TEAMtalk

A Tottenham starter has been called “poor” by Clinton Morrison as a number of fans have called for his place to be given to somebody else after his latest performance.

Spurs came from behind to draw 2-2 against Brighton in their latest game in the Premier League. The Seagulls opened the scoring through Yankuba Minteh, before Yasin Ayari doubled their lead, but Tottenham striker Richarlison’s goal was followed by a late Jan Paul van Hecke own goal.

The second Brighton goal has received a poor response from pundits and fans alike, as Ayari’s strike from outside the area was at Guglielmo Vicario, before swerving away slightly, as the keeper flapped at it and it passed into his net.

Morrison said: “Ayari has a shot… Oh my gosh. The ball moves, but Vicario should do way better. It’s poor goalkeeping. It’s a good strike, but it’s poor goalkeeping.”

It comes just a day after the release of a Gazzetta dello Sport interview in which Vicario called for Spurs to continue their good defensive form – as they had only conceded one goal in the five games since the UEFA Super Cup.

He said: “Our ability to recognise the different phases of the game has changed: understanding when to press hard high up the pitch, and when to cover the pitch better.

“In general, we’re more focused on defending the penalty area, also because we have a clearer understanding of the different phases without the ball.

“Against Villarreal, we allowed too many transitions, and we need to take away some of our opponents’ hope when they go on the counterattack, but overall, it was an excellent defensive performance as a team, and we need to continue like this.”

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Fans slate Vicario

Some Tottenham fans are not happy with Vicario, despite his and his defence’s good form prior to the Brighton game.

One said on X: ‘I’m not against trying [Antonin] Kinsky. Not saying he’s better, but I’d try him. There, I said it.’

Another wrote: ‘Vicario f**king useless, been saying it for ages. Would rather Kinsky in goal.’

Kinsky is yet to play a minute for Spurs this season, and when he played last term, while he impressed in flashes, he conceded 11 goals in six Premier League games and four in two in the League Cup.

Tottenham round-up: Van de Ven danger

Chelsea and Liverpool – who TEAMtalk is aware are resigned to losing Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid in the summer – are keen on Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven.

Spurs are hopeful of tying the Dutchman down to a new deal so he can’t be poached.

Meanwhile, Tottenham themselves are said to have strong interest in Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

And, Spurs could have inadvertently frustrated Manchester United, who considered signing Joao Palhinha, but decided against an approach before the north London club landed him.

A Tottenham star has reportedly caught the eye of both Liverpool and Chelsea, and could make a perfect replacement for a man TEAMtalk is aware is destined to leave Anfield for bigger things soon.

Spurs have been one of England’s soundest sides in defence so far this season. Prior to their Premier League meeting with Brighton, which ended 2-2, they had conceded just one goal in the five games since the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

A vital member of the Tottenham defence is Micky van de Ven, whose speed and strength makes him a very difficult defender to overcome.

He and Cristian Romero have formed a useful partnership over the past year or so, but it’s one which could soon be broken up.

Indeed, The Boy Hotspur reports Van de Ven has ‘caught the eye’ of both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Spurs are said to be moving quickly to tie the Dutchman down to a new contract, increasing from £50,000 to £100,000 per week.

Indeed, were he to stay on his current terms, big hitters like Liverpool or Chelsea would easily be able to entice him with the lure of big money.

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Could Van de Ven replace Konate?

Interest from Liverpool in Van de Ven is particularly intriguing, given Ibrahima Konate looks almost certain to be leaving the club.

He’s out of contract at the end of the season, has been turning renewed deals down from the Reds and TEAMtalk is aware he’s considered the most likely new centre-back at Real Madrid – who are masters at getting players to run their deals down in order to join them.

We are also aware that Real do hold some interest in Van de Ven, but have not made any contact for that move.

The Spurs man and Konate have very similar stats for the season so far, as both have completed an almost identical percentage of their passes, Van de Ven on two fewer tackles, and only around 30 more touches.

As such, should Konate move on from Liverpool, the Reds could do far worse than signing Van de Ven, who also has a very good record with Virgil van Dijk.

In the national team for the Netherlands, they have played 13 games together, conceding fewer than one goal every game, and have won nine of those, drawn two and lost two.

