TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur have a deal in place with Rodrigo Bentancur to extend his stay at the club, sources have told TEAMtalk, with Spurs manager Thomas Frank playing a big role.

Bentancur has been on the books of Tottenham since 2022 and has established himself as an important player for the north London club over the years. The Uruguay international has made 122 appearances for Spurs so far in his career, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists in the process.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who helped Tottenham win the Europa League last season, is out of contract at the Premier League club at the end of the season.

However, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has long wanted Bentancur to sign a new deal.

Football.London quoted Frank as saying about Bentancur on August 5: “I was pretty sure he would be a key player [before I started working with him], so that’s not been a surprise. That’s a player, of course, I think, is important for the future.”

TEAMtalk can now reveal that Frank’s wish to keep Bentancur at Tottenham beyond the end of his current contract has been fulfilled.

Sources have told us that Bentancur has verbally agreed on a new contract with Tottenham and will stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is understood that Tottenham manager Frank massively pushed to get a new deal for Bentancur wrapped up.

A verbal agreement is now in place, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the deal is almost done.

Bentancur has made nine appearances for Tottenham so far this season, with Spurs sitting fourth in the Premier League table with 11 points from six matches.

Tottenham kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win against Villarreal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before drawing 2-2 with Bodo/Glimt in midweek.

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Latest Tottenham news: Real Madrid raid, Man Utd competition

In other news, Tottenham are planning to raid Real Madrid for one of their best midfielders.

However, Madrid’s stance on selling the star is ‘very clear’, with Manchester United also keen on him.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has suggested that Tottenham could try to sign a Bodo/Glimt star in the January transfer window, with the Spurs boss revealing that he tried to bring him to Brentford when he was in charge of the Bees.

And finally, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham and Man Utd are ahead in the race for a midfielder despite Fulham joining the race for his signature.

Real Madrid have decided whether they will sell Federico Valverde amid interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, according to a Spanish source, as the midfielder tries to allay the controversy at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Valverde is one of the best midfielders in the world and has been a star for Real Madrid over the years. Since joining Los Blancos back in 2016, Valverde has made 331 appearances for the first team, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists in the process.

The 27-year-old Uruguay international has won LaLiga thrice and the Champions League twice with Real Madrid and is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2029.

Valverde is a regular in the Madrid starting line-up under manager Xabi Alonso, with the midfielder scoring two goals in six appearances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer and giving three assists in six LaLiga starts so far this season.

However, there has been speculation on the future of Valverde, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur said to be keen.

According to Fichajes, Man Utd are ‘willing to make a significant offer, around €80million (£70m, $94m)’ for Valverde.

Man Utd’s interest in signing a midfielder is well-known, and it seems that the Premier League giants are planning an ambitious raid on Los Blancos.

The same Spanish news outlet has also reported Tottenham’s plan to sign Valverde from Madrid, but both Man Utd and Spurs will be disappointed to leave Los Blancos’ stance.

According to Defensa Central, a Real Madrid-centric news outlet, Madrid will ‘refuse to sell Valverde for €80m (£70m, $94m)’.

Madrid’s stance on Valverde is ‘clear’, according to the report – ‘the player is not for sale’.

The Spanish club’s president Florentino Perez is ‘very clear’ about keeping Valverde, with manager Alonso, too, ‘counting’ on the midfielder.

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What has Valverde said about Real Madrid and Alonso controversy?

Fichajes is not one of the most reliable media outlets, so speculation that Man Utd and Tottenham are planning to raid Madrid for Valverde has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Valverde is rated highly by Madrid, and his dynamic, all-action performance in midfield has endeared him to the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, has reported that Valverde himself does not fancy leaving Real Madrid for Man Utd anytime soon.

Jones said: “There feels pretty much no chance United will sign Valverde – even as the noise grows that they want to.

“That’s the message I’m getting from people close to the Spanish end of this story and it’s not really surprising.

