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Tottenham believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored – including the highly-rated Yan Diomande.

If their plan comes together, there is genuine belief the season can finally have lift-off under Thomas Frank, who has come under pressure in north London in recent weeks.

Tottenham have been scouring the market well in advance of both this month and the summer of 2026, with recruitment staff maintaining a keen eye on players capable of adding invention and unpredictability to Frank’s frontline.

Sources indicate Tottenham are actively assessing a number of high-upside attacking options, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, Manchester City winger Savinho and RB Leipzig’s young forward Yan Diomande all on the shortlist as the club search for a player who could change the course of their season.

Spurs have also been monitoring several other profiles, including Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb, Juventus star Kenan Yildiz as well as Said El Mala, as they weigh up both immediate impact and long-term value.

Tottenham are understood to be ready to show intent in the market this month, while also remaining flexible should preferred targets prove unattainable.

With agents expected to begin offering new opportunities as the window progresses, Spurs hope patience could still present value further down the line.

There is, however, an acceptance internally that top January business will come at a premium. Selling clubs are aware Tottenham are seeking a game-changing addition and have funds available, which could inflate asking prices – particularly at this stage of a season.

Despite that, Spurs are confident the right attacking signing would significantly enhance the goal output of Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke, once the striker returns to fitness. There has been some speculation about Solanke but I’m told Frank is excited about the prospect of having him.

The belief is that improved creativity and service could unlock the trio’s full potential during the second half of the campaign.

Tottenham’s sales pitch will play a crucial role in negotiations, though recruitment efforts are complicated by disruption behind the scenes as Fabio Paratici expects to officially depart.

Even so, the club remain determined to reinforce their attack and give Frank the tools needed to push Spurs back into contention for a European-placed finish.

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Diomande signing hopes hit hard

One of the players on that list of top targets is Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who is a player Tottenham are particularly excited about, but sources continue to believe he will be off-limits in January.

The interest in Diomade is genuine but there is a realisation that they face a test of patience to sign him.

Manchester United are being linked too, but I’m told there is almost no chance of signing him right now.

He’s only been at his current club for five minutes and RB think they have uncovered a gem. Indeed, the money they would want for him in this moment is massive – probably close to £100million. And that’s too risky for a player who is talented but has no real body of evidence to show if he can maintain this rise.

There will be competition to sign him, for sure, and while I am in no doubt Spurs have been blown away by how well he has been playing this season, I just struggle to believe it’s going to happen.

From what I have heard, it’s a transfer more likely to come around in the summer.

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More Tottenham news: Frank backing; Gallagher, El Mala chase

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has told Spurs chiefs to stand by under-fire manager Thomas Frank and urged them to revamp a transfer policy that has halted the club’s progress for the last two decades.

Elsewhere, the agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the German talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has told Spurs chiefs to stand by under-fire manager Thomas Frank and urged them to revamp a transfer policy that has halted the club’s progress for the last two decades, while also firing the club a warning over the future of Micky van de Ven.

Sherwood has pointed an accusing finger at the club’s transfer decision makers, as he suggested their policy of signing second tier players is the primary reason why they are coming up short in the Premier League once again this season.

Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager last summer, despite ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy when he lifted the Europa League and secured their qualification to this season’s Champions League.

Now his replacement, Thomas Frank, is under huge pressure after a woeful start to the season, with the Danish coach struggling put his mark on a team that has come up short time and again.

Rumours that the club’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is set for a shock exit is adding to the chaos at Tottenham and while there have been calls for Frank to be replaced, Sherwood has suggested the club’s refusal to splash the cash on proven top level players has been a recurring flaw in their strategy that is threatening to derail the ambitions of their latest manager.

Frank is one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager to lose his post, but Sherwood, who was Tottenham boss between 2013 and 2014, has insisted another managerial change now is not what the club needs.

