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A highly-rated Bundesliga sensation could be on his way to Liverpool as Anfield scouts continue to be wowed, Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of a top midfield talent who was first identified by former sporting director Dan Ashworth, and this week’s exclusive Transfer Debrief also has details on a Tottenham Hotspur move for a standout Brighton star.

Every Friday, we’ll be detailing all our very best exclusive content from across the week, making sure visitors to the site have not missed a beat when it comes to news and updates from our team of insiders.

Liverpool scouts push to sign explosive Salah successor

First up, we brought you news of Liverpool’s hierarchy being encouraged by club scouts to push through a January deal for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, with the Reds actively looking into a potential deal.

Diomande has exploded onto the Bundesliga scene this season following his summer move from Spanish minnows Leganes, when plenty of eyebrows were raised over Leipzig paying his €20million release clause.

Those eyebrows are even higher now given how Diomande has emerged as one of the most wanted young prospects in the world, having notched four goals and two assists from nine starts while also earning an Ivory Coast call-up at just 19 years of age.

Our insider Graeme Bailey confirms that almost every major club in Europe is on his trail, aside from Liverpool. Indeed, Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched the midfielder closely, whilst Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been alerted to his progress since he arrived in Germany.

However, we can reveal that Liverpool are the most prominent and we can confirm their scouting department are pushing the club’s hierarchy to get a deal in place.

Man Utd step up pursuit of ‘must-sign’ midfielder

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in highly-rated Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis, with club scouts making regular checks on the 18-year-old this season.

As per our insider Fraser Fletcher, the Red Devils are the latest elite club to place the Greek teenager firmly on their radar, joining a growing list of Europe’s top sides monitoring one of the continent’s most promising young talents.

Mouzakitis is a versatile central midfielder who is more than comfortable in both defensive and box-to-box roles, having already broken into Olympiacos’ first team despite his tender age.

Sources in Greece indicate that Olympiacos are resigned to losing their academy product within the next 18 months. And while the club have no desire to sell their prized asset mid-season, they are bracing themselves for formal approaches as early as the January transfer window for a player who first flagged up for United by former sporting director Dan Ashworth.

A departure in the summer of 2026 is now considered the most likely outcome, with the Piraeus outfit keen to maximise their return on a player they rate as a potential €30-40million asset once he gains further senior experience.

Tottenham set sights on standout Brighton ‘leader’

Tottenham have continued to monitor Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke through the opening stages of the season, with sources revealing how a potential £40million bid could be incoming for 2026.

Spurs explored a move for the Dutch centre-back last summer and we’ve been told that he remains a player of interest as the club considers strengthening its defensive options during the 2026 winter and summer windows.

Van Hecke has played every minute of Brighton’s Premier League campaign so far and the club would be keen to secure him on a longer-term contract.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who scored twice in Tuesday night’s 4–3 defeat to Aston Villa, is currently under contract until the summer of 2027.

Insider Dean Jones has confirmed to us that Tottenham have become increasingly open to adding new names to their recruitment lists, with sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici preparing for an ambitious period of squad investment.

Salah future / Semenyo latest / Spurs keeper chase / Barca hunt Guehi and much more…

Liverpool have no plans whatsoever to part ways with Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window despite his struggles so far this season, sources have told TEAMtalk.

We also understand that Barcelona have made two formal approaches to Marc Guehi’s representatives in the past fortnight, intensifying their efforts to lure the Crystal Palace captain to the Camp Nou and land a brutal transfer blow to Liverpool.

Sticking with Arne Slot’s men, Liverpool and Chelsea have both checked in with Joel Ordonez’s camp in recent weeks as they consider making a move in January, and both the player and his club are ready to accept a winter window move, TEAMtalk understands.

On the manager front, Liverpool have no plans at the moment to approach Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, despite increasing pressure on Arne Slot, sources have told TEAMtalk, as Fabrizio Romano reveals whether the defending Premier League champions have made contact with Jurgen Klopp.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are starting to believe that it will be worth paying the January premium for Antoine Semenyo – though a sizeable dilemma is now presenting itself to Ruben Amorim ahead of the January transfer window.

United could also be boosted in their efforts to land Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, who are eyeing up a move for former Liverpool star Tyler Morton as his potential replacement.