“He’s been around the club for almost 10 years now and has become a brilliant, crucial and adaptable player for them.

“There is no need for him to drop down a level to join Man United, and that’s truly what it would be.

“His profile would be great for United, but it just seems too ambitious to me.

“The clubs may be on a similar level in terms of global status, but Madrid’s current team is in a much better place than United’s and he is a key part of it.”

The latest speculation arises from the controversy over Valverde’s remarks about his role in the Madrid team under Alonso.

A midfielder by trade, Valverde played 15 times as a right-back for Madrid last season when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge.

Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury against Marseille in the Champions League, and after the game, Valverde said, as quoted in The Athletic: “I’ve had many conversations with the coach, he knows what he really wants, but in the end, I think I deserve more opportunities in my position. I’m happy in midfield.”

Against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan in the Champions League in midweek, both Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal were missing, with Raul Asencio starting at right-back.

Valverde was an unused substitute, with reports suggesting that he refused to warm up with the other substitutes before the match and did not do so during the game either, as relayed by ESPN.

The midfielder, though, has responded to that speculation and has posted a statement on X.

Valverde wrote: “I’ve read several articles that have been damaging to me. I know I’ve had bad matches, I’m aware of that. I’m not hiding anything, and I’m open about it.

“I’m truly sad. You can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can you say I refuse to play. I’ve given everything and more for this club.

“I’ve played through fractures and injuries, and I’ve never complained or asked for a break.

“I have a good relationship with the coach, which makes me feel confident in being able to tell him what position I like the most on the field, but I always, always let him know that I am available to perform anywhere, on any trip and in all matches.

“I have left my soul in this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it is not enough or I am not playing as I would like, I swear on my pride that I will never give up and I will fight until the end playing wherever I am.”

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As Los Blancos decide against selling Valverde, Real Madrid have also made a firm decision on Juventus and Brazil international central defender Gleison Bremer, who is the subject of interest from Liverpool and Manchester United as well.

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping tabs on a Mexico international star, with Arsenal also said to be keen on the youngster.

TEAMtalk also understands that Real Madrid are competing with Manchester City for a Champions League star who was on fire this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing a shock raid on Real Madrid for one of their top midfielders in what would be a stunning coup for the club, but one that TEAMtalk has raised two major red flags over.

Spurs men have made a reasonably strong start to life under new manager Thomas Frank, sitting fourth in the Premier League and also gaining four points from their opening two Champions League outings.

Summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have already made an immediate impact, while Xavi Simons is starting to show signs he is adapting to his switch from the Bundesliga.

And while Tottenham are yet to see anything of loan signing Ranadal Kolo Muani so far, largely due to a dead leg, the fact they are able to attract players of the quality of Simons and PSG star Kolo Muani shows that the club’s status in Europe is growing after their Europa League triumph.

That status would grow even more if the latest reports from Spain are to be believed, though, with claims that Spurs are planning a January move on Real Madrid for midfielder Federico Valverde.

The Uruguay international, who has been described as a ‘superstar’ at The Bernabeu, has come under criticism for his performances this season under new manager Xabi Alonso, sparking speculation that he could be made available in the new year.

The report states that Tottenham have made the 27-year-old a ‘priority’ transfer target in January, as they look to make a statement signing following Daniel Levy’s recent shock exit.

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Two red flags in Tottenham chase for Valverde

While there is no question that Tottenham signing Valverde would immediately give their midfield the upgrade it urgently needs in the No.8 role, there are two red flags when it comes to the possibility of that actually happening.

The first of which is the source of the report itself, with Fichajes.net having proven to be speculative at best in the past.

Indeed, despite talk of Alonso being unhappy with Valverde, he has still started six of the club’s seven LaLiga outings so far and was rested for their Champions League win at Kairat Almaty on Tuesday evening.