Tottenham round-up: Frank wants Hjulmand

Spurs boss Thomas Frank is reportedly showing strong interest in Morten Hjulmand, amid a belief that he could become a fantastic asset in his midfield.

Meanwhile, Manchester United fans have been tipped to be frustrated at Spurs signing Joao Palhinha in the summer, as the Red Devils considered signing him.

In more Tottenham and United midfielder news, Spurs or Chelsea have been deemed “more realistic” destinations for Kobbie Mainoo than Real Madrid.

And, if Tottenham want to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, they’ve been told it will take a “huge” sum.

Tottenham are reportedly showing ‘strong interest’ in a star midfielder who’s loved by Ruben Amorim, and Thomas Frank ‘believes’ he could be key to his Spurs side.

Frank has cultivated a good midfield in his first window in north London. He inherited useful players such as Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur, and has added Joao Palhinha, who’s been quality on both sides of the ball.

Tottenham are currently doing well for themselves up towards the top of the Premier League, but that does not mean they don’t want to add more recruits.

The midfield is still an area Frank wants to improve upon, with Conor Gallagher in his sights and a Sporting CP man also on his list.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Spurs have expressed ‘strong interest’ in Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – a compatriot of Frank’s.

The manager is said to ‘believe’ that Hjulmand could be key to his midfield, and is therefore planning to put €60million (£52.3m) on the table for him.

The report suggests the Premier League could be an ‘irresistible’ opportunity for the midfielder.

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Tottenham could steal Amorim favourite

Hjulmand has connections in the Premier League, as he played 65 games under Manchester United boss Amorim when he was in charge of Sporting – the midfielder scored six goals and assisted five more from his defensive-midfield role.

United have been linked with his signing on a few occasions since Amorim took charge at Old Trafford.

TEAMtalk sources confirmed in August that United retain an interest in the midfielder. But he has a £68million release clause, something Spurs would also have to contend with.

A subsequent report suggested United were ‘fearful’ that spending that sum would hinder them from landing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who they also retain an interest in going forwards, after they were unable to sign him in the summer.

If they leave the scene, Tottenham could swoop for Hjulmand.

One could question whether he’s needed in north London, though, given he plays the same role as Palhinha, who’s likely to be signed permanently once his loan spell is up.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs beat United

Tottenham completed their move for Palhinha quite simply in the summer, but it’s now been suggested why United could have taken issue with that.

Indeed, Graeme Bailey has revealed United “considered” going after the midfielder, who’s “exactly what they need,” but he ended up at Spurs.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Chelsea have been deemed “more realistic” locations for United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo than Real Madrid.

And amid interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher, Spurs have been told a “huge” sum stands between them and the transfer.

Manchester United fans will be frustrated that Ruben Amorim and Christopher Vivell did not sign an international midfielder who eventually ended up at Tottenham Hotspur, according to a source, who has also claimed that the Spurs star is a better signing than Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard.

Both Man Utd and Tottenham were active in the summer transfer window and made important additions to their respective squads, as Ruben Amorim and Thomas Frank aim to have a successful season. Man Utd and Spurs are aiming to finish in the Premier League top four, with the north London outfit also keen on progressing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon were the major signings that Man Utd made, while Tottenham reinforced their squad with the acquisitions of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Kota Takai and Joao Palhinho, while loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were also made permanent.

Palhinho was a smart signing for Tottenham, with the former Fulham midfielder arriving at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a loan deal from Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old Portugal international defensive midfielder has made an instant impact at Tottenham, starting three of their four Premier League games already this season and scoring a goal.

Tottenham have the option to make Palhinha’s loan deal permanent for just £27million (€31m, $36.4m) which, according to TBR journalist Graeme Bailey, last season’s Europa League winners plan to take.

Bailey has also noted the frustration among the Man Utd fans for failing to land Palhinha.

Palhinha was linked with Man Utd in the summer transfer window, but manager Amorim and director of recruitment Vivell decided to focus on Carlos Baleba and then Adam Wharton instead, with neither player moving to Old Trafford in the end.

Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel on August 2: “I can give you one secret from Man United at the beginning of the window, end of May or the start of June.

“They considered the opportunity to go for Joao Palhinha, who is Portuguese like Ruben Amorim, who knows the player so well.

