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As Xavi Simons continues to struggle for Tottenham Hotspur, a reliable French source has revealed what the attacking midfielder privately thinks about his situation, with Spurs manager Thomas Frank’s tactics to be partly blamed.

Much was expected of Simons when Tottenham signed the Netherlands international attacking midfielder for £51.8million (€59m, $68.2m) in the January transfer window. Although Simons could not make a massive impact at Paris Saint-Germain, he shone for RB Leipzig, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in 78 appearances for the German club before earning the move to Tottenham.

Simons has been largely underwhelming for last season’s Europa League winners.

The 22-year-old has not scored in 15 matches in all competitions for Tottenham and has given only two assists.

Simons did not start for Tottenham in the North London derby against Arsenal last weekend, while against Chelsea on November 1, Spurs manager Thomas Frank brought him on as a substitute in the seventh minute and took him out on 73 minutes.

L’Equipe has revealed what Simons thinks about his struggles at Tottenham so far this campaign, with the French publication noting three reasons – the ‘intensity’ of the Premier League, lack of pre-season and Frank initially playing him on the left wing.

‘Spurs would like Xavi Simons to be a little less subdued than he was during his last appearance at the Emirates Stadium and deliver a more immediate return on investment,’ wrote L’Equipe.

‘But the former Paris Saint-Germain player is struggling to adapt to the demands of English football.

‘In private, he admits to being surprised, nonetheless, by the intensity of the matches and training sessions across the Channel.

‘He also believes that not having completed preseason training with the team—he transferred from Leipzig, with whom he started the season, just three days before the transfer window closed in August—didn’t necessarily facilitate his integration.

‘Finally, he was initially used on the left wing, where he doesn’t feel comfortable, before being repositioned more recently as a number 10, a more natural role.’

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Questions raised over Xavi Simons’ suitability for Premier League

Given the intense North London rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal, Spurs fans may not be huge fans of Gunners legend Thierry Henry, but the Frenchman’s verdict on Simons will be something that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will be worried about.

Henry told Sky Sports: “It’s not easy to arrive in a team and perform straight away. We can see Florian Wirtz at Liverpool, but I always have a question mark on people that perform in Germany.

“That’s only me. I’m not saying that they won’t perform in another league. I’m just saying, because of the way the league is, they’re really stretched.

“So if you can run well, you’re going to have a lot of opportunity, goals, assists. People can run with you in this league. So it’s very difficult.

“Do you think the managers right now are letting their players dribble or do they want to control everything to make sure they’re not going to get countered?

“Playing a low block all the time is not always easy to create. Look at Arsenal. We don’t create a lot of opportunities. We score a lot on set pieces.

“I’m not going to go back to the old story and everything, but you need to find a way to score goals.

“So, you’re going to create way less than what we used to be able to do in our time because teams are playing low. They don’t try to bite or come out.

“So, the spaces are tight. And if you don’t allow people to dribble and make mistakes, like I always say, the reward is in the risk.

“Where are you going? You’re not going to have the stats of creating. And if you don’t take your chances when you have one, well, you’re in trouble.”

Meanwhile, Simons has said that he is looking forward to playing against his former club Paris Saint-Germain in Paris in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

The 22-year-old failed to make a huge impact during two spells at PSG, but the Dutch youngster has fond memories of his time at the Ligue 1 club.

Simons told Le Parisien: “I’m really looking forward to it. You know, I had some excellent times in Paris. It’s where I took the first steps of my professional career.

“Being alongside Neymar, Mbappé, Verratti, such talented players, and seeing how the whole team approached football, not only on the pitch but also off it, was very enriching for me.

“They showed me what I needed to do to reach the highest level. Playing here was a fantastic experience.

“I made a lot of friends in Paris. But now, I have to admit that after playing with Wilson Odobert in the PSG youth team, I’m especially eager to return to the Parc des Princes and share that moment with him.”

When asked why he left PSG, Simons said: “It was the right decision at the time. I needed more playing time to continue developing. I have very fond memories of that period.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: £145m double raid, Real Madrid blow

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham plan to sign two players for £145m in the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have already decided on their first signing of 2026, and it will come as a huge blow for Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur face a return match with PSG on Wednesday night as the two teams go head-to-head again, this time in the Champions League, and TEAMtalk has predicted how Thomas Frank will line his side up against the holders – with one headline name dropped to the bench.