Brentford, meanwhile, have dismissed suggestions that Igor Thiago could be allowed to leave the club in January, with four Premier League sides seriously looking into signing him – including Tottenham and Newcastle.

As for Spurs, they are working hard on prospective goalkeeper targets heading into 2026 and one they are huge admirers of is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have no intention of parting company with Tino Livramento in the January transfer window or anytime soon, sources have told us, as the full-back’s latest comments on the St. James’ Park faithful shed light on his desire.

Chelsea are looking to beat a number of Premier League rivals, including Manchester United, to the signing of African striker starlet Loukman Tapsoba, we understand.

The Blues and Manchester City are set to miss out on the signing of Johannes Moser, despite the Blues and the Cityzens trying their best to convince the Austrian wunderkind to leave his current club FC Liefering.

Santiago Gimenez has been offered to a number of Premier League clubs, including Leeds United and West Ham, ahead of the January window by intermediaries trying to broker a potential deal, we can reveal.

Sunderland are preparing to open to talks with head coach Regis Le Bris as they look to keep him firmly out of the grasp of any interested clubs, with a trio of Premier League sides keen.

Cardiff City face a huge battle to hang onto prized assets Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea among their admirers.

Juventus sources admit there has not yet been any progress on a fresh agreement with Kenan Yildiz amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Arsenal have quietly placed Michael Olise at the very top of their long-term attacking wishlist, with sources confirming the club are laying the groundwork for a blockbuster £100 million-plus move in the summer of 2026.

Rangers are planning an ambitious triple signing in the January transfer window as new manager Danny Röhl seeks to reshape the squad that has fallen short of expectations this season.

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Brentford have dismissed suggestions that Igor Thiago could be allowed to leave the club in January, with four Premier League sides seriously looking into signing him, we can reveal.

Thiago has been outstanding for the Bees this season, with 11 goals in 13 starts to his name and he is now being talked about as a prospective option for Brazil at next summer’s World Cup finals. Indeed, we have been informed that Selecao coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff have been watching his progress closely, with the 24-year-old now firmly in their thinking heading into 2026.

But Ancelotti is not the only one who is impressed with Thiago and his form.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all been checking on him, whilst we can confirm RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan have also been watching his progress closely.

However, TEAMtalk has been informed by Brentford sources that Thiago is not available – and their not-for-sale policy will be issued to any interested suitor who happen to enquire in January.

I am told that Brentford expect Thiago to attract attention; that is not a shock. They believe he is currently as good as any striker in the Premier League – but they are not worried, they are quick to confirm that the prospect of him leaving the club is not a consideration for them.

Thiago joined Brentford in 2024 for a club record deal worth just over £30million but he missed the most of this debut season with a knee injury.

So effectively, this is his first full campaign with the Bees and we are told that the player is very happy in West London and is not looking or pushing to leave at this point.

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Tottenham chase Brighton leader; Newcastle target Moroccan attacker

Meanwhile, Spurs have continued to monitor Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke through the opening stages of the season, and TEAMtalk can reveal how a potential £40million bid could be incoming for 2026.

He is not the only Seagulls star they have an interest in either; we can confirm they are huge admirers of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen, though sources can reveal the European giants who are also strongly looking into a move for the Netherlands international.

Up at Newcastle, we understand Eddie Howe’s side are poised to pursue Bilal El Khannouss aggressively, with the Morocco international attacking midfielder is eager to return to the Premier League in 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur have continued to monitor Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke through the opening stages of the season, and TEAMtalk can reveal how a potential £40million bid could be incoming for 2026.

Spurs explored a move for the Dutch centre-back last summer and sources indicate he remains a player of interest as the club considers strengthening its defensive options during the 2026 transfer windows.

Van Hecke has played every minute of Brighton’s Premier League campaign so far and the club would be keen to secure him on a longer-term contract.

The defender, who scored twice in Tuesday night’s 4–3 defeat to Aston Villa, is currently under contract until the summer of 2027.

Tottenham have become increasingly open to adding new names to their recruitment lists, with sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici preparing for an ambitious period of squad investment.

Early indications suggest Spurs aim to make substantial changes across both the January and summer windows, targeting reinforcements in goal, central defence, central midfield, wide attack and centre-forward.

Brighton could secure a significant profit on Van Hecke, who joined from Dutch side NAC Breda for just £3 million in 2020, if they were to sell him.