“Now Palhinha is going to Tottenham on a loan deal with a €30m buy option. Manchester United decided eventually to go for a different player. Less holding midfielder. Still defensive but more intensity. Let’s see what is going to happen.”

Bailey has now told TBR: “He’s exactly what they expected. When he left, he was already one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders.

“Watching Palhinha play in that position probably frustrates Manchester United fans, knowing he was available and could have joined them.

“To make matters worse, he would have been exactly what United needed. But yes, he’s absolutely top class. I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens.”

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Joao Palhinha better than Christian Norgaard

According to Bailey, Tottenham were ‘fortunate’ that Arsenal did not try to sign Palhinha in the summer transfer window, allowing Spurs manager Frank a relatively easy deal to complete.

Arsenal signed Christian Norgaard from Brentford instead, but Bailey believes that Palhinha is a better player.

Bailey added: “They may even try to finalise the permanent deal sooner. He’s very happy in London, and I don’t see him moving elsewhere.

“Tottenham are fortunate that there’s really no other club in London that could challenge them.

“We’ve seen players like Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal, but he’s on another level: an absolute top-class player, a Rolls-Royce of a footballer.

“From what I hear, he’s as good as they claim. He hasn’t had a holiday in Germany, but he also hasn’t put any unnecessary strain on himself there.

“Since returning, he hasn’t missed a beat. Tottenham are thrilled with him, they genuinely believe they have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it seems they do.”

Former Tottenham scout, Bryan King, has also been impressed with Palhinha and believes that the Premier League club will try to make the loan deal permanent ‘as quickly as possible’.

King told Tottenham Hotspur News: “Palhinha is someone that they (Spurs) have to bring in permanently.

“He’s such a good player, and it’s been a great bit of business to bring him in on loan.

“When you get a loan player, it’s always a case of whether he will settle and fit into the system. Top players can handle these situations, and he certainly has.

“I would imagine that the £27m would be money well spent. I think they’ll try and get that deal done as quickly as possible, to then get another couple of seasons out of him.”

Latest Tottenham news: Man Utd midfielder chase, Atletico Madrid raid

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham are a ‘more realistic’ club for a Manchester United midfielder than Real Madrid.

TEAMtalk’s Tottenham correspondent, Rob McCarthy, has explained why Thomas Frank has to make one critical change for Tottenham’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham have to splash a huge amount of cash to get a deal done for a midfielder that Chelsea sold, but TEAMtalk believes that it would be worth it.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are ‘more realistic’ options than Real Madrid for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, sources have told TEAMtalk, with the youngster also urged to stay at Old Trafford because of what could happen after Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo is one of the best young players in the Premier League and has established himself in the Man Utd first team after coming through the youth system. The midfielder has made 75 appearances for the Red Devils’ senior side, scoring seven goals and giving three assists in the process.

However, Mainoo is not guaranteed a place in the Man Utd starting line-up under manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim has made it clear that Mainoo is to compete with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the team.

Mainoo wanted to leave Man Utd on loan in the summer transfer window, as reported by TEAMtalk at the time.

Sources told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham enquired about a loan deal for Mainoo, but Man Utd turned it down.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on September 17 that Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United have now taken a shine to Mainoo.

Real Madrid have also been linked with Mainoo in the Spanish media, with Los Blancos chief scout Juni Calafat reportedly planning to keep tabs on him in the coming months.

A new report in E-Noticies has stated that Madrid president Florentino Perez is ‘willing’ to pay €90million (£78.5m, $106m) for Mainoo.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, though, has said that Tottenham and Chelsea are more realistic options for Mainoo, should Man Utd decide to offload him.

Jones said: “It’s important to note that Mainoo would not cost the £70m (€80.3m, $94.3m) I have seen touted recently.

“His contract situation does not reflect that in the market and nor does the importance United are putting on him.

“So, some teams will be looking at him as a potentially good value pick up.

“There’s nothing concrete in the links with Madrid right now, but many teams are watching his situation and this upcoming decision on a transfer is a tricky one.

“Personally, I would look at Spurs or Chelsea as more realistic potential landing spots but I’m told he still really wants United to work out as his priority.”

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Kobbie Mainoo urged to stay at Man Utd

Mainoo has made only two substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season, with Amorim clearly not rating him good enough to play week in and week out in the starting line-up.

