TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk, but a loan move to Chelsea could be possible for the goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen’s future at Barcelona is in doubt. The goalkeeper is under contract at last season’s LaLiga winners until the summer of 2028, but there is a chance that he could leave earlier because of Joan Garcia.

Barcelona signed Garcia from Espanyol in the summer of 2025, with the 24-year-old the number one goalkeeper for the Blaugrana when he is fit and available.

Wojciech Szczesny is another option between the posts for Barcelona, who lost to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in El Clasico last weekend.

Ter Stegen is on the sidelines at the moment as he is recovering from a back surgery, with Sport reporting that the Germany international goalkeeper is not expected to play until January 2026.

According to Sport, a Catalan sports publication, Tottenham are among the clubs that have made contact over a deal for Ter Stegen in the January transfer window.

However, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that it is unlikely that Tottenham will sign the 33-year-old goalkeeper, who earns €320,577 (£278,903, $374,624) per week at Barcelona, according to Capology.

TEAMtalk understands that Chelsea are more likely than Tottenham to make a loan move for the Barcelona star.

Tottenham do not want to sign a major and established goalkeeper like Ter Stegen and create unnecessary “big headlines” should he fail to get ahead of Guglielmo Vicario in Thomas Frank’s starting line-up.

Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are the two main goalkeepers at Chelsea at the moment, but last season’s Conference League winners are keen on a 2026 summer deal for Mike Maignan, who is out of contract at AC Milan at the end of the season.

Jones told TEAMtalk: “I don’t think he really fits the bill for what Spurs will be looking for if they sign a new keeper.

“From what I understand, they would be looking for a player to contend with Vicario and pushing for starts, but not to necessarily come with a huge reputation and a profile that would lead to big headlines if they were not playing.

“The idea is to simply make the squad stronger and ensure there is more competition.

“My understanding on Ter Stegen has always been that Chelsea could enter the picture, particularly if a short-term deal was possible.

“So, I still think that is worth looking out for while they consider what to do long-term.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Man Utd outcast wanted, Real Madrid desire

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on a midfielder that Manchester United discarded in 2024.

Sources have also TEAMtalk the names of the six exciting transfer targets for Tottenham Hotspur in 2026.

And finally, a Tottenham Hotspur player out on loan has revealed his desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

POLL: Where will Tottenham finish in the Prem in Thomas Frank’s first season in charge?

As Scott McTominay continues to flourish away from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Napoli midfielder, sources have told TEAMtalk, but it may not be easy for the north London club to bring the Scotland international to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

McTominay established himself in the Man Utd first team after rising through the ranks at the Premier League club’s youth academy. The Scotland international’s all-action attitude made him an important figure in the team and a favourite among the fans, as he went on to make 255 appearances for Man Utd, scoring 29 goals and giving eight assists in the process.

However, Man Utd decided to cash in on McTominay in the summer of 2024, with then-manager Erik ten Hag having used him just 18 times in the starting line-up in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign.

Napoli snapped up McTominay from Man Utd for an initial fee of just £21million (€24m, $28m), and the Scotland international midfielder has gone from strength to strength at the Italian giants.

McTominay helped Napoli win the Scudetto in the 2024/25 campaign and came 18th in the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham are among the clubs that have taken a shine to McTominay and are keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.

Sources close to McTominay have revealed that Barcelona have placed him on a three-man shortlist to bolster their midfield pivot next summer, alongside Amadou Onana and a La Masia graduate.

In England, Tottenham and Newcastle lead the chase for McTominay. Spurs see the 28-year-old as the ideal player to provide the energy and spark needed in the engine room.

As for Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe views the former Man Utd star’s leadership and Premier League pedigree as perfect for his side’s Champions League push.

IN DEPTH 👉 McTominay eyes Prem return? Man Utd’s biggest transfer blunder MUST ignore bizarre Napoli exit voices

Napoli plan new contract for Scott McTominay – sources

Despite interest from Barcelona, Tottenham and Newcastle in McTominay, a January move is pretty much categorically off the table.

