TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur, now thriving under Thomas Frank, are gearing up for an interesting January 2026 transfer window in which they’ll look to bolster their midfield, TEAMtalk understands.

Despite securing Joao Palhinha (loan from Bayern Munich), Xavi Simons (€60m from RB Leipzig), and Mohammed Kudus (from West Ham) in the summer, the perceived need for more legs have Spurs scouring the market.

With James Maddison sidelined by a long-term knee injury and Yves Bissouma linked to Juventus, the North London club is targeting versatile, high-potential midfielders to maintain their Premier League charge.

One standout name is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old England international has dazzled as a versatile attacking midfielder, catching Frank’s eye with his work rate and creativity.

Villa could demand over £70m for the playmaker, but Spurs are very keen on him and could move if the door opens.

Another exciting prospect is Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, whose flair and goal-scoring instincts have impressed scouts.

Tottenham are big admirers of Ndiaye, as they believe the 25-year-old’s ability to play as a No. 10 or winger aligns perfectly with Frank’s fluid system. However, Everton’s strong stance on retaining him, which TEAMtalk revealed in an exclusive update, would complicate negotiations.

Four more stars on Spurs shortlist confirmed

From Scotland, Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin, the 24-year-old Belgian box-to-box midfielder, is on Tottenham’s radar, as revealed on October 14.

Valued at around £16m, his Premier League-ready energy makes him a strong contender, though competition looms.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit, the 19-year-old Dutch star likened to Kevin De Bruyne, offers long-term potential.

His €20m (£17.5m / $23.3m) price tag reflects his growing reputation as a playmaker and he has been heavily tracked by Spurs.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old deep-lying playmaker is on Spurs and most top sides lists. He also figures highly on Man Utd’s list.

FC Copenhagen’s Victor Froholdt, a 19-year-old Danish gem, rounds out the list, though Wharton and him are less likely for January moves.

Spurs have the budget and ambition to act decisively. As the window nears, these targets signal Tottenham’s intent to blend youth and experience for a top-four push.

They currently sit third in the table after beating Everton 3-0 on Sunday, and face Chelsea on Saturday in their next league clash, following a Carabao Cup game against Newcastle on Wednesday.

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Latest Tottenham news: Real Madrid want crucial star / Striker chase

Meanwhile, reports are gathering pace that Real Madrid are interested in Micky van de Ven, following his standout performance for Tottenham at the weekend.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones previously revealed that he is on the LaLiga giant’s shortlist.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly considering a big-money swoop for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who has also been linked with Chelsea.

It has been claimed that Frank ‘doesn’t fancy’ Dominic Solanke, who has been sidelined through injury, and Aghehowa could be signed as a result of this.

Tottenham QUIZ: Two clubs before

Mason Greenwood’s remarkable revival at Marseille has ignited a transfer tug-of-war, with Tottenham among several top European clubs circling the 24-year-old forward, TEAMtalk understands.

He 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 the club feeling it would be best if they moved him on.

Greenwood has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season and already scoring eight in all competitions this term, including a stunning four-goal haul against Le Havre in October.

His pace, versatility, and clinical finishing have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, with Manchester United set to profit from a 50% sell-on clause in any future deal.

TEAMtalk understands that Barcelona lead the chase for Greenwood, with scouts attending his recent masterclass against Le Havre.

The Catalan giants see Greenwood as a dynamic addition to Hansi Flick’s attack, potentially reuniting him with Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from United.

However, sources have stunningly revealed that Tottenham and West Ham are also in the race, eyeing a Premier League return for the former England international…

Tottenham, West Ham considering shock Greenwood swoop

Spurs want another dynamic player in the squad who can drive and add legs, while West Ham see Greenwood as a player who can turn around their season and form.

However, the optics of bringing him back to England are hard to surmount and West Ham would struggle to convince him as he wants to play in the top competitions.

This represents a significant hurdle for the London sides, but the interest in the ex-Man Utd man is there.

In Italy, Inter Milan are monitoring Greenwood as a potential alternative and successor to Lautaro Martinez, impressed by his output in France.

