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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly tabled an offer of £52million to sign an incredible Real Madrid attacking talent who can help fill the void left by Mohammed Kudus’ enforced absence, as the north London outfit look to appease a fanbase that is growing increasingly agitated.

Spurs supporters once again let their feelings be known as the club crashed out of the FA Cup to Aston Villa on Saturday evening, with their last realistic hope of winning a trophy this season now gone.

The unrest follows Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven’s clash with Tottenham fans after the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth in midweek. The supporters’ trust has also accused the club of ‘lacking ambition’, amid a worrying run of form under Thomas Frank, and also highlighted concerns over any significant signing news in the January window.

While a deal for talented Brazilian left-back Souza is set to be announced, the Santos star is only 19 and is unlikely to push for a starting spot straight away.

At this stage, Tottenham need new arrivals who can immediately improve a team that is struggling with injuries, confidence and adopting too pragmatic an approach from the increasingly under pressure Frank.

However, fresh reports from Spain claim that Spurs have made a significant move to sign a player they were also interested in over the summer, Real star Brahim Diaz.

Speculative Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that the north London club have put a £52m (€60m / $70m) offer on the table for the Moroccan forward, who is currently playing a starring role for his country at AFCON.

Indeed, Diaz made history on Friday as he became the first Moroccan player ever to score in five consecutive AFCON matches in a single edition, with his side booking a semi-final spot with victory over Cameroon.

Things have not gone quite so well at Real Madrid this season, though, with Diaz being handed just three LaLiga starts this far, along with one in the Champions League.

While his stats – one goal and two assists in 18 games – do not exactly scream a player who would give Tottenham an immediate lift, the pedigree and talent is clearly there.

Diaz could immediately slot on the right flank for a Spurs side who will be missing the influential Kudus until April, having also sold his backup Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m.

The 26-year-old can also play as a No.10, giving Frank more flexibility with his attack and also another creative outlet in the continued absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

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Diaz can be ‘the best in the world’

His incredible efforts for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations have certainly not gone unnoticed, with several top European sides now said to be in the mix for his signature. However, it’s Tottenham who have taken their interest a step further by actually tabling an offer.

The £52m fee is a figure Real are reported to be considering, especially for a player who has largely struggled for game time so far this season.

However, that value may well have gone up after his heroics in his homeland, with his coach Walid Regragui making a stunning claim after the quarter-final win over Cameroon.

Regragui said: “He can be the best player in the world. Of course, today he is the X factor of my team.

“I want to say congratulations to him because now he understands what it means to have Moroccan blood: to run, to fight and to give what you have.”

Should the report be accurate, Tottenham will look to secure a deal for Diaz as soon as he returns from AFCON, as they aim to ease the pressure on Frank and appease fans with a strong finish to a hugely disappointing season so far.

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More Tottenham news: Tzolis blow; Real want Romero – again

Tottenham might be planning to make a bid for Christos Tzolis to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this month, but the Club Brugge winger has publicly revealed his desire to move to Liverpool instead.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are planning to raid Tottenham for one of their best players, according to a report, which has also claimed Xabi Alonso’s stance, but TEAMtalk believes that a deal is unlikely.

Tottenham Hotspur might be planning to make a bid for Christos Tzolis to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this month, but the Club Brugge winger has publicly revealed his desire to move to Anfield and star for Liverpool instead.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, reported on January 3 that Tottenham are keen on a 2026 deal for Tzolis. The north London club are on the hunt for a left-winger in the January transfer window and believe that the Club Brugge star would be a great signing for Thomas Frank’s side.

Tottenham have been following Tzolis in recent months and have the 23-year-old on their list for a potential bid in the January transfer window.

Sources have told us that Club Brugge would demand at least €40million (£35m, $47m) to let the Greek winger leave in the middle of the season.

While Tottenham will feel that they have the financial capability to meet those demands, last season’s Europa League winners will not be pleased to hear that Tzolis wants to join Liverpool.

The winger has said that he is not going to push for a move away from the Belgian club in the middle of the season, but a switch to Liverpool or Barcelona would be something that he would jump at.

Tzolis told Het Nieuwsblad when asked about joining Atletico Madrid: “I want to go to a top team. That’s all I can say.”

