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Joshua Zirkzee will be hoping for one more chance to prove himself at Manchester United, as they await the outcome of scans on an injury sustained by Benjamin Sesko that could prove critical to the club’s January transfer plans.

But the Reds would be willing to go into the January market for a forward if the Slovenian striker was to face a lengthy lay-off.

Sesko limped off in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and afterwards Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim admitted: “He has something in his knee, so let’s see. We think he has a problem.”

There is hope the issue is not going to leave him sidelined for a significant period of time, and scan results will quickly give the club a better idea of the situation they face.

Even if the player is given good news, his injury scare highlights the lack of depth United face in the central striker position.

United are primarily looking at long-term signings for the new year but have had an open mind about new goalscoring prospects that become available in the market.

Initially, that stance was taken in case there is a suitable offer that arrives for Zirkzee. If he was to leave, United would be looking for more of a typical No.9 to add new threat to their options.

However, if Sesko is sidelined then United would also be happy to enter the market – even if it is to find a short-term option.

That would mean they even have a willingness to sign someone who is older than their typical targets, sensing an opportunity to add experience.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Transfer Debrief: Man Utd plan spectacular January move; Liverpool icon to leave; Tottenham star eyed by Real Madrid

Man Utd striker options – if Sesko is sidelined

Currently United would have Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha as main figures most likely to fill in as centre-forward, though Mason Mount has also been used.

This will be seen as an opportunity for Zirkzee to prove himself – but the problem is that Amorim does not see him as the style of player he would ideally like in that role.

Amorim rates Zirkzee as a player but has found it hard to fit him into his system – and he is not willing to change the setup.

Still, this could be a key period as – at the very least – Zirkzee’s chances of game-time would be improved if Sesko is out for a while.

Latest Man Utd news: Endrick chase update; Garner return

First up, Fabrizio Romano has dismissed speculation once and for all that Manchester United want to sign Endrick from Real Madrid, with the transfer guru also revealing which club the Brazil international striker is keen on joining in the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, United are not planning to bring James Garner back to Old Trafford despite the midfielder being out of contract at Everton at the end of the season, sources have told TEAMtalk.

And finally, Senne Lammens was inspirational by making two top-class saves for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur – a contribution that suddenly seemed more significant given the final result.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer chiefs Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are reportedly closing in on the signing of a sublime winger target, although TEAMtalk has some doubts over how the LaLiga star will fit into Thomas Frank’s side.

It’s no secret that Spurs are after at least one new forward signing in the January transfer window, with the very real possibility that they sign a new left-winger as well as another No.9.

In terms of that left-sided berth, Tottenham remain huge fans of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, while Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman remains a target and will almost certainly be on the move in the new year after his very public midweek bust-up with boss Ivan Juric.

However, fresh reports from Spain state that the north London club are ready to trigger the £53million (€60m / $70m) exit clause of Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo.

The report from the not always reliable Fichajes, claims that Tottenham’s interest in the player is ‘serious’ and that Kubo himself sees a move to the Premier League side as the ‘ideal next step’ in his career.

The 24-year-old Japan international, who joined Sociedad from Real Madrid in 2022 after failing to break through at the Bernabeu, has been subject to “several” failed transfer attempts from Spurs in recent years. However, it appears that Tottenham are now ready to succeed where others have failed.

It’s also claimed, with a hint of cynicism, that the transfer could give Spurs huge commercial gains in the Asian market once again following the departure of South Korean legend Son Heung-min last summer.

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Why the doubts over Kubo to Tottenham?

Kubo has racked up 24 goals and 18 assists in 146 total appearances for Sociedad and is renowned for his ability in one-v-one situations.

Indeed, the Japan star completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any other Sociedad player in LaLiga last season with an impressive 2.1 per game (WhoScored), which is more than any Spurs player managed in 2024/2025.

Here’s the issue, though, he plays almost exclusively as a right-winger and Tottenham already have an outstanding talent in that position, Mohammed Kudus.

Kubo is naturally left-footed but, like most wide players these days, is stronger on the opposite flank, cutting inside onto his stronger foot.

The Sociedad man is versatile enough to swap sides and fill that problem left-sided position for Tottenham, but it would be going completely against his strengths to do so and arguably be a waste of his talents – especially at £53m.