Add in the fact that he also reportedly earns around £345,000-a-week in Madrid, and a Spurs move for Valverde just doesn’t add up, no matter how much fans in the white half of north London would love it.

In fact, Valverde would need to take a pay cut of near £150k-a-week to become the top earner at Tottenham, an honour currently shared by Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons at £195,000-a-week.

And while the report adds that Spurs have held preliminary talks with Valverde over a January switch, the only way that can realistically happen is if there is a genuine culture shift at the club on the brink of happening after Levy’s exit.

However, the Lewis Family have so far rejected any offers to sell in the wake of Levy’s exit and are unlikely to make such a culture change in the middle of a season. Hence why there has to be massive doubts over Tottenham luring one of Real’s best midfielders away in January – whether the Spanish giants are keen to offload him or not.

Latest Tottenham news: Left-winger signing hint; Frank defender reunion denied

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has hinted at a potential transfer move to sign a Bodo/Glimt star who ripped his defence to shreds in the Champions League draw in Norway on Tuesday evening, but TEAMtalk has assessed why a deal could end up being a major risk.

Elsewhere, Fulham are showing interest in a top Championship star, sources have told TEAMtalk, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are already ahead in the race for the midfielder.

And finally, Brentford will not entertain any offers for a top star in the January transfer window despite renewed interest expected to arise from Tottenham Hotspur, TEAMtalk understands.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has hinted at a potential transfer move to sign a Bodo/Glimt star who ripped his defence to shreds in the Champions League draw in Norway on Tuesday evening, but TEAMtalk has assessed why a deal could end up being a major risk.

Spurs had to fight to earn a late 2-2 draw against a Bodo side who they comfortably beat on aggregate in the Europa League semi-finals last season, with Norway winger Jens Petter Hauge stealing the show against the Premier League side.

Strikes from Micky van de Ven and an own goal from Jostein Gundersen with just one minute remaining made it four points from their opening two Champions League outings.

However, speaking after the game, Frank could not stop talking about the performance of left-winger Hauge, who he tried to sign while he was in charge at Brentford.

And, considering Tottenham‘s need to bolster their left flank in January after failing to replace Son Heung-min, it’s no great surprise that the north London club are now being tipped to move for Hauge in the new year – given the panic he created in their backline on Tuesday evening.

Not only did the Spurs boss heap praise on the 25-year-old’s efforts, but he went on to bring up a past transfer move for the midfielder. He told TV2: “He was fantastic. I actually tried to sign him for Brentford a long time ago. It was good to see him again. I knew he was good and today he was exceptional.”

And, when pressed on the possibility of signing Hauge for Spurs, he added: “You never know what the future holds.”

Lack of productivity from the left side of Frank’s front three has been a major issue so far this season, wth Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert offering next to nothing, while Xavi Simons is clearly more suited to playing centrally as a No.10.

To that end, Spurs are once again being heavily tipped to renew their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in the January window.

Semenyo will likely cost in excess of £70million, though, given the fact that he only penned a new Cherries contract until 2030 earlier in the summer. And, with that in mind, Hauge will be a much cheaper alternative after Tottenham and Frank got a first-hand taste of exactly what he can bring to the table.

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Words of caution over Tottenham deal for Hauge

When speaking about Frank himself, Hauge reflected on just how close he came to joining Brentford, admitting: “I had a Zoom meeting with him. We were close a few years ago.

“We had a good talk out on the field. He’s a fantastic coach who has done incredibly well. It was close once, but it never quite worked out.”

And, while Hauge clearly showcased what he can do in Bodo’s draw against Spurs, having also scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 27 games so far this season, the potential signing does come with some warning signs.

Players who have stood out with the Norwegian side before and moved on as a result have tended to struggle at their new clubs.

Indeed, Hauge himself signed a five-year deal AC Milan in 2020 but struggled in Italy and was loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt a year later before a permanent switch to the Bundesliga.

