Prem’s ‘big six’ sides – and believes Jarrad Branthwaite would be an excellent signing for Tottenham.

The 23-year-old penned a new long-term contract with Everton over the summer, which runs until 2030, but the reliable journalist states that several clubs could try to lure him from Merseyside.

“Jarrad Branthwaite, because I think Tottenham have been looking for a while to upgrade in that defensive department,” Ornstein said.

“They’ve looked at him. He’s someone who has been linked with a move away from Everton, even though he’s signed a new contract and I guess he’s one to watch in the future for many of the top clubs.”

But while Branthwaite is undoubtedly a top young player with potential to improve further, there are a number of obstacles that make an Everton exit highly unlikely, especially in January…

Branthwaite isn’t going anywhere – for now

The first thing to point out is that Branthwaite has not yet played a single game for Everton this season due to a hamstring injury, and he is still set for a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The defender was close to returning for Everton’s game against Manchester City two weeks ago, before he suffered a recurrence of his hamstring issue.

Everton took the tough decision for Branthwaite to undergo surgery on his hamstring. The procedure was successful, but while the club have not put a specific timeframe on his recovery, he will likely be unavailable for several months.

So unless Branthwaite makes a remarkably fast recovery, the chances of him going anywhere in January are practically zero.

The other key issue in play is Everton’s stance. TEAMtalk has consistently reported that David Moyes views Branthwaite as a vital asset, for the present and the future.

Branthwaite is also understood to be happy with the Toffees and grateful to the club where he was given the chance to display his qualities in the Premier League. He has no intention of agitating for an exit, by all accounts.

Tottenham’s interest is understood to be concrete, while he still has admirers at Manchester United, too, but luring him from Everton would be very expensive.

Everton slapped a price tag north of £70m on the centre-back when Man Utd tried to sign him previously, and will demand the same again should interest develop into concrete offers.

For now, Branthwaite is focused on getting back to full fitness and forcing his way back into Everton’s starting XI, but it could be a while until we see him play again.

TRANSFER DEBRIEF 🔎 Tottenham’s shock Mason Greenwood raid; Man Utd given hope by £100m star; Chelsea’s ‘exciting proposal’

Latest Tottenham news: Striker move / Spurs star wants to join Everton

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is out of contract next summer, meaning it’s likely he’ll be available for the right price in January.

However, Juve, under new manager Luciano Spalletti, are working hard to tie the forward down to a new contract.

In other news, TEAMtalk has exclusively revealed that Richarlison would jump at the chance to rejoin Everton in January, if the opportunity arises.

We understand that he is increasingly likely to leave Spurs in 2026, especially if they bring in a new forward.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP? ➡️ Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the inside track on Tottenham Hotspur’s current thoughts when it comes to struggling summer signing Xavi Simons, who faces the prospect of being dropped against a club that also chased his signature this weekend.

Spurs beat off Saturday evening’s opponents Chelsea to win the race for the Netherlands international, a move that thrilled supporters after some well-publicised near misses over the summer window.

Simons was expected to be the explosive spark in Tottenham’s attack after Thomas Frank’s men were brutally snubbed by both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. However, the former RB Leipzig man has really struggled to make an impact in north London so far, either playing as a left-winger or in his more favoured No.10 role.

Indeed, the 22-year-old has chalked up zero goals and has just one assist in his 11 appearances for Spurs so far.

Despite his struggles, Romano has revealed that Tottenham still have full faith that Simons will eventually adapt to life in England and turn into a superstar signing.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “He [Xavi Simons] needs some time, it’s seen as normal adaptation for a young boy.

“Spurs have no doubts about Xavi and his skills, it’s just a matter of time.”

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Simons facing axe for Chelsea test

Despite Romano’s comments on the talented Dutch attacker, reports suggest that Simons could be dropped to the bench for the crunch clash with Chelsea on Saturday.

Frank is expected to pack his midfield against the visitors, who have dominated that area of the pitch against Spurs in recent outings – particularly with the combination of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes.