Current estimates suggest he would command a fee in the region of £40m (€45.7m / $53m).

DON’T MISS 👉 Do Tottenham need to replace Vicario with an elite keeper signing in January to reach top four?

‘Leader’ Van Hecke urged to commit to Brighton

Meanwhile, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler recently called on Van Hecke to commit his future to the club beyond 2027, amid fears of an exit for the talented centre-back.

The 25-year-old could walk away as a free agent in just over 18 months, unless Brighton do decide to cash in on his services, which would have to come in the next two windows if they want to secure that asking price.

However, Hurzeler hopes that Van Hecke will consider committing his long-term future to the south coast club, telling The Argus: “Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton.

“When you see his past, where he has come from, what he went through to where he is now, you see a really consistent development. That’s because of his, his attitude. That’s because of his mindset. His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach.

“That makes his values so important to us. He’s a Dutch guy, so I already like his, he’s very straight with you and honest with his opinion. I think that’s always powerful in the team.

“He’s one of my leaders, he’s in the leadership group. He has taken more responsibility and more ownership this season. I think that’s the next step for him, to not only be a great performer, but also try to be a leader in this club.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Keeper targets revealed; Baleba interest assessed

First up, Tottenham are working hard on prospective goalkeeper targets heading into 2026 and one they are huge admirers of is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen, though TEAMtalk can reveal the European giants who are also strongly looking into a move.

Elsewhere, Spurs sources have revealed the latest on the club’s reported interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s £100million-rated Carlos Baleba – revealing if an offer could be on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur are working hard on prospective goalkeeper targets heading into 2026 and one they are huge admirers of is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen, though TEAMtalk can reveal the European giants who are also strongly looking into a move.

Current Spurs number one Guglielmo Vicario is under pressure after some high-profile blunders of late that have seen his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium called into question. As a result, we can confirm there is interest back in his native Italy for his services, where both Inter and AC Milan – both potentially on the look-out for a new No 1 next year – are seeing him as a potential option looking ahead to next summer.

Tottenham, themselves, are already well-versed on the top goalkeeping options available to them and my colleague, Fraser Fletcher, revealed on Tuesday that Manchester City’s summer signing James Trafford is one player they are already considering as a serious option ahead of the two 2026 transfer windows.

Now sources can reveal that another option who is also on their radar and whom we can confirm has hugely impressed them, is Verbruggen.

Verbruggen has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers since moving to Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023, and at 23, now looks primed to be one of the world’s best.

The Dutchman was looked at very closely by Manchester City in the summer, whilst Chelsea also have a long-standing interest in him.

We understand Spurs are now making checks on Verbruggen, and he is seen as one of their better options, should they move on from Vicario.

DEBATE ➡️ Do Tottenham need to replace Vicario with an elite keeper signing in January to reach top four?

Tottenham face strong competition for Verbruggen signing

While the cost of potentially signing Verbruggen has not yet come to light, Brighton have shown themselves to be tough negotiators when it comes to selling their prized assets, with Moises Caicedo moving for a then British record fee when joining Chelsea and with the Seagulls making similar hefty demands when Manchester United came calling for Carlos Baleba.

Contracted at the Amex until summer 2028, the Seagulls now know they will get their optimum price for the player next year, what with just two years left to run on his existing arrangement come the summer.

However, there is strong interest abroad, and we can also reveal that German giants Bayern Munich are also very much in the mix for Verbruggen.

TEAMtalk has spoken to high-ranking sources at Bayern who confirm they see the 26-times capped Netherlands international as one of the best options, but not the only one, to potentially replace veteran superstar Manuel Neuer.

Indeed, in September, whilst on international duty, Verbruggen acknowledged to being flattered by the links to reigning Bundesliga champions.

“It’s always a compliment to be linked with such big clubs, but I haven’t really thought about it that much,” Verbruggen said.

“My agent keeps me out of that. If something becomes very concrete and decisions have to be made, I’ll hear about it.”

Brighton, for their part, are insistent that they want to retain Verbruggen’s services, but internally they realise it could be very difficult to keep him beyond this season.

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Latest Tottenham news: Another Brighton star eyed; £145m double deal eyed

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur sources insist there is little chance the club would meet Brighton & Hove Albion’s £100million (€114m / $132m) valuation of Carlos Baleba – though he is seen as a player of some interest to Spurs officials.