While it remains to be seen what happens in January, it’s more likely that Spurs pursue Semenyo or Lookman instead, given they regularly line up on the left for their respective sides.

Latest Tottenham news: New attacking target; Van de Ven boost

First up, Tottenham have already moved on from their interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye is now a prime target for Thomas Frank’s side.

Elsewhere, Spurs have received a huge boost in their quest to keep Micky van de Ven away from the clutches of Liverpool and Real Madrid, according to a transfer journalist.

Tottenham Hotspur have already moved on from their interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with sources telling TEAMtalk that Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye is now a prime target for Thomas Frank’s side.

Spurs have long wanted to sign Rogers, who is one of the best wingers in the Premier League and a key player for Villa. Tottenham contemplated making a bid for the 23-year-old England international in the summer of 2025, but last season’s Europa League winners eventually decided against it.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham had maintained interest in Rogers, but now that he has agreed to sign a new contract with Villa, the north London club have quickly moved on.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein reported on Friday that Rogers has agreed on a new contract with Aston Villa until 2031.

Tottenham suspected that such a deal would happen, so they have already identified Iliman Ndiaye as a potential alternative.

Ndiaye has been at Everton since 2024 and has scored 15 goals and given one assist in 49 appearances for the Toffees.

The Senegal international is under contract at Everton until the summer of 2029.

Jones said: “Friday was not a great day for Tottenham in terms of transfer news as two of the players they really like from within the Premier League look like they won’t be gettable any time soon.

“They always knew it was going to be a stretch, but there really is no limit in terms of the ambition Spurs are going to show from this point on.

“Morgan Rogers is someone they really like, and they were very close to initiating late talks in the summer to try to sign him.

“Ultimately, they realised it would be a waste of time, so they moved on to sort other deals, but of course they have still kept him in mind.

“Now that he has signed a new deal, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so he will have to be put aside as a target.

“It’s not a major blow because they expected it to be a difficult deal, but I do think that Ndiaye has crept onto their radar as someone that might become more attainable.

“If this season does not go well at Everton, then it’s possible they would look at him as someone they could try to sign.

“Spurs have a list that has been formed over the past couple of weeks, and he is a player with a spark, and that’s the sort of thing Tottenham are looking for.

“David Moyes has spoken about the speculation and has put a lid on it for now by insisting he won’t be going anywhere.

“It’s probably one to keep an eye on.”

READ NEXT 🔴 Transfer Debrief: Man Utd plan spectacular January move; Liverpool icon to leave; Tottenham star eyed by Real Madrid

Could Everton sell Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham?

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Everton have no intention whatsoever of selling Ndiaye to Tottenham anytime soon.

We understand that Newcastle United, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on Ndiaye.

Napoli have expressed admiration for the winger’s versatility, too, but Everton sources are adamant that the Senegal international is not for sale.

Everton are planning to rebuff any advances for Ndiaye in the January window and will not sell him on the cheap next summer either.

Fletcher has reported: “Recent reports have floated a potential £30m price tag for Ndiaye, but TEAMtalk sources close to Everton have dismissed these figures as ‘laughable’.

“Drawing financial parallels to defender Jarrad Branthwaite, whom Everton value at over £70 million, the club has set a premium on the Senegalese international that aligns with market trends for similar profiles.

“Think of players like Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha or Declan Rice – dynamic midfielders who command fees north of £60 million in today’s inflated market.

“Everton are adamant they won’t entertain offers below their internal assessment, which our sources peg at significantly higher than the rumoured £30 million.”

Moyes has also made it clear that Everton want to keep Ndiaye.

The Liverpool Echo quotes the Everton manager as saying: “I don’t really see the speculation because I’m not looking, probably.

“I think he’s got a three-and-a-half-year deal here, maybe more, so it’s something that we’re fully aware of, and he’s playing really well.

“It would be wrong for teams not to talk about him because of his form.

“Here at Everton, we’re building a team and we want to build with players like Ili, so we’ve got no intention of letting him go, that’s for sure.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Frank praises former target, new contract boost

Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has raved about a Manchester United forward he wanted to sign when he left Brentford for Spurs in the summer of 2025.

One of Tottenham’s best players is ready to commit his long-term future to last season’s Europa League winners, despite interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has raved about a Manchester United star he wanted to sign before the Red Devils snapped him up in the summer of 2025.