Atletico Madrid, familiar with his quality from a successful 2023/24 loan at Getafe (10 goals), remain keen to bring him back to La Liga.

Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League giants like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are preparing lucrative offers, though Greenwood prefers to stay in Europe and play in the Champions League.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has warned Greenwood that leaving the club’s passionate project for a bigger stage may not guarantee happiness, while owner Frank McCourt is determined to keep him to challenge Paris Saint-Germain.

With 30 goals in 48 games for Marseille, Greenwood’s stock is soaring, and a 2026 move seems inevitable. Barcelona currently hold pole position, but the race for his signature is wide open.

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Latest Tottenham news: Everton ace eyed / Real Madrid threaten

Meanwhile, Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

Newcastle are also keen on the Senegalese international, but as revealed by TEAMtalk, it will take a huge fee to lure him from the Toffees.

In other news, Micky van de Ven is reportedly generating interest from Real Madrid, who are keen to add a new centre-back to their squad.

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Amid Real Madrid’s quest to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven has demonstrated why he would be just as good, if not better, for Xabi Alonso’s side with a hugely impressive performance against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract at the end of the season, Madrid are on the hunt for a new defender. Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate is Real Madrid’s number one centre-back target, but there is also interest in Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano.

Konate, Guehi and Upamecano are out of contract at Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich, respectively, at the end of the season, and Real Madrid view them as perfect bargain signings.

However, Los Blancos are not just looking into the free agency market, with Real Madrid also taking an interest in Tottenham defender Van de Ven, according to TEAMtalk sources.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on September 19: “I was told Konate was the one they have considered most likely but clearly they have eyes on other players too. It is interesting that they are also now being linked with Micky van de Ven because I have heard that this might be a situation to watch across this season.

“At this stage I don’t believe there is any contact involved or anything like that, but Madrid want to turn people’s heads and if Van de Ven looks to raise his profile from Spurs then it is feasible he would see Madrid as a potential place to move to.

“I think he has been a player of interest to them for quite a while so we will have to wait and see if they make the jump to a more active pursuit.”

Van de Ven has established himself as a hugely important player for Tottenham and is one of the first names on manager Thomas Frank’s teamsheet when he is fit and available.

The Netherlands international centre-back was the star of the show against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, as Tottenham beat the Toffees 3-0 in the Premier League game.

Van de Ven, who was the captain for Tottenham for the match in the absence of Cristian Romero, headed twice in the first half from corners.

The 24-year-old, who is known for his pace, had a pass accuracy of 88.7%, won one header, and made one tackle, three interceptions and seven clearances, according to WhoScored.

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Gary Neville impressed with Tottenham star Micky van de Ven

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was hugely impressed with Van de Ven’s performance and noted that he is now adding goals to his game.

Neville said on his podcast: “He’s always looked great, Van de Ven. You just look at him with that left foot and the way he strides forward and his presence.

“But you know, five goals from set pieces, you start to add that to your game as well, and Danso did well alongside him.”

Tottenham are trying to convince Van de Ven to sign a new contract, with TBR reporting on September 11 that the north London outfit plan to double his wages from £50,000 per week to £100,000 per week.

Van de Ven cost Tottenham a total of £43million (€49.7m, $58.2m) when they signed him from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023.

The Dutch star is under contract at last season’s Europa League winners until the summer of 2029.

Van de Ven’s agent has previously publicly backed the centre-back to star for Madrid one day.

Jose Fortes told Marca in April 2025: “Micky also has the level to one day play for a big club like Real Madrid.”

Fortes added: “For my players, effort is non-negotiable. I wasn’t a good footballer, but that’s why I know how to help them.

“Micky fits this quality; he’s a born worker. After his injury, he’ll return to a high level, on par with any big club.”

Former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara believes that Van de Ven is better than William Saliba of Arsenal and is good enough to start for Madrid.

O’Hara said on talkSPORT in October 2024: “He (Van de Ven) is unbelievable. I would go as far as to say the best centre-half in the world right now.”

When fellow host and former Chelsea player Jason Cundy mentioned Saliba, O’Hara replied: “He is better than Saliba. Come on, mate. He has got way more than Saliba. Come on, don’t compare him to Saliba.”