When asked if he could leave in January, the winger replied: “I’m not aware of any concrete interest at the moment, so I’m not even considering it. Maybe you know more than I do (laughs).

“I’d like to win the title here first. Although you never know, so I can’t say with 100% certainty that I’ll stay this winter.

“If a crazy team comes along, like Barcelona, ​​Liverpool… Anyway, you know what I mean. But I don’t think that will happen in the winter.”

Tzolis added: “Don’t get me wrong: I’m really happy here.

“But I feel ready for a team that’s competing for trophies in one of the four biggest European leagues. That’s my ambition.

“I only want to leave Club Brugge for a truly top team.”

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Christos Tzolis addresses Crystal Palace interest

There are no concrete reports that Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in Tzolis, but it would not come as a surprise if the two clubs start to take a closer look at him.

The Greece international has scored 11 goals and given 15 assists in 30 appearances for Club Brugge so far this season.

During the 2024/25 campaign, Tzolis found the back of the net 21 times and registered 16 assists in 56 matches in all competitions.

Crystal Palace wanted to sign Tzolis in the summer of 2025, and the winger has now addressed interest from the London club.

Tzolis said: “That interest came just before the match against Rangers, so my focus was on that.”

When asked if he was tempted to join Palace, the winger said: “A little bit. I like the way Crystal Palace plays football.

“I considered whether it might be a good opportunity or not, but I immediately told Devy Rigaux and the staff that I wouldn’t push.

“It would be bad for the team if I didn’t want to train or play because I wanted to secure a transfer. That’s not how I am.

“A month earlier, I had signed a new contract. But okay, everyone listens when there’s an offer, although I didn’t want to go to Crystal Palace at any cost.

“Staying was also perfectly fine. I don’t regret anything. On the contrary, this was even the best choice.”

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Latest Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

Meanwhile, a report has revealed the ‘only viable’ way for Federico Chiesa to leave Liverpool for Juventus in the January transfer window.

A winger has publicly revealed that he wants to play for Liverpool, who have been actively scouting him this season.

As for Tottenham, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wants to sign one of Thomas Frank’s best and most important players, according to a report in the Spanish media.

Real Madrid are planning to raid Tottenham Hotspur for one of their best players, according to a report, which has also claimed Xabi Alonso’s stance, but TEAMtalk believes that a deal is unlikely.

Tottenham are having a disappointing season, with Thomas Frank’s side as low as 14th in the Premier League table. Frank’s future at Tottenham is also far from certain, with a source telling our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that “the board is considering all options”.

While Real Madrid themselves have recovered from their slump in form under manager Alonso, there is a need at Estadio Bernabeu to sign at least one central defender in 2026, preferably in the January transfer window.

David Alaba is out of contract at Real Madrid next summer, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano saying that the Austrian will not be handed a new deal.

Antonio Rudiger, too, will become a free agent at the end of the season, as things stand, while Dean Huijsen is still very young and has had a mixed time in his debut season at Madrid, and Raul Asencio has not always been convincing.

Eder Militao is a brilliant defender, but the Brazilian has had injury problems, like Alaba and Rudiger.

According to Fichajes, Madrid have decided to fix their defensive issues by targeting Tottenham star Cristian Romero.

Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham in August 2025 that runs until the summer of 2029.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Romero is now Tottenham’s highest-paid player, earning around £150,000-a-week basic but closer to £200,000-a-week when one factors in bonuses.

However, that has not stopped Madrid from believing that they would be able to sign Romero in the January transfer window.

Fichajes has reported that Madrid are ‘preparing a stratospheric offer’ of €80million (£69.4m, $93.1m) to convince Tottenham to sell them Romero.

The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Madrid manager Alonso has ‘given his final approval to the transfer after analysing the defender’s outstanding performances in England’.

According to the report, Romero is not happy with Tottenham’s underwhelming performances under Frank this season and wants the north London club to show more ambition in the transfer market to make the squad better.

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Real Madrid want Micky van de Ven, not Cristian Romero – sources

Fichajes is not one of the most reliable sources, so one should be cautious about this claim that Madrid are keen on Romero.

Romero signed a new contract with Spurs only last summer, and he must have done so because he is happy with the club and their long-term ambition.

The Argentina international is 27 now, and while he would be a brilliant signing for Madrid, no other media outlets are reporting that Los Blancos want him.