Spurs will take on Man Utd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Tottenham have lost two of their last three league games and are in sixth place in the table, while Man Utd have won three of their last four and are level on points with the north London outfit in eighth.

One of the main reasons behind Man Utd’s recent good run of results is the form of Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroon international forward has scored five goals and given one assist in 11 appearances for Man Utd so far this season.

Mbeumo – who cost Man Utd a total of £71million (€81m, $93.5m), including add-ons, when they signed him from Brentford in the summer of 2025 – was voted the Premier League Player of the Month for October for three goals and one assist in the Red Devils’ three games.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank worked with Mbeumo at Brentford, and ahead of the match between Spurs and Man Utd in north London on Saturday, he has raved about the 26-year-old forward.

Frank tried to sign Mbeumo for Tottenham when he was appointed their manager in the summer, with The Mirror reporting in June that he had ‘told Spurs’ that he wanted to work with the forward at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Sun also reported in June that Frank was keen on a reunion with Mbeumo at Tottenham, but it was Man Utd who eventually won the race for the star’s signature.

Frank told ESPN about Mbeumo: “When you work with a player for six years, you get a close relationship.

“To see him develop from being a young man, 19 years old when he moved to London and Brentford and left six years later, going into one of the biggest clubs in the world with all that focus and the way he stepped up.

“For me, looking from the outside, maybe a little bit biased, I think he’s been their best offensive player.

“He can create, he can score, he works hard, he’s a team player.

“He’s the perfect example, in my opinion, for a player what I call about attitude, confident but humble.

“He’s a top player. I think he will have fantastic success there.

“I hope that for him, not tomorrow, but in general I hope and wish him all the best.”

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What Ruben Amorim thinks of Bryan Mbeumo

Like Tottenham boss Frank, Man Utd manager Ruven Amorim has also been hugely impressed with Mbeumo.

The London Evening Standard quotes Amorim as saying about Mbeumo: “Bryan (Mbeumo) is really direct, and we missed that last year.

“You can sense when the ball is going to our defender, he is already running to position.

“These kinds of small things that people don’t see are massive to turn our team into a more dangerous team.”

Latest Man Utd transfer news: Wolves raid, Romano bombshell

Meanwhile, Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim has told his bosses exactly what he wants in the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, has reported that a Wolves star is ready to leave, with Man Utd among the clubs chasing his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge boost in their quest to keep Micky van de Ven away from the clutches of Liverpool and Real Madrid, according to a transfer journalist.

With both Liverpool and Real Madrid on the hunt for a new centre-back in 2026, Van de Ven’s name has found its way on the radar of the defending Premier League champions and the Spanish powerhouse. The Netherlands international has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in English football since his £34million (€39m, $45m) move from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023 and is still only 24.

Liverpool are said to have taken a shine to Van de Ven, as the Merseyside club look to bring in a top-class centre-back in 2026, with Ibrahima Konate out of contract at the end of the season.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Van de Ven, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher.

However, Tottenham are in no mood to part ways with one of their prized assets, with journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that the defender himself is ready to sign a new deal with Spurs and extend his stay at north London beyond the summer of 2029.

Bailey told TBR: “A new deal for Van de Ven is emerging as one of Tottenham’s priorities under Vinai Venkatesham’s reign, and talks have already been taking place since the summer.

“But this is both ways, Van de Ven is very happy at Tottenham, he has settled in brilliantly since he arrived, having now emerged as one of the Premier League’s best, and his partnership with Cristian Romero is on par with anything in the game.

“Romero plays a part here; his decision not to seek a move in the summer has an impact on Van de Ven, who is ready to follow in his steps and sign, and he will be rewarded with similar terms to those of his Argentine colleague.

“Yes, both Spurs and Van de Ven are aware of interest; there is no denying that. Spurs believe he is one of the best anywhere in Europe, and they are recognising this with this prospective new deal. Talks are set to accelerate this month.”

Van de Ven has made 66 appearances for Tottenham so far in his career, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in the process.

