TEAMtalk

Tottenham have opened dialogue over the signing of a readymade Premier League forward after Manchester United’s own attempts to seal a deal did not progress, according to a report.

Tottenham and Man Utd are both on the hunt for attacking reinforcements prior to tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Red Devils’ desire stems from the lack of goals provided by Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford has been loaned out to Aston Villa and Alejandro Garnacho’s future remains a hot topic.

Spurs, meanwhile, have no shortage of viable options for their front three. Their issue is injuries, with Ange Postecoglou down to the bare bones right now.

One player both clubs have fixed their gaze on is Leon Bailey of Aston Villa.

United’s interest came first, with Bailey along with Christopher Nkunku serving as back-up targets to Mathys Tel.

And with Man Utd reportedly unable to match Bayern’s demand for either a loan containing an obligation to buy or an outright transfer, Tel looks set to be denied his ambition of playing at Old Trafford.

That’s brought Bailey back into view, but per The Athletic, a move for the 27-year-old winger has not progressed.

And per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham hope to step into the breach after calling their counterparts at Aston Villa. But while contact has been established, Romano suggested a deal may be difficult to forge.

“Man Utd and Tottenham, both clubs called to be informed on Bailey, “said Romano on his YouTube channel. “But it depends on Aston Villa and at the moment there are no open doors.”

Explaining Villa’s stance on offloading Bailey, Romano strongly suggested the Jamaican may only be given the green light to leave if more forwards are signed to take his place.

Marco Asensio’s arrival from PSG on a straight six-month loan is imminent. However, Villa have also been trying to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea and as yet, those attempts have not succeeded.

Leon Bailey record this season

Bailey has scored just one goal and provided three assists across 29 appearances this season. Those are not the types of figures that will whet the appetite at Spurs or Man Utd, though Bailey did bag 14 goals last term.

The speedy left-footer operates primarily on the right flank and boasts three-and-a-half years of Premier League experience.

He’d represent a readymade and potentially explosive option for either of Tottenham or Man Utd. But as Romano mentioned, the ball is in Villa’s court and as yet, they’re unwilling to share.

Latest Tottenham news – Kevin Danso, Axel Disasi

In other news, Spurs officially announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso – who’ll wear the No 4 shirt – on Sunday.

Tottenham pulled off a coup when hijacking Wolves’ deal for the Austrian. Wolves had even booked a medical for Danso before Spurs swooped.

The deal is a six-month loan that contains an obligation to buy worth €25m/£20.9m. Per Tottenham reporter, Alasdair Gold, Danso could be eligible to make his debut against Liverpool on Thursday for the League Cup semi-final second leg clash.

Elsewhere, Spurs are attempting to add another centre-back to their ranks after agreeing a loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi.

Tottenham are reportedly rivalling West Ham United in the race to sign AC Milan winger Noah Okafor as the 24-year-old’s future hangs in the balance.

Spurs have promised Ange Postecoglou more additions in what remains of the transfer window and the club are understood to be looking at attacking targets.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy tried and failed to seal a deal for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel earlier this week but the 19-year-old snubbed Spurs and now they’re looking at other targets.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham and West Ham are both ‘in contact’ over a move for Milan winger Okafor.

Okafor was close to joining RB Leipzig on loan last week. The deal included a €2m (£1.7m, $2.05m) loan fee and an option to buy of €26m (£21.6m, $26.6m).

However, the move ultimately collapsed due to a problem with his medical. Okafor has been left in limbo as a result and his representatives are working hard to find him a new club.

AC Milan initially wanted to sell Okafor this window but the report has reiterated that the Italian giants are now open to loaning him out.

Tottenham, West Ham have other priorities – sources

It could be a frantic end to the window for Tottenham as the board look to back Postecoglou with reinforcements in several different positions.

TEAMtalk understands that a new winger signing is possible before the transfer deadline. They have a few targets on their radar, such as Southampton star Tyler Dibling.

However, we have received no confirmation from sources as yet that Tottenham are interested Okafor.

Spurs officially unveiled defender Kevin Danso as their latest acquisition earlier today (Sunday) but Ange Postecoglou is still keen to bring in more cover at the back.

They agreed a loan deal for Chelsea star Axel Disasi, but he has REJECTED a move to Tottenham in a big twist and could end up staying at Stamford Bridge.

As for West Ham, they are keen to do more business before the transfer window slams shut but their focus at the moment is on finalising a deal for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

The Irish international is currently undergoing a medical with the Hammers ahead of joining on a straight loan deal.

A new winger isn’t thought to be a priority for Graham Potter and as with the Tottenham links, sources have not confirmed any interest in Okafor from the Hammers’ side.