Micky van de Ven will return at the back, allowing Joao Palhinha to revert to his normal midfield position alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. Pape Sarr is also expected to get the nod in a more advanced role ahead of the likes of Simons and Lucas Bergvall.

Mohammed Kudus actually started centrally at Everton last weekend but is predicted to move back to the right flank, with Brennan Johnson’s goal threat in a tight derby getting him in the nod on the left in the likely absence of Wilson Odobert.

Johnson ahead of Simons is unlikely to thrill Tottenham fans, even if neither have especially impressed in Son Heung-min’s old role, and that is a problem Spurs will look to rectify in January.

Randal Kolo-Muani also looks set to beat out Richarlison again for the No.9 spot after the Brazilian fluffed his lines with some poor misses in the midweek Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle.

Kolo-Muani is still adapting to English football after his injury lay-off, but Frank feels he offers more of an all-round threat than Richarlison.

Latest Tottenham news: Vlahovic chase update; shock sale stance revealed

First up, TEAMtalk have been given a major update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for an elite No.9 in the January transfer window, and while a spanner may have been thrown in the works, a ‘bargain’ move is still very much alive.

Elsewhere, Spurs could sell arguably their best player this season to Liverpool if the Reds meet their £88m asking price, according to a shock report.

And finally, Everton are exploring the signing of a new striker in the January transfer window, and TEAMtalk sources have revealed Richarlison’s stance on leaving Tottenham to rejoin his former side in a spectacular move.

Tottenham are considering a shock move for Mason Greenwood and are also tracking another former Manchester United star, Ruben Amorim has been given hope of bringing a top midfield target to Old Trafford, while this week’s exclusive Transfer Debrief can reveal Chelsea have overtaken Arsenal in the race for an electric Serie A star.

Mason Greenwood on Tottenham radar

Greenwood, 24, joined Marseille from Manchester United in a move worth around £26.5m, after a year on loan with Getafe.

While he was seen as one of the most gifted players to have broken through at Old Trafford in recent years, serious criminal allegations brought against the player, which were ultimately dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, left United feeling it would be best if they moved him on.

TEAMtalk understands that the forward, who has notched an impressive eight goals and four assists in 13 appearances this season, could be given an opportunity to return to the Premier League, though his suitors do have reservations about the optics of a potential transfer.

Our transfer insider Fraser Fletcher revealed this week that Tottenham have Greenwood on their radar as they look to bring in a another dynamic player who can drive them forward and add legs.

West Ham United are also in the mix, viewing Greenwood as a player who has the quality to come in and potentially save their season.

However, Barcelona are firmly in the race and considered frontrunners at this stage. Convincing him to leave Marseille may not be straightforward, either, but interest is ramping up his signature, with Tottenham among his suitors.

And interestingly, TEAMtalk confirmed in a separate update that former Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay is another player on Spurs’ shortlist, after being impressed by his form with Napoli.

Newcastle are also interested in the Scotland international.

Man Utd given hope of signing £100m-rated star

Man Utd will prioritise strengthening in midfield in the next two transfer windows and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is firmly on their radar.

Anderson figures highly on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist alongside the likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba – all of whom will command sizeable transfer fees.

The Red Devils, Tottenham and former club Newcastle are all interested in signing Anderson, who has been one of Forest’s best players since joining in the summer of 2024.

It may take a mammoth bid of over £100m for Forest to consider a January sale.

And in an update this week, TEAMtalk revealed that Anderson is flattered by the interest from the top sides, and would view a move to a club like Man Utd as a significant step forward for his career.

Anderson is fully focused on Forest for now, but his stance gives Man Utd some encouragement as they consider bringing the four-time capped England international to Old Trafford.

Chelsea submit ‘proposal’ for Juventus ace

Chelsea have leapfrogged Arsenal and Real Madrid in the race for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, by submitting an ‘exciting proposal’ to the supremely talented 20-year-old, TEAMtalk has revealed.