READ NEXT 🔴 Transfer Debrief: Man Utd plan spectacular January move; Liverpool icon to leave; Tottenham star eyed by Real Madrid

How highly Tottenham rate Micky van de Ven – sources

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham rate Van de Ven so highly that last season’s Europa League winners will not even entertain talks over selling him until another club is willing to pay over £90million (€102m, $118.5m) for him.

Sources close to Tottenham have told us that there is “zero intention” to part ways with Van de Ven.

However, the Premier League club do accept that, to match the Dutchman’s ambitions, they will need to keep on qualifying for the Champions League.

We understand that Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Van de Ven, who has proved so far at Tottenham that he has the quality to play for a club of that stature.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Dusan Vlahovic conditions, Bundesliga raid

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have learned the major conditions for them to sign Dusan Vlahovic, who is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the season.

Another striker is also on Tottenham’s radar, with the star in question having worked with Spurs manager Thomas Frank at Brentford.

Tottenham have long been linked with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and now know the demands they’d have to adhere to which could see them finally land the striker.

Spurs’ striker options have not roused confidence this season. Richarlison is their top scorer in the Premier League with just three goals – joint with centre-back Micky van de Ven – while Mathys Tel has done little, and injuries to Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke mean neither have played often.

For some time, Tottenham have been linked with the signing of Juventus striker Vlahovic, stretching back to when he was signed by the Italian side in 2022.

Those links are growing fast given the striker is out of contract in the summer, and while Juve are willing to extend his deal, they might be unable to.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Vlahovic will only be re-signed by Juve if he reduces his wage demands – he’s said to want a ‘top salary and signing-on bonus.’

That will not necessarily be from the Italian side, with Tottenham and other clubs in the mix.

It’s suggested it will be hard for Juve to keep Vlahovic, as there’s no suggestion he reduces his demands, and given he’s out of contract in the summer, a free transfer seemingly beckons.

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January transfer chance on the cards

That said, Vlahovic could yet move on in January, despite the fact he’d be able to walk away for nothing in just a few months.

TEAMtalk is aware that Juve will let the striker go for £17.5million in January rather than letting him go for free in the summer, when there’s expected to be a battle for his services.

That plan hinges on there being a club willing to pay a fee for him when they know he’d come free in a few months.

The downside to waiting, for all but one club, will be that they don’t land him, where paying a fee in January would essentially guarantee a move.

The question is whether £17.5million is a low enough fee for a club to agree to part with, alongside the large demands made by Vlahovic himself.

Tottenham round-up: Van de Ven 2.0 eyed

Tottenham have added Wolfsburg centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis to their shortlist as they look to land a left-sided defender to cover Micky van de Ven.

Koulierakis is clearly similar to the Dutchman, playing for his former side on the left side of defence, so he could impact Spurs in a similar way.

Meanwhile, Tottenham target Joao Gomes could be the subject of interest in January, and TEAMtalk is aware he’ll not stick it out at Wolves if they’re relegated.

Manchester United are planning to go big with a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in January, a Liverpool cult hero could pen a pre-contract agreement to leave the club, while this week’s exclusive Transfer Debrief can reveal Tottenham star Micky van de Ven has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid.

Man Utd to go all out for Anderson

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim remains keen to add to his midfield options, and a statement move for Forest’s rising star Anderson is in the pipeline.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher exclusively revealed on November 4 that United view Anderson as a ‘realistic’ target for the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old England star, who joined Forest from Newcastle United in a £35million deal last summer, has quickly established himself as a key player at the City Ground.

His energetic displays in midfield have caught the eye of United’s boss, Ruben Amorim, who sources say is desperate to inject more dynamism and legs into his engine room.

Sources reveal that Anderson would be ‘very keen’ on a move to Old Trafford – and the mutual interest could prove pivotal in negotiations.

Forest have drawn a clear line in the sand: pay big money or back off. They value Anderson at around the £80m mark, though the Red Devils believe a deal could be struck closer to £60m this winter.

And interestingly, Anderson’s signing could be the move that allows Kobbie Mainoo to leave on loan, with TEAMtalk also revealing on November 3 that Napoli are pushing hard for a deal.

Liverpool hero keen on exit – could agree deal in January

TEAMtalk revealed in an exclusive update yesterday (November 6) that Liverpool icon Andy Robertson is very tempted by a move to Celtic.

The 31-year-old left-back, whose Anfield deal expires in June 2026, has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since 2017, winning two Premier League titles, a Champions League and every major honour in between.