It is also very unlikely that Madrid will make a major signing in the middle of the season.

However, there have been historical links between the Spanish giants and Romero.

The Sun reported on May 12, 2025, that Madrid were targeting Romero, but he subsequently signed a new deal with Spurs and Los Blancos eventually secured the services of Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Madrid, though, are interested in Micky van de Ven, Romero’s main centre-back partner for Tottenham when fit and available.

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, reported on December 10 that Real Madrid have Van de Ven on their radar for a potential 2026 deal.

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, said on December 10: “Van de Ven has been mentioned in the same way that Madrid have looked at Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi, but it is different because those three players are becoming free agents and that is a market Madrid are very keen to exploit when they can.

“Van de Ven would be a much different situation as he has more than three years remaining on his current deal and the club are hoping to tie him up to a new one, on better terms over an extended period.

“Obviously, Madrid have the power to turn any player’s head, but they would have to pay big money for him as Spurs really do not want to lose him.

“They consider his experience and leadership to be absolutely vital, on top of the fact he’s a great defender and can also be a threat in terms of scoring goals.”

However, Spurs do not want to lose the Netherlands international defender, with Bailey reporting on December 27 that Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham is in talks with Van de Ven’s camp and plans to hand him a bumper new contract.

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Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Liverpool midfielder warned, Chelsea threat

Meanwhile, a pundit has urged a Liverpool midfielder to avoid a move to Real Madrid, warning him that he is in a very good place at Anfield.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Chelsea are aiming to sign a defender next summer, but Real Madrid have the upperhand.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly facing a battle to keep striker Mathys Tel this month, with the player open to offers to leave after issuing Thomas Frank with something of an ultimatum, though our sources can reveal why any exit request is likely not to go down well in N17.

The French striker joined Spurs on loan last January, opting for the move to north London over rival interest from Manchester United. That decision proved a wise one, as within months of his arrival, Tel was celebrating a victory in the Europa League final after they recorded a 1-0 win over the Red Devils during the San Mames Stadium-staged final.

The 20-year-old then turned that loan arrangement into a permanent £30m (€35m, $41m) transfer after being told he had no future at Bayern Munich.

However, Tel is yet to truly convince since moving to N17. In his 38 appearances so far, the France Under-21 international has a modest six goals, while two assists in that time have seen him deliver a goal contribution just over every 216 minutes of action.

Despite a lengthy injury absence for Dominic Solanke this season, Tel has been unable to convince Thomas Frank he is worthy of regular action, making just five starts in the Premier League so far and zero in the Champions League.

Often the second choice to Richarlison, Tel has come off the bench on 12 other occasions, thus far.

Now, according to well-connected French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Tel has become frustrated by his lack of regular action and has made it clear he is open to a potential exit opportunity month.

Writing on X, Hawkins stated: ‘EXCL Mathys Tel wants more playing time at Tottenham and will be listening to offers this winter. A departure is not out of the question.’

However, our sources have revealed Spurs are unlikely to sanction an exit this month – and for good reason…

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Tel frustrated at Spurs – but exit chances are slim

We understand that Tel’s frustrations first began when he was overlooked by Frank for Tottenham’s Champions League squad, though the Frenchman was later added when the severity of Solanke’s injury quickly came to light.

But with the club already sanctioning the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, Frank is making it clear he does not want to weaken his attacking options further by letting Tel depart.

And even though Solanke is closing in on his long-awaited return after being absent since 23 August with a problematic ankle injury that has required surgery, Frank knows that, after the injury sustained to Mohammed Kudus – the Ghanaian is now sidelined until Easter time with a thigh injury – he is not in a position to further reduce his limited attacking options.

Frank also indicated earlier this week that, despite a lack of game time for the Frenchman, he will be needed through the rest of the season as Spurs compete on three fronts.

Frank said: “I think it’s pretty fair to say that we are maybe a little bit short on offensive options.

“I think also it’s fair, there’s no one who’s really grabbed that shirt on the left-hand side, so I think that’s definitely up for grabs. I think it was a positive performance from Mathys. I think he did some positive things and got into good situations.

“Let’s see what will happen against Bournemouth, but it’s also that fine balance of giving some players the trust for a run of games, so they can maybe hopefully find a bit of rhythm and also increase their performance level.

