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Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for one of West Ham United’s best players, according to a report, which has also revealed the chances of him leaving the Hammers for Spurs in 2026.

West Ham and Tottenham are London rivals, and the two clubs are having very different seasons at the moment. While Tottenham are still very much in the race for the Premier League top four despite winning only two of their last six league games, West Ham are third from bottom and are seven points off safety.

The Hammers are an established club, but it is looking increasingly likely that they will get relegated to the Championship, and, according to Fichajes, Tottenham are ready to take advantage of that.

The Spanish news outlet has reported that among the teams ‘closely monitoring’ Jarrod Bowen, Tottenham are ‘the most interested’.

Bowen’s ‘departure would be virtually inevitable’ should West Ham get relegated, according to the report, which has described the 29-year-old English winger as ‘a complete footballer, ready to perform from day one in a project with European aspirations’.

West Ham themselves are aware that they will have to offload Bowen, their ‘great asset’, next summer should they get relegated.

Bowen has been on the books of West Ham since January 2020 and is under contract at the Premier League club until the summer of 2030.

The versatile attacker has scored 80 goals and given 53 assists in 260 appearances for the Hammers so far in his career.

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West Ham will NOT sell Jarrod Bowen in January – sources

Fichajes is not a very reliable source, so any report from it has to be treated with caution.

However, in this case, TEAMtalk can confirm that Tottenham are interested in Bowen.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on December 21, 2025, that Tottenham have asked about Bowen in each of the last four transfer windows.

We understand that Bowen and his camp are aware of interest from Spurs, who won the Europa League last season.

There is long-term interest in the 29-year-old from Liverpool and Newcastle United, too.

However, sources have told us that West Ham will not sell Bowen in the January transfer window.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has made it clear that Bowen will not leave the club in the middle of the season at ‘any price’.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Double raid, bid for left-back

Meanwhile, sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their pursuit of two players.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign a Brazilian defender.

Tottenham Hotspur are ramping up their efforts to bolster their defensive options, with a particular focus on the left-back position, as doubts linger over the long-term future of current star Destiny Udogie.

Sources close to the club indicate that Spurs are actively pursuing Borussia Mönchengladbach’s promising young defender Luca Netz, while also bidding for Santos talent Souza as part of a potential double deal.

Netz, the 22-year-old German international, has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time, impressing with his blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair in the Bundesliga.

His contract with Mönchengladbach is set to expire at the end of the season, making him an attractive free agent target in the summer.

However, Spurs are eager to accelerate the process and secure his services as early as this January transfer window. Early conversations have happened, with the north London club prepared to table a modest fee to pry him away from the German side mid-season.

The interest in Netz comes alongside pursuits for Brazilian prospect Souza from Santos. The 20-year-old has been turning heads in South America with his dynamic performances, drawing comparisons to some of Brazil’s finest exports in the position.

Tottenham scouts have been monitoring Souza closely, viewing him as a long-term investment who could provide depth and competition.

It’s understood that Santos are open to discussions, but want a premium fee for the highly rated youngster.

Indeed, Tottenham have already seen an opening bid for Souza worth around €9.2m / £8m rejected. My colleague, Graeme Bailey, has been informed Santos are seeking closer to €20m / £17.3m, which is roughly double the value of the first offer.

And on Wednesday afternoon, Spurs returned with an improved bid worth €15m. Souza is open to the move, while Santos are insisting a sell-on clause be included.

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Growing concerns over Destiny Udogie

This dual approach underscores growing concerns surrounding Destiny Udogie, the Italian defender who has been a mainstay in Spurs’ backline since joining from Udinese in 2022.

Udogie, 23, has faced recurring injury issues and inconsistent form this season, prompting questions about his reliability moving forward.

Club officials are weighing up options, including a possible loan or permanent exit in the summer, to make way for fresh talent.

Tottenham’s proactive stance in the market aligns with their ambitions to challenge for top-four honours in the Premier League and make a deep run in European competitions.

Thomas Frank has emphasised the need for squad depth, where injuries have plagued the team in recent campaigns.

Latest Tottenham news – Palhinha developments / De Zerbi truths / Roma raid

Elsewhere, Tottenham are souring on the idea of taking up Joao Palhinha’s £26m option to buy.

That’s put a London rival on red alert and they won’t show the same hesitancy Spurs are if there’s an opening to sign the Portugal international.