The 24-year-old has played a bit-part role for Milan this season, notching just one goal in 11 Serie A appearances so far.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Tottenham have reached a full agreement with Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi on loan but the centre-back has put the breaks on the move in a dramatic twist.

Spurs officially unveiled defender Kevin Danso as their latest acquisition earlier today (Sunday) but Ange Postecoglou is still keen to bring in more cover at the back.

Disasi, 26, is one of several Chelsea players to have been made available and Tottenham and Aston Villa have both shown interest in signing him on loan.

Disasi agreed personal terms with Aston Villa earlier this week but Chelsea refused to let him join the Midlands side as they didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea are more open to doing business with Tottenham, however, as they have had a dismal season so far and currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Disasi on a straight loan, but the player has said NO to joining the north London club.

“Tottenham have agreed loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi, no buy option clause and loan fee included,” Romano posted on X. “Axel Disasi, not accepting Spurs bid… as he already agreed terms with Aston Villa. Chelsea have NO intention to negotiate with Villa as UCL spot competitors.”

Tottenham have been rejected by BOTH Disasi and Tomori

Disasi now faces a situation where he could be left in limbo as it’s clear that he isn’t part of Maresca’s long term plans at Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has made just six Premier League appearances this season and finds himself behind the likes of Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo in the pecking order.

Chelsea have been demanding a big loan fee for Disasi, which Tottenham seemingly agreed to, so Disasi snubbing the move comes as a blow for the Blues too.

It will be an interesting deadline day for the Frenchman as it’s clear that Chelsea are still intent on offloading him. Tottenham, for their part, will have to look elsewhere for another new defender.

Spurs have also shown interest in signing AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori this month but ironically, the England international also rejected the chance to join Postecoglou’s team, per reports from Italy.

This came after Tottenham agreed a €25million (£21m / $26m) deal with Milan plus bonuses.

The reason for Tomori rejecting Spurs isn’t clear, but it’s fair to say that the fact they’re set to miss out on Champions League qualification is likely a factor.

Tottenham have just hours remaining in the window to sign another new centre-back and also strengthen other areas, with Postecoglou keen to sign a new striker.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to complete their second transfer hijack in quick succession after thrusting themselves into a stalled deal involving Aston Villa and Chelsea, according to two trusted sources.

Tottenham broke Wolves hearts over the last 24 hours upon hijacking Kevin Danso’s proposed move to Molineux. The Austrian centre-back, 26, looked on course to join Wolves who even scheduled a medical for Sunday.

However, Danso’s head was turned by Tottenham who wasted no time agreeing personal terms with the player. A loan containing an obligation to buy worth €25m was quickly ironed out with Lens and the deal was officially confirmed on Sunday morning.

The 6ft 3in defender will wear the number four shirt and could be in line to make his debut in the League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Liverpool on Thursday. Spurs will take a one-goal lead up to Anfield and a busy night for their defenders is anticipated.

Injuries have caused major disruption in Spurs’ centre-back ranks this season, with Radu Dragusin the latest to go down.

The Romanian has suffered a potentially serious knee injury, something that has sparked Tottenham’s determined late effort to sign not one but two new centre-halves.

Danso has already been banked and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are pushing to make it a double by signing Axel Disasi from Chelsea too.

“Tottenham are now pushing to agree on Axel Disasi deal with Chelsea as negotiations are ongoing today,” wrote Romano on X.

“As reported two days ago, Spurs want two centre backs (Danso first) after Dragusin’s serious injury. Aston Villa agreed terms with Disasi but not with Chelsea so far.”

Why Axel Disasi to Aston Villa has stalled

As mentioned, Disasi – who cost £38.5m when signed from Monaco 18 months ago – already has an agreement on personal terms with Villa in place.

Unai Emery’s side are seeking a signing at centre-back to offset Diego Carlos’ switch to Fenerbahce.

But while Disasi is more than wiling to join Villa, The Athletic have revealed why the move is not progressing.

Villa are chasing a loan deal and per the report, they and Chelsea have not found common ground on a loan fee.

The Athletic stated: ‘Villa view the current proposed conditions as too expensive for the 26-year-old.’

Another factor that could be scuppering negotiations is the fact Villa and Chelsea have the same aims in the Premier League this season – qualify for the Champions League.

As such, Chelsea loaning Disasi to Villa could wind up costing the Blues dearly. Tottenham, meanwhile, sit 16th prior to Sunday’s matches are are no threat to Chelsea’s Champions League aims.

Whether Tottenham are seeking to sign Disasi on loan or in a permanent deal has not yet come to light.