After squandering a two-goal lead in the Super Cup final against the French giants before eventually losing on penalties, Spurs will be looking for revenge in a game which could see them jump into the top eight of the expanded group phase with a win.

However, Tottenham go into the contest on the back of one of their worst performances of the season, having suffered a 4-1 humbling at north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Indeed, the lack of ambition and a clear tactical approach to the game left some fans firing shots at Frank, who is on a slippery slope unless performances and results start to pick up.

With all that in mind, the big question is whether the Spurs boss opts for a back three again, as he did in the first contest with PSG and also against the Gunners over the weekend.

Judging by how disjointed Tottenham were against Arsenal and how badly the game went, we predict that Frank will go back to a four and look to pack his midfield – which is likely to mean bad news for Xavi Simons against his old club.

Injury list

Tottenham remains without the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke for the contest, while Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai are not yet ready to return.

Brennan Johnson is suspended after his red card last time out against Copenhagen, while Mathys Tel is ineligible.

Selection battles

The back five pretty much picks itself, with Pedro Porro almost certain to return at right-back. There is, however, a chance that Djed Spence switches to the left, given that Destiny Udogie rarely plays two games close together in a row, due to his past injury record.

Skipper Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will look to form a solid foundation centrally, but also supply a goal threat – with both players on target in that Super Cup clash with PSG.

Midfield is always an interesting call, given it remains a weak point of this Tottenham team and one that Frank will probably try and rectify in January.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur playing together has shown time and time again that it does not work, with the latter coming off arguably his worst game of the season at Arsenal.

To that end, Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall step up from the bench, with the latter in a more advanced role that leaves Simons among the substitutes again. Sarr and Bergvall should give the Spurs engine room some energy and running power that was sorely lacking at Emirates Stadium.

Mohammed Kudus is a nailed-on starter on the right of the front three, while Randal Kolo Muani is handed the start against his parent club, given that Champions League regulations allow that.

The left side remains a conundrum, but we believe Frank will opt for experience and start Richarlison there ahead of Wilson Odobert.

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Predicted XI (4-3-3)

GK – Guglielmo Vicario

RB – Pedro Porro

CB – Cristian Romero

CB – Micky van de Ven

LB – Djed Spence

CM – Joao Palhinha

CM – Pape Sarr

AM – Lucas Bergvall

RW – Mohammed Kudus

ST – Randal Kolo Muani

LW – Richarlison

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to make Thomas Frank’s dream come true by signing Antoine Semenyo and Samu Aghehowa from Bournemouth and FC Porto, respectively, in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Spurs, who won the Europa League last season, were very busy in the summer of 2025 following the appointment of Thomas Frank as the manager. Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were the players brought in, while loan deals of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent and Luka Vuskovic was sent out on loan to Hamburg after he made his long-awaited transfer to the north London club.

Tottenham, though, have not done as well as expected, with their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby at the weekend pushing them to ninth in the Premier League table, three points off the final Champions League place.

Spurs have picked up eight points from four matches in the League Stage of the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham are ready to go big in the January transfer window and back manager Frank.

In a transfer window that promises fireworks, Tottenham are gearing up for a seismic double raid for Bournemouth star Semenyo and Porto sensation Aghehowa.

Sources close to Tottenham have confirmed that manager Frank, in his first full season at the helm of Spurs, views the duo as the perfect injection of pace and potency into his evolving front line.

Frank’s ambition is clear: transform good into great for the second half of the season and ensure that Tottenham qualify for the Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign as well.

It is going to be expensive for Tottenham to get deals done for Semenyo and Aghehowa in the January transfer window, though, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Liverpool are also keen on the former.

Semenyo has a release clause of £60million plus £5m in add-ons (up to €74m, $85.5m) in his contract at Bournemouth, while Porto will demand £80m (€91m, $105m) for Aghehowa.

This means that Tottenham will have to spend a total of £145m (€165m, $190.6m) on the two players, which they are willing to do.

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Why Tottenham want Antoine Semenyo and Samu Aghehowa – sources

Splashing a staggering £145m (€165m, $190.6m) on just two players would shatter Tottenham’s January spending record, but insiders insist the board is prepared to back Frank.