O’Hara further added: “Saliba is brilliant, he is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. Great centre-half. But, don’t tell me Saliba has proved it. He has won nothing. Van de Ven is better than Saliba right now.

“Don’t compare him to Saliba, compare him to Van Dijk or Rudiger at Real Madrid or a top centre-half in the world.

“Saliba is a really good player, a top player, but let’s calm down a little bit, Arsenal have won nothing yet.

“Van de Ven is the best centre-half in the world right now. Right now on form, he walks into any team.

“He gets into Liverpool’s team, he gets into Real Madrid’s team, he gets into Manchester City’s team, he walks into any team in the world. Does Saliba play over Rudiger?”

Latest Real Madrid news: Vinicius Junior rant, midfielder exit blocked

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior’s tantrums in El Clasico have opened the door for Liverpool to swoop in for the Real Madrid and Brazil international superstar.

Xabi Alonso’s praise for a Real Madrid midfielder after the win against Barcelona in El Clasico has surely closed the door for an exit.

And finally, Real Madrid are said to have changed their stance on Ibrahima Konate and have another defender ahead of the Liverpool and France international star on their wishlist.

Thomas Frank ‘doesn’t fancy’ Dominic Solanke and wants a potent new striker, with reports also claiming Tottenham are weighing up a move for a €100m-rated frontman.

Solanke was Ange Postecoglou’s usual selection at striker when the 28-year-old was free from injury. Unfortunately for Solanke, ankle issues have sidelined him for much of Thomas Frank’s tenure so far and the Dane is not impressed.

According to Football Insider, Frank ‘doesn’t fancy’ Solanke. It was not made clear whether that’s because of his struggles with injury or whether he just doesn’t believe Solanke suits his system.

In any case, FI declared Frank wants a new striker signed and the latest from CaughtOffside is pointing towards Portugal.

They stated Tottenham – along with Arsenal, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest – are sizing up FC Porto’s Samu Agehowa. Of that quartet of clubs, it’s Spurs who are said to be the ‘most interested.’

Returning sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is understood to be a particularly keen admirer of Aghehowa who has scored 10 goals in 13 matches across all competitions this term.

Porto banking on release clause being met

Porto now own 100 percent of the player’s rights and through a release clause, are in a strong position to demand a gigantic fee.

Aghehowa’s release clause is set at €100m / £87m. Per the report, Porto are ‘adamant’ they won’t sell the striker for one euro less than that amount.

Tottenham’s interest in Aghehowa was previously reported by TEAMtalk back on September 30.

Our insider, Dean Jones, revealed Aghehowa was on Spurs’ radar as a plan B if unable to bring Harry Kane back to north London next summer.

Jones explained: “It is early days of the process, but insiders say Spurs’ recruitment vision is such that, if Kane does not make a dramatic comeback, the club would look to invest in a forward who still has their peak years ahead and can be moulded into a star with them.

“Samu [Aghehowa] combines raw pace and power with sharp finishing, and his development continues to be monitored.

“Talk of new investment arriving at Tottenham in 2026 has only heightened ambition behind the scenes, but club officials stress that this process of identifying future talent has been underway across this year.

“His progress in Porto has not gone unnoticed, and Spurs – as well as other top clubs around Europe – are keeping tabs on his rise.”

Latest Tottenham news – Semenyo / Konsa

In other news, it’s emerged Tottenham offered £50m for Antoine Semenyo over the summer, with both they and Manchester United seeing bids knocked back.

Semenyo ultimately signed a new contract with the Cherries and there’s now growing speculation he’ll wind up at Anfield.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are understood to be closely monitoring Aston Villa and England centre-back, Ezri Konsa.

Everton are standing their ground on the future of Iliman Ndiaye, with TEAMtalk sources revealing the club’s true stance on a sale amid growing interest in his signature.

The Toffees suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, their first defeat at their new stadium, and have dropped to 14th in the Premier League table.

Despite Everton suffering back-to-back defeats to Spurs and Manchester City, there have been positives to take from their early-season performances, and Ndiaye has arguably been their star man.