“They need to back Thomas Frank and give him signings that will fit into the system of a Tottenham team he is in charge of,” Sherwood told TEAMtalk with BetWright Betting UK.

“They got rid of Postecoglou after what I believe was a successful season. I know they finished 17th, but that is because they focused on the Europa League and that was the right decision because they won it. Ange’s job was to end the long wait for a piece of silverware and he delivered on that, but still got that sack.

“Where did that leave Thomas Frank when we went in? What is success for the next Spurs manager if the previous one got sacked for winning a major European trophy?

“For me, you have to stick with this manager and back him properly in the transfer market and that has not happened for a long time at Tottenham.

“Instead of signing players for £20m or £30m, put all the money in to sign a £100m player who can make the difference.

“Tottenham have not done that down the years and I look at the squad they have now and a lot of the players who are all at a similar level.”

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Spurs get Van de Ven warning as four ordinary midfielders are named

“Micky van de Ven is the only player who could play for most Premier League clubs and after that, I don’t see any player who I would call world class or even touching that.

“Midfielders like [Pape] Sarr, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, Archie Gray and [Joao] Palhinha are all good players, they will do a job for you, but they are not game changers.

“Then you look at forward like Richarlison up front and I’m not sure he is a player who will make a big difference.

“So go and sign a player who will make a difference in January and not just add to what they have already got.

“Too many players are signed these days from showreels of their highlights, but I could put together a showreel of the most average players and make them look good. That’s not what Tottenham need right now.”

With Daniel Levy removed from his position as Spurs chairman earlier this year, the upcoming transfer window will be the first to be overseen by a new management structure and Sherwood suggests they need to deliver.

“All eyes will be on Tottenham in this transfer window,” states the former midfielder, who was Blackburn’s Premier League title-winning captain back in 1995. “We are waiting to see if it is going to be any different from the way Daniel Levy ran things.

“As a club, they have always spent money, but there have always been big question marks on the players they have spent it on.

“Bring in a player who makes a difference rather than two or three players who might be what I would call stocking fillers.”

Sherwood went on to fire out a warning that defensive talisman Van de Ven may look to move away from Tottenham next summer unless they are playing Champions League football.

The Dutch centre-back has been the shining star of the Spurs team since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023, but Sherwood suspects bigger clubs may come calling for him.

“I think they will find it very hard to keep hold of Van de Ven at the end of the season,” added Sherwood.

“If they don’t finish in the Champions League spots, and they will probably have to win this season’s Champions League to do that, then Van de Ven will probably look to join a team that can give him that top-level football.”

Tottenham latest: Leipzig livewire targeted; Johnson’s £35m exit dilemma

One man who could fit the agenda of the ‘£100m difference maker’ that Sherwood is demanding is RB Leipzig flyer Yan Diomande and sources can reveal that the exciting RB Leipzig winger is a player firmly on the Spurs radar ahead of the January window.

Spurs are also understood to be showing an interest in Manchester City star Oscar Bobb, with the Norwegian potentially free to leave the Etihad once the Cityzens push through the £65m of Antoine Semenyo.

City are expected to finalise the transfer of the Bournemouth livewire soon after the window officially opens for business on New Year’s Day.

In the meantime, Spurs have also made it clear that Brennan Johnson is free to leave.

The Wales winger, last season’s top scorer with 18 goals, has fallen down the pecking order under Frank and our sources exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning how the club were open to his £35m departure.

With Palace now agreeing to meet that fee, the player has been given a major decision to make over his future.

The agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the Moroccan talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

In the bustling world of European football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of a rising star fending off the allure of bigger clubs.

El Mala, the 23-year-old Moroccan midfielder, has become the heartbeat of FC Köln since his arrival two seasons ago. With his dazzling footwork, pinpoint passes, and a knack for scoring from midfield, El Mala has not only helped the Billy Goats climb the Bundesliga standings but has also turned heads across the continent.