With a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup finals at stake, Mainoo is aware of the need to play regularly to impress Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

However, Dean Jones has noted that with the future of Amorim under doubt, it would make sense for Mainoo to hang around at Old Trafford as he would get the chance to impress the next manager.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd are not planning to sack Amorim anytime soon and will back him in the January transfer window.

However, it would be remiss to suggest that if results and performances do not improve and deteriorate in the coming weeks, then the Man Utd board will not at least think about a change.

Furthermore, Mainoo also has to consider the reality that there is a good chance that he would outlive Amorim at Man Utd.

Jones said: “If we look at the situation carefully, it might be worth him hanging around.

“If he outlives Amorim at the club, then there is every chance the next boss would embrace him – and suddenly he’s back to being the poster boy.

“He will have to weigh that up by the time January rolls around.”

Latest Man Utd news: Liverpool threat, Marcus Rashford boost

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Liverpool have joined Man Utd in the race for the Red Devils’ top midfield target in 2026.

Marcus Rashford’s heroics for Barcelona against Newcastle at St. James’ Park in the Champions League is good news for Man Utd, according to TEAMtalk’s Man Utd correspondent, Steve Pearson.

A mega-rich club is ready to raid Man Utd and convince a star player to make the move and will spare no expense to get a deal done.

Tottenham Hotspur head back to the scene of one of Ange Postecoglou’s worst results last season on Saturday, with Thomas Frank primed to freshen up his side to face Brighton following the Champions League win in midweek – with TEAMtalk explaining why one change is coming at the perfect time.

Frank made two changes for the game against Villarreal on Tuesday night, with Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel both stepping aside, and he is likely to make alterations again to keep that squad fresh ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Indeed, Tottenham head to the south coast on Saturday before then starting to juggle Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League commitments.

In terms of the backline, TEAMtalk believes there is a chance Destiny Udogie gets the nod ahead of Djed Spence after a big week for the new England international. Indeed, Spence was replaced by Udogie with just over 20 minutes to go against Villarreal, in what was perhaps a precursor to what will happen on Saturday.

Spurs were 2-0 up and cruising at half-time at Brighton last season, only to shockingly collapse and eventually lose 3-2. And that was with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both starting.

It would be a huge gamble for Frank to rest either against the Seagulls, especially when it’s hard to imagine them being involved against Doncaster in midweek. Get the result at The Amex and then feet up ahead of next week’s visit of Wolves.

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Palhinha straight back in for Tottenham

In midfield, Palhinha slots straight back in to provide that solid base after Spurs looked too open at times against Villarreal.

The energy of Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall also gets them the nod, with Rodrigo Bentancur putting in a real shift against the LaLiga outfit in midweek and looking shot towards the end of that game.

It’s in attack where the real headline comes as Randal Kolo Muani gets his first chance in the starting XI after his deadline day loan switch from PSG.

The French forward made his debut off the bench against Villarreal, playing 13 minutes, and, having been in full training for a couple of weeks, gets the nod from the start so as not to risk the injury-prone Richarlson in back-to-back games.

Playing away from home, Kolo Muani provides more of a threat in behind with his pace and it’s merely been a matter of time before he was given the nod by Frank.

Completing the forward line, Xavi Simons continues on the left with Mahammed Kudus wide right as Spurs look to make it four wins from five Premier League outings – although it will not be easy on the south coast, it rarely is.

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Tottenham have been told that it’ll take a “huge” fee for them to bring a European giant’s midfielder back to England, especially given potential Champions League progress.

Spurs have made a fantastic start to the season in all competitions. In the Premier League, they’ve won three out of four games and are third in the table.

On their return to the Champions League, they saw off Villarreal in a 1-0 victory.

Thomas Frank will be eager to ensure his side continues to push on. As a result, reports have suggested he has his sights set on former Tottenham target Conor Gallagher.

The midfielder’s minutes have dropped at Atletico Madrid of late, and Spurs seemingly feel they could get him, but insider Pete O’Rourke suggests it will take a lot.

He told Football Insider: “It would be a hard deal to do. It’s no surprise that there were some clubs sniffing around Gallagher in the summer.

“He’s been in and out of the Atletico Madrid side, not played as many minutes as he would like in La Liga, but he did start in the Champions League against Liverpool.