The winger also failed to make a big impact in Germany as well and ended up back at Bodo, via a loan stint at Gent, although he clearly remains a bigger threat in Norway. Indeed, Hauge has over 100 goal involvements in just under 200 games for his current side.

If Tottenham do indeed actively pursue the player in January, the hope is that Frank’s in-depth knowledge of Scandinavian players will play a big part in whether or not he thinks Hauge could be a success in English football.

Latest Tottenham news: Fulham chasing midfield target; Guehi signing boost

Fulham are showing interest in Hayden Hackney, sources have told TEAMtalk, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are already ahead in the race for the talented midfielder.

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s top centre-back target remains Marc Guehi but Tottenham could swoop in and beat them to his signature in a dramatic twist, with a report revealing why Thomas Frank is keen to bring him in.

Tottenham fans have been left awestruck by Archie Gray’s late cameo appearance for Spurs in the Champions League, demanding that he needs to replace a struggling star in the engine room for Saturday’s trip to Leeds and with manager Thomas Frank making a somewhat surprising admission about his side.

Fulham are showing interest in Hayden Hackney, sources have told TEAMtalk, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are already ahead in the race for the midfielder.

Hackney has been one of Middlesbrough’s standout performers over the past 12 months, and his strong start to the season has only added to his growing reputation. Rob Edwards’ side are four points clear at the top of the Championship table at the moment after eight rounds of matches, with Hackley scoring one goal and giving two assists in those games.

Fulham, who are managed by Marco Silva and finished 11th in the table last season, are the latest Premier League club to be showing interest in Hackney, but insiders suggest that their best chance of landing the midfielder may already have passed.

There had been an expectation he might leave during the summer transfer window, but a move never materialised and Boro managed to keep him.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that period was probably the best window of opportunity for a mid-table Premier League side such as Fulham to strike a deal.

With Hackney continuing to impress, there is now a growing sense that only bigger clubs will be in a position to tempt the 23-year-old away further down the line.

Tottenham and Manchester United are among those who have kept a close eye on his progress and could be tempted to firm up their interest in 2026.

For now, Middlesbrough’s plan is to keep Hackney beyond January, but it remains to be seen whether their resolve might be tested should firm offers arrive.

Hackney last signed a contract extension in June 2023, with his current deal at Middlesbrough running out in the summer of 2027.

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What Michael Carrick said about Hayden Hackney

Hackney came through the Middlesbrough academy and has established himself in the first team.

The 23-year-old midfielder has made a total of 122 appearances for the Boro first team so far in his career, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in the process.

Michael Carrick managed Hackney during his time as the Middlesbrough manager, and the former Tottenham and Man Utd midfielder raved about the 23-year-old.

Carrick told The Northern Echo in March 2024: “You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden.

“He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.

“To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.”

Carrick added: “There is a level of talent out there in and around football and sometimes it might not be that different player to player, but levels can be jumped, or not, if your head is not in the right place and you don’t go about your business in the right way and treat your profession with respect.

“Hayden certainly does that. He’s been exemplary really since I’ve been here and I really enjoy working with him.

“He’s desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he’s a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club.”

Liverpool’s top centre-back target remains Marc Guehi but Tottenham could swoop in and beat them to his signature in a dramatic twist, with a report revealing why Thomas Frank is keen to bring him in.

The Reds came very close to signing the Crystal Palace star after reaching an £35million agreement with the Eagles, before the deal collapsed in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Guehi, 25, was keen to complete the switch to Anfield but has performed admirably for Palace this season, and captained his side to victory over Liverpool last weekend.

Liverpool still view Guehi as a top target amid the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate, but reports suggest that Tottenham could scupper their plan to sign him.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are ‘leading contenders’ to sign the England international with a January move to the London side a concrete possibility.

Palace are said to be ‘open to offers’ given that Guehi has entered the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park and is unlikely to pen an extension.