Meanwhile, Spurs are quietly compiling a shortlist of managerial candidates for a potential change at the helm in the summer of 2026, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as a top target to replace current boss Thomas Frank.

However, it’s important to stress Frank is NOT in any immediate danger of being sacked, with the club planning to undertake a comprehensive review of the Dane’s work at the end of the season. Only then will a decision on whether to stick or twist be made.

Finally, intermediaries have alerted Spurs, Manchester City and Newcastle to the possibility of signing Roma’s Wesley Franca.

The five-cap Brazil international – who is primarily an attacking right-back – has wowed since joining Roma from Flamengo in the summer. But if Roma receive lucrative offers that allow for greater squad redevelopment, Wesley can go.

Tottenham are trying to force through the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza having seen an opening offer rejected, though there’s more bad news on the club’s quest to land a lethal new winger.

Tottenham continue to move forwards with Thomas Frank as the boss is being included in transfer planning this week.

At a time when Chelsea and Manchester United have changed their managers, Frank has been coming under pressure from the Spurs fanbase.

However, his immediate future is not in danger, we understand, as part of a patient plan to let him build a squad and shape the side to his liking.

As part of that, the Dane has been influencing their moves in the market as talks take place with targets.

We revealed last month how a left sided defender was a priority and Tottenham have been moving towards Souza from Santos.

Initial conversations last week showed that a move would be complicated after an opening bid worth roughly £8m was rejected.

However, sources have confirmed that Tottenham have not been deterred, are continuing talks, and have been trying hard to force a breakthrough on the deal.

If it does not show signs of changing in the next couple of days, they will move on to other targets in that area, though as mentioned, Tottenham are doing all they can right now to thrust the deal over the line.

Complicating matters is the fact Chelsea (via BlueCo), Manchester City (CityGroup) and Newcastle are all showing varying degrees of interest too.

Regarding cost, my colleague, Graeme Bailey, has been informed Santos are seeking around €20m, which is roughly double the value is Tottenham’s initial bid.

Meanwhile, there’s familiar bad news on Tottenham’s attempts to land a potent new winger.

After giving up on signing Antoine Semenyo despite being prepared to make him their highest paid player, Spurs made new checks on Yan Diomande’s availability.

Unfortunately, RB Leipzig have made it crystal clear Diomande is not attainable in this window. It is possible they now step away from that one, for now.

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Latest Tottenham news – Palhinha developments / New midfielder this week?

Elsewhere, Tottenham are souring on the idea of taking up Joao Palhinha’s £26m option to buy.

That’s put a London rival on red alert and they won’t show the same hesitancy Spurs are if there’s an opening to sign the Portugal international.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are ramping up their efforts to sign a new midfielder THIS WEEK, with manager Thomas Frank identifying a high-energy, driving maestro as the priority signing to inject vitality and legs into the heart of his team.

Finally, we can confirm Tottenham are one of a cluster of Premier League clubs taking a close look at 19-year-old Toulouse defender, Dayann Methalie.

Tottenham Hotspur are quietly compiling a shortlist of managerial candidates for a potential change at the helm in the summer of 2026, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as a top target to replace current boss Thomas Frank – though the Italian is understood to also be on Manchester United’s radar and will give the Red Devils favouritism should they make an approach.

Sources close to the north London club indicate that while there are no immediate plans to part ways with Frank, the Dane’s tenure is under scrutiny following a disappointing campaign that has left Spurs languishing in mid-table. And with supporters far from happy at either results or performances that have yielded a modest 37.93% win percentage record, the 52-year-old has found himself coming under some pressure.

Frank, who took over at Tottenham last summer after a successful stint at Brentford, has overseen a period of mixed results so far.

Club insiders insist that a comprehensive review of Frank’s position is scheduled for the end of the season, as they would anyway at the end of each campaign, though it is far from certain they will call time on his reign.

“There’s no rush to sack him right now,” one source told us. “The board appreciates the stability he’s brought and the clear issues with the squad, but results speak for themselves. If things don’t turn around, changes will be inevitable.”

De Zerbi, the 46-year-old Italian tactician who had transformed Brighton into a formidable force after his arrival in 2022, is said to have “huge admirers” within Tottenham’s hierarchy.