Robertson is still loved by Liverpool supporters, but his contract situation has drawn interest in his signature. He is able to hold talks with suitors over a pre-contract agreement in January, ahead of a free transfer next summer.

Sources close to Robertson say Celtic “lives in his heart”. A lifelong Hoops supporter from Glasgow’s south side, he idolised the club as a child and still follows every result. He was also there as a youth player between 2003-09.

“It’s the one move that would make total sense for him personally,” an insider revealed. “He wants to give something back to Scottish football and finish where it all began.”

Celtic are ready to pounce, viewing Robertson as an experienced pro who could raise the quality of their squad as they aim to dominate domestically and compete in Europe.

The Hoops also see Robertson as the perfect mentor for emerging left-back prospects and a leader to steady a defence that has shipped goals in recent weeks.

Real Madrid plot Tottenham raid

Micky van de Ven is undoubtedly one of Tottenham’s most important players, and his brilliant solo goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League has only increased the interest in his signature.

TEAMtalk revealed on November 5 that Real Madrid have identified the Dutch international as a key target as Xabi Alonso looks to add to his defensive options.

Van de Ven, 24, is contracted with Spurs until 2029, so that puts them in a very strong negotiating position. Only offers north of £90m would make them consider negotiations, but an exit is completely off the table in January.

However, sources suggest that failure to qualify for the Champions League could lead to a shock exit next summer.

Van de Ven has ambitions to play at the highest level consistently, and therefore, it is paramount that Tottenham stay in the elite competition.

Failure to secure this could open the door for suitors. Paris Saint-Germain, long-term admirers since his Wolfsburg days, are also monitoring the situation closely.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk confirmed in a separate update on November 6 that Spurs are keeping tabs on the situation of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who is on Liverpool’s shortlist, too.

Arsenal to block exit / Arne Slot talks / Toney to Tottenham / Big Everton updates and more…

Arsenal will NOT entertain the idea of selling captain Martin Odegaard, despite links with a shock move to Barcelona.

Liverpool are backing new left-back signing Milos Kerkez to succeed and be the long-term replacement for Robertson despite his lacklustre start at Anfield.

Liverpool are planning to open talks with Arne Slot imminently over extending his contract.

Tottenham are ready to battle Barcelona for the signing of former striker Harry Kane should he look to leave Bayern Munich next summer.

Aston Villa are close to agreeing a contract extension with Morgan Rogers, who has been targeted by Chelsea and Tottenham.

Tottenham are leading the race for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who is open to a reunion with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, potentially in January.

Celtic’s top manager target remains Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, while Efrain Juarez is open to taking the job and Wilfried Nancy, Kjetil Knutsen, and Robbie Keane are being considered.

Man Utd are keen to bring in a new centre-back and wing-back as well as a midfielder, but may have to wait until next summer to make those additions.

Man Utd are unlikely to move for West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta in January, despite links.

West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug is likely to leave in January, with Hamburg and Stuttgart both interested.

Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham are keeping tabs on Dusan Vlahovic, who could leave Juventus for €20m in January.

Everton have no plans to recall talented midfielder Harrison Armstrong from his loan with Preston North End, despite speculation amid his excellent form.

The Toffees will NOT entertain selling Jarrad Branthwaite in January, with Man Utd still interested despite his injury problems.

Everton sources insist David Moyes is not under threat of being sacked, despite shock reports linking a former Liverpool manager with his job.

Manchester City are willing to sell Nathan Ake for £25m in January, with Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham all keen.

Man City retain interest in Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda as Pep Guardiola looks to sign a new right-back.

Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Liverpool all hold genuine interest in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz. Real Madrid ace Rodrygo is also on Spurs’ ambitious shortlist.

A second source has followed TEAMtalk’s lead in confirming Tottenham are open to signing Ivan Toney in January, and Thomas Frank has already held direct talks with the proven frontman.

Tottenham are lacking a cutting edge up front right now, as evidenced by the fact centre-back, Micky van de Ven, is their top scorer this season. The Dutchman leads the way with six goals in all competitions. No other Spurs player has even reached five.

Dominic Solanke remains troubled by an ankle issue, Randal Kolo Muani is yet to score for his loan club, Richarlison blows hot and cold, and Mathys Tel is still a diamond in the rough.