The Blues view Yildiz as the ideal attacking partner for Cole Palmer – dynamic, creative, and capable of playing across the front line. A potential €90m (£79.2m / $104.4m) bid would be the minimum needed, especially after Juve rejected a €70m (£61.6m / $81.2m) approach from Enzo Maresca’s side in the summer.

Yildiz, who can play as a winger on either flank or as a centre-forward has been in scintillating form, notching three goals and four assists in 12 matches this season, including a crucial penalty in Juventus’s 3-1 victory over Udinese recently.

Arsenal, Real Madrid, Man Utd and Liverpool are all keen on Yildiz, but we understand Chelsea’s proposal puts them ahead of other clubs in the race.

Juventus are trying to tie Yildiz down to a lucrative new contract, but should those talks fail the Blues are poised to swoop in and lure him to Stamford Bridge.

Richarlison eyes Everton return / Celtic manager hunt / Man City star in demand and more…

Richarlison could leave Tottenham and sources have confirmed that he would jump at the opportunity to rejoin former side Everton in January. The Toffees are keen to sign a new forward and they are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Morgan Rogers, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Raskin, Kees Smit, Adam Wharton and Victor Froholdt are all on Spurs’ shortlist as Thomas Frank looks to add another dynamic player.

Tottenham remain keen on Porto striker Samu Aghehowa but have not yet decided whether to move for him in January.

Celtic are pushing to appoint a new permanent manager imminently following the departure of Brendan Rodgers. Kieran McKenna is the top choice, but needs convincing to leave Ipswich. Ange Postecoglou has said no to a return for now, while other candidates Nicky Hayen and Robbie Keane are keen to take charge of the Hoops.

Rodgers, meanwhile, is on Wolves’ shortlist of potential replacements for under-pressure boss Vitor Pereira, and the Northern Irishman is open to a switch to Molineux.

Man Utd maintain that Kobbie Mainoo will NOT be loaned out in January – even if the midfielder pushes for it – with Newcastle, Tottenham and Brentford among the clubs interested.

Crystal Palace are considering a move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who came close to leaving the Etihad over the summer before Pep Guardiola blocked his exit.

Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee remains on West Ham’s shortlist though they have reservations about a move as they look to add a proven goal scorer in January.

Speculation is mounting that West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could push for a January exit and the Hammers must take this very seriously.

Brentford have given assurances to manager Keith Andrews that they will not sell key players in January amid interest in Kevin Schade and Yehor Yarmoliuk.

TEAMtalk have been given a major update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for an elite No.9 in the January transfer window, and while a spanner may have been thrown in the works, a ‘bargain’ move is still very much alive.

It’s no secret that Thomas Frank is exploring a move for potentially two new attacking options in the new year, with a left-winger and a central striker both positions that the Spurs boss is looking to strengthen.

Only four of Tottenham‘s 25 goals in all competitions so far this season have been scored by a genuine striker, with centre-back Micky van de Ven the club’s current top scorer with five.

Richarlison has netted three times, while Mathys Tel has scored once. Loan signing Randal Kolo Muani has yet to find the back of the net but has spent time on the sidelines, as has Dominic Solanke, whose injury issues continue to blight his time in north London.

With all that in mind, Spurs are being heavily linked with several strikers, with Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic very much a name on their radar.

A move for the Serbian, who has also been linked with Chelsea, makes plenty of sense, given his incredibly affordable price tag and the fact that Fabio Paratici is now back on board as the club’s sporting director.

The 53-year-old Italian has brokered some impressive deals for Tottenham from Serie A and could add Vlahovic to that list, although a change of managers in Turin has potentially muddied the water a little.

The Italian outfit recently replaced Igor Tudor with former Napoli and Italy boss Luciano Spalletti as they currently sit seventh in the Serie A table after nine games of the new season.

