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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.

TEAMtalk have been given an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s battle with London rivals Chelsea to sign a top attacking talent from Portuguese football, as Thomas Frank looks for more goals from his front three.

Starting with Mathys Tel as their No.9 against Aston Villa on Sunday, due to Dominic Solanke still being on the sidelines, Richarlison having been away on international duty with Brazil and Randal Kolo Muani only being fit enough for the bench, saw Spurs’ frontline misfired again as Frank’s men went down to a 2-1 defeat.

It’s got to the stage now where the Tottenham boss is growing concerned with the fitness of the trio of No.9s he has available, with the club being heavily tipped to add another striker to the mix in the January window.

Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic continues to be a concrete target, with reports on Tuesday suggesting they are actually leading the race for the Serbian hotshot.

However, we can provide more information on another impressive target in the form of Porto and Spain frontman Samu Aghehowa.

The 21-year-old striker has scored an impressive eight goals in nine outings so far this season, off the back of a campaign where he notched 27 times for Porto.

In terms of being able to find the back of the net on a regular basis, coupled with actually being consistently available for selection, he’s ticking both boxes – something that cannot be said for Tottenham’s current central striking options.

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Dean Jones gives inside track on Samu Aghehowa latest

And, when we checked in with TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones to find out if Tottenham or Chelsea could move for Aghehowa in January, this was the answer we got…

“It’s too early to know if a battle is going to open up but he’s an interesting name in the market because a few teams will be looking at signing a forward.

“Spurs have had a look at his situation, as I have reported on here last month, but it’s difficult to gauge just how realistic it is that they make an offer.

“Tottenham are currently in the process of sorting out their targets and, up front, they are having to contemplate the fact they don’t have an absolute goalscorer to rely on. Ideally, it would be Solanke but he keeps getting setbacks.

“So it is one that is on the radar but, because I know they are also very much looking at signing another wide forward, I’m waiting to get an update on just how much they could put into a forward like Samu in January.

“Also, I’m not so sure about the Chelsea links. He is not one I have personally heard that is likely.

“If they were to bring in a striker I think it would have to be a very good value deal or maybe someone with a certain level of pedigree and experience that currently isn’t there.

“Chelsea have definitely tracked him over time but with Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha also coming on board soon, I’m not sure this would be needed.”

Latest Tottenham news: Mainoo chase update; bid to sign Rangers star

First up, Manchester United’s talented midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is weighing up a loan move in January, with TEAMtalk sources indicating his growing concerns about his England prospects for the 2026 World Cup, and four clubs – including Spurs – are eyeing moves for him this winter.

Elsewhere, Rangers’ stance on selling January transfer window target Nico Raskin to Tottenham or any other club has emerged, although TEAMtalk has a slightly different take on the situation.

And finally, talk that Manchester United, Spursr or West Ham are all exploring a deal to bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League in January has drawn an emphatic response from two sources, with the £427,000-a-week star having made up his mind for two major reasons.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new striker and are leading Chelsea and two other top clubs in the race to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, per reports, though TEAMtalk understands that Spurs have their eye on another exciting forward, too.

Thomas Frank is understood to be keen on adding to his forward options in the January transfer window as he eyes more competition for Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani.

Dominic Solanke, meanwhile, is sidelined with an ankle injury, and it is unclear how long he will be unavailable for after the issue required surgery.

According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, Tottenham are plotting a move for Juventus striker Vlahovic, who is also on the radar of Man Utd, Chelsea and Barcelona.

The 25-year-old, who has notched 62 goals and 15 assists in 154 appearances for Juventus, is out of contract at the end of the season, teeing up a potential bargain for his suitors.

The Italian giants must sell Vlahovic in January or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. He has started just two Serie A matches this season, which could suggest that his future lies elsewhere.

The report claims that Tottenham are in ‘pole position’ to sign Vlahovic, ahead of their Premier League rivals, though Barcelona are also in the mix, and view the Serbian as a potential heir to Robert Lewandowksi. But interestingly, Fabio Paratici could give Spurs the edge in the race…

Tottenham, Chelsea converge on TWO strikers

Tottenham’s links with Vlahovic have been gathering momentum for some time. Reports last week suggested that an offer as small as €15m (£13m / $17m) could be enough for them to sign him in January.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones, meanwhile, also reported on October 16 that Paratici’s return to Tottenham as sporting director, following his departure from Juventus last season, could tee up a move for Vlahovic.