“Then the tactical approach of the opponents, which players fit to that and get the right mix and balance in the team, but Matty in general, was positive.”

Latest Tottenham news: Brazilian star to sign; Romano on Marmoush links

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an emphatic update on the chances of Spurs signing £60m Manchester City star Omar Marmoush in the wake of Man City securing the £64m signing of Antoine Semenyo.

In other news, Tottenham are looking to make statement signings in a bid to get back among the contending teams for European football in 2026, and our sources can reveal that ‘discreet enquiries’ have been made for what would be an incredible addition to Thomas Frank’s squad.

Elsewhere, Tottenham now have a club-to-club agreement and personal terms sealed for the signing of a quality Brazilian full-back, and TEAMtalk can confirm the amount they’ll pay, along with who they’re looking at next.

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an emphatic update on the chances of Tottenham signing Omar Marmoush in the wake of Manchester City landing Antoine Semenyo.

Man City signed Semenyo from Bournemouth for £62.5m, rising to £64m through add-ons. The winger is equally adept at operating on either flank and the hope is his arrival will lighten the goalscoring burden on Erling Haaland.

Semenyo’s signing has also re-ignited speculation one of Man City’s attacking corps could be sacrificed in the same window.

Oscar Bobb has been mentioned, as has Omar Marmoush. Indeed, transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, exclusively revealed back on December 21 that Tottenham were exploring a move for the Egypt international who is currently at AFCON.

Fellow reporter Dean Jones subsequently backed up Fletcher’s claims, with Tottenham desperate to sign a potent new attacker in a campaign in which they’ve looked painfully blunt in the final third.

However, Jones was later informed that City’s intention was to retain Marmoush even if they landed Semenyo, which they since have.

And per the latest from transfer guru Romano, not only do City not want to sell, but Marmoush doesn’t want to leave this month either, even after Semenyo’s arrival.

“Man City signed Antoine Semenyo, and so adding one more player to their roster,” began Romano on his YouTube channel.

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

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

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

Romano concluded by stating Marmoush’s situation could change come the summer if he’s continued to feature sparingly over the next six months.

But for now at least, neither Marmoush or Man City have any desire to part ways this month and interested suitors must either look elsewhere or revisit the situation at season’s end.

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Latest Tottenham & Man City news – ‘Discreet enquiries’ / Marc Guehi

In other news, Tottenham are looking to make statement signings in a bid to get back among the contending teams for European football in 2026, and our sources can reveal that ‘discreet enquiries’ have been made for what would be an incredible addition to Thomas Frank’s squad.

Tottenham now have a club-to-club agreement and personal terms sealed for the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza, and TEAMtalk can confirm the amount they’ll pay, along with who they’re looking at next.

The left-back position has become something of a problem at Tottenham, with our insider, Fraser Fletcher, revealing the club’s doubts over the long-term viability of Destiny Udogie.

With Ben Davies now well into his thirties and Djed Spence more naturally suited to the right-back role, new blood is required on the left.

Tottenham recently opened the bidding for Santos left-back Souza to the tune of €8m. Transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, revealed the Brazilian side were willing to sell, but had targeted a healthier €20m figure.

Tottenham refused to take no for an answer and returned with an improved second offer worth roughly €15m.

That came after Fabrizio Romano revealed the 19-year-old had agreed personal terms with Spurs, meaning a club-to-club agreement was all that stood between Spurs and a full agreement.

Now, Bailey has returned with the goods once again, revealing to TEAMtalk that Tottenham and Santos have shaken hands on the overall fee.

Bailey explained on Friday afternoon: “Santos sources confirm to TEAMtalk that a fee has been agreed for Souza – worth just under £14million.

“Payment terms across the deal are being finalised, but with the player’s terms in hand – deal is now close and Tottenham have won the race for his signature.”

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Souza first, Luca Netz next?

As mentioned, Spurs have concerns over the left-back position and with Udogie’s future uncertain, Souza might not be the only new face in that part of the squad.

Earlier this week, Fraser 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.

Netz, 22, has been on Spurs’ radar for some time and is primed to become a free agent when his contract expires next summer.

However, Spurs are eager to accelerate the process and secure his services as early as this January transfer window.