Spurs are planning to strengthen their defensive options this winter, and Guehi is seen as an ‘attractive, cost-effective option’. Frank believes Guehi could add ‘leadership and stability to their backline’, though along with Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also circling him.

Tottenham, Liverpool primed for ferocious transfer battle

TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has consistently reported that Tottenham are keen to bring in a new centre-back in January, who can provide competition for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

We exclusively revealed on September 29 that Frank is keen on a reunion with Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins. However, the Bees are NOT willing to entertain offers for Collins, so Spurs will be forced to look elsewhere.

It is therefore logical that Guehi will be considered by Tottenham, but the competition from Liverpool will be tough to contend with.

Jones revealed in a separate update on September 29 that Guehi remains Liverpool’s top target, despite links with other stars such as Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.

There is a risk, however, that Guehi’s head could be turned by other clubs before the January window – or indeed next summer – when he is set to become a free agent.

“Guehi is the preferred option for Liverpool, there is no doubt about that,” Jones told TEAMtalk. “Their stance on him has not changed since the failed move in the last transfer window and there is a very strong belief that he would fit well with their playing system and future vision.

“Obviously they cannot control Guehi’s thoughts from this moment and there is always a chance another club could turn his head, but they very much hope to sign him next year.

“Through the blueprints they have for how this team evolves and the data they have on Guehi and how their defenders need to play, he completely fits. It’s not even just his defensive ability that excites them, it is also his decision making on the ball and his ability to play out of defence. He really is a good all-around fit.

“I still believe they want Guehi and would take him over any other option.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Archie Gray request / New striker wanted

Meanwhile, Tottenham fans have urged Frank to start Archie Gray against former club Leeds United on Saturday.

The young midfielder made a huge difference when he came on against Bodo/ Glimt in the Champions League, helping his side come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw.

Frank has been told to start Gray ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur at Elland Road – a stadium he knows very well.

In other news, TEAMtalk insider Jones revealed on September 30 that Spurs are one of several clubs interested in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The 21-year-old Spain international has made an impressive start to the season in Portugal, netting five goals in his first six appearances, and is regarded as one of the brightest young forwards on the continent.

Tottenham fans have been left awestruck by Archie Gray’s late cameo appearance for Spurs in the Champions League, demanding that he needs to replace a struggling star in the engine room for Saturday’s trip to Leeds and with manager Thomas Frank making a somewhat surprising admission about his side.

The Lilywhites were far from their best on Tuesday evening, but still managed to escape with a point after fighting back to draw 2-2 with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League in Norway. Having fallen 2-0 down on the night, goals from captain for the night, Mickey van den Ven and a late Jostein Gundersen own goal, helped salvage a very welcome draw for Tottenham, which, at one stage, had looked hugely unlikely.

While Van den Ven’s header had already set Spurs on the path to redemption, it was the 82nd-minute introduction of Gray that helped get Frank’s side over the line.

And the 19-year-old’s performance in those eight minutes or so has been enough to convince several Tottenham fans that he needs to start Saturday’s trip to tackle his former club, Leeds.

Addressing his performance on X, one Spurs fan commented: ‘Putting myself forward for chairman of the Archie Gray must start over Bentancur Commission.’

Agreeing with him, another commented: ‘We need to try SOMETHING else. I just don’t think Bentancur brings anything to the team at the moment. Archie brings energy, movement, impetus and takes the responsibility with the ball that Lolo won’t.’

A third chipped in: ‘It was obvious after 10; it should have been done at 45. I can’t believe I watched it until 81. Insanity.’

A fourth simply added: ‘I mean, he’s young, he’s English. What’s not to like?’

Another Spurs fan also had a simple message for Frank, stating: ‘Give him the keys.’

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Frank makes admission as Tottenham build for Leeds clash

With Tottenham due at Elland Road for the Saturday lunchtime game, Frank will not have too long with his players to prepare for the clash and the trip north to West Yorkshire.

Travelling up on the Friday afternoon, Frank will effectively have all day Thursday and then Friday morning with his players to build for the clash.