As we close out 2025, his performances have been nothing short of superb, earning him a spot in the league’s top assist providers and a call-up to Morocco’s national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Yet, despite the mounting interest from heavyweight clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, El Mala remains steadfast in his loyalty to Köln.

Indeed, his agent, Martin Comona, recently addressed the speculation: “A change is not an issue for Said at the moment.” His focus is on FC Köln and becoming a star player there, despite the amount of interest around him.

El Mala’s journey to this point is one of grit and determination. Born in Casablanca, he honed his skills in the youth academies of Raja Casablanca before making a bold move to Europe at 19, joining Köln’s reserves.

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El Mala taking his game to new levels

His breakthrough came last season with a stunning hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund, a match that announced him as a force to be reckoned with. This year, he’s added defensive steel to his game, averaging 3.2 tackles per match while maintaining an 88% pass accuracy.

Köln’s sporting director, Thomas Kessler, praised him post-match after a recent 2-0 win over RB Leipzig: “Said embodies what this club is about – passion, talent, and unwavering commitment.”

Off the pitch, El Mala is equally grounded. He’s involved in community initiatives in Cologne, supporting youth programs that mirror his own path from humble beginnings. “Football gave me everything,” he shared in a club podcast earlier this month. “I owe it to Köln to give back and grow here.” This mindset has endeared him to the RheinEnergieStadion faithful, who chant his name with fervor during home games.

As the January transfer window looms, the rumours will undoubtedly intensify.

Scouts from top leagues have been spotted at Köln matches, and information suggests bids could reach €40 million. But if Comona’s words hold true, El Mala’s story at Köln is far from over. In an era where loyalty is often fleeting, his dedication stands as a beacon.

For now, the focus remains on the pitch—pushing for a top-six finish and etching his name into Köln folklore. With El Mala leading the charge, 2026 could be the year the Billy Goats roar louder than ever.

Latest Tottenham, Arsenal news

Conor Gallagher is very keen on a move back to the Premier League in January, sources confirm, with Tottenham and Man Utd leading three other English sides in the race to sign him.

Arsenal have made a major decision on a potential loan exit for Ethan Nwaneri in the January transfer window, with sources revealing where the player currently stands in terms of his future in north London after a tough time so far this season.

Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk how Tottenham Hotspur are planning a late January transfer window move to fix a growing concern in Thomas Frank’s squad.

Conor Gallagher is very keen on a move back to the Premier League in January, sources confirm, with Tottenham and Manchester United leading three other English sides in the race to sign him.

Gallagher joined Atletico in a £35million deal just 18 months ago, but he has found consistent regular starts hard to come by under Diego Simeone this season, managing limited minutes amid competition from the likes of Pablo Barrios and summer arrivals.

As my colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed yesterday (December 30), Gallagher held discussions with Simeone and club officials over Christmas, paving the way for Atletico to consider offers in January – provided their valuation is met.

Tottenham, managed by Thomas Frank, see Gallagher as an ideal addition to their midfield.

The north London club have long tracked the energetic box-to-box player, and insiders suggest he would be enthusiastic about a move to Spurs, given his London background and the club’s participation in the Champions League this term.

United, under Ruben Amorim, are also firmly in the picture. The Red Devils view Gallagher’s versatility and leadership qualities as a boost for their injury-hit midfield, with sources indicating interest in a loan deal – though Atlético prefer a permanent transfer for around €30million (£26.2m / $35.3m).

United’s pursuit adds a layer of intrigue, as Amorim seeks Premier League-proven talent to stabilise the engine room, but other sides are also in the mix.

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Premier League battle for Conor Gallagher erupts

Newcastle remain keen observers of Gallagher, and can offer European football this season at least.

We understand that Joelinton, who scored against Burnley last night, is a potential departee in January amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and a replacement will have to be signed by Eddie Howe should he be sold.