As such, there is a growing sense Spurs will dip into the market for a proven striker in January and Toney, 29, is in Frank’s sights.

The Dane was Toney’s manager during his time at Brentford where in his last season with the Bees, Toney notched 20 goals in the Premier League.

He transferred to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024, but could return to England via the loan route in January.

TEAMtalk broke that news via our insider, Fraser Fletcher, on Tuesday. Frank is understood to have held ‘direct talks’ with Toney who is receptive to a Premier League return.

Now, the latest from talkSPORT has backed up our reporting, declaring: ‘Thomas Frank would be open to bringing Ivan Toney back to the Premier League.’

Furthermore, their chief football reporter, Alex Crook, stated: “I keep coming back to Ivan Toney for Tottenham. You look at what he did with Thomas Frank at Brentford.

“I think he’d like to come back to the Premier League, obviously financially it might be a difficult deal, but that just looks a perfect fit to me for Spurs either in January or next summer.”

Adding to Toney’s desire to return to England will be his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad announced on Friday.

Harry Kane was the only out-and-out striker chosen in the squad, unless you count Marcus Rashford too.

Clearly, Toney must perform well in a more difficult league like the EPL if he’s to change Tuchel’s mind ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Can Frank, Toney reunion really happen?

Sources told TEAMtalk Spurs are leading the race for Toney.

A permanent exit mid-season is off the table – clubs baulk at a £30m fee in January – while Toney risks a hefty tax bill if his lucrative Saudi contract is terminated early.

A straight loan, or loan-to-buy arrangement, is the only viable path, allowing Al-Ahli to protect their investment while Toney chases top-flight football.

Sources say Spurs view him as the ideal short-term solution to their striking woes, potentially replacing the inconsistent Richarlison. Inserting an obligation to buy in the summer could sweeten the deal for Al-Ahli and ensure their green light.

You can read our full and original exclusive on Tottenham’s plans to sign Toney in January here.

Latest Tottenham news

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly added a centre-back with a lot of parallels to Micky van de Ven to their shortlist for January as they look to improve the options in their back line.

Elsewhere, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes will not stick around in the summer if his club are relegated, TEAMtalk sources state, and there is even the potential of a January switch.

Tottenham are one of the clubs who have previously shown interest in the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, Spurs are believed to be ready to utilise the talents of academy man Dane Scarlett more and more going forwards.

That is as they prepare to oust Richarlison, amid interest from his former side Everton.

Tottenham have reportedly added a centre-back with a lot of parallels to Micky van de Ven to their shortlist for January as they look to improve the options in their back line.

Spurs have begun the season in a decent manner, certainly far better than how they might have expected to recover from last term. Indeed, they finished 17th in the Premier League last season and are currently sixth.

What’s more, they are just two points shy of second-placed Manchester City, but also just two points above 11th-placed Aston Villa.

Spurs’ defence is one of the most solid in the Premier League this term, conceding only eight goals in 10 games – only rivals Arsenal have conceded less.

But a new central defender is a ‘priority’ given Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are the only back-up options to starters Van de Ven and Romero.

According to TBRFootball, Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis has been added to Tottenham‘s list of defensive targets.

Quickly establishing himself as a key player for both Greece and Wolfsburg, the 21-year-old has been scouted by Liverpool as well as Spurs.

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Koulierakis the next Van de Ven?

There are parallels between Koulierakis and star Tottenham centre-back Van de Ven, beyond just the fact the Greek plays for the Spurs man’s former side, Wolfsburg.

It’s said that the north London club ideally want a left-sided centre-back to cover Van de Ven, so they clearly think the two are similar.

On that point, insider Graeme Bailey said: “Koulierakis is attracting a lot of attention across Europe, composed and left-sided – left-footed defenders do tend to carry a bit more of a premium and he is standing out at the moment.”

What’s more, Koulierakis’ stats last season were similar to Van de Ven’s from his final season with Wolfsburg, with the numbers of tackles and interceptions similar, though the Greek is far ahead on aerial duels and clearances.

But Van de Ven has become a better player since he moved to Tottenham, and he’s scored two headed goals of his three in the Premier League this term, so his prowess in the air suggests the pair are now very similar.