In the build-up to the game, though, and in the wake of Tuesday’s draw, the Dane has admitted he does not know his best side yet some 10 games into his reign.

“I think it’s overall, you can say with a lot of games, that go-to starting XI you like to find at a certain stage, that’s something I’m looking into, which is normal,” Farke told the media.

“New coach, new players, and we still need to do a little bit of rotation.”

Whether that translates into a start for Gray in the clash at his former club Leeds on Saturday remains to be seen, though Frank will not have been impressed by his efforts in those eight minutes or so he appeared in Norway.

Frank’s record with Spurs so far reads five wins, four draws and one defeat, making them favourites to take the victory at Leeds on Saturday.

Tottenham latest: Harry Kane deal ‘commercially possible’; FC Porto star eyed

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have been told that “commercially” a deal to re-sign “ultimate pro” Harry Kane would tick a lot of boxes for the club and would be ‘commercially possible’, with an expert revealing his chances of signing for several other Premier League sides.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been told a double January signing is a must now for Frank after Tuesday’s poor display at the Aspmyra Stadion

Elsewhere, sources have revealed that Spurs are keeping an eye on a prolific FC Porto forward as part of long-term plans to strengthen their attacking options, sources have told TEAMtalk.

And finally, a top Frank target is reportedly ready to stall on fresh contract talks with his current club in the hope of securing a switch to north London, and TEAMtalk has detailed how the move would help the Dane.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that “commercially” a deal to re-sign “ultimate pro” Harry Kane would tick a lot of boxes for the club amid links to several other top sides, while Fabrizio Romano has raved about the Bayern Munich striker’s “insane” start to the season.

The England striker has taken his game to another level after ditching Spurs for the Bundesliga giants two summers ago, having scored an astonishing 102 goals in 105 games for Bayern Munich. Satisfying that desire to win trophies after their Bundesliga success last season, Kane and Co look well placed to retain their status as champions of Germany this season after a 100% start to the campaign.

However, there have been growing suggestions that Kane and Bayern could be set for a parting of ways this summer. The 32-year-old frontman is contracted to the Bundesliga giants until 2027, though a clause in that deal does allow for an exit a year earlier.

And while a number of top sides have been linked as potential destinations, it is Tottenham Hotspur who retain a first refusal option on a potential deal.

Now, football financial expert, Adam Williams, has talked up the merits of Spurs paying that hefty release fee for a player who will turn 33 this summer.

“£57m for a 33-year-old looks like an extortionate sum on first reading, but elite-level footballers are playing longer these days. Harry Kane looks after himself,” Williams told TBR Football.

“He’s one of the ultimate pros, and I’m sure he’s invested a lot – both financially and psychologically – in keeping himself in the best possible condition to keep his career going as long as possible.

“He may rely on his physicality less than other players of his vintage, which probably means he has more left to give even if his body starts to slow down. At 33, he’s still the one, if not the best striker in the world.

“I’m no expert on tactics or anything like that, so I can’t say whether or not he would fit in with what the football department are planning at Spurs, but commercially, a return to Tottenham for Kane would clearly be a huge success. He’s going to sell a lot of shirts, attract a lot of sponsors and so on…”

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Williams believes that, were Spurs to re-sign Kane this summer, the fee would take care of itself owing to the player’s commercial value.

“The transfer fee also probably wouldn’t be a problem – just look at what they spent this summer. One thing they will be conscious of is transfer debt, however, which is very, very high at Spurs. It was £337m at the last count, which was the second highest in the league behind Chelsea. Sometimes a release clause can specify that it has to be paid in one go, but there are ways around that. You can go through a transfer creditor, for example.

“Instalments are a perfectly logical way to pay for transfers, but if your debt keeps increasing faster than revenue, that’s not really sustainable in the long term. That is not something that would inherently stop them from signing a player like Kane, though, of course, he’s not going to have any resale value at this stage in his career.”