McTominay’s transformation from a Man Utd outcast to a Napoli linchpin has been nothing short of sensational.

The Scotland international has become the heartbeat of Antonio Conte’s midfield, earning rave reviews and the undying love of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona faithful.

In 10 appearances for Napoli this season, McTominay has scored four goals and given one assist.

McTominay’s physicality, box-to-box energy, and newfound composure have made him indispensable for Napoli.

Fans chant his name, scarves bearing ‘McTominay 39′ sell out, and Conte loves him.

While it is only logical that top clubs, such as Barcelona, Tottenham and Newcastle are taking interest in McTominay, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has no intention of disrupting a title charge.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that McTominay, who is under contract at Napoli until 2028, is “extremely happy” in Naples, thriving under Conte’s regime and embracing the city’s passion.

“Scott loves the life here,” a source said. “The fans treat him like family.”

However, a Premier League return in the summer of 2026 remains a live possibility.

McTominay has never hidden his affection for English football, and sources say he would listen to “the right project.”

Napoli, aware of his value, plan contract extension talks in January, aiming to tie him down until 2030 with a significant release clause.

For now, McTominay’s focus is Napoli blue. Barcelona, Spurs, and Newcastle must wait – but the race for Scotland’s midfield colossus is only just beginning.

READ NEXT 👉 £43m Tottenham star makes a strong case for Real Madrid transfer amid CONFIRMED ‘interest’ – ‘The way he strides’

Latest Tottenham transfer news: SIX targets named, Real Madrid dream

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can reveal the six exciting targets that Tottenham have planned for 2026.

Sources have also told TEAMtalk the name of the Ligue 1 striker that Tottenham are planning to make a move for.

And finally, a Tottenham Hotspur star out on loan has revealed his dream to play for Real Madrid.

Celtic are planning to approach former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou to replace Brendan Rodgers, sources have told TEAMtalk, with Bhoys legend Scott Brown also being monitored.

Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic after resigning late on Sunday night, ending his second spell at the club amid a storm of boardroom tension and fan unrest.

The 52-year-old’s departure follows a dismal run that has left the defending Scottish Premiership champions reeling.

Celtic find themselves eight points behind leaders Hearts in second place in the Scottish Premiership table at the moment after losing 3-1 to them last weekend.

It proved to be the final straw for Rodgers’ departure from Celtic.

Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond had publicly branded Rodgers “divisive”, accusing him of misrepresenting the club’s backing.

Rodgers, who won two trebles in his first stint (2016-19) and a league title last term, leaves with immediate effect.

In a brief statement, the former Liverpool and Leicester City manager thanked the Celtic fans but said the time was right to step away. Insiders say the decision was mutual, though the timing stunned many.

Taking temporary charge of Celtic is Martin O’Neill, the 73-year-old icon who delivered Celtic’s last domestic invincible season in 2000-01.

The Northern Irishman, part of Celtic’s hall-of-fame, will be assisted by former midfielder Shaun Maloney, currently a coach within the academy setup. Their first task: Wednesday’s Premiership game at home to Falkirk.

Attention now turns to the permanent role. Club sources confirm they expect to make an official approach for Ange Postecoglou within days.

The Australian, sacked by Nottingham Forest just two weeks ago after a short, turbulent spell, is without a managerial role at the moment.

The 60-year-old’s transformative tenure at Celtic between 2021 and 2023 – winning the league and two cups with swashbuckling football – makes him the overwhelming fans’ choice.

“Ange knows the club, the league, and how to win here,” one Parkhead insider has told TEAMtalk.

Social media is ablaze with #BringBackAnge campaigns, but no deal is in place yet, and despite his love for the club, there may be other offers to contend with.

Other candidates – including Kjetil Knutsen and 40-year-old Celtic legend Scott Brown – are being monitored, but Postecoglou’s emotional pull and proven success make him the priority.

Celtic’s board, under pressure to act decisively, see his return as the quickest route to stability and silverware.

For O’Neill and Maloney, getting the fans back on side and the team winning is key.