Van de Ven has six goals to his name this term, so if Koulierakis could add another string to his bow, he could be a perfect addition to the Tottenham side, given he’s clearly already a very competent defender.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs in mix for Wolves star

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes will not stick around in the summer if his club are relegated, TEAMtalk sources state, and there is even the potential of a January attack.

Tottenham are one of the clubs who have previously shown interest in the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, Spurs are believed to be ready to utilise the talents of academy man Dane Scarlett more going forwards.

That is as they prepare to oust Richarlison, amid interest from his former side Everton.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to lean more on the talents of young striker Dane Scarlett going forward, despite the fact they are in the market for a new No.9 as they prepare to try and offload Brazilian frontman Richarlison in the January transfer window.

Scarlett has made just 22 senior appearances for Spurs in all competitions, scoring only once in that time after coming through the youth ranks at the north London club.

However, he appears to have caught Thomas Frank’s eye, especially when you consider that Harry Kane heir-apparent Will Lankshear was allowed to leave Tottenham on loan over the summer while Scarlett remained around the first-team squad.

The 21-year-old, who has had loan stints at Portsmouth, Ipswich and Oxford during his young career so far, impressed in his 10-minute cameo off the bench against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Indeed, Scarlett won a penalty in stoppage-time, only for the man he could ultimately replace in the squad, Richarlison, to fire the spot-kick against the bar.

But with Scatlett very much in Frank’s thoughts, TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones has given some insight on what the future holds for the talented attacker.

Jones said: “Dane Scarlett could get more chances soon – even in the Premier League. It wouldn’t surprise me.

“He’s definitely rated within the set-up and they have been giving him plenty of exposure to life around the first team even when not involved actively. He made an impressive impact against Copenhagen and I think we will be seeing more of him over the next couple of months on the back of that.

“It might not be immediately, given their next games are United, Arsenal and PSG. But after that and leading into the new year, I would expect him to start building more minutes to see if he can make a bit of a mark on the team and boost their options and intensity in the final third.

“He’s a confident and capable player. He probably would have scored the penalty that Richarlison missed. There is also an argument that could be made that Spurs will keep him around beyond January, while they will be open to offers for Richarlison.”

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Tottenham expected to sign a new No.9

Scarlett’s opportunities may well have to come before the January window, given that TEAMtalk sources have informed us that the club are actively looking to strengthen their forward options in the new year.

Signing a new left-winger, as well as another striker, are both priorities for returning sporting director Fabio Paratici heading into the winter window.

Tottenham have been without arguably their top marksman Dominic Solanke since last August, as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury that ultimately ended up needing surgery.

Richarlison has hardly made a case to remain at the club in Solankee’s absence, despite his impressive start to the campaign. Loanee Randal Kolo Muani, however, did actually start to show some signs that he is getting to grips with life in England in the win over Copenhagen.

Offloading Richarlison does remain a serious option for Spurs, if they can find a suitor, with former club Everton known to be keen on a reunion.

If that happens, Tottenham will move to bolster the position and have a plethora of options who are currently on their radar.

At this stage, TEAMtak can confirm that their top two options are former Brentford attacker Ivan Toney and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

Our insider Fraser Fletcher recently confirmed that Frank has been in ‘direct contact’ with his old No.9 about a return to the Premier League, with the 29-year-old currently scoring for fun with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Vlahovic, meanwhile, is expected to be available for a cut-price €20m (£17.5m, $23m) fee in January, due to the fact that his current Juve contract runs out in the summer of 2026.

The Serbia international has been a long-time target of Tottenham’s and Paratici’s strong Serie A connections give them a strong chance of completing a deal.

However, Tottenham are not the only club in for the 25-year-old, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham also in the mix.

Either way, Spurs will be a club to keep a close eye on in January and TEAMtalk will be across all their movements.

Latest Tottenham news: Big Van de Ven update; secret Harry Kane weapon

First up, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven remains a key storyline ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window, with the centre-back drawing increasing attention from Europe’s elite, with TEAMtalk detailing the latest on the centre-back’s future.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Spurs have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands.

And finally, Tottenham remain in the hunt to sign an explosive left-sided winger from a Premier League rival, although their hopes of securing a much-needed January transfer appear to be disappearing fast.