It’s not just Spurs who have been linked with the England captain, however, with fanciful reports in Spain also suggesting either Real Madrid or Barcelona could get in on the act.

There is also ongoing speculation linking Kane with a move to Old Trafford, having long been on the Red Devils’ radar.

However, another financial expert, Stefan Borson, has seemingly suggested why Kane moving to Old Trafford makes no sense, while also ruling Liverpool and Chelsea out the equation.

“I don’t think it’s feasible that Manchester United would do it,” Borson told Football Insider.

“I know they’ve been talked about. He doesn’t fit with United with their direction of travel.

“It doesn’t fit with City’s direction of travel. It definitely doesn’t fit with Liverpool’s direction of travel. He’s not going to Arsenal. Chelsea again, they’re going young.

“I don’t think he’s coming back to the Premier League unless it’s to Spurs under a situation where they’ve just gotten new ownership, and I think even that’s pretty unlikely, so who does that leave in terms of the options for him?”

Citing the most realistic scenario for Kane, Borson says he can see the player seeing out his days in Bavaria.

“I don’t think he’s going to Real Madrid. I don’t think he’s going to Barcelona. I doubt he’s going to Atletico Madrid. I doubt he’s going to PSG.

“I think the most likely thing is that nobody activates that clause and he ends up staying at Bayern Munich for the rest of his career, probably.”

Fabrizio Romano lauds ‘insane’ Kane; Real Madrid claims laughable

Meanwhile, Kane’s brace for Bayern on Tuesday night in a 5-1 victory at Pafos took his tally to a staggering 17 goals and three assists in nine matches this season.

In a post on his X channel, transfer guru Romano proclaimed: ’17 goals and 3 assists in 9 games for Harry Kane this season. Insane start.’

Elsewhere, claims that Real Madrid or Barcelona will look to sign Kane this summer have been branded ‘illogical’ and a potential financial disaster.

And finally, in the wake of their own disappointing 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, Tottenham have been told they will need to spend big on two new attacking players in the January transfer window if they are to have serious aspirations about challenging for major honours under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur will need to spend big on two new attacking players in the January transfer window if they are to have serious aspirations about challenging for major honours under Thomas Frank, after major issues were flagged up again in the gutsy 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

Spurs came from two goals down after largely being outplayed in Norway, as strikes from skipper for the night, Micky van de Ven, and a late own goal from Jostein Gundersen rescued a point for Frank’s men.

While Frank will certainly take plenty of heart from the character his side showed, the result once again highlighted the major flaws in the Tottenham squad when it comes to coping with the demands of domestic and elite-level European football.

Yes, the Spurs boss did not field his strongest side as he felt the need to rotate due to the busy schedule, but he still had last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson and his current first choice No.9 Richarlison up front – although you would not have known it in a woeful first-half display.

Indeed, it wasn’t until the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus came on that the away side actually started to look a threat, while Archie Gray’s energy from midfield also gave Tottenham something they had lacked severely.

It must be pointed out that Frank’s hands are tied when it comes to his striking options, with Dominic Solanke and loan signing Randal Kolo Muani both on the sidelines. And, while it remains to be seen if the latter can be the prolific goalscoring No.9 the club are craving, Kolo Muani is only a temporary fix with no option or obligation to buy.

To that end, Tottenham need to seriously think about giving Frank a central striker who is a genuine threat in behind and can cause panic among opposition defences.

One such player is prolific Porto attacker Samu Aghehowa, who TEAMtalk can reveal is a major target for the club in 2026.

The Spanish forward has scored 32 goals in 52 games in Portugal and TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has detailed the assets Aghehowa has that could make him a big hit in north London.

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Left-wing issues continue to trouble Frank

Another glaring issue to come out of the game, among quite a few it must be said, is the continuing lack of production from the left side of the front three since Son Heung-min’s departure.