For Celtic, the Postecoglou pursuit is already underway. The Hoops’ next chapter may be written by a familiar face.

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Chris Sutton backs Ange Postecoglou for Celtic role

Outspoken pundit and former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has given his backing to Postecoglou for the managerial role at the defending Scottish champions.

Sutton told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work.

“I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

Regarding O’Neill being placed in charge of Celtic for now, Sutton said: “I understand the appointment of Martin O’Neill because he’s a very popular manager. He was my manager when I first went up to Celtic, and he is loved by the supporters.

“Had the club handed the role to just Shaun Maloney, I think a lot of the supporters would have been unhappy about that. They’ve now got a figurehead and a front piece.

“I suppose the biggest question is, who’s going to be the next permanent Celtic manager? Who are they going to go for next?

“It’s not going to be an easy situation because the squad is decimated with injuries to key players and there’s not the strength and depth. The team will come under a fair bit of pressure [between now and January].

“There’s a League Cup semi-final against Rangers, which is absolutely massive. All those games coming up are massive.

“In the short term, Martin O’Neill doesn’t have an easy task on his hands with what he’s taking over.

“I think that the support will be happy that Martin has come back because he was loved in his time as manager there.

“He turned the tables and his era was the beginning of Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football.

“He will go in and try and do what he did first time round. Try and galvanise the club, try to bring the support and everybody, the staff at the club and hierarchy all pulling in the same direction.”

Former Arsenal man Theo Walcott has hailed the “pure strength and desire” of a Tottenham man who was one of the best players in the league during the last gameweek.

Spurs got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. The north London club netted twice in the first half and once just before full-time.

The two first-half goals were courtesy of centre-back Micky van de Ven.

The centre-back found himself in great positions in the box twice to head home from set pieces, outmuscling Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with ease to glance past him for the second.

That goal and the physical attributes needed to score it earned Van de Ven rave reviews from former Toffees and Arsenal man Walcott.

He said on BBC Match of the Day: “It’s all about delivery, but Van de Ven puts himself in a position behind, and it’s pure strength and desire to win it.

“You can see here that he’s isolating himself from Jack Grealish, and his mindset is just to disrupt the goalkeeper without doing too much.

“I think that’s important, not to do too much to make it obvious. It’s a good goal, it’s a fantastic finish.”

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Van de Ven was one of PL’s best

Tottenham centre-back Van de Ven has earned his plaudits after the game, in which he became the first Spurs defender to score twice since Jan Vertonghen in 2013.

Gary Neville suggested adding goals to his game – five now this season – can only help Tottenham, and the ratings have also shown how good Van de Ven performed.

WhoScored post a team of the week for a number of leagues, and in the Premier League over the weekend, Van de Ven was the third highest-rated player.

Indeed, his 8.94 match rating was bettered only by Bryan Mbeumo (9.16) and Zian Flemming (9.4.)

Both of those men also scored braces as their respective sides – Manchester United and Burnley – won.

Tottenham round-up: Greenwood return?

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham are among the Premier League sides watching Mason Greenwood ahead of a potential return to England.

West Ham are in the same boat, while LaLiga club Barcelona are believed to be leading the race for him.

Meanwhile, with it believes Spurs boss Thomas Frank doesn’t fancy striker Dominic Solanke, Fabio Paratici is reported to be sizing up Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

And while Spurs are monitoring Everton star Iliman Ndiaye, TEAMtalk sources state the Toffees have laughed off reports that he’s only valued at £30million.

Tottenham are reportedly keen on a former target who will be made available for just £20million in January, which is far cheaper than the transfer they missed out on a few years ago.

Spurs have struggled to nail signing a replacement for Harry Kane, who left in 2023. Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke have failed to have a massively meaningful impact to this point, and summer loanee Randal Kolo Muani us yet to have chance to do so.

Had Dusan Vlahovic come through the door in 2022, when Spurs wanted to sign him, Kane could have been given direct competition.

Indeed, when Vlahovic signed for Juventus in the January of that year, Tottenham and Arsenal were both among his suitors, but the Italian outfit reaped the rewards of his signing – 62 goals and 15 assists in 156 games.