DON’T MISS ➡️ How Tottenham could use McTominay and succeed where Man Utd failed as interest in Napoli raid develops

Vlahovic signing perfect for Tottenham

Vlahovic has made only five starts this term, but has still managed to notch seven goals and remains a potent striker at European level – one who would arguably be an upgrade on what Frank already has at his disposal.

Diving into the latest surrounding Vlahovic’s future following the turn of events at Juventus, TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has given us an update on the player’s situation.

Jones said: “The fact Vlahovic suddenly has a new coach is interesting because it is a moment that could potentially lead to a change in his situation at Juve.

“However, the major issue still surrounds the terms of his deal rather than whether the coach likes him, so I do think the same problem will exist. A few clubs in England will be keeping an eye on this but no one has been particularly close to making an offer soon.

“There is a chance he is still available in January because Juventus can’t handle the prospect of him leaving for free in the summer. So, either way, something significant has to happen.

“If he leaves in January I think someone will be picking up a bargain. The current expectation is that Juve would be looking for €20million [£17.6m], I’m told.”

Latest Tottenham news: More striker news; Richarlison exit

First up, Tottenham chances of signing a 204-goal striker in the January transfer window have been rated by a major source, as Thomas Frank continues to be frustrated by a lack of productivity from the No.9 position.

Elsewhere, Everton are exploring the signing of a new striker in the January transfer window, and TEAMtalk sources have revealed Richarlison’s stance on leaving Spurs to rejoin his former side in a spectacular move.

And finally, Thomas Frank has confirmed that two more Tottenham stars had picked up injuries ahead of the Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle, taking the total to 12, although two could be back for Saturday’s London derby against Chelsea.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP? Get the inside story first by joining ourTEAMtalk Facebook channelto receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of signing a 204-goal striker in the January transfer window have been rated, as Thomas Frank continues to be frustrated by a lack of productivity from the No.9 position.

Spurs’ central strikers have accounted for just four of their 25 goals in all competitions this season, with centre-back Micky van de Ven the club’s top scorer with five.

In terms of how that breaks down, Richarlison has netted three times, although two of those came on the opening weekend of the campaign, while Mathys Tel has scored once. Loan signing Randal Kolo Muani has yet to find the back of the net but has spent time on the sidelines, as has Dominic Solanke, whose injury issues continue to blight his time in north London.

It’s been widely speculated that Tottenham could move for a new central striker in January, due to the lack of productivity from the likes of Richarlison, Tel and Kolo Muani so far. That’s despite the fact that the addition of another left-winger and a centre-back are arguably more pressing needs.

Former Brentford frontman Ivan Toney and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic are two names continually being linked with a move to Spurs, with TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones previously giving his thoughts on Toney linking up with his ex-Bees boss Frank again.

However, Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke has now given a fresh update on Tottenham’s chances of luring Toney away from Saudi Arabia in the new year.

Spurs fans were given hope that the England international could be on his way to north London after Frank opened the door to a reunion, but O’Rourke has sadly sided with Jones when it comes to the Dane getting that reunion with the Al-Ahli forward any time soon.

When asked about the speculation over Toney’s future, O’Rourke said: “I think Toney‘s quite happy with life out there as well in the Middle East. He’s been a big success for Al-Ahli, 40 goals and eight assists in 58 appearances, that’s pretty good going by anybody’s standards.

“Al-Ahli have no real desire to let their top goalscorer leave in January as well as they want to try and win the Saudi Pro League title. It looks a difficult deal to do for so many reasons. Al-Ahli don’t really want to lose Toney and Toney’s not pushing for a move just yet either, despite maybe hoping to boost his chances of being in that England squad for next summer’s World Cup.”

DON’T MISS ➡️ Tottenham star says YES to joining Everton as David Moyes considers stunning January swoop – sources

Why Tottenham should still push for Toney

That last comment surrounding England is the one big angle Tottenham need to push when trying to convince Toney to swap Saudi for a return home.

Frank’s men are currently going well at the top end of the Premier League table, despite not playing particularly well and also having those issues with the No.9 position.