Even in a final season in which the club’s legendary former star was far from his best, he would still have offered more than what is currently on display.

Wilson Odobert was once again given the chance to fill that Son void but, bar a header that hit the woodwork in the second half, did next to nothing – while Brennan Johnson was arguably worse on his preferred right side before being replaced by Kudus.

Frank has to find more thrust and end product from that side of his attack, but with Simons better operating centrally, that will not come from the players currently at his disposal – meaning another January raid is critical to Tottenham having a productive second half of the season.

Fresh reports on Tuesday are once again linking Spurs with a £70m swoop for Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, a player who has so many of the attributes that Frank wants from his wingers.

Imagine a Tottenham side with Semenyo on the left, Kudus on the right and an actual goalscoring No.9 through the middle – now that would cause panic among opposition defences.

To do that, Spurs must make good on the noise that has been coming out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since Daniel Levy’s sudden exit and back Frank to the hilt over the next two windows – starting in January.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to launch a big-money offer for a top Premier League left-sided attacker in the January transfer window, although TEAMtalk explains why a swoop could prove hazardous.

It’s been a decent start to the Thomas Frank era for Spurs, although there has been a glaring issue that almost certainly needs a January fix when it comes to the left-wing position.

The failure to truly replace legendary trophy-winning skipper Son Heung-min is growing ever more obvious, with a feeling that Frank is using summer signing Xavi Simons out there because his other options are simply not good enough.

Simons was signed off the back of what he was doing in the No.10 position at RB Leipzig, but he has so far mainly been eased into his new environment playing out wide in the problem left-wing role.

Brennan Johnson started the new campaign in Son’s old position, while Wilson Odobert has also been given a shot at making a mark there, with neither convincing.

To that end, Tottenham are expected to add to Frank’s attack and give him a more natural left-sided option to balance out his attack.

One player who continues to be linked wth a witch to north London is Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has the ability to play on the left and right flanks.

And now a fresh report from TBR Football has detailed how the likes of Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa could all make moves for the player in the new year – although they may end up disappointed.

The 25-year-old only signed a new deal with the Cherries back in July, penning a contract that will go through to 2030, although it’s been reported that there is no release clause attached – sparking rumours of a potential bidding war as a result.

Semenyo has started the new campaign in spectacular fashion, scoring four goals and laying on two assists so far for a Bournemouth side currently sitting in the top six in the Premier League table.

In a caveat to those transfer links, however, the report adds that Adoni Iraola’s men are expected to resist any offers for a player who could cost as much as £70million (€80m / $94m). Money talks, though, and Bournemouth have shown in the past that they will cash in on their top stars at the right price.

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Literal Semenyo red flag for Tottenham

One major thing that Tottenham will have to take into account, if they do indeed launch a concrete offer for Semenyo, is his affiliation to Arsenal.

Spurs learned an incredibly harsh lesson over the summer when they thought they had a deal signed, sealed and delivered for Eberechi Eze, only for the Gunners to jump in at the 11th hour and snatch the England attacker.

When everything came to light, it was no real shock as to why Eze changed his mind and snubbed a move to the white half of north London, given that he was discarded by Arsenal as a youngster but remained a huge fan of the club.

Similar concerns are also there with Semenyo, although not quite to the same extent.

Speaking to The Athletic previously, the 25-year-old openly admitted his dream is to eventually play for a club in the Champions League or Europa League – and that he is an Arsenal supporter.

“I am an Arsenal fan,” Semenyo said last October. “I don’t conflict the two with my job.

“It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it.”

While not exactly an admission that he wants to join an Arsenal side who arguably don’t need him anyway, Spurs need to be careful that Semenyo does not use them in any way to secure a better deal elsewhere – whether that is in January or potentially next summer instead.

Indeed, something similar happened when it came to Morgan Gibbs-White securing his new contract at Nottingham Forest, while Savinho, who Spurs bid for more than once last summer, is set for a new contract at Manchester City too.