Jones reported that there is ‘interest’ in Vlahovic from Spurs, but also confirmed that Chelsea are another side to keep an eye on, with the race still in its early stages.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham also have their eye on Porto striker Samu Aghehowa – who is another star to have been linked with Chelsea.

Spurs’ scouts have been in attendance to watch the 21-year-old in action on multiple occasions. Aghehowa has notched 35 goals in 54 appearances for Porto, so the interest in his signature is no surprise.

But Aghehowa would be a much more expensive addition than Vlahovic. He reportedly has a €100m (£87m / $117m) release clause in his contract, which Porto are likely to demand in full given his importance to the team.

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Latest Tottenham news: Kobbie Mainoo, Nico Raskin updates

Meanwhile, Tottenham are one of four clubs interested in Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo, per TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher.

The 20-year-old midfielder could push for a loan in January to give himself the best chance possible of securing a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

In other news, Spurs have been linked with a move for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, but luring him from Ibrox in January won’t be straightforward.

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Chelsea are preparing to submit a big-money bid for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, per reports, and TEAMtalk understands that they could face competition from Tottenham for his signature.

The Blues are pondering the addition of a new striker despite bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap for around £90m combined over the summer.

Pedro, 24, has shown flashes of brilliance and has notched two goals and three assists in eight Premier League appearances for the Blues, while Delap, 22, has been unavailable since August due to a hamstring injury.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are big admirers of Aghehowa, and are willing to ‘break the market’ and pay ‘over €100m (£87m, $117m)’ to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

The report suggests that a deal is more likely next summer than in January. Chelsea explored the signing of Aghehowa previously but ultimately decided against a move at the time.

Aghehowa’s rise at Porto since his transfer from Atletico Madrid has been ‘meteoric’, with the Spanish international notching 35 goals in 54 appearances for Portuguese giants so far.

Chelsea are reportedly in the race to sign him, but TEAMtalk can confirm that London rivals Tottenham could compete with them for his signature…

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Chelsea could battle Tottenham for €100m star

TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones revealed on September 30 that Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Aghehowa’s situation.

Thomas Frank is open to bringing in a new striker in January, or next summer, to compete with Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs’ forward strategy is a growing area of focus around the club, particularly with the possibility of Harry Kane one day returning to north London from Bayern Munich.

While they are very keen on a sensational reunion at some point in the future, they are also looking at other targets, as Kane looks set to stay with Bayern for now.

The search has seen Tottenham look at several strikers under the age of 24, and Aghehowa fits the profile. Scouts from the London club have been in attendance to watch him on multiple occassions.

His progress in Porto has not gone unnoticed, and Spurs – as well as other top clubs around Europe – are keeping tabs on his rise. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will show any concrete interest.

It is also worth noting that while Fichajes claim Chelsea could pay ‘over €100m’ for Aghehowa, other outlets claim that he has a release clause in his contract of €100m – so that may be the maximum his suitors need to stump up for the transfer.

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Latest Chelsea news: Morgan Rogers update / New midfield target?

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who scored a fantastic goal against Tottenham on Sunday.

Liverpool are also keen on the Villa star, though a bid of £80m may be required to lure him from the Midlands side in 2026.

In other news, Chelsea are plotting a move for experienced Al Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, per reports.

Thomas Frank is veering into Ange Postecoglou territory when it comes to repeating a very similar mistake that the former Tottenham Hotspur manager regularly made, although it’s one that can be fixed by making a brutal selection decision or Fabio Paratici weaving some transfer magic in January.

Spurs suffered their second Premier League defeat of the season as they crashed to a 2-1 home reverse against Aston Villa on Sunday, a result that now means they have won only three of 18 league games in north London in the calendar year.

And yet things could have been so different after Rodrigo Bentancur gave them an early lead and more chances came and went in a mostly dominant opening period from Frank’s men.

However, Tottenham were undone by two stunning strikes from the visitors, and a clear issue in the starting XI once again reared its ugly head as the game wore on.