Everton and West Ham have been mentioned as outsiders in the race for Gallagher by sources. The midfielder’s priority appears to be consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he aims to reclaim his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

His Premier League credentials are undisputed: standout spells at Crystal Palace and Chelsea showcased his relentless work rate and goal threat from midfield.

A return could reignite his career and inject vitality into any suitor’s lineup.

As the transfer window beckons, negotiations are expected to intensify. Atletico’s willingness to accelerate an exit signals a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the midfield landscape back in England.

Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk how Tottenham Hotspur are planning a late January transfer window move to fix a growing concern in Thomas Frank’s squad.

The north London outfit are expected to be one of the busier teams in the winter window and have already agreed a £35million deal for Brennan Johnson to head to Crystal Palace, with the Wales winger currently mulling over that switch.

But it’s incomings that Frank desperately needs to halt an alarming slide down the Premier League table, having initially made a bright start to his Tottenham tenure following his summer move from Brentford.

Landing a new left-sided attacker remains the top priority, although moves for a striker and midfielder are also on the agenda, with majority owners ENIC having injected £100m (€115m / $134m) to bolster the squad in January.

However, one need that has not been talked about as much is bringing in more defensive cover, particularly on the left-hand side of Frank’s backline.

First-choice left-back Destiny Udogie continues to be plagued by injury issues, while Micky van de Ven’s hamstring issues are being carefully managed by an already over-worked medical department.

But with skipper Cristian Romero picking up untimely suspensions, the Netherlands international is not getting an opportunity to rest and there are fears that another injury could potentially be around the corner.

To that end, Tottenham are looking at getting more defensive cover, although will likely focus on other needs first when the window officially opens on Thursday.

Our insider Dean Jones explained the club’s current stance in that regard: “I’m told Spurs are searching the market for a new left-sided defender and I think it is something that we will hear more about later in the window.

“At the moment Spurs are looking for a market opportunity – I’m told they don’t have a key target right now, they just believe it is somewhere they are potentially going to be caught short soon.

“I don’t think there is an easy fix and it will be interesting to see how desperate they become to fix it – or whether they are willing to try to see the season out if they don’t find someone of the perfect profile.

“But Spurs do definitely want a player for the left side of defence, so are very much keeping an eye on the market in England as well as abroad to see if there is something suitable that crops up.”

Tottenham do have Romero available again for Thursday night’s trip to Brentford, with the unfortunate Kevin Danso set to move back to the bench despite impressing in the win at Crystal Palace last time out.

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Latest Tottenham news: Two potential Johnson replacements; Serie A defender chase

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson could be set to join Crystal Palace imminently, and sources have confirmed two exciting replacement targets for Thomas Frank’s side.

Elsewhere, Spurs and Chelsea are two of FIVE Premier League clubs tracking Udinese defender Oumar Solet, sources confirm, while several other top European sides are also showing interest.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to smash their transfer record after making a huge offer for one of European football’s most in-form strikers, while sources have revealed two potential targets to replace Crystal Palace-bound Brennan Johnson.

Besides the hugely inconsistent and injury-prone Richarlison, Spurs have had real issues in the striking department this season, with Dominic Solanke still on the sidelines with an ankle injury that was initially expected to take weeks to resolve, which has now turned into months.

Loan signing Randal Kolo Muani has hardly hit the ground running either, notching twice in 17 outings, both of which came in a Champions League loss to his parent club PSG, as the Frenchman still awaits his first Premier League strike for Tottenham.

Tottenham go big for Aghehowa

Given those striker issues, a fresh report that emerged on Tuesday claims that Tottenham have made an offer worth £86million (€98.5m / $116m) to sign FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Having a genuine No.9 who is a real threat through the middle could make a world of difference for Thomas Frank and spark a Spurs attack that has faltered at times this season, especially at home.

Aghehowa certainly has the presence and goalscoring ability to do just that, having taken his game to new heights since swapping Atletico Madrid for life in Portugal.