The versatile 25-year-old, who can play as a winger on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, has impressed with his dynamism, work rate, flair, and ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates. He is now one of the first names on the team sheet for David Moyes.

Ndiaye’s impressive displays haven’t gone unnoticed. As TEAMtalk has previously revealed, several top sides are showing strong interest in signing him, including some from the Premier League and elite European sides.

Everton insiders have told us that the club are thrilled with his adaption to Premier League football, following his switch from Marseille in the summer of 2024 for around £15m.

“He’s bringing exactly what we need – energy, vision, and resilience,” one source confided. This satisfaction extends to Moyes’s tactical setup, where Ndiaye has thrived alongside players like Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Everton sources respond to price tag claims; suitors queue up

Recent reports have floated a potential £30m price tag for Ndiaye, but TEAMtalk sources close to Everton have dismissed these figures as “laughable.”

Drawing financial parallels to defender Jarrad Branthwaite, whom Everton value at over £70 million, the club has set a premium on the Senegalese international that aligns with market trends for similar profiles.

Think of players like Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha or Declan Rice – dynamic midfielders who command fees north of £60 million in today’s inflated market.

Everton are adamant they won’t entertain offers below their internal assessment, which our sources peg at significantly higher than the rumored £30 million.

This stance reflects a broader strategy under owners, The Friedkin Group, to retain talent amid financial pressures, especially with their new stadium now open and in full flow.

Interest in Ndiaye is mounting from across Europe. Atletico Madrid, known for their shrewd recruitment, have scouted him extensively.

Several Premier League rivals, including Tottenham and Newcastle United are monitoring his progress, while Italian clubs like AC Milan and Napoli have expressed admiration for his versatility.

Yet, Everton’s message is clear: any suitor must meet their valuation or look elsewhere, and they are planning to rebuff any advances in the January window.

In the coming months, Ndiaye’s form could dictate the narrative. With Senegal duties at the Africa Cup of Nations looming, his stock may rise further.

For now, Merseyside remains his home, and Everton are in no rush to cash in on a player they see as integral to their revival. In a league where loyalty is rare, this resolve is refreshing – if not a gamble in uncertain times.

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Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs keen on a deal for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, according to a reliable journalist, who has also revealed interest from Liverpool and Chelsea as well, as Son Heung-min’s previous comments on his South Korea international team-mate will encourage the Spurs fans.

Spurs are well-stocked in central defence, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and Kota Takai the options for manager Thomas Frank when they are fit and available. However, there is always room for more quality players, and Tottenham are on the hunt for a new centre-back.

According to TuttoJuve, Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu is on Tottenham’s radar, while TBR has claimed Spurs’ interest in Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa.

A new name has now emerged on Tottenham’s radar, and, according to the reliable transfer insider Dean Jones, it is Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae.

Kim has been on the books of Bayern Munich since 2023 when he joined from Napoli and is under contract at the defending Bundesliga champions until the summer of 2028.

The South Korea international centre-back made 27 appearances in the Bundesliga and played 13 times in the Champions League for Bayern last season.

With Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano now the preferred centre-back pairing under manager Vincent Kompany, the 28-year-old has made two starts in the Bundesliga and one start in the Champions League for Bayern so far this season.

According to Jones in Flash Score, this has led Tottenham, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Chelsea and Liverpool to show interest in Kim.

While Tottenham and Chelsea are watching Kim’s situation ‘with interest’, Liverpool are keeping an eye on the development of the defender’s future.

Inter Milan and AC Milan are the ‘early frontrunners for Kim’, who won Serie A with Napoli in 2022/23 and the Bundesliga with Bayern in 2024/25.

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Could Bayern Munich sell Kim Min-jae?

Bayern paid €50million (£43.6m, $58.2m( to Napoli for Kim in 2023, and the Bavarian giants will expect a similar fee for the defender.

According to Dean Jones, a move in the summer of 2026 is ‘more realistic than a transfer in January’.

For now, Kim is keen on winning back his place in the Bayern starting line-up, and it is also unlikely that the German powerhouse will sell him in the middle of the season.