Yes, the lack of a quality left-winger remains a problem, Mathys Tel is not a natural No.9 and Xavi Simons continues to under-deliver, but the central midfield balance is ALL WRONG.

Rodrigo Bentancur is a popular figure among the majority of the Spurs faithful, but we previously cast our doubts over whether he had done enough after coming back from his ACL injury to warrant a bumper new contract.

It’s very clear to most observers, although obviously not Frank and his coaching staff, that the Uruguay international cannot play alongside Joao Palhinha in the Tottenham engine room – and that’s a massive problem, because there is no way you can drop the latter.

Two excellent players, but as a pairing they are two immobile, lack pace to get around the pitch and do not really offer an awful lot when it comes to linking back to front.

Yes, Bentancur scored on Sunday, but as a true No.8 he lacks the physical capability to be a true box-to-box presence and be that link between defence and attack.

Apart from his goal against Villa, the 28-year-old registered just one key pass in the match and had an expected assist total of just 0.01.

In some ways, it’s a familiar theme from when Postecoglou paired Bentancur with Yves Bissouma or Pape Sarr last season – those combinations just never really worked.

It gets to the point where you have to think, is Bentancur the issue, as there is no way he can fill the Palhinha role as effectively as the Portuguese destroyer.

Indeed, there are many fans who are not happy with that pairing, and Frank’s continued persistence with starting them, with one supporter commenting on X after the Villa defeat: “The insistence on Palhinha-Bentancur is utterly baffling. We’re driving with the handbrake on. It makes no sense.”

Meanwhile, another stated: “Another week of Bentancur Palhinha is a sackable offence.”

“This result is 100% on Frank, so so tired of Bentancur x Palhinha and waiting to make changes until its already too late. Cowardly,” another fan wrote.

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In-house midfield changes Frank could make

The answer could be in-house, with Frank using the younger and much more mobile Archie Gray in the No.8 role just ahead of Palhinha. The former Leeds youngster has shown, on the rare occasions he has been given the chance this season, that he can make runs from midfield and create in the final third.

Another option would be to drop Lucas Bergvall a bit deeper, although the talented Swede might not yet be ready to take on that more physically demanding role.

Sarr started the season well but his level has dropped, so it’s no great surprise that Tottenham are expected to be in the market for a new, dynamic No.8 in January.

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Paratici already making January plans

A player who could be a real difference-maker in Frank’s engine room, and make that an area of the pitch where Tottenham can dominate, is rapidly becoming a major priority in north London.

While January isn’t necessarily a great time to attract the best players, returning sporting director Paratici is already working on targets to improve Frank’s squad in the new year – especially with majority owners Enic injecting £100million of capital in an effort to do just that.

There are three players TEAMtalk understands are very much on the club’s radar, two of which are very much attainable.

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has failed to secure regular game time under Ruben Amorim and is pushing for an exit in the new year, especially as his chances of appearing for England at the 2026 World Cup are currently going up in smoke.

Whether United are prepared to offload the 20-year-old talent to a Premier League rival remains to be seen, but Mainoo could be a great fit in Frank’s midfield.

Another player who has recently emerged as a target for Tottenham is highly-rated Rangers star Nico Raskin, who is capable of playing multiple midfield roles.

The Ibrox outfit are having a disastrous campaign, and while they are not looking to sell, TEAMtalk can reveal that an offer of around £20-25m for the Belgium international could force their hand.

The best of the three names on the list is sadly the least likely to sign, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton one of the most highly sought-after talents in English football.

While he tends to play as a holding midfielder at Selhurst Park, Wharton’s passing range and non-stop motor means he is more than capable of pushing further forward and providing exactly what Frank needs in the middle of the park.

However, there are three issues at play when it comes to the 21-year-old. Firstly, Palace are desperate not to lose one of their star men mid-season, and even if they do consider a sale, it will cost in excess of £70m.

Add in the fact that he has now emerged as Manchester United’s number one midfield target for 2026, and Paratici will have to do some serious negotiating to get Wharton to north London.

Either way, Frank needs to do something with his midfield sooner rather than later or face the prospect of more negative results.