That’s where the 29-year-old could be a stunning fit, having quit English football for the riches on offer in the Middle East 15 months ago.

Toney has been a prolific scorer in the Saudi Pro League, as you would expect for a player of his quality. His overall career totals are impressive, with 204 goals in 466 appearances in all competitions.

His pace, power and finishing ability would arguably be a notch up on what Frank already has at his disposal, although that’s probably harsh on Kolo Muani given the small sample size so far. Solanke, meanwhile, has also shown flashes that he could be a 20-goal-a-season forward for Tottenham if he could stay fit long enough.

O’Rourke also feels that Toney and Spurs are a strong fit, even if it will be a difficult transfer to pull off, adding: “Tottenham would be a good fit because of the Thomas Frank situation with Ivan Toney, but you’ve got to remember Tottenham have got a lot of attacking options in that team as well.

“Solanke out injured at the minute, they’ll be hoping they can get him back. Kolo Muani’s just returned from injury as well and then they’ve got Richarlison and Mathys Tel as well.

“They are quite well stocked in that area of the team. If maybe one of those players was to leave in January, then that might increase the likelihood of Tottenham bringing in a new striker in January.”

Thomas Frank has confirmed that two more Tottenham Hotspur stars had picked up injuries ahead of the Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle, taking the total to 12, although two could be back for Saturday’s London derby against Chelsea.

Thomas Frank’s men crashed out of the League Cup at the last-16 stage as goals from Fabian Schar and Nicolas Woltemade condemned them to defeat at St James’ Park, in a game where the Spurs boss was forced to shuffle his pack again.

It emerged before Wednesday’s clash that midfielder Archie Gray, who was expected to start on Tyneside, has picked up a calf issue to leave Frank scrambling for numbers against the Magpies.

That means that Tottenham have now double-digit injury absentees, with the situation reminiscent of the problems under Ange Postecoglou midway through last season.

However, Gray was not the only player to pull up lame before the Newcastle clash, with Wilson Odobert also surprisingly missing against Eddie Howe’s men.

Frank has now revealed that the France Under-21 international picked up a side strain in the lead-up to the game, but indicated that he could be back as early as Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.

When asked about Odobert, the Tottenham boss said after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle: “Odobert had a side, strain, unfortunately, that kept him out for this game. Also, we need to assess him but it could look positive for Chelsea.”

Frank also revealed that Guglielmo Vicario missed the Newcastle clash through injury, but the Spurs number one should be back in time for Chelsea.

That means Vicario and Odobert join Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie, Archie Gray, and Yves Bissouma on the injury list.

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Odobert best of a bad bunch on the left

The left-wing role has been a major issue for Thomas Frank, with none of Brennan Johnson, Xavi Simons or Mathys Tel making anything of an impression there.

In fact, Odobert has looked the most comfortable in the position, hence Frank’s decision to often give him the nod for that role.

The France Under-21 international has the ability to go outside and inside, something the other options struggle with, and he at least gives a better balance to the team – even if the end product is far from stellar.

If Odobert is available to face Chelsea, it will be interesting to see which way Frank goes with his team selection.

Mohammed Kudus started centrally in more of a No.10 role in the 3-0 win at Everton last weekend, with Johnson on the right and Simons out on the left.

The Dutch playmaker could find himself back on the bench, if Frank opts for the better balance to the side and recalls Odobert – although that would be a huge call against a Blues side who traditionally do incredibly well in this match-up.

Latest Tottenham news

First up, Everton are exploring the signing of a new striker in the January transfer window, and TEAMtalk sources have revealed Richarlison’s stance on leaving Tottenham to rejoin his former side in a spectacular move.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have been told that major Tottenham target Dusan Vlahovic is theirs if they offer Juventus a bargain fee of £20million (€23m / $26m) in the January transfer window, according to a report.

And finally, Spurs could sell arguably their best player this season to Liverpool if the Reds meet their £88m asking price, according to a shock report.