The 21-year-old has scored 18 goals already this season, adding to his 25 goals last term, and has attracted plenty of interest as a result. However, Porto have stood firm on their valuation, pointing all interested clubs to his €100m (£86m) release clause.

However, reports from Spain suggest that Tottenham are now willing to pay that amount to bring the prolific frontman to north London in 2026, with an offer having already been tabled.

But here comes the warning shot Spurs fans. The report comes from dubious Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, who are renowned for taking a bit of a punt with their transfer news.

That’s not to say that it can’t happen, although it’s also unclear as to whether any offer will be accepted in January or will have to wait until the summer.

You could, however, argue that Frank needs a new No.9 on board as quickly as possible, with his job now potentially on the line after initially making a bright start to life in north London.

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Tottenham chasing two Johnson replacements

With Brennan Johnson mulling over a move to Crystal Palace imminently, sources have confirmed two exciting replacement targets for Tottenham.

Spurs are gearing up for a busy January window that now looks like it will begin with the exit of last season’s top scorer and Europa League final hero Johnson, with a £35million switch to Selhurst Park already pencilled in – should the Wales international give it the green light, amid interest from Bournemouth as well.

Respected journalist David Ornstein claims a move to Palace is the likeliest outcome for the 24-year-old, however, leading to Tottenham turning their attention to potential replacements.

And our very own insider, Fraser Fletcher, has confirmed that RB Leipzig’s exciting young winger Yan Diomande is a player who is firmly on Spurs’ radar.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, who has notched seven goals and four assists so far this term, is open to a Premier League move this winter, according to sources close to him.

Sources also indicate that Tottenham have scouted him extensively and held advanced discussions with his representatives, viewing him as a dynamic addition to bolster the flanks.

Perhaps a more surprising option is Man City’s Oscar Bobb.

The 22-year-old Norwegian attacker is stylistically similar to the Savinho profile Spurs chased last summer, with the player also having admirers in north London.

Bobb’s limited minutes at City this season, compounded by recent injury setbacks, could open the door for a loan or permanent switch.

Tottenham are not alone in their interest, however, with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on Bob’s situation.

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Udinese star emerges on Tottenham’s radar

Our sources can also confirm that Tottenham and Chelsea are two of FIVE Premier League clubs tracking Udinese defender Oumar Solet, while several other top European sides are also showing interest in the player.

The 25-year-old has been outstanding since arriving at Udinese in January from Red Bull Salzburg and has started all 17 of the club’s Serie A matches this season.

Solet’s form has seen him attract a great deal of attention with the likes of both Milan sides and Roma all impressed. However, we understand that a move to England could well be on the cards for the French talent.

Indeed, we can reveal that in recent weeks a number of sides, including Tottenham, have been paying close attention to his displays.

Thomas Frank is keen to add more competition for starting pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, especially given continued Roma links with Radu Dragusin, who has only just returned to action following his ACL injury.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson could be set to join Crystal Palace imminently, and sources have confirmed two exciting replacement targets for Thomas Frank’s side.

Spurs are gearing up for a busy January window that’ll be kicked off with the sale of Johnson to Palace to the tune of around £35million, providing the player green-lights the switch to Selhurst Park.

Bournemouth have also shown interest in Johnson but everything now points towards Palace winning the race for the Wales international, per reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Frank is now looking to reshape his attacking options at Tottenham, and sources confirm that RB Leipzig’s exciting young winger Yan Diomande remains firmly on the radar.

Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian international, is open to a Premier League move this winter, according to sources close to him.

He joined Leipzig from CD Leganes over the summer for around €20million and has since impressed in the Bundesliga and Champions League with his pace, dribbling and flair. He’s notched seven goals and four assists so far and is widely considered one of the most promising talents in Germany.

Sources indicate Tottenham have scouted him extensively and held advanced discussions with his representatives, viewing him as a dynamic addition to bolster the flanks. Competition is fierce – Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and even European giants like Bayern Munich and PSG are monitoring the situation-but Diomande’s entourage see Spurs as an attractive destination for regular playing time under Frank’s project.