Rangers’ stance on selling January transfer window target Nico Raskin to Tottenham Hotspur or any other club has emerged, although TEAMtalk has a slightly different take on the situation.

We revealed last week that Spurs have joined the race to snap up the highly-rated Belgium international, with his future at Ibrox despite Russell Martin’s sacking as manager.

It’s common knowledge that Raskin fell out with Martin during their time together at Rangers, with the midfielder being dropped to the bench after he was considered not to be “all in and committed to the project” of the former Ibrox chief.

Reports of those struggles with Martin added to rumours on an exit for the 24-year-old, with the likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Leeds, Napoli and Porto also showing interest.

However, Football Insider reports that Rangers have no plans to let the midfielder leave in January, given his importance to the team and their dismal start to the season so far.

The Belgium international has recently returned to the starting XI following a reported bust-up with Martin, but that has not put an end to the speculation.

Speaking on the latest Inside Track podcast, Pete O’Rourke explained: “There’s no surprise that he’s attracting interest. There was interest in the summer on him, but Rangers managed to keep hold of him.

“I don’t imagine they’d be willing to sell in January, they’re planning to keep Raskin around and they’re going to need him if they are going to turn around their fortunes.

“I don’t expect there will be any move for him in the January window, he’s under contract until 2027.

“There is Premier League interest in him, there’s interest from other European leagues as well.

“I think there’ll be a big summer ahead for Rangers and if Raskin doesn’t see any improvement maybe with Rangers, then the player himself could be tempted by a move away.”

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Raskin asking price set

The last line in that report is pretty telling from O’Rourke and is in more in line with TEAMtalk’s understanding of Raskin’s current situation at Ibrox.

We understand that Rangers could demand £20-25million for Raskin, whose contract runs until 2027, factoring in a sell-on clause owed to Liege.

A sale at that price would make Raskin Rangers’ record departure, eclipsing the £19.6m deal that took Calvin Bassey to Ajax in July 2022.

Raskin was open to leaving Ibrox in the summer to test himself out at a new club, and that desire still remains.

Much will now depend on how the midfielder responds to the expected arrival of new Rangers boss Kevin Muscat. However, if his performance levels remain high, especially in a poor Gers outfit, then there is every chance clubs will test the waters over a January deal – with Tottenham expected to be firmly among them.

Who is Nico Raskin?

Raskin cost Rangers just £1.32m when he joined them from Standard Liege in January 2023, but he has since proven himself to be worth more than that.

Born in Liege, he started out in Standard’s academy, but was dropped at the age of 14. He spent time developing at Anderlecht and Gent, playing once for the latter, before Standard took him back in January 2019.

After 95 appearances across four years, Raskin earned his move to Rangers and they have proven to have the ideal platform for him.

A combative midfielder, Raskin usually sits in front of the defence to break up play. Around the time of his arrival at Ibrox, he was likened to Barry Ferguson by fellow former Belgium and Rangers player, Thomas Buffel.

The 24-year-old flourished as a more regular starter last season after having to be patient for his chance, bringing the right levels of aggression and ball protection to the Rangers engine room.

Now blossoming as a full Belgium international, Raskin has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent months. He posts good stats for tackling and passing, while he wins more aerial duels than he loses.

Raskin has admitted he has an ambition of returning to Standard Liege one day to reach 100 appearances for his hometown club. But with the way he has been playing, that won’t be a step he takes any time soon. It’s onwards and upwards for Raskin right now.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly jumped ahead of their rivals in the chase for one of the hottest attacking properties in European football, but TEAMtalk can explain why alarm bells should be ringing if Fabio Paratici pulls off a deal for the Serie A star.

It’s no secret that Thomas Frank is looking to bolster his frontline in the January transfer window, with a new left-sided attacker currently the priority – although the addition of another No.9 is also high on the list of needs.

Tottenham have been forced to rely on the notoriously injury-prone Richarlison for well over a month now due to the absence of Dominic Solanke and summer loan signing Randal Kolo Muani.

And, while the latter could be back on the bench against Aston Villa on Sunday after finally recovering from a dead leg, no timeframe is being put on Solanke as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

Frank did give a positive update on the England forward’s progress at his presser for the Villa clash, but that is not stopping Spurs looking at bolstering the position, with Juventus and Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic currently their top target.