“Thomas has made it crystal clear: we need firepower that terrifies defences,” one source revealed to TEAMtalk.

“Semenyo’s directness on the left and Sam’s clinical finishing represent the profiles they want.”

Semenyo, who has terrorised Premier League backlines with six goals and three assists this season, has long been on Frank’s radar.

The Ghana international winger, whose contract at Bournemouth runs until 2030, feels “ready for the next step” amid the Cherries’ mid-table comfort.

Meanwhile, Aghehowa has lit up Porto this season with nine goals and one assist in 15 appearances.

The 21-year-old Spain international striker cost Porto €20m (£17.6m, $23.1m) in transfer fees when they signed him from Atletico Madrid in 2024.

Porto are reluctant to sell Aghehowa in the middle of the season, but the Portuguese giants could be swayed by an offer north of £80m (€91m, $105m), a bid that would match his release clause.

If Tottenham are successful in their pursuit of Semenyo and Aghehowa, then the duo could form a lethal front line, blending youth, experience, and raw athleticism.

For Frank, who did extremely well during his time as manager of Brentford, it would be a statement of intent – no more also-rans.

As January draws closer, N17 pulses with excitement. Tottenham aren’t just shopping; they’re hunting for players who can bring them trophies.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Vuskovic plan, LaLiga raid

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, Tottenham’s plan regarding Luka Vuskovic, who is on loan at Hamburg at the moment.

Tottenham have been warned against signing a top international striker in the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to secure the future of highly-rated centre-back Luka Vuskovic, amid rising interest from clubs on the continent, TEAMtalk sources can reveal.

The Croatian defender has settled so well on loan at Hamburg that other clubs in Germany, including Borussia Dortmund, have started to pay attention – and are wondering if he fits into Spurs’ long-term plans.

Hamburg have him for the season and would love to keep him, but are under the impression that would not be possible.

Tottenham do indeed have long-term plans for Vuskovic and, as part of that, sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange will look to tie him down to an even longer deal.

It is unclear yet whether he will fit into their squad for next season, but that will be established towards the back end of the season.

His assuring performances in the Bundesliga have proven he is worth sticking by, as Tottenham’s beliefs that he is a star of the future seem to be justified.

They agreed a deal for Vuskovic well ahead of him actually joining them – at a time when Bayern Munich had also looked at him – and decided to let him join Hamburg to gain crucial first-team experience.

He has risen to the challenge and Tottenham are impressed, so will now look to reward him and show further commitment to his future.

Vuskovic is already tied to Spurs until 2030, but the club are expected to reward him by the end of this season with a pay rise as well as adding an extension to his contract.

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Latest Tottenham news: Ivan Toney warning; Frank facing fan revolt

First up, Tottenham have been warned as to why they should steer clear of top striker target Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, although TEAMtalk has a completely different take on the situation.

Elsewhere, Thomas Frank is in serious danger of Tottenham fans eventually turning on him and demanding an exit unless he starts acting like he is managing a Champions League club and not a Premier League minnow.

Tottenham Hotspur have been warned as to why they should steer clear of top striker target Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, although TEAMtalk has a completely different take on the situation.

We’ve been right on top of Spurs’ hunt for a new No.9 and understand that there is genuine interest in bringing the England forward back to the Premier League in the new year.

Indeed, our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher revealed on November 19 that Toney would be willing to take a pay cut of around 50 per cent to join a a Prem club this winter.

Meanwhile, in our latest report on the Al-Ahli frontman, another source, Dean Jones, highlighted two problems with a potential to England for the 29-year-old.

Tottenham‘s interest in Toney is an obvious one due to the links with his old Brentford boss Thomas Frank, while Dominic Solanke’s continued spell on the sidelines has left the Spurs chief short on central striking options.

However, Spurs expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes the club should wait for Solanke to regain fitness rather than going all out for Toney this winter.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News about a move for Toney, Wenham said: “It could only be a full-term investment. You’ve got massive money and he’s over 30.

“I don’t really like him. Listening about him, I just don’t don’t really get on board with him if I’m being honest with you. When we were linked with him before, I didn’t really want him, and I would have much preferred Solanke, and we got him.