His progressive style of play, emphasising possession and high pressing, aligns with Spurs’ vision for the future. However, the North London club is acutely aware of the competition for his services.

As we revealed on Tuesday, De Zerbi is also a leading candidate for the vacant managerial position at Manchester United, where Ruben Amorim’s sacking earlier this week has sparked a high-profile search for a new leader.

According to multiple sources, De Zerbi harbours a strong interest in the Old Trafford role, viewing it as a “dream opportunity” to manage one of football’s most storied institutions.

His contract with Marseille runs to summer 2027, but sources insist he would be open to leaving this summer for the right opportunity and fuelled by a belief he has taken the French side as far as he can.

“He’s flattered by Tottenham’s interest, but United would likely be priority,” a source familiar with the situation explained.

This development comes at a pivotal time for Tottenham, who are eager to reclaim their status among the Premier League’s elite. The inclusion of De Zerbi on the list signals an ambition to attract top-tier talent.

Other names on the shortlist remain under wraps, though speculation has linked figures like Julian Nagelsmann and Amorim, perhaps somewhat surprisingly given his struggles at Old Trafford, to the role.

As the managerial merry-go-round heats up, De Zerbi’s future will be one of the most-watched stories of the summer transfer window.

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Latest Tottenham news: Pre-agreed deal could be aborted; Real Madrid star eyed

Meanwhile, sources can reveal that Fulham are keeping a close eye on Joao Palhinha’s situation at Tottenham amid claims the Lilywhites could abort their planned deal to make his loan permanent.

It is unclear at this stage how the Portugal star would view the idea of going back to his old club, but if Marco Silva remains as boss, we understand it is something that could be progressed.

Elsewhere, a top Real Madrid star is emerging on Spurs’ radar, we can reveal, though they could well face competition from two Premier League rivals who are also tracking his signature.

And finally, Tottenham are ramping up their efforts to sign a new midfielder THIS WEEK, with Frank making it clear he needs a high-energy, driving maestro as a priority signing to inject vitality and legs into the heart of his team.

Fulham would consider a move for Joao Palhinha if Tottenham do not take up their option to sign him.

There is not yet clarification on his situation but in recent weeks sources have become less convinced that Spurs trigger the option to take him on a permanent deal, which is worth €30m / £26m.

Palhinha, 30, has enjoyed being back in the Premier League – on loan from Bayern Munich – and is keen to remain in England.

As such, Fulham will keep an eye on the situation in case there is a possibility to lure him back to Craven Cottage in the summer.

Palhinha showed ambition when he left Fulham for the Bundesliga but his move did not go to plan and he is still not hitting the levels at Tottenham that he once showed in west London.

It is unclear at this stage how he would view the idea of going back to his old club, but if Marco Silva remains as boss it is something that could be progressed.

Silva has been in contract talks about extending his time at Fulham, with sources hinting that he is expected to stay and is close to an agreement.

He has been linked with the Manchester United job in the past 48 hours but that is not a likely outcome, as it stands.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank was very much behind the move to sign Palhinha on loan last summer for Spurs but the Portuguese midfielder has not hit his best levels.

Palhinha was a regular starter in the first part of the season but since December, has largely been utilised off the bench.

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Thomas Frank future could be key for Palhinha

It is also felt Frank’s situation will have a bearing on whether the midfielder stays.

Frank is safe in his job for now but, if results do not improve and he was to leave this season, it is very likely that would spell the end of Palhinha’s own time at the club.

Palhinha is contracted to Bayern until 2028 and if he does not join Spurs then the German club will have to decide whether to loan him out again.

It is considered unlikely that he can work his way back into Bayern’s plans.

Latest Tottenham & Fulham news – New signing this week / Raheem Sterling…

In other news, Tottenham are ramping up their efforts to sign a new midfielder THIS WEEK, with manager Thomas Frank identifying a high-energy, driving maestro as the priority signing to inject vitality and legs into the heart of his team.

Elsewhere, Fulham have held exploratory talks over the signing of Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling, though are keen to move a struggling winger out first.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is emerging on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, we can reveal, though they could well face competition from two Premier League rivals who are also tracking his signature.

The Ukraine star is highly-regarded at the Santiago Bernabeu, but number one Thibaut Courtois shows few signs of bowing out. Courtois is 33 but was handed a new two-year deal last summer and is on course to remain at the club.