Fletcher reported for TEAMtalk last week that Spurs are looking into a remarkable £145m double deal for two electric stars who would absolutely transform Thomas Frank’s attack – seen by many as their biggest weakness this season.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has named the manager he is convinced Tottenham Hotspur have to move for next, if they decide to end Thomas Frank’s short tenure in north London.

After a bright start to life as Spurs boss, some fans of the club are now calling for Frank’s head after a poor run of results have dropped his side down the Premier League table.

For his part, Frank is remaining defiant over his role and is confident the Tottenham‘s owners will give him time to complete his project.

Speaking ahead of the Newcastle clash, when asked if he would get time to improve things on the pitch, Frank said: “Yeah, I’m very confident. It seems like they’re good guys, intelligent people, know how to run businesses and learning about football.

“I think when we’re dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty and every successful club has taken time.”

Unless results improve, however, Frank is facing the possibility of an exit, and Carragher claims the man who led Fulham to victory in north London on Saturday night, Marco Silva, is perfect for the job.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap, Carragher explained that Everton should never have sacked Silva and that he can see him managing Tottenham one day.

“I actually think he was the one manager Everton should have stuck with,” the Sky Sports pundit said.

“I’ve always seen Silva at Tottenham, I’m not saying Tottenham as in change Thomas Frank put Marco Silva in.

“The point I’m trying to make is not quite go from Fulham to like you know a Liverpool or Manchester City you think going to sort of compete for the league but sort of that sort of level just belong with it trying to get you know Champions League maybe, you know Aston Villa, that type of team that would almost be the next step for him in the Premier League.

“I think he probably deserves one of those jobs.”

Silva, who is said to have snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia over the summer, has turned Fulham into an established Premier League club since taking them up from the Championship, and there was talk that Daniel Levy wanted to bring him on board before turning to Frank instead.

The Portuguese head coach is out of contract at the end of the season, so he may well depart Craven Cottage after five years in west London.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Do Tottenham need to replace Vicario with an elite keeper signing in January to reach top four?

Latest Tottenham news: Trafford interest; Semenyo move update

In a transfer window that promises fireworks, Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a seismic shift in their goalkeeping department, with Manchester City’s James Trafford emerging as a prime target to claim the number one shirt.

Elsewhere, Spurs sources insist there is little chance the club would meet Brighton & Hove Albion’s £100million (€114m / $132m) valuation of Carlos Baleba – though he is a player of some interest.

And finally, TEAMtalk can reveal the latest on the future of one of the hottest properties in the Premier League, Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, as the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all battle for his signature.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is in the spotlight after being booed by his own fans in the aftermath of his latest error – but does an upgrade need to come in at the earliest opportunity in January?

Vicario was at fault for Fulham’s second goal in their win over Tottenham at the weekend and it wasn’t received well by some supporters. There have already been some questions marks over the Italian’s future as Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper and those doubts are only being amplified now.

Sources have confirmed that Vicario has attracted the attention of Inter Milan for a potential return to Serie A, after already making clear that Spurs have been considering bringing in fresh competition between the sticks.

But should such a change be made in the January transfer window?

Our writers debate whether Spurs need to replace Vicario with an upgrade in order to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

James Holland

Spurs must replace Vicario next month if they are to succeed during Frank’s first season in charge and gain Champions League qualification.

Yes, Vicario’s shot-stopping abilities are excellent, and he has become a more commanding presence in his box, but he is still capable of the occasional howler.

The Italian does not have the reliable, split-second decision-making required to be one of the best keepers in the world.

His mistake against Fulham was extremely poor – he had two opportunities to put the ball out of play but instead gifted possession straight to Josh King.

Spurs should look to move on from Vicario in January by submitting a bid for Mike Maignan.

The Frenchman is a clear upgrade on Vicario, and AC Milan will have to sell him for a reduced price in January as his contract is running down.

James Marshment

I think Vicario is a really good keeper, but not in that truly elite level that all the best teams have. I look at Alisson at Liverpool, Gigi Donnarumma at Man City and I don’t think he’s anywhere near that level.

And while he is considered a leader at Spurs, that blunder against Fulham at the weekend tells you exactly why Spurs will ultimately need better if they are re-establish themselves among the top four sides in England.