“I still prefer Solanke to him. I would just rather that Solanke came back to fitness rather than signing Toney on any sort of basis, I’m being honest with you.

“And I know Frank has worked with him before and likes him and relies on him, but I just think Solanke is a better footballer.”

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Ivan Toney just what Tottenham need

Some of Wenham’s argument is based around how poor Toney was in his final season at Brentford, although there were mitigating factors behind that.

The striker netted just four times in 17 appearances after returning halfway through the 2023/24 campaign, when his eight-month ban for breaching Football Association gambling rules came to an end.

He clearly struggled to find his form again after that enforced break, although there were also genuine fears he was past his prime at that stage.

Toney has been sensational in the Saudi Pro League, though, scoring 41 goals in 60 games and rediscovering his scoring touch – albeit, it has to be said, in a weaker environment than the English top flight.

You could argue that Toney is exactly the sort of striker that Tottenham need right now, a menace to opposing defences and lethal when he gets his chances.

Richarlison has never really been that, while Solanke is now spending more time on the sidelines than the pitch, and the jury is still very out on loan signing Randal Kolo Muani, who has yet to find the net in a Spurs shirt.

Frank needs a striker who he knows and can trust, and bringing back Toney would make a ton of sense for Tottenham in January, as long as the deal is a favourable one for a player who turns 30 in March next year.

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Latest Tottenham news: Semenyo signing concerns; winger hijack

First up, Tottenham are primed to launch a January assault for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United could have a potential trump card in the race, while Liverpool are also poised to strike.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting the stunning hijack of a Chelsea and Liverpool winger target after matching the €70million offer on the table from their London rivals, although TEAMtalk can reveal why a proposed January move has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Tottenham are primed to launch a January assault for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United could have a potential trump card in the race, while Liverpool are also poised to strike.

Semenyo, 25, is set to be at the epicentre of a Premier League bidding frenzy. The 25-year-old, whose explosive start to the 2025-26 season has yielded six Premier League goals – trailing only Erling Haaland (14), Igor Thiago (9) and Danny Welbeck (7) – is the subject of serious interest, with approaches ‘imminent’, per sources.

Tottenham, under Danish tactician Thomas Frank, are poised to act decisively. Frank, who once hailed Semenyo as Bournemouth’s “main threat” during his time at Brentford, is eager to elevate Spurs’ attacking firepower amid their goal-shy campaign.

With Richarlison one goal behind Semenyo’s tally, insiders say Spurs are READY to match the £65million release clause in Semenyo’s contract, which activates in January but expires on a fixed date, allowing Bournemouth time to sign replacements.

This clause, down from a £70million summer valuation, represents a bargain for a player whose counter-attacking prowess has terrorised defences.

However, TEAMtalk understands that United’s interest has intensified, bolstered by an unlikely ally: Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis, a lifelong Red Devil.

Francis is set to pitch Old Trafford’s vision to Semenyo, positioning United ahead of rivals despite their summer pivot to Matheus Cunha. Ruben Amorim views the versatile winger as the missing spark in a squad craving dynamism, with a bid in advanced planning stages…

Liverpool to also push hard for Antoine Semenyo

Despite the advances from Tottenham and United, as we have consistently reported, Liverpool are currently the favourites to lure Semenyo away from the Cherries.

The Reds, frontrunners since Semenyo’s brace in their chaotic 4-2 opening-day opener at Anfield, remain undeterred.

Arne Slot sees him as an upgrade and fresh energy in a struggling squad, fitting seamlessly into his high-pressing blueprint.

Despite racist abuse endured by Semenyo at Anfield that night souring initial ties, sources confirm Liverpool will counter any advances, prioritizing Semenyo’s one-v-one mastery and ambidextrous finishing.

Bournemouth, buoyed by sales of Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi without derailing progress, reluctantly brace for departure.

Semenyo, content yet ambitious, hasn’t pushed for a move but welcomes elite suitors.

Bristol City are also set to pocket 20 per cent of profits following his £10m move in 2023, so the Championship club will benefit financially when he moves.

As the release clause looms, this saga could redefine mid-window dealings, with Semenyo’s 2024-25 haul of 11 goals and five assists underscoring his elite trajectory.

Latest Man Utd news: Target says YES to joining / Casemiro twist

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that Joao Gomes’ head has been turned by United’s interest in him. He wants to join in January.