Lunin, 26, has been with Real since 2018, and has been number two since 2021 following loan stints with Leganes, Real Valladolid and Real Oviedo.

Despite his huge promise, Real can’t offer Lunin any sort of regular minutes, and they also have exciting youngster Javi Navarro coming through the ranks, making it possible they could allow a deal in 2026.

Knowing he could be available, Lunin’s camp are doing work on options, and a move to England is understood to be a major temptation.

Sources have confirmed to us that Tottenham have been made aware of the situation, but they are not alone with a number of sides across Europe keen on Lunin.

Brighton & Hove Albion, who could lose Bart Verbruggen this summer, and Nottingham Forest are understood to be keeping tabs on the situation, too.

My colleague Fraser Fletcher reported on December 17 that Spurs have growing concerns over the long-term viability of current number one Guglielmo Vicario.

Fletcher added that Spurs are also tracking Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen and James Trafford of Manchester City.

Ter Stegen has been replaced by Joan Garcia at the Camp Nou. Trafford returned to City last summer but is behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order and is understood to be searching for a new club.

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Tottenham transfer news: Midfielder pursuit ramps up; latest on Brazilian target

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank is pushing Spurs to land a top-class new midfielder this week.

Sources state that Spurs have also offered €10m (£8.7m) for a Brazilian left-back.

Tottenham are ramping up their efforts to sign a new midfielder THIS WEEK, with manager Thomas Frank identifying a high-energy, driving maestro as the priority signing to inject vitality and legs into the heart of his team.

Spurs are pushing forward with plans to address a lack of dynamism in the middle of the park. Sources close to the club indicate that Frank, who took the reins last summer, is keen on a player capable of progressive carries, relentless pressing, and box-to-box runs to complement the existing setup of Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and the experienced Joao Palhinha.

The need for reinforcement has been amplified by a challenging start to the year, including a frustrating 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the weekend, where late concessions and a lack of control in midfield drew boos from the home faithful.

Frank has been candid about the difficulties of his role, likening it to a “gruelling marathon,” but remains focused on strengthening the squad to turn performances into results.

Leading the list of potential arrivals is England international Conor Gallagher, currently at Atletico Madrid. The 25-year-old, known for his tireless work rate and ability to drive forward from deep, has seen limited minutes under Diego Simeone this season.

As we revealed previously, Gallagher is open to a Premier League return, with Tottenham in contact. A loan move could be feasible, depending on Atletico’s willingness to subsidise wages, though a permanent deal remains a possibility if the numbers align.

But Tottenham face competition for Gallagher, potentially from Manchester United, and they have alternative targets in mind…

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Tottenham ramp up midfielder chase

Another name firmly on Tottenham’s radar is Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old Cameroonian has impressed with his ball-carrying prowess and defensive tenacity, drawing comparisons to a “new Mousa Dembele” in some quarters.

However, Brighton are adamant about retaining their prized asset mid-season, with valuations hovering around £80-87 million making a January transfer unlikely.

Spurs, along with Liverpool and United, are monitoring the situation closely, potentially positioning for a summer swoop.

Other profiles under consideration include versatile attackers who could add creativity and energy, but the emphasis remains on a pure midfield driver to provide the “legs” Frank craves.

As reported by my colleague, Dean Jones, Maghnes Akliouche at Monaco is on the list – admired at Spurs and could be one to watch.

The pursuit has been helped by the recent departure of winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in a club-record £35 million deal for the Eagles.

The move, completed earlier this window, has freed up more funds and wage space, allowing the recruitment team to pursue ambitious targets. That income plus the backing of the club means there is money to spend for Frank this month.

While a left-sided attacker remains on the wishlist to overhaul that flank, midfield reinforcement is seen as crucial for immediate impact.

Frank has been under pressure, but he will be backed this month and his position reviewed in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are among the clubs that have been approached by intermediaries regarding a move for Vanderson in the January transfer window, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the AS Monaco star is ready to leave in the middle of the season.

We understand that Vanderson is a January option for a number of Premier League clubs. The attacking Brazilian full-back almost moved to England in January 2022, but Monaco persuaded him to reject Brentford to switch to the Principality instead from Gremio.

Monaco paid Gremio around £10million (€11.5m, $13.5m) for the 24-year-old, who is now a full Brazil international.