But Vlahovic is out of contract in the summer and Juve are therefore ready to sell before he leaves for nothing – TBRFootball reports he’ll be made available for just £20million.

Most clubs are said to be expecting a summer transfer on a free, given Vlahovic can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

However, Juve are open to giving him a new deal and then selling, and Tottenham are said to be ‘open to a deal’ in the winter, where it’s suggested other interested sides – Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich among them – are not thinking about that.

The report suggests that gives Tottenham the advantage in the hunt for Vlahovic.

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Vlahovic far cheaper than when Spurs missed

When Tottenham and Co missed out on Vlahovic in 2022, he commanded a £66.6million transfer.

As such, if they landed him for £20million, while it’s more than the free transfer that some are expecting, it’s just a third of the transfer fee Juve paid.

And given Spurs are showing they’d be willing to pay despite other sides expecting a free transfer battle, that could give them the upper hand in Juventus’ eyes, with the Italian side more happy to negotiate with them than others.

Previous reports suggesting Juve could cancel Vlahovic’s deal seem to have gone out of the window, and given the current report, it seems those plans were never really in place.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs man open to Real move

One Tottenham man, Luka Vuskovic, who is yet to play for Spurs and is currently out on loan with Hamburg, has suggested he’d like to play for Real Madrid one day.

He said: “Well… Real Madrid is Real Madrid, but every club you play for is an honour and a privilege. I don’t have a special club other than Hajduk.”

Meanwhile, with Real interest in Micky van de Ven confirmed, Spurs have moved to keep him at the club by sticking a €100million price tag on him, per a report.

And, TEAMtalk is aware Tottenham are among the clubs interested in bringing Mason Greenwood back to England.

Tottenham are aware of reported interest in one of their stars, labelled one of the ‘best’ in Europe, and have therefore protected him with a €100million price tag.

Spurs are in a far better spot this season than where they finished in the last. Indeed, they find themselves third in the Premier League – 14 places better than their 17th-placed finish last term.

New signings have helped, with Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha particularly effective, but of late, centre-back Micky van de Ven has been one of the standout players.

Per SofaScore, he averaged a 7.2 rating in September and that’s increased to 7.3 in October, helped by a 9.2 match rating in the 3-0 victory over Everton, in which he scored a first-half brace.

According to Fichajes, he is now one of the ‘most coveted players’ in Europe, and is named as one of the ‘best’ young centre-backs on the continent.

They state Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are all considering the Tottenham centre-back.

As a result, Spurs are said to have slapped a €100million (£87.3m) valuation on Van de Ven.

They are said to feel it will take a ‘massive offer’ for the Dutchman to be sold, and they are looking to protect their investment, preparing for possible enquiries but hoping to convince him to stay.

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Real Madrid links confirmed

In September, TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones confirmed interest from Real in Van de Ven.

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

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

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

While the Real links are genuine, that does not mean Tottenham have necessarily places such a large figure on Van de Ven’s head.

Yes, they will want to keep him from other big clubs, but Fichajes is not the most genuine of sources, so it is perhaps not a report to be taken as gospel.

Tottenham round-up: Fellow Spurs man wants Real

One Tottenham man does want a Real Madrid transfer: Luka Vuskovic, who is yet to play for Spurs and is currently out on loan with Hamburg.

“Well… Real Madrid is Real Madrid, but every club you play for is an honour and a privilege. I don’t have a special club other than Hajduk,” he said.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk is aware Tottenham are among the clubs interested in bringing Mason Greenwood back to England.

And with Thomas Frank reportedly not fancying Spurs striker Dominic Solanke, Fabio Paratici is said to be looking into the signing of Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Luka Vuskovic has not played a single game for Tottenham Hotspur yet, but the defender has already revealed his dream of turning out for Real Madrid, while also disclosing why he did not make the move to Manchester City when they came for him.

Back in September 2023, Tottenham agreed a £12million (€13.7m, $16m) deal with Hajduk Split to sign Vuskovic in the summer of 2025. Then, in late August, the 18-year-old centre-back moved to German club Hamburg on a season-long loan deal, without playing a single match for Tottenham.