The 25-year-old’s agent is known to have instructed his agent to explore moves to Tottenham and London rivals Chelsea, while Manchester United are also a dark horse in the race for his signature if they decide to let Joshua Zirkzee move on in January.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Paratici’s return to the north London club as sporting director, along with his ties to Juventus, has given Spurs a major advantage when it comes to winning the race for Vlahovic.

Other sources, including the likes of Football Insider, have doubled down on Tottenham’s interest and there is certainly no smoke without fire when it comes to the club potentially upgrading that No.9 position.

The reason for Vlahovic, who has scored 62 goals and laid on 15 assists for Juve in 153 games for the club, being available mid-season comes down to his contract situation.

The Serbia international’s current deal expires next summer, leading to his agents touting the player around ahead of him being able to agree a pre-contract with clubs outside of Italy in the new year.

However, Juventus are said to be interested in striking a deal for the player in January to ensure they at least recoup some sort of a fee, with talk of an offer as small as €15m (£13m) potentially doing the trick.

While a player of Vlahovic’s standing might not have been in Tottenham’s thinking in the past due to his wage demands, the club have had a major shift since Daniel Levy’s exit. Indeed, majority shareholders Enic recently ploughed £100m of capital into the club, with a promise of more to come in order to attract some of Europe’s top talent.

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What Vlahovic would bring to Tottenham – although there are concerns

Pace, power and tremendous finishing ability are all to the fore when it comes to Vlahovic, while his strong hold-up play would also be a massive asset for Tottenham.

The Serbian hotshot has netted 114 career goals in 288 games, including eight in 18 Champions League outings.

And, while there is no doubting that he would be a tremendous acquisition for the club, there are also some familiar alarm bells sounding when it comes to Tottenham and signing players with injury issues.

In fairness, they have been incredibly unfortunate with Solanke, who hardly missed a game for Bournemouth but has had multiple issues since arriving in north London.

However, there is no denying that injuries have been a huge issue at Spurs for a number of years now, and bringing in Vlahovic might end up being another massive gamble.

The Juve hitman has missed a total of 36 games over the last four seasons, suffering a variety of different issues in that time.

A look back to his more recent issues shows up two muscle injuries last season, along with a stress reaction of the bone that kept him out for a fortnight.

Indeed, muscular problems are apparent a fair amount when checking back through his records, although there’s been nothing you would term as being serious.

That being said, it has to be a concern for Tottenham if they do decide to make a concrete move for Vlahovic and pay him big wages, only for him to potentially watch games from the sidelines as Frank is forced to turn to other options instead.

Latest Tottenham news

Talk that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham are all exploring a deal to bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League in January has drawn an emphatic response from two sources, with the £427,000-a-week star having made up his mind for two major reasons.

Elsewhere, It looks like Spurs have joined the race for Nico Raskin at just the right time after a second source confirmed the Rangers midfielder’s intentions, and with our sources confirming the price it will take to prise the Belgian out of Ibrox.

And finally, Fabio Paratici’s return to Tottenham does not change their stance on targeting Antoine Semenyo, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Talk that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham are all exploring a deal to bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League in January has drawn an emphatic response from two sources, with the £427,000-a-week star having made up his mind for two major reasons.

The seven-times capped England striker moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in August 2024, with the Jeddah-based club paying Brentford £40m to bring in the prolific frontman. That move has largely been a success too, with Toney scoring 30 times in 44 games across his debut season, while he has followed that up with eight from 10 so far this season.

However, his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s last two England squads has raised speculation that Toney could be tempted to return to the Premier League in the winter window, fuelled by a mission to make their squad for the 2026 World Cup finals.

As a result, Manchester United and West Ham have both been touted for moves – the latter who we have confirmed will try and sign a new striker in the winter window – while Tottenham Hotspur have also been touted as a possible landing spot, owing to the player’s strong relationship with his former manager at Brentford, Thomas Frank.

Despite that, our transfer reporter, Dean Jones, has already insisted that speculation linking Toney with a return to the Premier League is wide of the mark.

Now Hammers News claims their sources have insisted Toney is ‘loving life in Saudi Arabia’ and is not looking to break his contract, which is currently due to run until 2028.