“He’s still got a role to play for Simeone’s side and he’s under contract until 2029, so if they were to even consider selling him, it would take a huge sum of money.

“That makes it a difficult deal to do in January due to the fee involved and obviously Atletico would need to bring in a replacement for him as well.

“If they progress into the latter stages of the Champions League, they won’t be wanting to lose anybody in the January window, so that’s another obstacle in the way for Spurs.”

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Why Gallagher fits Tottenham perfectly

Our resident Tottenham expert Rob McCarthy recently revealed why he feels three players would be perfect signings for Spurs, with Gallagher on that list.

He wrote: ‘The England midfielder is exactly the type of all-energy No.8 that Spurs are crying out for, especially all the while hugely talented teenager Lucas Bergvall continues to develop his game.

“What was hugely evident in the home loss to Bournemouth before the international break was how out-worked Frank’s engine room was, with the Cherries midfield running all over Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr.

“Indeed, Tottenham don’t really have a box-to-box midfielder capable of hitting double figures in terms of goals, something Gallagher came close to doing during his season on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

“His game has gone up a level since then, and he would be an incredibly shrewd signing at this stage of his career. In short, he’s just a Thomas Frank-style player.”

Tottenham round-up: Van de Ven danger?

TEAMtalk is aware that Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is the most likely centre-back signing at Real Madrid, however, they are also looking to turn Tottenham man Micky van de Ven’s head.

If he raises his profile, TEAMtalk sources suggest he could see a move to Real as viable for him.

Meanwhile, while Spurs are said to be closely monitoring a centre-back of their own, Ronald Araujo, Liverpool are willing to pay £43.3million for him.

And it’s believed Tottenham are ready to step up their efforts to sign Swiss forward Ruben Vargas.

While Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is the most likely next centre-back star at Real Madrid, TEAMtalk is aware the club are looking at a Tottenham man as a potential addition too.

Real Madrid have recently been linked with a fair few top centre-backs. The names most often cropping up are Liverpool’s Konate and Arsenal’s William Saliba.

However, TEAMtalk sources have told insider Dean Jones that a third Premier League star could be in the mix.

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

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

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

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Liverpool moving to replace Konate

The move for Konate would be on a free transfer, with the defender – out of contract in 2026 – refusing contracts from Liverpool in order to move to Real when he becomes available.

The Reds are aware of the risk of that, as reports have suggested Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has been identified as a replacement for the centre-back.

It is reported that Liverpool feel he fits their system.

However, TEAMtalk is aware that Marc Guehi – who the Reds were close to signing in the summer until Crystal Palace were unable to replace him – remains the top centre-back target at Anfield.

Real Madrid round-up: Vlahovic dreaming of Real

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic looked likely to leave the club in the summer, but they were unable to find a suitable option for him.

Now, though, he is said to see Real Madrid as his dream destination, and it’s reported the Spanish outfit view him as an ‘unbeatable’ market opportunity given he’s out of contract at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Nico Paz, who Real have a buyback clause for, has been named a “football genius” with it suggested he will show something “even more stellar” soon.

And problems are arising at Real for Vinicius Junior, amid a rift between him and Alonso, the forward suffering from Kylian Mbappe’s form, and the presence of other players who can replace the Brazilian.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that a star attacking midfielder that Daniel Levy made a bid to sign in the summer is a generational talent, as Real Madrid lie in wait to secure his services, while Spurs manager Thomas Frank has been warned against signing his dream target in January.

Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were among the major signings that Daniel Levy made for Tottenham in the summer transfer window before stepping down as the chairman of the north London club.

After winning the Europa League last season and appointing Thomas Frank as the manager, Tottenham are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table and advance from the League Phase of the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

Nico Paz was also on Tottenham’s radar as a target in the summer, with trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting on X at 9:55pm on August 24 of a bid of €70million (£61m, $82.5m) for the Como attacking midfielder.

Como turned it down, with Paz also rejecting the chance to join Tottenham because of his desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

Madrid sold Paz to Como in the summer of 2024 and have a buy-back clause of €10m (£8.7m, $11.8m) in 2026, according to Romano, with AS reporting on August 27 that Los Blancos have made a ‘promise’ to the 21-year-old to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu for next season and beyond.