Early conversations have happened, with the north London club prepared to table a modest fee to pry him away from the German side mid-season.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to make statement signings in a bid to get back among the contending teams for European football in 2026, and our sources can reveal that ‘discreet enquiries’ have been made for what would be an incredible addition to Thomas Frank’s squad.

As we have previously reported, Spurs are keen on a move for Brazilian left-back Souza, with a deal now accelerating for the exciting teenage talent. However, they also remain in the market for a left-winger, striker and midfielder, and that’s where interest in Adam Wharton comes in.

Indeed, we can confirm that enquiries over the Crystal Palace and England star have been made in order to understand what the landscape might look like should they try to sign him.

Sources at Palace indicate the club are concerned about the risk of their wider project unravelling this year if it is not carefully managed, and they are refusing to be drawn into setting deadlines on when key players could depart.

Tottenham believe Wharton will leave Palace at some stage this year, but feel any move will only materialise once the south London club have identified a plan and suitable replacement.

It could even transpire that a new manager is in place at Selhurst Park by the time any deal is concluded, with Oliver Glasner expected to depart at the end of the season.

As previously reported, Tottenham are drawing up ambitious plans for the year ahead, which is why players of Wharton’s calibre are firmly on their radar.

Their strategy is to target the best available options in every position before turning to alternatives if required.

REVEALED: The Premier League’s biggest winter window spenders as Chelsea dominate January market

More Tottenham news: Van de Ven exit concerns; another Brazilian eyed

Liverpool are interested in bringing Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven to Anfield in 2026, according to a report, as TEAMtalk reveals Spurs’ plan on the Netherlands international and whether a move to Anfield could be possible.

Elsewhere, Tottenham and Manchester City have been alerted to the possibility of signing a Brazil international who has lit up Serie A since his arrival last summer.

Finally, Fulham would consider a move for Joao Palhinha if Tottenham do not take up their option to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly struck an agreement to sign highly-rated Brazilian defender Souza from Santos, a deal our sources have been all over right from the very start.

Despite not making a single signing to date in the winter window, Spurs are expected to be very active in the remaining weeks, with midfield and attack the main focus of attention.

However, Fabrizio Romano reveals they have made a breakthrough when it comes to sealing a deal for 19-year-old full-back Souza.

TEAMtalk insiders Dean Jones and Graeme Bailey have both reported on the teenager this week, with the former revealing that Tottenham are determined to secure the player’s signature, despite seeing an initial £8m (€9.2m / $10.7m) offer rejected.

Indeed, Bailey revealed that Santos have been pushing for a figure of closer to €20m (£17m / $23m), which is more than double what the north London outfit have been willing to pay.

However, Romano now states that Tottenham are set to pay €15m (£13m / $17.4m), although the payment terms are yet to be fully agreed.

Romano does add that an agreement with the player himself has already been signed off, along with personal terms, and that a deal is expected to be concluded soon.

Despite his young age, Souza has played 38 senior games for Santos and is expected to provide cover for the problematic left-back position at Spurs.

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Tottenham considering left-back change

Destiny Udogie is talented but incredibly inconsistent and injury-prone. Indeed, our sources indicate that Tottenham could even consider moving on from the Italy international for those very reasons.

Djed Spence is a right-footed left-back, which causes issues in itself, in that he cannot go on the overlap and deliver crosses, while Ben Davies is a veteran presence who is now arguably a better performer centrally.

To that end, it’s no great surprise to see Tottenham looking to add another left-back to the mix for under-pressure boss Thomas Frank. However, it remains to be seen whether Souza is experienced enough to actually challenge for that role straight away.

Indeed, moving to the Premier League direct from Brazilian football will present challenges, although it’s clear that Spurs believe Souza has the capabilities to step up.

His arrival is also expected to trigger more fresh additions, with the potential for a new midfielder, left winger and striker all arriving before the window shuts.

DON’T MISS: £191m triple Tottenham signing to SAVE Thomas Frank as forward line gets major upgrades

More Tottenham news: Frank future; Bowen swoop

Tottenham’s hierarchy is growing increasingly alarmed by the club’s underwhelming performances under Thomas Frank, with sources close to the board indicating a genuine concern over the lack of progress since his arrival last summer.

Elsewhere, Frank insists he has nothing to prove and suggests he may have been set up after being photographed drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup on Wednesday night.