Sources have told us that Monaco would want to more than double their money for Vanderson, which means that the Ligue 1 side are looking for at least £20m (€23m, $27m).

However, we have been told that Vanderson is likely to be available this month at the right price, and intermediaries are working behind the scenes.

Crystal Palace are in the market for another attacking full-back and have made enquiries for the seven-times capped Brazil international.

We can also reveal that Tottenham, Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton have also been approached by intermediaries in regard to a move in the January transfer window.

Vanderson is under contract at Monaco until the summer of 2028 and has scored eight goals and given 16 assists in 137 appearances for Monaco so far in his career.

Vanderson has made five starts and three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 for Monaco this season, giving two assists in the process.

The Brazilian full-back also played four times for the Ligue 1 outfit in the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

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Latest Tottenham and Everton transfer news

Meanwhile, sources have told our transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham are pushing to sign a dazzling star and have been scouting him.

Sources have also told us that Tottenham are planning a bid for a record-breaking winger.

Regarding Everton, the Toffees are aiming for a January move for a top Championship side.

Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to give up on signing Souza from Santos in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk, with Newcastle United among the clubs interested in him.

We understand that Tottenham have held talks with Santos over a deal for their highly-rated left-back Souza.

The north London club are looking to tie up a deal for the teenager as they look to see off interest from a number of rivals.

Tottenham are most advanced, having proposed an initial deal worth €10million (£8.7m, $11.7m), but Santos are believed to value the player at closer to €20m (£17.3m, $23.4m).

Despite Santos’ initial rejection, Tottenham have not backed away, and talks are continuing, but we understand that they are not alone in chasing Souza.

We understand that BlueCo (Chelsea owners) and City Group (Manchester City owners) both like Souza, whilst Newcastle also admire the 19-year-old.

There is interest in Souza from clubs in Spain and Germany, too, but sources in Brazil believe the player is likely to be heading to England this month.

Souza is under contract at Santos until December 2028.

The 19-year-old Brazilian left-back has made 38 appearances for the Santos first team so far in his career,

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Midfielder race, bid for winger

Meanwhile, Tottenham have stormed into the race for a dominant midfielder, with scouts hugely impressed with him.

Sources have told us that Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign a dazzling but expensive star.

Thomas Frank has hinted at potential Tottenham Hotspur transfer business in the January window after confirming that Mohammed Kudus sustained a thigh injury against Sunderland on Sunday and has been sent for scans on the problem.

Spurs are in the midst of a tough run of results under Frank, with the draw against Sunderland leaving them 13th in the table and facing yet more woe on the injury front as a result.

Kudus hobbled off early on against the Black Cats, as Tottenham failed to build on a strong first-half display before collapsing late on against the visitors.

The injury to the Ghana man came just days after the north London outfit sold the contender to his right-wing berth, Brennan Johnson, to Crystal Palace for £35million, leaving them short on wide options as a result.

Frank confirmed at his press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Bournemouth that Kudus had been sent for scans, which the club are still awaiting the results of.

Signing a new left-sided attacker has been on the club’s radar since legendary figure Son Heung-min left over the summer, but Spurs might have to look at a player capable of playing on both flanks instead.

Mathys Tel, handed a rare start on Sunday, was one of the bright spots in the draw with Sunderland, but Frank admitted that no one has been able to take hold of that left-wing spot this season.

He told reporters, in a clear hint that some transfer business will be done this month: “I think it’s pretty fair to say that we are maybe a little bit short on offensive options.

“I think also it’s fair, there’s no one who’s really grabbed that shirt on the left-hand side. So I think that’s definitely up for grabs.

“I think it was a positive performance from Mathys [against Sunderland]. I think he did some positive things and got into good situations.”

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Numerous wingers on Tottenham’s radar

In terms of who Tottenham are looking at for that wide spot on the left, our sources recently confirmed that Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis has emerged as a potential target.

The Greece international has scored seven goals and added nine assists from 18 league starts so far this season and has also been a Champions League regular.

Elsewhere, Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche was once again scouted over the weekend but is more of a right-winger, which could be the move if Kudus is out for any length of time.

The French club can be difficult to deal with, however, and move in the winter window could be a tricky one to pull off.

Other targets, also include Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Man City star Savinho and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, although Tottenham will almost certainly be priced out of a move for the latter.