Furthermore, they state there are ‘no truths’ to speculation that the 29-year-old could return to the Premier League in January.

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Toney back to the Premier League? Two sources deny speculation

The source told Hammers News: “He loves it there, there’s no truth in the rumours about Man United and West Ham.

“No truth to the Tottenham rumour either. There is also the issue of tax.”

Those comments tally with what Jones was saying earlier this week.

“There is no genuine sign of Toney moving back to the Premier League at the moment, but it is interesting that noises are starting to be made around him,” Jones said, when asked about links to Spurs and Chelsea.

“There have been some whispers about him going to Spurs. Obviously, there is the Thomas Frank link from Brentford, but I do not get the impression there is too much in it.

“It’s not one that I have heard Spurs seriously looking at for now, but we will know for sure soon once they outline the initial target list for the new year.

“I personally think there are players they will look to before Toney.

“Chelsea are linked too, and I do think that striker is a position the Blues are looking at for 2026, but I would be surprised if this is what they go for.”

Put simply, Toney is more than happy in Saudi Arabia, where he is earning lifetime-changing wages and ensuring future generations of his family will be set up for life.

Furthermore, the player has become something of an ambassador for the Saudi game, often publicly endorsing the product and insisting the top sides would challenge the top-four establishment in the Premier League were they present in the EPL.

Tottenham on Belgian’s trail; Real Madrid withdraw interest in £70m United target

We understand Tottenham’s January focus is likely to be on another midfield addition, with Frank not entirely satisfied with his options there.

And top of his wishlist is a Belgian midfielder earning rave reviews and who sources have confirmed could be allowed to leave in the winter window if his asking price is met and amidst his current side’s struggles.

United also fancy a new midfielder in the January window, and are prepared to spend big to land their top target.

To that end, United have been left as the sole suitors for Adam Wharton in January after Real Madrid withdrew from the race for a somewhat surprising reason – and TEAMtalk has assessed the chances of Ruben Amorim landing his top target when the transfer window re-opens in just 75 days.

The Hammers, though, do want a new striker in the winter window and sources understand that Nuno Espirito Santo is preparing to move for a young striker in January as they look to inject fresh energy into their attack.

It looks like Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Nico Raskin at just the right time after a second source confirmed the Rangers midfielder’s intentions, and with our sources confirming the price it will take to prise the Belgian out of Ibrox.

TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week that Tottenham have become the latest club to express interest in Raskin, who has been standing out for the Belgium national team as well as his current club, Rangers.

Spurs want to strengthen their midfield in 2026 and that just so happens to be the year in which Raskin is likely to seek a move away from Rangers, after already trying to leave in the summer just gone.

With the timing right for Tottenham to strike, a second source has now added weight to the prospect of Raskin being open to a move into the Premier League.

“I’m sure he’d be tempted by a move to the Premier League. There’s no doubt about that,” Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke said.

“I think for Raskin right now, it’s a clean slate for him again under a new manager.

“He’s impressing for Belgium on the international stage as well. So it’s no surprise he’s attracting interest.

“There was interest in the summer on him, but Rangers managed to keep hold of him.

“There is Premier League interest in him, there’s interest from other European leagues as well.

“I think there’ll be a big summer ahead for Rangers and if Raskin doesn’t see any improvement maybe with Rangers, then the player himself could be tempted by a move away.”

Rangers, who are anticipating the appointment of Kevin Muscat as the replacement for Russell Martin, have Raskin under contract until 2027.

That means if they don’t sell him by next summer, he would be entering the last year of his deal. Considering that sources have backed Raskin to become Rangers’ record sale, they can’t really afford to entertain the risk of losing him at a discounted rate in January 2027 – or worse still, for free at the end of that season.

Thus, the timing could be perfect for Spurs to make a move for Raskin, also bearing in mind that one of their own midfielders, Yves Bissouma, is out of contract in June 2026.

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Tottenham face competition for Raskin

However, Spurs won’t necessarily have things all their own way. Raskin is attracting interest from across Europe, including elsewhere in the Premier League but also in Serie A, LaLiga and the Bundesliga.