Finally, Spurs are leading the race for one of West Ham United’s best players, according to a report, which has also revealed the chances of him leaving the Hammers for Spurs in 2026.

Liverpool are interested in bringing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven to Anfield in 2026, according to a report, as TEAMtalk reveals Spurs’ plan on the Netherlands international and whether a move to Anfield could be possible.

With Manchester City pressing ahead for a deal for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, Liverpool need to step up their game in their quest for a defender. Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger, and Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the defending Premier League champions at the end of the season.

Sources have told us that Man City are planning a bid for Guehi in the January transfer window, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reporting that Liverpool “internally believe” that a deal for the Crystal Palace defender this month will be “difficult”.

According to Hooligan Soccer, Liverpool have now taken a shine to Van de Ven and have made the Netherlands international central defender a ‘major target’.

The report has claimed that Liverpool are ‘desperate to sign a new centre-back’, noting the age of Van Dijk (34) and Konate having a poor season.

It has been further claimed that, should Van de Ven leave Tottenham, then he would want to play for another Premier League club, ‘, with one exception: Real Madrid’.

Described as “ a world-class performer” who “could go into” the Liverpool team by Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle in Capital Football UK in December, Van de Ven is under contract at the north London club until the summer of 2029.

Van de Ven joined Tottenham in the summer of 2023 and has made 78 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring nine goals and giving three assists.

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Tottenham plan new contract for Micky van de Ven – sources

This is not the first time that Van de Ven has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

In October, a Spanish report claimed that Liverpool are keen on Tottenham defender Van de Ven.

Former Chelsea and Netherlands international defender Khalid Boulahrouz believes that Van de Ven is so good that he would be a perfect successor to Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.

We can also confirm that Real Madrid have taken a shine to Van de Ven.

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, said on December 10: “Van de Ven has been mentioned in the same way that Madrid have looked at Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi, but it is different because those three players are becoming free agents and that is a market Madrid are very keen to exploit when they can.

“Van de Ven would be a much different situation as he has more than three years remaining on his current deal and the club are hoping to tie him up to a new one, on better terms over an extended period.

“Obviously, Madrid have the power to turn any player’s head, but they would have to pay big money for him as Spurs really do not want to lose him.

“They consider his experience and leadership to be absolutely vital, on top of the fact he’s a great defender and can also be a threat in terms of scoring goals.”

However, Tottenham have no plans whatsoever to sell Van de Ven anytime soon.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on December 27 that Tottenham are ready to hand Van de Ven a new contract that will see his current wages double.

Sources have told us that Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham opened initial conversations with Van de Ven’s camp in the summer of 2025 and is now ready to press ahead with his quest to keep the defender at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the long haul.

Venkatesham is willing to put Van de Ven on the same terms as his Tottenham team-mate and captain, Cristian Romero.

Romero is the highest-paid player at Tottenham and earns £200,000 per week, including bonuses, while Van de Ven gets around £90,000 per week.

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Latest Liverpool transfer news: Barcelona raid, PSG star wanted

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to make an offer for a Barcelona star, according to a report in Spain.

Liverpool are also said to have joined Manchester United in the race for an elite manager, as doubts continue over the future of Arne Slot.

Thomas Frank is fighting for his job at Tottenham Hotspur after a run of just three wins in his last 13 games in all competitions, but a strong January window could make all the difference and TEAMtalk has looked at three signings who could keep the Dane in a job.

Wednesday night’s dramatic late loss at Bournemouth was met by more anger from the club’s away support, with both Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro confronting fans in what is starting to become a toxic atmosphere in north London.

While there needs to be some sympathy for Frank‘s current plight, given the number of players – particularly creative ones – that are sidelined, it’s a results business and the Tottenham boss cannot find any consistency in that regard.

The attacking third of the pitch has become a massive issue, more at home than away in truth, with the absence of the likes of Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and now Mohammed Kudus clear for all to see.

Solanke is back in training, but there’s still no sign of the latter returning to the pitch any time soon, while Kulusevski could be back in mid to late February and Maddison may not play at all this season.

News on Thursday afternoon that Kudus is also sidelined until after the international break in March with a quad injury puts even more stress on Frank’s resources.

With that in mind, Tottenham and Frank need an immediate January jolt by finally replacing former skipper Son Heung-min, which they should have done in the summer, and landing a prolific striker alongside a dominant midfielder.