Moreover, Upamecano is out of contract at Bayern at the end of the season, and the German giants will not want to lose senior centre-backs in the same year.

Tottenham legend Son Heung-min is a huge fan of Kim, with whom he plays for the South Korea national team.

Son said about Kim in August 2024, as quoted in Football Asian: “Needless to say, Kim Min-jae is my favourite defender.

“He is a player with many strengths both on the national team and on the European stage.”

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Aston Villa raid, teenage talent on radar

Meanwhile, a report has revealed how much Tottenham bid for a Bournemouth star in the summer of 2025 and why a move did not take place.

Tottenham are also said to be planning to raid Aston Villa for a defender, but there is interest from Manchester City as well.

And finally, Tottenham scouted a top young talent in action against Liverpool in the Champions League last week.

Manchester United and Tottenham have both seen £50m bids for a red-hot forward knocked back, and Liverpool are looking to beat both sides to the punch.

Unsurprisingly, it’s Erling Haaland who leads the way in top scorers chart in the Premier League this season with 11. Tied second with six goals are Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth.

Semenyo, 25, has also provided three assists and it’s becoming increasingly clear his long-term future lays away from the south coast.

According to the latest from The Telegraph, both Man Utd and Tottenham tabled bids worth £50m for Semenyo over the summer.

The offers were knocked back and per the report, Semenyo was perfectly okay with spending at least one more season with the Cherries.

Explaining why, it was noted part of the club’s strategy in the transfer market and when negotiating with stars is they make it crystal clear the player can use the club as a springboard to bigger and better things.

It was a tactic the club used when convincing Semenyo to sign a new contract in the summer rather than leave. The new deal also saw a release clause inserted into the terms.

Man Utd are Tottenham are still monitoring the right-footer closely. However, there are growing suggestions Semenyo’s future lays at Anfield…

What four sources are saying about Semenyo to Liverpool

The i paper recently stated Liverpool are huge admirers of Semenyo who is equally adept at playing off the left or right. They also stated the Reds could ‘push the button’ on a January move.

That report was followed by a spectacular update from an admittedly unreliable source that claimed Semenyo wants to join Liverpool above all other suitors.

The Daily Mail’s Merseyside correspondent, Lewis Steele, then shed further light on the situation.

‘Bournemouth would demand north of £75million for in-form Antoine Semenyo, according to sources, with Liverpool and others said to be keeping tabs on the Ghana international,’ wrote Steele.

‘Interest is not advanced at this stage but Liverpool Confidential has spoken to insiders who insist the Premier League champions are one of several clubs closely monitoring the 25-year-old forward.

‘Bournemouth would be extremely reluctant to entertain a conversation around selling Semenyo in January and any move would likely be slated for next summer.

‘The Cherries are in a strong financial position having sold Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool respectively for around £155m.

‘They are also fourth in the table with realistic ambitions of a first-ever European push under talented coach Andoni Iraola, so it would take an astronomical offer to tempt them to the negotiating table in the winter.

‘But sources have told Confidential that £75m is around the figure Bournemouth would be looking for in the summer – though this could change if Semenyo continues in the rich vein of form he is in, with six goals and three assists in eight league games this season.’

The Mail’s piece also noted Liverpool hold excellent relations with Bournemouth through the presence of Richard Hughes.

Hughes – Liverpool’s sporting director – was prevously the sporting director at Bournemouth. He’s also the man who brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in the first place.

Finally, transfer insider, Dean Jones, provided TEAMtalk with exclusive insight into the situation over the weekend.

“I don’t think he will leave in January because from my current understanding of the situation the clause in his contract would not be live at that stage,” began Jones. “I also don’t believe Bournemouth have any interest in allowing it to happen in that moment.

“The update out of Bournemouth remains that the player is satisfied with his status because of their strong start to the season, but of course that does not mean he will not look to change things long-term.

“In terms of the figures around his clause, they are continuing to remain secretive around it, but I was told recently that it is in the mid-60s. So we will have to wait and see on that.