Wolves have told new manager Rob Edwards they’ll reject offers for Gomes, but in reality, a bid of £40m to £50m would be considered.

In other news, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed United have performed a U-turn on Casemiro and now want the legendary Brazilian to sign a new contract.

However, this will only happen if the 33-year-old agrees to reduced terms, with his current salary standing at a whopping £350,000 per week. His current deal expires next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are interested in signing Ivan Toney, but TEAMtalk sources have highlighted the obstacles to a spectacular January return to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old left Brentford for Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024 for £40m, and he reportedly earns a whopping £400,000 per week with the Saudi Arabian club.

TEAMtalk has reported how Tottenham and Everton are both keeping tabs on Toney’s situation, and we have confirmed that he is interested in a Premier League return.

Transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher revealed on November 19 that Toney would be willing to take a pay cut of around 50 per cent to join a a Prem club this winter.

Key to his desire to come back is the fact that he wants to fight his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup next year.

There were always going to be hurdles to a move, with Al-Ahli firm in their stance that Toney will not go anywhere this winter.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed an update on the situation, highlighting two problems with a potential Premier League return.

“It will be interesting to see whether Toney has genuine motivation to join the Premier League by January. Sources I speak to say some clubs are not convinced it is the case,” Jones exclusively told TEAMtalk.

“Some of his desire to come back to the Premier League was in line with pushing for a role in England’s World Cup squad, but his chances of that happening now are slim to none.

“So to take a wage cut, and also not have that England opportunity on the horizon, adds a lot of doubt to him actually coming back just yet.”

Ivan Toney faces transfer dilemma

Toney has made 60 appearances for Al-Ahli so far, notching a very impressive 41 goals and eight assists in the process.

He has proven he can be a force in the Premier League, with 20 goals in the 2022/23 season, so it’s no surprise that clubs are watching his situation with great interest.

But with a return to the England squad not guaranteed, it would be a risk for the ex-Brentford star to forego huge sums in wages to return this winter.

Currently, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford are ahead of Toney in the pecking order, with the duo in good form for Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively.

The expectation is that Toney will come back one day, but the big question is whether the timing is right at the moment.

With all this in mind, Tottenham and Everton may need to look elsewhere for a new striker, even though they are interested in Toney.

Latest Tottenham news: Williams chase / Semenyo latest

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly plotting a spectacular move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool.

Bringing in a new left-winger is arguably the club’s biggest priority in the winter window, and Spurs are said to be ready to pay €70m to sign Williams.

In other news, Tottenham are ready to launch a bid for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January, who is another of their top winger targets.

Thomas Frank is in serious danger of Tottenham Hotspur fans eventually turning on him and demanding an exit unless he starts acting like he is managing a Champions League club and not a Premier League minnow.

The league’s best away record was blown to shreds by, of all teams, Spurs’ bitter north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, as the Gunners continued what appears to be a relentless drive towards their title win in more than 20 years.

It’s one thing going to Emirates Stadium and sitting in with Brentford, with all due respect, as he did last season to earn a 1-1 draw. In fact, in his four games in charge of the Bees in the red half of north London, Brentford lost by a single goal twice and also had another draw during the 2022/23 season.

But he appears to be completely caught between two stools at the moment, in terms of what sort of style of football he wants to play at Tottenham – and that was ruthlessly exposed against Arsenal, as Spurs continue their slide down the table.

Switching to a back three was probably more about having three big central defenders on the pitch to defend The Gunners’ set-piece threat than anything else, even though they were without chief goalscoring weapon Gabriel due to injury.

It would also have been a short week of prep for Frank due to the international break, and that showed in the complete lack of cohesion in the first half, before he abandoned the back three at half-time with his side already two goals down.

The majority of sensible Tottenham fans knew it was time for Ange Postecoglou to go, despite the Europa League success, but the change from ‘Ange-ball’ to ‘Frank-ball’ has been so stark. Yes, there have been some good results, almost exclusively away from home, but when the transition in change of style goes horribly wrong, as it did on Sunday, Tottenham look like a bottom-half team at best.