The Croatia international centre-back has been doing well in Germany for Hamburg, scoring one goal in six Bundesliga matches.

Vuskovic is just starting his career, but he also has got lofty dreams of playing for Spanish and European giants Real Madrid.

The Tottenham-owned defender revealed his Madrid dream in a lengthy interview with SportKlub.

When asked if there is a club that he has wanted to play for since he was a kid that wasn’t Hajduk, Vuskovic said: “Well… Real Madrid is Real Madrid, but every club you play for is an honour and a privilege. I don’t have a special club other than Hajduk.”

Regarding his decision to leave Tottenham for Hamburg on loan, Vuskovic said: “Well, I had really strong competition. Almost impossible.

“Two, I think, even one of the best centre-back pairs in the world. Micky van de Ven and Romero. So I could only learn from them.

“It was difficult to play in front of them. Even impossible.

“I think this was the right move to go on loan to the Bundesliga. It was a great experience for me to train with such players. And that’s it.”

READ NEXT 👉 £43m Tottenham star makes a strong case for Real Madrid transfer amid CONFIRMED ‘interest’ – ‘The way he strides’

Luka Vuskovic says he turned down Man City for Tottenham

When asked about staying at Hamburg next season, Vuskovic noted: “Well, honestly, I’m not thinking about what next season will be like yet.

“Of course, it’s my dream, it’s my number one goal to play with my brother at the top level. And I hope that one day it will happen.

“But step by step, he’s coming back next year. I still have a lot, a lot ahead of me. And we’ll see what happens.”

Vuskovic also explained why he joined Tottenham even though he had the chance to sign for Manchester City.

About Tottenham’s interest, the teenager said: “The feeling was really great, I was overjoyed.

“My father called me, said they were just waiting for my signature, that they really wanted me.

“They showed me the project. And I really liked it. I didn’t think much about it. To this day, I’m overjoyed and grateful for it.”

The defender added: “I think Tottenham was a perfect fit because they presented me with a great project. Manchester City has many, many, many young players.

“I didn’t want to be just a number. At Tottenham, they presented me as one of the top projects.

“And that really meant a lot to me at that moment. That was the deciding factor, let’s say.”

What if Man City come back for Vuskovic in a few years’ time? What will he do then?

The Tottenham-owned centre-back said: “I honestly have no idea. I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m doing great right now. I’m developing well. And I hope it continues like that.”

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Everton raid, former Man Utd striker move

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham Hotspur are planning to bring a former Manchester United striker back to the Premier League.

Tottenham are planning to make a bid for a striker, with manager Thomas Frank not convinced by Dominic Solanke.

And finally, TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham are aiming to raid Everton for one of their star players.

Tottenham Hotspur, now thriving under Thomas Frank, are gearing up for an interesting January 2026 transfer window in which they’ll look to bolster their midfield, TEAMtalk understands.

Despite securing Joao Palhinha (loan from Bayern Munich), Xavi Simons (€60m from RB Leipzig), and Mohammed Kudus (from West Ham) in the summer, the perceived need for more legs have Spurs scouring the market.

With James Maddison sidelined by a long-term knee injury and Yves Bissouma linked to Juventus, the North London club is targeting versatile, high-potential midfielders to maintain their Premier League charge.

One standout name is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old England international has dazzled as a versatile attacking midfielder, catching Frank’s eye with his work rate and creativity.

Villa could demand over £70m for the playmaker, but Spurs are very keen on him and could move if the door opens.

Another exciting prospect is Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, whose flair and goal-scoring instincts have impressed scouts.

Tottenham are big admirers of Ndiaye, as they believe the 25-year-old’s ability to play as a No. 10 or winger aligns perfectly with Frank’s fluid system. However, Everton’s strong stance on retaining him, which TEAMtalk revealed in an exclusive update, would complicate negotiations.

Four more stars on Spurs shortlist confirmed

From Scotland, Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin, the 24-year-old Belgian box-to-box midfielder, is on Tottenham’s radar, as revealed on October 14.