“It is unconfirmed at this stage and there also remains a lack of clarity around when the clause would even kick in, so the situation is going to linger for a while.

“But even at Bournemouth, there is a realisation that beyond this season keeping Semenyo is going to be extremely difficult.

“In terms of true valuation, I’d say he’s worth anywhere between £70m-£100m.“

In the unlikely event Liverpool were to sign Semenyo in January, he could make an instant impact at Anfield when offsetting Salah’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations.

That tournament runs from December 21 until January 18 and Semenyo’s Ghana have not qualified.

Latest Liverpool news – Obvious sign / Wirtz / Slot out, Klopp in?

In other news, the most obvious sign yet a deal Liverpool made in the summer could be reversed and the star sent back has emerged.

Liverpool are 100 percent backing the under-fire Florian Wirtz and are completely dismissing speculation in the media he could be sold after just one season.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is swiftly falling down in the estimations of head coach Thomas Frank, according to a report – but as shouts for a January intervention are raised, the timing could be perfect for an alternative solution.

Solanke is currently unavailable for Frank due to an ankle injury that required surgery around a month ago. It hasn’t helped his chances of asserting himself in Tottenham’s new era under Frank, after scoring 16 goals in his debut season last time out under Ange Postecoglou.

But it seems that even if Solanke wasn’t injured, he wouldn’t be one of Frank’s preferred options in the Tottenham attack.

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Frank ‘has been unimpressed’ by Solanke and ‘may look to replace’ him in the January transfer window.

It would be a hammer blow for Solanke, who previously played for big clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool without being able to make an impression.

He got his career back on track with Bournemouth, eventually earning his move to Spurs last summer on the back of a 77-goal spell with the Cherries.

Aged 26 at the time of his transfer – he’s now 28 – this was supposed to be Solanke’s chance to show the level he belongs at. But if these rumours are true, it might be taken away from him.

Not only does Solanke face a wait to return to the pitch, he will now do so knowing he’s fighting for his future at the club.

The report has claimed that ‘in an ideal world, Tottenham would bring in a striker when the window reopens’. However, the January transfer window could be a difficult one to get what they want from.

Yet that doesn’t necessarily offer Solanke any more assurances. Indeed, Spurs have a potential answer lying in waiting for the striker berth: Randal Kolo Muani.

Kolo Muani set for first Spurs start?

Something of a surprise signing on deadline day on loan from Paris Saint-Germain – after scoring 10 goals over the second half of last season on loan at Juventus – Kolo Muani was identified as someone who could offer a new element to the Spurs attack.

Due to injury issues of his own, he hasn’t been able to get going either, but gave some promising glimpses in the goalless draw with Monaco in midweek over a 20-minute cameo (his longest appearance for Spurs yet).

Subsequently, some fans have been calling for Kolo Muani to be granted his first start when Tottenham return to Premier League action against Everton on Sunday afternoon, in the 4:30pm kick-off.

And if Frank really is ready to move on from Solanke in the long term, what better chance for Spurs to see if they already have his replacement on their hands?

If fit enough, Kolo Muani could now have a run of games to make his case for a place in the team – and show Spurs whether or not he’d be worth keeping on a permanent basis.

There’s no obligation for Spurs to buy Kolo Muani at the end of his spell, but if he impresses, it’s likely they’ll want to sit down with PSG to assess their options.

Even then, that might not be enough depth in the striker department to satisfy Frank (with rumours of a return for Harry Kane not going away anytime soon, despite the club’s all-time top scorer being happy at Bayern Munich).

But from a personal perspective, Kolo Muani can only focus on his own form. And today could be the day for him to kickstart his Spurs ascent.

Tottenham Hotspur have continued to track Maghnes Akliouche ahead of their clash against his Monaco side in the Champions League on Wednesday, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk.

The Frenchman has been a regular in the starting line-up this season, after Tottenham considered a move for him in the summer. They ended up opting for other attacking targets ahead of him, signing the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, but sources have confirmed that he remains a player of interest.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank is eager for the club to sign a new wide attacking option in January and the recruitment team have been more actively drawing up lists over the past week to form their plans.