But what is clear is Ange Postecoglou’s side aren’t content with just the Danso signing and they’re pushing to add Disasi too.

Tottenham have officially unveiled Kevin Danso as their latest acquisition and the full details in his arrival have come to light, while plans are also in place to make it a defensive double by way of raiding Chelsea.

In the midst of a crippling injury crisis, Tottenham have been crying out for reinforcements in the winter window. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky quickly arrived to the tune of £12.5m and after a long delay between signings one and two, a second new face has joined.

Via their official website, Tottenham confirmed 26-year-old centre-back, Kevin Danso, is now a Spurs player.

The 6ft 3in defender has joined on a six-month loan that contains an obligation to buy. As such, Danso’s move will be turned permanent in the summer, with Tottenham paying French side Lens €25m/$20.9m at that time.

Danso will wear the number four shirt in north London and per journalist Alasdair Gold, Danso SHOULD be available to feature against Liverpool in the League Cup on Thursday.

Spurs take a one-goal advantage up to Anfield for the second leg of their semi-final clash. With Radu Dragusin suffering a potentially serious knee injury, Danso could be required to make an immediate impact.

Gold reported on X: “[Danso] will be available to face Liverpool on Thursday night if his work permit is sorted by then which it should be.”

Chelsea raid to follow Kevin Danso signing?

Tottenham worked wonders to sign Danso after pulling off a late transfer hijack. The defender had looked on course to join Wolves who’d even gone as far as booking a medical for the Austrian.

However, it’s Spurs who’ve won the race and Ange Postecoglou’s side have already fixed their gaze on hijacking another centre-back deal.

Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has the green light to find a new club before the February 3 deadline. Aston Villa have already sealed an agreement on personal terms with the 26-year-old, though Tottenham have mobilised.

Taking to X late on Saturday night, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed two things: 1) Spurs could sign a SECOND centre-back and 2) Tottenham have made contact for Disasi.

Romano wrote: “Aston Villa are insisting again for Axel Disasi with Chelsea, negotiations continue between clubs as player said yes days ago.

“Tottenham made contact today and could sign two centre backs, based on conditions; as Dragusin is injured.”

TEAMtalk’s understanding of the situation is Disasi is still open to joining Villa despite the delay in getting a deal over the line.

As such, Spurs face an uphill battle to hijack the move, though they’ve already shown with Danso that hijacks aren’t beyond the club right now.

Tottenham had also explored a move for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori earlier this week, though the England international rejected the chance to join Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur could do with reinforcements in multiple areas of their pitch as their struggles continue but Paul Merson believes they need to address major problems in their midfield by replacing two stars.

Despite still being alive in three cup competitions, the north London outfit have endured a woeful Premier League campaign that could see them become embroiled in a relegation scrap if their form does not improve immediately.

The club remain on the lookout for reinforcements for Postecoglou‘s squad in the remaining days of the winter window but have so far been hit by rejections from the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Fikayo Tomori.

However, the club are still hopeful they can get a couple more bodies on board, namely a centre-back and a new striker following recent injuries to Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke.

Merson, though, has highlighted the Tottenham midfield as a major issue – despite that being one area of the pitch that has not been severely affected by injuries this season.

A rotation of the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr is currently taking place, although James Maddison will be out for a few weeks with a calf strain.

But Merson is clearly not a fan of the likes of Bissouma and Sarr, with the former having failed to replicate anything like the form he showed while at Brighton. Sarr, meanwhile, has been hampered by niggles for much of the season and, at just 22 years of age, is still finding his feet in the Premier League to a certain extent.

To that end, former Arsenal star Merson has urged Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to dive into the market and sign better midfielders than the two players mentioned above.

He wrote on Sportskeeda: “Daniel Levy must look to invest in midfield for Tottenham.

“Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have been very inconsistent and that’s where the main problem lies for them.”

Tottenham lacking midfield ‘leader’

Tottenham’s future in their engine room does look bright with the likes of Bergvall and Archie Gray, who has had to fill in defensively to paper over cracks but remains a central midfielder by trade.

However, it could be argued that they lack a real leader in the middle of the park who can dominate games and be a driving force when things are going against them.

And while those sorts of players are hard to find, it appears that Postecoglou is more focused on defensive and attacking recruits anyway as Tottenham look to arrest their alarming league slide.

Spurs are back in action when they head to Brentford on Sunday to face Thomas Frank’s men, with the Bees boss one of the names tipped to replace Postecoglou if Levy pulls the trigger on the Australian’s tenure.

Tottenham have some relief at last after reaching an agreement to sign a new centre-back, with details emerging of the transfer fee and contract length – and it’s someone who has experience in England before.