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Tottenham considering Oscar Bobb swoop

Meanwhile, insiders advise keeping a close eye on Man City’s Oscar Bobb. The 22-year-old Norwegian forward, stylistically similar to the Savinho profile Spurs chased last summer, has admirers in North London.

Bobb’s limited minutes at City this season, compounded by recent injury setbacks, could open the door for a loan or permanent switch.

Tottenham are among several clubs – including Crystal Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund – keen to provide him a platform to shine, with his versatility and defensive work rate fitting Frank’s high-pressing system perfectly.

Sources state that his situation is still very open and he could make a late move in the window.

On the outgoing front, as mentioned, Johnson is edging closer to a £35million departure to Crystal Palace

The Wales international, frustrated by reduced starts following Mohammed Kudus’ arrival, has seen Palace agree a fee with Spurs. Johnson, who joined from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million in 2023, could finalise the switch soon, providing funds to reinvest in priorities like Diomande or Bobb.

As the window opens, Tottenham’s proactive approach signals ambition to climb the table in 2026.

Spurs keen on two more Man City stars

My colleague, Dean Jones, has told us how Tottenham are also keeping tabs on Man City’s Savinho, who they were very keen on over the summer, and his teammate Omar Marmoush.

However, the duo could prove more difficult to get out of the Etihad this winter than Bobb.

“It will be interesting to keep an eye on dialogue between Man City and Spurs because a decision to agree to sell Brennan Johnson is a clear indicator that they are going to be bringing in at least one attacker,” Jones exclusively told us.

“We’ve been reporting across recent weeks how they have turned back to Savinho as a transfer candidate and that is something that is likely to remain active, but they like to monitor uncertain situations and Omar Marmoush is someone they have had eyes on.

“Obviously he has a different playing profile, but a lack of certainty over his fit at City has really raised intrigue about whether they could attempt a deal.

“Our sources suggest any such interest will be knocked back as City don’t want to entertain offers for him – but that doesn’t mean Spurs won’t test the water.

“January is all about improving their goal threat and Thomas Frank is involved in helping with the decision making.”

Crystal Palace are close to signing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur following a crucial update from David Ornstein, and the Eagles are reportedly targeting a Manchester City winger too.

Johnson arrived at Tottenham in September 2023 when they paid Nottingham Forest £47.5million for his services. The right winger, who can also play as a No 9 if required, has gone on to register 27 goals and 18 assists in 106 appearances for Tottenham, which includes the winner in Spurs’ Europa League final triumph last season.

Despite that goal, Johnson has largely been rotated by new Spurs boss Thomas Frank this season, with only six of his 15 Premier League outings lasting 45 minutes or more.

We revealed on December 14 that Spurs had begun to strongly consider Johnson’s sale amid interest from clubs such as Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Earlier on Tuesday, sources confirmed to us that Spurs have greenlit the Welshman’s departure and given him a £35million price tag.

Bournemouth have identified Johnson as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is close to joining Manchester City. However, Palace now appear to have beaten them to a deal.

Ornstein has revealed that Palace have reached an agreement with Spurs to sign Johnson by matching their £35m asking price. A transfer at that price would make Johnson Palace’s biggest ever signing, eclipsing the £27m they paid for Christian Benteke back in 2016.

The two clubs are ‘keen to proceed’ but Johnson has yet to accept Palace’s offer as he knows there are other suitors.

Johnson’s transfer to Palace is expected to reach completion, though, as sources have told our transfer insider Graeme Bailey that the attacker prefers joining Palace to Bournemouth.

Fraser Fletcher reported for us on December 22 that Villa had made contact for Johnson, though they look set to miss out on him, just like Bournemouth.

Sources have informed Dean Jones that Johnson told Spurs he wanted to stay and fight for his place, though club chiefs are open to a sale so they can recoup funds.