Valued at around £16m, his Premier League-ready energy makes him a strong contender, though competition looms.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit, the 19-year-old Dutch star likened to Kevin De Bruyne, offers long-term potential.

His €20m (£17.5m / $23.3m) price tag reflects his growing reputation as a playmaker and he has been heavily tracked by Spurs.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old deep-lying playmaker is on Spurs and most top sides lists. He also figures highly on Man Utd’s list.

FC Copenhagen’s Victor Froholdt, a 19-year-old Danish gem, rounds out the list, though Wharton and him are less likely for January moves.

Spurs have the budget and ambition to act decisively. As the window nears, these targets signal Tottenham’s intent to blend youth and experience for a top-four push.

They currently sit third in the table after beating Everton 3-0 on Sunday, and face Chelsea on Saturday in their next league clash, following a Carabao Cup game against Newcastle on Wednesday.

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Latest Tottenham news: Real Madrid want crucial star / Striker chase

Meanwhile, reports are gathering pace that Real Madrid are interested in Micky van de Ven, following his standout performance for Tottenham at the weekend.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones previously revealed that he is on the LaLiga giant’s shortlist.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly considering a big-money swoop for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who has also been linked with Chelsea.

It has been claimed that Frank ‘doesn’t fancy’ Dominic Solanke, who has been sidelined through injury, and Aghehowa could be signed as a result of this.

Tottenham QUIZ: Two clubs before

Mason Greenwood’s remarkable revival at Marseille has ignited a transfer tug-of-war, with Tottenham among several top European clubs circling the 24-year-old forward, TEAMtalk understands.

He joined Marseille from Manchester United in a move worth around £26.5m, after a year on loan with Getafe. While he was seen as one of the most gifted players to have broken through at Old Trafford in recent years, serious criminal allegations brought against the player, which were ultimately dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, left the club feeling it would be best if they moved him on.

Greenwood has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season and already scoring eight in all competitions this term, including a stunning four-goal haul against Le Havre in October.

His pace, versatility, and clinical finishing have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, with Manchester United set to profit from a 50% sell-on clause in any future deal.

TEAMtalk understands that Barcelona lead the chase for Greenwood, with scouts attending his recent masterclass against Le Havre.

The Catalan giants see Greenwood as a dynamic addition to Hansi Flick’s attack, potentially reuniting him with Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from United.

However, sources have stunningly revealed that Tottenham and West Ham are also in the race, eyeing a Premier League return for the former England international…

Tottenham, West Ham considering shock Greenwood swoop

Spurs want another dynamic player in the squad who can drive and add legs, while West Ham see Greenwood as a player who can turn around their season and form.

However, the optics of bringing him back to England are hard to surmount and West Ham would struggle to convince him as he wants to play in the top competitions.

This represents a significant hurdle for the London sides, but the interest in the ex-Man Utd man is there.

In Italy, Inter Milan are monitoring Greenwood as a potential alternative and successor to Lautaro Martinez, impressed by his output in France.

Atletico Madrid, familiar with his quality from a successful 2023/24 loan at Getafe (10 goals), remain keen to bring him back to La Liga.

Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League giants like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are preparing lucrative offers, though Greenwood prefers to stay in Europe and play in the Champions League.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has warned Greenwood that leaving the club’s passionate project for a bigger stage may not guarantee happiness, while owner Frank McCourt is determined to keep him to challenge Paris Saint-Germain.

With 30 goals in 48 games for Marseille, Greenwood’s stock is soaring, and a 2026 move seems inevitable. Barcelona currently hold pole position, but the race for his signature is wide open.

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Latest Tottenham news: Everton ace eyed / Real Madrid threaten

Meanwhile, Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

Newcastle are also keen on the Senegalese international, but as revealed by TEAMtalk, it will take a huge fee to lure him from the Toffees.

In other news, Micky van de Ven is reportedly generating interest from Real Madrid, who are keen to add a new centre-back to their squad.