We understand Antoine Semenyo remains the top target but that Akliouche remains in the picture as one of those other names under consideration.

They are particularly keen to see how Akliouche fairs against Monaco’s toughest opponents this season – and as such they have had him watched in key games against Manchester City and Strasbourg.

They will now get another close-up look when he faces them on Wednesday, and will get to check him out in domestic action against Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille before the January transfer window opens.

Ahead of the Champions League clash, Akliouche was asked about Spurs’ summer interest. He said: “It was very flattering to have these kind of stories and links, but I am a Monaco player and I am playing against Tottenham tomorrow, so I will give my best.

“In terms of whether I want to play in the Premier League in the future? Why not, but we’ll see. What is important for me is tomorrow’s game.”

Akliouche has scored twice this season and will be hoping to show Spurs why they are interested.

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Spurs plotting moves for Akliouche, Semenyo

Questioned on whether he will feel more pressure playing against Tottenham, he replied: “I am focused on my performance and on the performance of the team. The important thing for us is to win the game.

“I am not focused at all on other links and pressure.”

Akliouche’s overall record this season stands at two goals and one assist in nine appearances, while he notched seven goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances last term.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher reported on August 26 that Spurs scouts are tracking Akliouche ahead of a future move as they pursue yet more new attacking talent.

Bournemouth’s Semenyo has been in scintillating form this campaign and he is Spurs’ dream addition. We confirmed on Friday that Spurs are still rivalling Manchester United for Semenyo even after Fabio Paratici’s return.

Tottenham news: Striker battle; Everton star eyed

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can also provide the latest on Porto’s Samu Aghehowa as Spurs continue to show interest amid his rival links with Chelsea.

Plus, TEAMtalk understands Spurs are showing interest in Everton talisman Iliman Ndiaye.

We can reveal how much Everton want before they even consider selling Ndiaye, as well as the other clubs pursuing him.

Tottenham Hotspur head to Monaco for their latest Champions League on Wednesday night but they are likely to be without up to nine injured first-teamers, with TEAMtalk predicting that Thomas Frank will make three changes to his starting XI in the Principality.

The north London side have four points from their opening two fixtures, after beating Villarreal in the opening round of games before coming from behind to draw at Bodo/Glimt last time out.

Frank’s men are hardly in what you would call dazzling form, although they are better on the road than they have been at home so far this term.

Tottenham were without skipper Cristian Romero after he tweaked an adductor injury during the warm-up of Sunday’s loss to Aston Villa, and the Argentine did not train on Tuesday ahead of the Monaco trip and is not expected to feature.

That means Kevin Danso will keep his place alongside Micky van de Ven, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence in the full-back positions.

The latter is expected to get the nod ahead of Destiny Udogie, with the Italy international struggling with a knee issue and not expected to be risked in Monaco.

Spurs also remain without the likes of Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai and, most likely, Ben Davies in their defensive ranks.

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Midfield changes as Frank seeks spark

The centre of the park was a big problem for Tottenham against Villa, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur struggling to control the game after a bright start. Indeed, TEAMtalk have commented that, as a pair, they are not well suited at all and it’s expected that Frank will make changes to energise that area of the pitch.

We expect Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall to get the nod, with Bentancur shifted back to the bench and a position change for Xavi Simons.

Bergvall is likely to fill the attacking midfield role ahead of Palhinha and Sarr, giving Spurs a more solid and mobile base to work from.

The continued absence of the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma continues to bite hard, although more so with those first two names mentioned.

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Richarlison back to lead the line

Having started on the bench against Villa, the Brazilian is expected to lead the line against Monaco, with Randal Kolo Muani only fit enough for bench duty at this stage.

Mathys Tel is not included in the Champions League squad, while Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

Simons failed to make an impact in the No.10 position against Villa and is set to fill the problem left-wing role for Frank, with Tottenham’s biggest attacking threat, Mohammed Kudus, once again on the right.

In terms of the opponents, it had been expected that Eric Dier would line up to face his former club, having spent a decade in north London. However, the former England international has a hamstring injury and will be forced to watch on from the sidelines.