There could soon be a winger merry-go-round in the Premier League, as Semenyo’s arrival at City may trigger Oscar Bobb’s exit.

According to a recent report from the Daily Briefing, Palace have submitted a loan offer for Bobb.

Oliver Glasner’s side could land both Johnson and Bobb to reinvigorate their wide ranks. Bailey states that a new centre-forward is also on Palace’s wish list, and that move could be more of a priority than Bobb.

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Palace, Dortmund converge on Man City forward

Palace face competition if they do decide to make an offer for £20m-rated Bobb, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Borussia Dortmund are also ‘in talks with City’.

Dortmund have had success in developing young wingers after capturing them from City, most notably Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens.

Sancho earned a brilliant reputation in Germany before leaving for Manchester United in a huge £73m deal in July 2021.

Gittens was effectively Sancho’s replacement at BVB, and he improved rapidly before catching Chelsea’s attention over the summer.

Gittens went on to sign for Chelsea in a £52.5m switch in July, earning Dortmund yet more profit.

Spurs, Chelsea in signing battle; Frank eyes Palace raid

Meanwhile, we can confirm Spurs and Chelsea are in a five-club race for a standout Serie A performer.

While Johnson has the chance to join Palace, one of the Eagles’ biggest stars could go in the opposite direction.

We exclusively revealed on Sunday that Thomas Frank’s side are drawing up an ‘ambitious’ big-money offer.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are two of FIVE Premier League clubs tracking Udinese defender Oumar Soulet, sources confirm, while several other top European sides are also showing interest.

The 25-year-old joined Udinese from Red Bull Salzburg in a surprising move last January and he has been outstanding since arriving in Italy.

Soulet has started all 17 of Udinese’s Serie A matches this season and has helped his side to keep four clean sheets, cementing his reputation as one of the club’s most important players.

The defender’s form has seen him attract a great deal of attention with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma all impressed.

However, we understand that a move to England could yet be an option for the Frenchman.

We can reveal that in recent weeks a number of sides have been paying close attention to his displays.

Sources confirm Chelsea, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace have all watched him in action, while Manchester United and West Ham are also long-term admirers of the player.

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FIVE Prem sides tracking Serie A defender

As we have previously reported, Enzo Maresca is keen to add another centre-back to his Chelsea squad.

The Blues’ main centre-back pairing this season has been Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, due to the fact that Levi Colwill is sidelined with an ACL that could rule him out for the entire campaign.

Fofana has generally played well this term but was left out of the starting XI against Aston Villa last time out to “manage his fitness condition”, per Maresca, as he has previously struggled with injury. Benoit Badiashile replaced him.

Other options for Chelsea are Tosin Adarabioyo, youngster Josh Acheampong and Axel Disasi, though the latter seems to have no future at Stamford Bridge.

Soulet could be a good option to come in and compete for a starting spot at Chelsea.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, meanwhile, is keen to add more competition for starting pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, amid speculation that Radu Dragusin could leave the club.

Crystal Palace’s interest in signing a new centre-back is nothing new, given Marc Guehi his highly likely to leave Selhurst Park, possibly in January, but if not then almost certainly at the end of the season, when the captain’s contract is set to expire.

Soulet is a player to keep a close eye on for those three clubs but long-term admirers Man Utd and West Ham could also be in the mix should his situation open up.

Latest Chelsea news: Triple signing urged / McAtee linked

Meanwhile, Gary Lineker has told Chelsea to make three crucial signings in a bid to save their season as pressure on Maresca begins to ramp up.

Lineker believes Chelsea need to sign a new centre-forward, centre-back and possibly a new goalkeeper if they are to seriously compete at the top of the Premier League table.

In other news, Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for Nottingham Forest playmaker James McAtee, formerly of Manchester City.

The rumours have led to comparisons of when the Blues signed Cole Palmer from Man City, which of course was hugely successful.