A move for James Trafford, I believe, takes them up a level and he’s been ridiculously unfortunate by the situation he finds himself in at City, meaning a move is certainly in the player’s best interests.

If the money is right, Spurs should absolutely get that done; Vicario cost them dear on Saturday and sadly, it’s not the first time!

Subhankar Mondal

I am going to sound a bit like Paul Merson now. Guglielmo Vicario was playing for Empoli when Tottenham Hotspur signed him. If Vicario was that good, then a bigger club in Italy or elsewhere would have snapped him up – he would not have ended up at Tottenham, and I do not mean this with any disrespect to Spurs whatsoever.

While Vicario has proven to be a Premier League-level goalkeeper, he is not overly reliable when it comes to crosses and does not command his penalty area well. The Italy international goalkeeper has proven time and time again that he is not a great shot-stopper. The 29-year-old is good enough for a mid-table Premier League club or as a back-up for a top-four team, but not the number one for Spurs.

If Tottenham are to become regulars in the Champions League and eventually challenge for the Premier League title, they need a better and more reliable goalkeeper whom the defenders can rely upon to make important saves and have their back.

Fraser Fletcher

Yes I think they do. Vicario has been excellent but he isn’t elite level. They need more than that though, they do not have enough quality at the top end of the park and need to seriously invest there before looking at the goalkeeper.

Samuel Bannister

Tottenham would be best off waiting until the summer to make a change in their goalkeeping department, unless an offer comes in for Vicario that’s too good to turn down.

Replacing a first-choice goalkeeper is a bold move and the kind of business that rarely happens midway through a season.

Vicario is a good goalkeeper who was doing well for Empoli and would have left a few bigger Italian clubs wondering why they didn’t go for him when Spurs did.

What happened at the weekend is a reminder that he isn’t elite, but depending on how the market develops, Spurs should stick with Vicario for the rest of the season.

If they miss out on the top four, it won’t be because of one isolated issue, since they have as many problems at the other end of the pitch as they do in goal at the moment.

A better goalkeeper wouldn’t harm their chances and they do remain outsiders in the race for the top four, but I don’t see Vicario as enough of a problem to require an urgent solution – more one to monitor over the first half of 2026.

Nathan Egerton

Vicario was largely at fault for Tottenham’s defeat to Fulham after the goalkeeper came out of his penalty area and inexplicably cleared the ball infield instead of out for a throw.

His failed clearance eventually fell to Harry Wilson, who curled the ball from the touchline into the empty net.

But it’s not his first mistake of the season as the Italy international also made an error leading to a goal in their 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Without those mistakes, Spurs could have an additional three points on the board and be sat in seventh place instead of 12th.

He has also faced criticism for not fully commanding his penalty area and if it wasn’t for a brilliant clearance from Micky van de Ven, Spurs may not have won the Europa League last season.

While the goalkeeper has also had some strong performances, he is far too inconsistent and they need to sign a more reliable no.1.

In a transfer window that promises fireworks, Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a seismic shift in their goalkeeping department, with Manchester City’s James Trafford emerging as a prime target to claim the number one shirt.

Sources close to the club reveal that Tottenham have greenlit exploratory talks, viewing the 23-year-old Englishman as a long-term successor who could inject youth and Premier League pedigree into Thomas Frank’s side.

Trafford’s frustration at the Etihad is palpable. Just weeks after penning a lucrative deal in July, the former England Under-21 star found himself sidelined following City’s audacious €30million (£26m) swoop for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer transfer scramble.

The Italian’s arrival has relegated Trafford to second choice, sparking a clear desire for first-team football.

“James is a top talent ready to step up,” confided a City insider. “He’s itching for minutes, and Spurs’ project aligns perfectly with his ambitions.”

The move could hinge on outgoing traffic at the opposite end of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham’s Italian custodian who arrived in a £17m deal from Empoli just 18 months ago, has become a beacon of stability amid Spurs’ defensive wobbles.

Signed as Hugo Lloris’ heir, the 29-year-old has silenced doubters with a string of acrobatic saves and commanding distribution, earning himself a leadership role in the squad. However, his form has faltered.

Yet, whispers from Milan suggest Inter are circling. Spurs, ever pragmatic, would entertain offers north of £30m (€34m) if it facilitates an upgrade.

Trafford, with his lightning reflexes and ball-playing nous honed at Burnley and City, represents that step up – a homegrown gem unburdened by the pressure of continental adaptation.