Tottenham QUIZ: Most expensive signing, 2020-2024

Amid Real Madrid’s quest to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven has demonstrated why he would be just as good, if not better, for Xabi Alonso’s side with a hugely impressive performance against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract at the end of the season, Madrid are on the hunt for a new defender. Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate is Real Madrid’s number one centre-back target, but there is also interest in Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano.

Konate, Guehi and Upamecano are out of contract at Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich, respectively, at the end of the season, and Real Madrid view them as perfect bargain signings.

However, Los Blancos are not just looking into the free agency market, with Real Madrid also taking an interest in Tottenham defender Van de Ven, according to TEAMtalk sources.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on September 19: “I was told Konate was the one they have considered most likely but clearly they have eyes on other players too. It is interesting that they are also now being linked with Micky van de Ven because I have heard that this might be a situation to watch across this season.

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

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

Van de Ven has established himself as a hugely important player for Tottenham and is one of the first names on manager Thomas Frank’s teamsheet when he is fit and available.

The Netherlands international centre-back was the star of the show against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, as Tottenham beat the Toffees 3-0 in the Premier League game.

Van de Ven, who was the captain for Tottenham for the match in the absence of Cristian Romero, headed twice in the first half from corners.

The 24-year-old, who is known for his pace, had a pass accuracy of 88.7%, won one header, and made one tackle, three interceptions and seven clearances, according to WhoScored.

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Gary Neville impressed with Tottenham star Micky van de Ven

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was hugely impressed with Van de Ven’s performance and noted that he is now adding goals to his game.

Neville said on his podcast: “He’s always looked great, Van de Ven. You just look at him with that left foot and the way he strides forward and his presence.

“But you know, five goals from set pieces, you start to add that to your game as well, and Danso did well alongside him.”

Tottenham are trying to convince Van de Ven to sign a new contract, with TBR reporting on September 11 that the north London outfit plan to double his wages from £50,000 per week to £100,000 per week.

Van de Ven cost Tottenham a total of £43million (€49.7m, $58.2m) when they signed him from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023.

The Dutch star is under contract at last season’s Europa League winners until the summer of 2029.

Van de Ven’s agent has previously publicly backed the centre-back to star for Madrid one day.

Jose Fortes told Marca in April 2025: “Micky also has the level to one day play for a big club like Real Madrid.”

Fortes added: “For my players, effort is non-negotiable. I wasn’t a good footballer, but that’s why I know how to help them.

“Micky fits this quality; he’s a born worker. After his injury, he’ll return to a high level, on par with any big club.”

Former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara believes that Van de Ven is better than William Saliba of Arsenal and is good enough to start for Madrid.

O’Hara said on talkSPORT in October 2024: “He (Van de Ven) is unbelievable. I would go as far as to say the best centre-half in the world right now.”

When fellow host and former Chelsea player Jason Cundy mentioned Saliba, O’Hara replied: “He is better than Saliba. Come on, mate. He has got way more than Saliba. Come on, don’t compare him to Saliba.”

O’Hara further added: “Saliba is brilliant, he is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. Great centre-half. But, don’t tell me Saliba has proved it. He has won nothing. Van de Ven is better than Saliba right now.

“Don’t compare him to Saliba, compare him to Van Dijk or Rudiger at Real Madrid or a top centre-half in the world.

“Saliba is a really good player, a top player, but let’s calm down a little bit, Arsenal have won nothing yet.

“Van de Ven is the best centre-half in the world right now. Right now on form, he walks into any team.

“He gets into Liverpool’s team, he gets into Real Madrid’s team, he gets into Manchester City’s team, he walks into any team in the world. Does Saliba play over Rudiger?”

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Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior’s tantrums in El Clasico have opened the door for Liverpool to swoop in for the Real Madrid and Brazil international superstar.

Xabi Alonso’s praise for a Real Madrid midfielder after the win against Barcelona in El Clasico has surely closed the door for an exit.

And finally, Real Madrid are said to have changed their stance on Ibrahima Konate and have another defender ahead of the Liverpool and France international star on their wishlist.