However, new reports suggest that BlueCo are looking at McAtee with a switch to Strasbourg in mind, rather than to Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur have made it clear to suitors Bournemouth and Crystal Palace that they want to sell Brennan Johnson in a permanent deal in January, instead of negotiating a dry loan, and while sources can now reveal their asking price for the Wales winger, the Eagles are also evaluating a Manchester City man as an alternative.

Johnson moved to Spurs in a £47.5m transfer from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 and has scored a respectable 27 goals in 107 appearances for the club. That tally includes the 18 he scored in 51 appearances last season, where he finished as the top scorer for the Europa League winners under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

But Thomas Frank does not rate the 24-year-old that highly and we exclusively revealed on December 11 that Spurs were giving serious thought to letting him leave when the transfer window opened for business in January.

A few days later, having revealed Crystal Palace were leading that charge, we also broke the news that Bournemouth – wary of losing Antoine Semenyo after his £65m exit clause came to light – had also identified Johnson as a concrete target.

Some 10 days after our news of the Cherries’ interest broke, a number of other organisations started reporting the same news and backing up our claims.

Now, sources can reveal that Johnson has been told by Tottenham that they will not stand in his way in his way of a move away from the club in the New Year and their ideal is to sell in a permanent deal, although a loan with an obligation to buy would also be acceptable.

Our contacts can also confirm that both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have had contact about a deal for the 42-times capped Wales international winger.

Palace are understood to be pushing hard for Johnson, whilst Bournemouth are in the market for a new winger with Semenyo set to join Manchester City when the transfer window opens on Thursday. On that front, City have made a significant breakthrough after taking two giant steps towards Semenyo’s signing.

Sources have now confirmed to us that Tottenham are willing to accept a deal worth around £35million (€40m, $47m) for the star, though that fee will also likely ensure Johnson does not take a drop in wages.

With that, we believe that he would become the highest-paid player at his new club if he were to join either Palace or Bournemouth in January.

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Palace also weighing up move for Man City’s Oscar Bobb

There are other clubs interested in Johnson, namely Aston Villa, but Palace and Bournemouth are very much at the front of the queue heading into the New Year.

However, while Palace are at the forefront of that race, my colleague Dean Jones has also revealed he is not the only wing option they are chasing.

Indeed, the savvy Eagles are ready to compare the potential costs and impact of Oscar Bobb vs Johnson before deciding which of the pair to pursue.

The Manchester City star looks set to be made available for transfer following the Cityzens’ capture of Semenyo.

Now both players are understood to be among the names on the Eagles’ shortlist, but sources indicate that the financial demands of any deal will be a decisive factor.

Palace are weighing up not only the value of each potential move, but also the expectations and output each player is likely to bring.

Johnson, 24, would command a significantly higher fee, but offers greater top-level experience and is seen as capable of making an immediate impact.

The club must decide whether that would justify the extra investment, or whether Bobb’s potential for rapid development represents a better long-term deal.

There is a sense that 22-year-old Bobb could be valued around £20million (€23m, $27m), some way short of Spurs’ £35m demands for Johnson.

From the Spurs’ point of view, they head into January ready to spend, and we understand that a new left winger is their top priority in the window, although by no means their only one.

Any departure of Johnson would free up Frank even further to pursue his targets.

Spurs chase Atletico Madrid star; record Wharton bid planned

Elsewhere, Frank is also keen to add more steel to his central midfield, and sources can confirm that Tottenham are one of three Premier League sides to have enquired about Conor Gallagher’s services and with Atletico Madrid now making clear their very achievable demands for a January sale.

We can also reveal that Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly tempted to step up their pursuit of Adam Wharton in 2026, with sources indicating the club would be prepared to make a very significant offer for the Crystal Palace midfielder.

However, any transfer plans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be about to encounter an unexpected problem. That’s after it emerged that the man they re-hired in October to steer their transfer business is on the brink of leaving, following shock reports emerging out of Italy.