To that end, we look at three players who our sources have previously revealed are all genuine targets for the winter window, and how adding them now could prolong Frank’s stay and let him build for the future.

DON’T MISS EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham source reveals all on Thomas Frank sack – ‘the board is considering all options’

Morten Hjulmand

Forget his stunning overhead kick on the south coast, as there’s every chance that Tottenham opt not to take up the option to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis this summer.

After a bright start to life in north London, the Portugal international has not been a regular starter under Frank and when he is brought in to partner Rodrigo Bentancur in Spurs’ engine room, it’s a partnership that is ponderous in possession, lacking mobility and seemingly has an aversion to passing the ball forward.

Tottenham need a central midfielder who can dominate games before defensively and with the ball at his feet, and that’s where they need to strike a deal for Frank’s compatriot at Sporting Morten Hjulmand.

The north London outfit were heavily linked with the 26-year-old last summer, while Manchester United and Juventus are also big admirers of the player, whose all-round game is built for the Premier League.

Hjulmand is a destructive force who excels at breaking up play and, while there are some concerns over his lack of elite speed, his excellent positional play and in-game intelligence more than makes up for the slight mobility issues.

He is also a more accurate passer of the ball than both Palhinha (82%) and Bentancur (84.9%), completing 91.3% of his passes in the Portuguese league this season.

A move for Hjulmand in the winter window is likely to cost Tottenham around £70m (€80.6m / $94m), a price which reflects the mid-season sale of a player who remains under contract in Lisbon until the summer of 2028.

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Christos Tzolis

While this is not a name that many Tottenham fans will be familiar, Tzolis is a quality performer and a natutally left-sided winger who has been on fire this season.

TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey recently revealed how the Club Brugges star is hugely respected by Spurs’ analytics and scouting department, with a potential move very much in the works.

The Greece international’s first season in Belgium saw him claim 16 goals and nine assists, and this term he has been even more productive with seven goals and nine assists from 18 starts so far.

We can confirm that Spurs have been watching the attacker on a regular basis and sources have told us that Brugge would demand a club record sale to let the 23-year-old talent leave, which means they want at least €40million (£35m / $47m) for his services.

That sort of fee would at least free up money for a big-money striker move, which we’ll focus on next, but Tzolis is a dynamic attacking threat who would arguably be considerably better than anything Frank has tried on the left flank so far – which isn’t difficult to be fair.

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Samu Aghehowa

Arguably the trickiest of the three moves to pull off, given the asking price and Porto’s reluctance to let him go, but Aghehowa would give Tottenham a presence and threat through the middle that they’ve not had since Harry Kane left.

Richarlison is the club’s leading scorer this season with eight goals but is wildly inconsistent, injury-prone and misses too many chances to be considered an elite No.9 in a team that should be pushing for European football and not being dragged into a potential relegation scrap.

Loanee Randal Kolo Muani is still to score a Premier League goal for Spurs and has been a huge disappointment, with his only two strikes coming when he was almost certainly trying to prove a point against parent club PSG in the Champions League.

As for the return of Dominic Solanke, the wait goes on, although he is now back in training.

Aghehowa, meanwhile, has been banging in goals or fun for Port this season, notching 19 in 25 games in all competitions, including three in his last two Europa League outings.

The 21-year-old Spain international would give Frank a genuine threat through the middle, with his pace, power and finishing ability all on display this season.

Now to the difficult part, though. Tottenham would need to obliterate their transfer record to tempt Porto into a mid-season sale. His current release clause stands at €100m (£86.6m / $116m) and Porto are refusing to sell unless any suitors match it.

The good news for Spurs is that majority shareholders Enic have added £100m to the coffers for January business, while the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace should mean that there is a significant amount of money to spend on reinforcements for Frank.

The total outlay for the three players mentioned would be in the region of £191m, which would leave a shortfall of £56m, factoring in the Johnson money.

However, Tottenham declared over the summer that funds were in place to add to what is clearly now a squad of players not good enough to compete for a top-four finish anymore.

To that end, let’s see if the club are actually prepared to back Frank and give his side that dominant midfielder they are craving, an actual left winger who can contribute and a striker who can covert his chances on a regular basis.