During the most recent transfer window, his main suitors were Crystal Palace, which he was aware of. They remain in the hunt, along with Wolves.

Of those clubs, Spurs seem the most likely to be able to offer European football on a consistent basis.

The asking price for Raskin is up to £25m, which should also be within reach for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham transfer news: £100m winger battle

Midfield isn’t the only area Spurs will be looking to strengthen, with the left-wing position currently more of a priority for them to fix.

On that front, sources have confirmed they remain in a battle with Manchester United for a Premier League talent rated in the £100m bracket.

In other news, Spurs have already been in talks with the agent of a Brazilian prospect, although so have one of their London rivals.

Who is Nico Raskin?

Raskin cost Rangers just £1.32m when he joined them from Standard Liege in January 2023, but he has since proven himself to be worth more than that.

Born in Liege, he started out in Standard’s academy, but was dropped at the age of 14. He spent time developing at Anderlecht and Gent, playing once for the latter, before Standard took him back in January 2019.

After 95 appearances across four years, Raskin earned his move to Rangers and they have proven to have the ideal platform for him.

A combative midfielder, Raskin usually sits in front of the defence to break up play. Around the time of his arrival at Ibrox, he was likened to Barry Ferguson by fellow former Belgium and Rangers player, Thomas Buffel.

The 24-year-old flourished as a more regular starter last season after having to be patient for his chance, bringing the right levels of aggression and ball protection to the Rangers engine room.

Now blossoming as a full Belgium international, Raskin has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent months. He posts good stats for tackling and passing, while he wins more aerial duels than he loses.

Raskin has admitted he has an ambition of returning to Standard Liege one day to reach 100 appearances for his hometown club. But with the way he has been playing, that won’t be a step he takes any time soon. It’s onwards and upwards for Raskin right now.

Fabio Paratici’s return to Tottenham Hotspur does not change their stance on targeting Antoine Semenyo, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Paratici is returning to the club in a sporting director role and it is often the case that he would be expected to focus primarily on targets from Italy. But, in the case of Semenyo, sources insist the Bournemouth player remains on their radar.

It is understood that other players are going to come into view of a similar style across 2026, and some may also come from within the Premier League as Thomas Frank will work closely with recruitment staff to ensure the potential signings have the right profile fit for his team.

Semenyo’s situation is a tricky one and signing him in January will be difficult because of the financial premium that will be expected.

He is rated between £80-100million by Bournemouth but it is thought that amount could change down the line, with unconfirmed reports of a release clause existing in his contract.

Sources around Bournemouth had been insisting there is no clause attached that could take him away at a reasonable fee but there has always been some scepticism in the game about that.

And now there are serious explorations from clubs to uncover the full reality of his current agreement.

Tottenham will be among those and our indications are that Paratici is on board with leading any pursuit of Semenyo, if he seems attainable.

DIVE DEEPER 🔎 Five Fabio Paratici priorities after Tottenham return confirmed: Left-wing conundrum; Harry Kane return?

Tottenham fighting Man Utd, Liverpool for Antoine Semenyo

TEAMtalk revealed on October 9 that Spurs want to properly assess the level of competition for the winger before firmly committing to a bid next year.

Spurs hold the strongest interest in Semenyo, but they are not alone in pursuing him. Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all tracking him too.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher reported earlier this month that Spurs are plotting a major bid to try and win the chase for Semenyo.

We understand Man Utd are big admirers of the Ghana international, viewing him as a great long-term signing regardless of whether Ruben Amorim stays in charge or is sacked.

Liverpool, meanwhile, view Semenyo as an ideal successor for Mo Salah on the right flank, ready for when the Anfield icon decides to hang up his boots.

Semenyo hired a performance coach over the summer to take his game to the next level, and the decision has worked wonders. He was a lethal player last season but is even more effective now.

He has already notched six goals and three assists in eight appearances this term, a tally which includes braces against Liverpool and Fulham.

Tottenham: Winger options ranked; Brazilian target

Last week, TEAMtalk ranked five potential winger signings Spurs could make in 2026.

Scouts claim a Vasco da Gama starlet is one of the most talented youngsters to come out of Brazil in years, and Spurs are in the mix for him.

There is a mad scramble to secure his services and all the details can be found here.