Indeed, Frank needs to realise quickly that he is at a club where the demands are so much higher, along with the expectation of playing front-foot football and not just sitting back against your biggest rivals and waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Speaking of inevitable, I’m guessing that every Tottenham fan on the planet expected Eberechi Eze to score in the game and celebrate like he never agreed a move to Spurs over the summer before doing a complete U-turn. As for a hat-trick, that just sums up the gulf in class between the clubs, both on and off the field at the moment.

If Tottenham had triggered Eze’s clause and got the deal done before Kai Havertz’s injury that forced Arsenal back into the race, then everything could have been very different. But that’s all ifs and buts, and Eze couldn’t care less about Spurs’ struggles as he drives Arsenal towards title glory – and frankly, why should he. That’s modern-day football for you.

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Frank apology too little, too late

Speaking after the rout, Frank was in an apologetic mood to the Tottenham fans, claiming it was never the intention to be as pragmatic as they were.

However, the excuses are wearing a little thin and it has echoes of the home defeat to Chelsea, where there was no ambition from the start of the game – and that has to come from the top, no matter what Frank says.

Anyway, he told Sky Sports, for what it’s worth: “I think it is extremely painful. I won’t talk away from that. It was a bad performance. It was completely the opposite of what the intention was when we came here.

“We can only apologise to the fans for the performance. I think no matter if both teams wanted to play short, they got more out of that and we couldn’t get out. When the team went long, we didn’t win enough duels. That is exemplified by the 2-0 goal and the 3-0 goal, where a player went through two or three players. Bad performance and we lost.

“I have seen a lot of character and fight in this team but we didn’t win enough duels. We can call that whatever we want but we didn’t win enough.

“I tried to play a 5-4-1. I will always take responsibility as my choice in the end to take the system then and we changed it at half-time. My view on it is that no matter what formation we play today, we don’t have enough duels or intensity in the decisive moments, and it is very difficult to win a football match.

“The goals I want to see more in detail. The whole game I need to watch tonight and it will be a difficult watch. We were not aggressive and stepped forward when we could and they played it round us.”

On lack of creativity: “That has been an ongoing theme that we are working hard to improve. It doesn’t look good today or against Chelsea. We need to keep working on it.

“There were a lot of things in this game we need to do better. We are four months into it and they are further in their journey as a team and that was very obvious today.

“Of course there will be noise. We played against our biggest rivals and we lost badly. But we keep noise out and we focus. I know this team is competitive and we showed that against Man City and PSG.

“Of course it looks bad today and it was not good enough.”

And only the small matter of PSG in the Champions League next!

Latest Tottenham news: Winger hijack; Semenyo chase update

First up, Tottenham are reportedly plotting the stunning hijack of a Chelsea and Liverpool winger target after matching the €70million offer on the table from their London rivals, although TEAMtalk can reveal why a proposed January move has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Elsewhere, Manchester United could get help from a coach as they look to beat Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City to the sensational signing of Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

And finally, Spurs have moved quickly to dampen speculation that the club is urgently hunting for a new first-choice goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk understands Thomas Frank has a different top priority for January.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting the stunning hijack of a Chelsea and Liverpool winger target after matching the €70million offer on the table from their London rivals, although TEAMtalk can reveal why a proposed January move has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Bringing in a new left-winger is arguably the club’s biggest priority in the winter window, with Thomas Frank so far unable to find the right solution for that spot after Son Heung-min’s summer exit.

Multiple options have been tried without a great deal of success, leading Tottenham to be linked with January moves for the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Ademola Lookman and Maghnes Akliouche.

However, a fresh report from Spain claims that Spurs are looking to leapfrog the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and secure the stunning capture of Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams instead.

The Spain international is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in European football and has chalked up a combined 49 goals and assists in 91 career appearances from the left flank.

According to a report from dubious Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea have already offered €70m (£61.5m / $80.6m) in order to sign the Spanish international attacker. However, they are now expected to face competition from Tottenham, who have decided to match that offer.

The report adds that Bilbao could be tempted to accept that offer, although it’s unclear at this stage which club they would be willing to sell to. It’s also reported that both clubs are willing to triple to Williams’ current salary in order to convince him to sign.

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Nico Williams to Tottenham a wow signing, but…

If Spurs could pull off the signing of Williams in January, there is no doubt that it would be a real statement of intent from majority owners ENIC.