Spurs have been in desperate need for some new signings during this transfer window due to their injury crisis, but so far their only additions have been would-be backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and South Korean forward Yang Min-hyeok, who has gone to QPR on loan.

Fortunately for Spurs, they are now set to reinforce one of their most depleted positions: defence.

Tottenham are currently without Cristian Romero, while Micky van de Ven is only just returning from a long absence and Radu Dragusin risks being sidelined for a while himself.

A new centre-back option is on the way, though, after Fabrizio Romano confirmed Spurs have reached an agreement to sign Kevin Danso from Lens.

Danso, 26, is due to take his medical today (Sunday) ahead of signing a contract until the summer of 2030.

Spurs will be paying €25m for Danso, which comes out at around £20.9m. They have successfully hijacked a rival move by Wolves for the Austria international.

Danso transfer twist explained

Wolves even had their own medical booked for Danso after reaching a verbal agreement for the former Southampton loanee.

However, Tottenham have managed to win the race and will now just be hoping he gets the all clear during his medical.

During the summer transfer window, Danso was on the verge of joining Roma, but he didn’t pass his medical there due to the detection of a heart condition.

After requiring minor surgery, Danso has been back in action for Lens since October, but now looks to have played his last game for them.

In total, Danso played 128 times for Lens. His previous clubs include Augsburg, Southampton and Fortuna Dusseldorf, after he grew up in England and played in the academies of Reading and MK Dons.

A left-footed centre-back, Danso will represent competition for Van de Ven when Tottenham have a fully fit squad. But for now, it’s likely they will have to play as a partnership.

Tottenham to double up Lens raid?

Tottenham’s agreement for Danso comes in the wake of them also being linked with one of his teammates for another position.

Reports have claimed Tottenham have turned their attention to Lens midfielder Andy Diouf, in case top target Angel Gomes doesn’t pick them.

Tottenham are said to have discussed Diouf with Lens as well, but only time will tell if they can get a deal over the line within the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been tipped to make an audacious move for a Manchester United forward after missing out on Mathys Tel.

Tel recently rejected a move to Tottenham from Bayern Munich, despite Daniel Levy holding talks in Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly ‘sounded out’ French outfit Lens over a deal to sign one of the best young midfield talents in Ligue 1 before the winter transfer window shuts.

The north London outfit are pushing hard to try and get deals over the line before Monday’s deadline but have so far failed to add to their lone capture of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in early January.

With Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit squad remaining stretched, Tottenham have so far failed in their attempts to land Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Fikayo Tomori this month, with all three players turning down moves to the capital.

The club are reported to have hijacked Aston Villa’s move for Chelsea central defender Axel Disasi, while a separate report claims that Daniel Levy is ready to bring forward proposed summer moves for Tyler Dibling and Angel Gomes in order to give Postecoglou’s squad some much-needed respite.

While signing another central midfielder is not exactly a massive need at the current time, a fresh report from GiveMeSport states that Tottenham have switched their focus to Lens star Andy Diouf – as a move for Gomes might prove trickier to pull off.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in French football over the last 18 months, with his all-action style compared to that of current Spurs star Pape Sarr.

Diouf has featured in a number of different midfield roles, including as a number six, a box-to-box role and as an attacking number eight and has also been on Manchester City’s radar in the past.

GiveMeSport claims that Tottenham have now ‘sounded out’ the Lens man over a late move to N17 before the window closes, while there is ‘still optimism’ that some business will be done before the cut-off point.

Tottenham facing rivals for Diouf signature

It’s not the first time that Tottenham have been linked with Diouf, with the player having previously been tracked by club scouts. However, it’s reported that London rivals Crystal Palace are also keen on his services.

As for Lens’ willingness to do business before the deadline, the report adds that the Ligue 1 outfit are reluctant to allow the France Under-21 international to leave mid-season – although could be tempted if a significant offer is made.

There is no mention of what sort of fee could be involved, with Diouf currently valued at €10million (£8m / $11m) – although it will almost certainly be more than that, given his age and the fact that he still has three years left on his contract.

Diouf has scored one goal and also added an assist in 23 appearances in all competitions for Lens this season, starting 19 of those outings.

Tottenham are reportedly trying to push through two signings they were planning on making in the summer as the growing injury crisis and the distinct threat of relegation forces Daniel Levy’s hand in the final days of the winter transfer window.

The early January deal to land goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky looked like it might pave the way for a busy January for Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit squad but that’s not proven to be the case at all.

PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani was the first to knock back Tottenham approaches, having ended up at Juventus instead, but there was still hope two or three deals could be done before the window shuts on Monday.