For Spurs, perched precariously in mid-table after a poor run of form, this swap could redefine their spine. Securing Trafford would not only bolster squad harmony but signal ambition in a market dominated by the ‘Big Six’. As winter bites, N17 buzzes with possibility: is this the pivot that reignites Frank’s revolution?

DON’T MISS 👉 Tottenham keen on two Man Utd targets but £100m signing unlikely – sources

Tottenham must fend off Newcastle to sign James Trafford

Spurs will face competition to sign Trafford, as we revealed on November 14 that Newcastle United have reopened talks with him after missing out on a deal over the summer.

And on November 20, sources indicated to us that City could offer Newcastle the shot-stopper in a stunning player-plus-cash deal for Tino Livramento.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made an enquiry for Trafford, but he is more likely to join Spurs or Newcastle in January.

Trafford is not the only City player on Spurs’ radar, as they tried to land Brazilian winger Savinho in the summer.

Spurs continue to monitor Savinho’s situation, and City’s faith in him could be tested again during the 2026 transfer windows.

Spurs face Semenyo battle; Frank replacement candidate

Meanwhile, Spurs have identified Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as their dream attacking signing for January, though the pursuit is getting tricky.

We can reveal which two clubs are leading the race for the winger after City made contact with Bournemouth.

Tottenham Hotspur sources insist there is little chance the club would meet Brighton & Hove Albion’s £100million (€114m / $132m) valuation of Carlos Baleba – though he is a player of some interest.

As previously reported, Manchester United have cooled their pursuit of Baleba ahead of January because of his recent form and hefty price tag. The midfielder’s head was turned by United’s initial contact last summer and that episode is understood to have contributed to a dip in his performances this season.

Tottenham are exploring midfield options of their own and are keen on adding someone with proven Premier League pedigree.

Like United, they admire Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and view him as an ideal signing – but there is a growing acceptance that financial realities may force a more patient approach to squad building.

Spurs were linked with Baleba on Saturday, and we can confirm they have expressed interest.

They are planning to spend big across the next two windows but Baleba’s current valuation still does not fit with that in terms of the January window, sources believe.

Brighton’s stance means Baleba remains unlikely for now unless the fee comes down. Spurs have also monitored the likes of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk, though any move for a midfielder is expected to hinge on the timing of Yves Bissouma’s departure.

Bissouma is believed to prefer a summer exit but Spurs are open to selling in January to accelerate their squad refresh.

Spurs’ priority remains securing a forward to address their need for greater goal threat, but other positions are under review in line with their winter budget.

Fraser Fletcher reported for TEAMtalk on November 25 that Spurs are plotting a remarkable double deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo and Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Semenyo is Spurs’ dream target for the wide positions, though Liverpool and Manchester City are pushing to sign him first.

Latest Tottenham news: Thomas Frank sack update; £52m Serie A link

👉 Growing Tottenham ‘whispers’ point towards high-octane Thomas Frank replacement as sack fears grow – sources

👉 Spectacular Tottenham overhaul to start with £52m Serie A swoop that could save Thomas Frank – report

TEAMtalk can reveal the latest on the future of one of the hottest properties in the Premier League, Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, as the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all battle for his signature.

As the January transfer window edges closer, Tottenham’s ambitious plans for a double attacking coup face mounting turbulence – especially when it comes to Semenyo.

Sources close to the club confirm manager Thomas Frank remains intent on landing Semenyo and Porto’s teenage prodigy Samu Aghehowa, but escalating interest from Manchester City has cast doubt over Spurs’ pursuit of the Ghanaian winger.

With Tottenham currently sitting mid-table in the Premier League and struggling to find form, they are not the most desirable of his options.

Semenyo, boasting eight goals and six assists this season, has ignited a bidding frenzy. His £65million clause – active only in the window’s opening week – has drawn formal enquiries from Manchester City, who view him as Haaland’s ideal foil and another dynamic winger to add to their ranks.

The 25-year-old is “keen to engage” with Pep Guardiola’s side after City contacted Bournemouth for specifics.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Which move is better for Antoine Semenyo – Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham or Man Utd?