The Lewis Family have invested a further £100m in the club ahead of the winter window in order to make improvements to Frank’s squad, and getting Williams on board would do just that.

However, Fichajes are by no means the most reliable of sources and there has to be some doubt over the validity of the report, as much as Tottenham fans would love it to be true.

When you also add in the report stating that ‘both clubs are willing to triple his wages’, that is where things really start to fall apart.

According to Capology, Williams currently earns £263,000-a-week at Bilbao and, remarkably, is under contract until 2035. Without even adding to that current salary, the Spaniard would instantly become Tottenham’s highest earner, by some distance too.

However, there may be some hope over signing a player who has also been on Liverpool’s radar for a length of time.

Bilbao are currently way off the top four in LaLiga and if Champions League qualification is looking bleak come January, the exciting winger could decide it’s the right time to move – especially when it’s been indicated in the past that he is excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Now, the wage structure could still present an issue, but if Tottenham are serious about changing the profile of the club and genuinely looking to challenge for top honours, then the capture of Williams could set a precedent going forward.

Latest Tottenham news: Semenyo chase update; new keeper reports rubbished

First up, Manchester United could get help from a coach as they look to beat Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City to the sensational signing of Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

Elsewhere, Spurs have moved quickly to dampen speculation that the club is urgently hunting for a new first-choice goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk understands Thomas Frank has a different top priority for January.

Manchester United could get help from a coach as they look to beat Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City to the sensational signing of Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

During an appearance on The Athletic FC Podcast, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden was asked about Semenyo’s rise, as well as where the winger could end up next year. Holden knows Semenyo well, having managed him at Bristol City during the 2020-21 campaign.

Holden is a Man Utd fan, and he has admitted he will do his best to convince Semenyo on a move to Old Trafford next year.

How Antoine Semenyo reached the top

Spent time at Bath City before going on to join Bristol City, Newport County and Sunderland

Signed for Bournemouth in a £10million deal in January 2023

Took his game to the next level last season, registering 13 goals and seven assists

“We still speak quite a lot, so I’ll certainly be trying to pull him towards a Man Utd direction, because obviously as a kid, supporting Man Utd, I would love to see him there,” Holden said. “I think he’s a player that could play for Man Utd.”

Although, Holden did admit that it will be tough for Semenyo to turn down the lure of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

“I think for Antoine, he has to look [at] where he’s going to go and win trophies,” the observer added.

“Where’s he going to go and win the most trophies? And for me, I’d go and play under Pep Guardiola. If I could go back and put my boots on, I’d be playing under Pep.”

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Semenyo emerges as the Prem’s hottest property

Holden’s good relationship with the 25-year-old could prove important if United re-enter the chase for his services.

United, alongside Spurs, expressed interest in signing Semenyo in the summer, only for him to pen a new contract with Bournemouth. Bryan Mbeumo ultimately moved to Old Trafford instead.

Semenyo’s reputation has only increased since then, as he has already notched six goals and three assists in 11 league matches this term.

David Ornstein revealed on Monday that his new Bournemouth deal includes a £65m release clause, active during the early stages of the January window. It will drop to £50m at the end of the season.

That news has put the Premier League’s biggest clubs on alert. Ornstein featured on the podcast alongside Holden and stated that Liverpool, Spurs and City are Semenyo’s main suitors as things stand.

But speculation United could swoop for the Ghana international refuses to go away…

Our transfer correspondent Dean Jones reported on Thursday that it is not out of the question United move for Semenyo in 2026, as they retain interest in his signature.

According to Ben Jacobs, United are deciding whether to initiate talks for him in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.

While Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will play at the tournament, Semenyo’s Ghana failed to qualify.

United will need to overcome Liverpool and Spurs in particular to complete the deal. Liverpool view Semenyo as an ideal long-term successor for Mo Salah.

While our own Fraser Fletcher reported earlier on Friday that Spurs are preparing a bid to match his release clause.

There has been talk of Spurs pursuing a ‘world-class’ goalkeeper, but we understand that a new winger tops their list of priorities.

Spurs could move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche if they miss out on Semenyo.

Man Utd news: £250m triple deal; predicted lineup

Meanwhile, our transfer debrief this week includes United aiming to completely transform one area of Ruben Amorim’s squad.

An incredible triple deal could cost the Red Devils around £250m.