Paz scored six goals and gave eight assists in 30 Serie A starts for Como last season.

The Argentina international has been on fire this campaign, with the playmaker scoring two goals and giving one assist in three league appearances and winning the Rising Star (Best U23) of the month award for August in Serie A.

Former Napoli CEO and Udinese technical director Pierpaolo Marino has raved about Paz and considers him a generational talent.

Marino told TMW when asked about Paz: “One of the best new developments in Serie A. He’s a player who embodies football genius.

“Given his age, he has incredible room for improvement, so let’s get ready to see something even more stellar.”

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Ademola Lookman slammed amid Tottenham interest

While the chances of Tottenham signing Paz appear to have gone, the north London club could still bring Ademola Lookman to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on September 1 that Tottenham asked Atalanta about Lookman on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Atalanta were willing to sell Lookman for £43.3million (€50m, $59m), but Spurs did not make a bid.

According to SportsBoom on September 10, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank remains keen on a January deal for Lookman.

Frank is said to be ‘quietly confident’ that Tottenham will sign the Nigeria international forward for £20m (€23m, $27m).

Lookman did not play against Lecce in Serie A last weekend and was left out of the squad for the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric had refused to reintegrate Lookman into his squad until now. after the former Everton forward refused to train for two weeks in the summer and tried to force a move out of the Serie A club.

According to Quotidiano Sportivo, Lookman is back in training with Atalanta, but Marino has questioned his professionalism, despite the 27-year-old scoring 52 goals and giving 25 assists in 118 appearances for the Italian club so far in his career.

Marino told TMW: “The Percassi family and Atalanta’s handling of the matter has been exemplary.

“No one would want to have such a complicated and difficult case in their hands.

“Lookman has shown himself to be one of those ‘stubborn’ players who think with their wallets and cynicism rather than their heads.

“For me, the matter will end with Lookman’s loss.

“I honestly don’t know if he’ll be a recoverable player, but that’s certainly not Atalanta’s fault.

“He had already shown signs of his approach to professionalism in his relationship with Gasperini.”

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Tottenham are competing with Liverpool for a Barcelona defender, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has analysed why Thomas Frank is the perfect manager for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to step up their efforts to sign a top LaLiga attacker either in January or next summer, with TEAMtalk analysing whether the signing is the right one for Thomas Frank.

The north London club enjoyed a strong end to the summer window after landing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Randal Koli Muani on loan from PSG, but they are already fixing their gaze on who they can bring in come January.

Despite a strong window overall, Tottenham were probably light on two more signings they needed to make, with another central defender and a naturally left-sided winger now on the agenda for the new year.

In terms of the attacking part of that equation, Manchester City’s Savinho remains a top target for January – but he isn’t the only target.

In recent days, there has been growing traction over a move for Sevilla star Ruben Vargas, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming that Spurs are primed to swoop for the highly-rated Swiss forward.

The report states that Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are in the mix to sign Vargas, who is capable of playing on either flank but has played the majority of his career on the left.

Vargas has three assists in three outings for Sevilla so far this season and it’s expected that the LaLiga outfit will listen to offers for his services in the new year.

It’s also claimed that the project at Spurs is more appealing to Vargas than the one at Palace and Villa, giving the north London side a stronger chance of sealing the transfer.

There is no mention of what sort of fee Sevilla are looking for, although with four years left on his contract, Vargas will not come cheap.

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Vargas a good Tottenham fit but Savinho is better

While Vargas would be a decent signing for Tottenham, he has largely operated either on the right flank or centrally in Sevilla games so far this season.

At 27 years of age, he is more experienced in terms of fully knowing his game inside out, while he put in the hard yards in German football before his switch to LaLiga.

In 161 games for Augsburg, he notched 32 goals and 13 assists and has appeared on the left flank in 120 career games.

Vargas has tremendous dribbling ability and has been likened to former Liverpool playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri due to his pace and low centre of gravity.

After Switzerland’s famous win over Italy at Euro 2024, Vargas was dubbed a ‘special’ talent by former BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin. However, his signing would represent a bit of a gamble compared to moving for the more expensive Savinho.

The City man at least has experience of Premier League football and Tottenham are expected to monitor his game time in the build-up to the January window as they explore another move.

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