Likely to come down to Liverpool, City battle

Liverpool, long admirers via sporting director Richard Hughes – who scouted Semenyo to the Cherries – are frontrunners but wary of City’s financial muscle hijacking their plans. Anfield chiefs see the two-footed speedster as Salah’s long-term successor, having netted six in 11 league outings.

Tottenham , who eyed him last summer, covet his directness but may falter against such giants, especially with Manchester United also lurking in the shadows.

Meanwhile, Samu—full name Samuel Omorodion—continues to dazzle in Portugal, netting 12 goals in 15 Primeira Liga games post his €20 million Atletico Madrid exit. Porto’s €80 million demand persists, potentially softening for Champions League funds, though no fresh bids have surfaced. He could soften the blow for Spurs should they miss out on Semenyo.

As for City, Pep wants to add more dynamism to his side, with signings like Jeremy Doku in recent years showing he is keen to add a more direct threat in the wide areas.

For Semenyo, he will have his pick and the bids will come in on the opening days of the January window. City are confident, Liverpool are very keen and Spurs remain hopeful.

TEAMtalk can reveal the very latest on Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham, after a run of three successive defeats, with a trophy-winning Premier League manager firmly on the club’s radar should they choose to part company with the Dane.

In the swirling cauldron of Premier League intrigue, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at a crossroads.

Frank, the Danish tactician who arrived from Brentford with promises of pragmatic flair, is staring down the barrel of mounting discontent. A harrowing run of results—capped by a gut-wrenching 2-1 home defeat to Fulham — has left Tottenham languishing in mid-table mediocrity.

With just one home league win this season and a poor run over the last few weeks, the faithful’s frustration boiled over, their boos echoing through the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium like a premonition of change.

Frank’s tenure, barely six months old, was meant to steady the ship after Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane experiment faltered. Yet, defeats to Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Fulham have exposed tactical frailties and a squad seemingly adrift.

The pressure is palpable, with fans jeering goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s error against Fulham, prompting Frank to brand the dissenters “not true fans.”

Behind closed doors, players have even convened emergency meetings to address the toxic rift with supporters, viewing it as a “critical issue” threatening cohesion.

Sources close to the club insist Frank retains the board’s backing—for now. “He still has time,” one insider confided. “The hierarchy believes in his process, but a few more stumbles, and contingency plans will accelerate.”

Enter stage left: Oliver Glasner, the Austrian maestro who’s transformed Crystal Palace into London’s surprise package.

Appointed in February 2024 amid Roy Hodgson’s exit, Glasner wasted no time. He orchestrated Palace’s highest-ever Premier League points haul (49) that season, masterminded their first major trophy—a historic 1-0 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City in May 2025—and steered them into the Europa Conference League.

This term, despite a grueling European schedule and key departures like Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, Glasner has Palace ninth, just two points off fifth-placed Brighton. His system, blending defensive solidity with rapid transitions, has yielded gems like a 1-0 Anfield upset against Liverpool and a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.

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Glasner a long-time Tottenham target

Glasner’s allure for Spurs is no secret. He topped their shortlist during previous managerial hunts, his Europa League-winning spell at Eintracht Frankfurt (2022) and Wolfsburg stints cementing his reputation as a serial overachiever.

Palace’s recent woes—four winless games post-Europe, including Sunday’s 2-1 loss to United—have Glasner publicly urging January reinforcements: “We need to correct what we missed in the summer. If you play European football for the first time, you should invest, not save.”

Whispers suggest Tottenham’s hierarchy, long admirers, could pounce if the club’s form under Frank dips further.

As December dawns, Spurs’ festive fixtures—Newcastle away, Brentford (Frank’s old haunt), and a Liverpool showdown—loom large. Frank’s clock is ticking louder than the Kop’s anthem.

For Glasner, the siren call of Tottenham might prove irresistible, a chance to conquer the capital’s grandest stage. In football’s merry-go-round, loyalties shift swiftly. Tottenham, ever the architects of drama, may soon rewrite the script.

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Latest Tottenham news: Gleison Bremer chasee update; in-form striker swoop

First up, Tottenham are prepared to back Thomas Frank in the January transfer window, despite some fans already calling for his job, with a move to strengthen the club’s leaky backline with a top Serie A star now emerging as a major priority.

Elsewhere, what Spurs truly think about signing an upgrade on Guglielmo Vicario has been revealed, while Thomas Frank has gone to war with the Spurs fans who booed the Italian following his blunder against Fulham.