A proposed swoop for Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel then bit the buffers as the French talent decided against a switch to north London, despite Levy flying out to secure the transfer.

And, after it was reported that a deal had been struck with Milan for centre-back Fikayo Tomori, the England defender also decided to swat away Tottenham offers to leave the club grabbing at thin air.

Latest reports suggest they are hopeful of beating Aston Villa to the signing of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, but Football.London states that Spurs could now try and conclude deals for two major summer targets in order to give Postecoglou’s squad some much-needed relief.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling are the two names being mentioned.

Talented winger Dibling has not featured for the Saints since the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the middle of January, where he was taken off shortly after the hour mark after picking up an ankle injury.

He was, however, on the bench for their 2-1 Premier League win at fellow relegation strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday. The fact that was back available again has seemingly given Tottenham the green light to make their move for a player who is currently valued at around £55million.

There is also the possibility that Spurs could send Tyrese Hall in the opposite direction to sweeten the deal for Dibling, with Southampton known admirers of the young midfielder.

Gomes brings control but more injury concerns

As for Gomes, Tottenham have been heavily tipped to sign the England midfielder on a free transfer this summer – although the fact that the former Manchester United star has been plagued by injury issues this season must raise more alarm bells for Spurs’ already FULL medical room.

Gomes has scored twice in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season but has also been bothered by a nagging calf injury. He would, however, give Tottenham something they don’t always have in their midfield – control, given his quality on possession and passing ability.

It just remains to be seen whether Levy can pull off either deal before Monday’s deadline or end up facing even more disappointment after the Tel and Tomori rejections.

Tottenham are trying to convince Axel Disasi to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite the Chelsea defender having agreed personal terms with Aston Villa, with a report revealing Fikayo Tomori’s response to an offer from Spurs.

With the winter window set to close next week, Tottenham are ramping up their chase for new players to help head coach Ange Postecoglou have a better second half of the season. Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel is a player that Spurs have been actively trying to sign, while Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is also of interest in the north London club.

Tottenham have shown keen interest in Fikayo Tomori as well. The England international centre-back is on the books of AC Milan at the moment and Spurs are trying to do a deal.

The north London outfit have already agreed a €25million (£21m / $26m) deal with Milan plus bonuses. It is a verbal agreement with the Serie A club, who are willing to sell the defender in the middle of the season.

However, a report in the Italian media has claimed that Tomori has turned down the chance to join Tottenham.

The former Chelsea defender thought about the prospect of a transfer to Tottenham for a few hours and decided to stay at Milan.

This has led Tottenham to try to sign Disasi from Chelsea. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have already made contact with the 26-year-old France international centre-back.

The Chelsea player has already agreed personal terms with Villa, and now he has to think about a potential move to Spurs too.

Romano wrote on X: “Axel Disasi has been approached by Tottenham as they’re insisting for new centre back. Disasi already agreed personal terms with Aston Villa and he’s now expected to make a decision soon. Up to the player.”

IN-DEPTH➡️ Tottenham injuries: Who’s out and when they’re back amid Postecoglou sack talk

Chelsea willing to sell Axel Disasi

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher reported in January that Chelsea are ready to offload Disasi in the winter window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca does not feel that Disasi fits his system.

Maresca, who was appointed in his role at Chelsea last summer, has personally let the London club’s chiefs know that they could sell the defender if they wanted to.

We also understand that Chelsea are ready to offload Tosin Adarabioyo before the winter window closes next week.

Latest Tottenham news: Mathys Tel rejection, Tyler Dibling swap

Tomori is not the only player who has decided to turn down the chance to join Tottenham in the middle of the season.

Mathys Tel, too, has decided that Spurs are not the club for him. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy personally flew to Germany to strike a deal for the Bayern Munich striker, but there was no positive outcome.

In response to Tel’s rejection, Tottenham have turned their attention to Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea are interested in a deal for the Argentina international winger, and now Spurs have joined the race for the youngster.

Tottenham are also trying to sign Tyler Dibling. The Southampton midfielder has emerged as one of the best young players in the Premier League this season.

With Southampton doomed for relegation to the Championship, they are reportedly open to cashing in on Dibling now.

Southampton are reportedly ready to do a swap deal with Tottenham for Dibling and want to sign Tyrese Hall from the north London club.

Tottenham are also interested in signing Kyle Walker-Peters. The English full-back is out of contract at Southampton at the end of the season.

Spurs are keen on bringing Walker-Peters back to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a free agent in the summer of 2025.

The 27-year-old came through the Tottenham academy and established himself in the first team before leaving for Southampton in 2020 on a loan deal which was later made permanent.