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Trusted source, David Ornstein, has delivered an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s expectations for the January transfer window and has name-dropped an incredible potential signing who would leave most fans speechless, while another option comes as somewhat of a surprise.

It’s no secret that Spurs transfer chiefs Fabio Paratici and Johnan Lange are scouring the market to improve Thomas Frank’s starting XI, after a testing first six months in charge for the Dane in north London.

As TEAMtalk have previously reported, Tottenham are now considering signing another goalkeeper due to Guglielmo Vicario’s recent struggles, while more centre-back and central midfield depth are also areas under discussion.

However, it’s the forward line that is arguably the main focus of their attention, with a new left winger and potentially another striker expected to walk through the door.

And Ornstein has doubled down on the club’s winger chase and also mentioned the player on the lips of every Tottenham supporter, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

While there’s no mention from Orstein of a concrete bid coming in at this stage, our insider, Fraser Fletcher, has previously revealed that the club are willing to smash their wage structure to win the race for the Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City target.

In terms of what to expect from Tottenham in January, Orstein did, at the very least, whet the appetite of fans in north London, telling Sky Sports’ Back Pages podcast: “They’ll also have the opportunity to improve the squad in the January transfer window.

“There will be money available if the right profile comes to them, and if it will improve the team in their eyes.

“They like Antoine Semenyo, for example, if it’s not going to be him, maybe some other players in that wide attacking position, which is something they looked at last summer with Savinho from Manchester City.

“It didn’t come to fruition. Maybe it will in January, and they’ll hope that Thomas Frank can bring the results over time.”

Semenyo is the third top scorer in the Premier League with seven goals, and currently has a £65million exit clause that is only active on in the initial phase of the January window.

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Surprise Savinho swoop still a possibility

The mention of Savinho comes as somewhat of a surprise, given it appeared that particular horse had bolted after the failed summer move for the Brazilian attacker.

Indeed, unless City win the race for Semenyo very early in the January window, which would arguably make Savinho available again, the 21-year-old is expected to be heavily involved for Pep Guardiola’s side in the coming weeks.

Savinho has been forced to play second fiddle to the impressive Jeremy Doku for much of the season so far, but the Belgian has been sidelined for ‘weeks’ with a leg injury, which could open the door for the Brazil international to have a regular run in the side over the busy festive period.

If that’s the case, it’s difficult to see Tottenham resurrecting their interest in the exciting forward, who only signed a new deal in October, unless it comes right at the end of the window.

One thing is for certain, if Spurs do not bring in a new permanent replacement for legendary former skipper Son Heung-min, as they should have done over the summer, then it’s a major fail on the part of the club’s transfer hierarchy.

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Latest Tottenham news: Villa eye misfit winger; Monga transfer battle

Aston Villa will weigh up whether to compete with Crystal Palace if Brennan Johnson becomes available in 2026, as TEAMtalk sources deliver the latest news on the future of the Tottenham Hotspur star, who has largely fallen out of favour with Thomas Frank.

Elsewhere, the battle for Jeremy Monga is set to intensify in 2026 with a host of clubs manoeuvring to land the outstanding 16-year-old prospect, with sources confirming to us that Tottenham have been making a big push in recent weeks.

Aston Villa will weigh up whether to compete with Crystal Palace if Brennan Johnson becomes available in 2026, as TEAMtalk sources deliver the latest news on the future of the Tottenham Hotspur star, who has largely fallen out of favour with Thomas Frank.

We have reported that Johnson’s future in north London is becoming uncertain, with the club exploring upgrades across the squad as part of their ambitious plans.

Villa have an eye on their own team build for 2026 and beyond, and it’s believed they would be interested in any potential deal, should Tottenham show a genuine openness to selling Johnson.

Villa are enjoying an impressive campaign, placing themselves firmly in top-four contention and potentially even in the title race.

The club are already considering ways to strengthen the squad in both January and the summer, and remain alert to market opportunities involving Premier League-proven players with significant upside.

Johnson, 24, fits that profile, with his peak years still ahead of him and the possibility that he could become available at a reasonable fee or even potentially on loan, as my colleague Graeme Bailey reported on Wednesday. From the summer, he will have two years remaining on his current contract.

Villa have previously offered opportunities to players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott as part of a strategy to try to help elite talents rediscover their best form.

Johnson could yet become the next name under consideration.

The Wales international has started six Premier League matches for Spurs this season but has not scored since the second game of the campaign, having netted 18 times last term to finish at the club’s top scorer.

In total, he has scored 27 times and also has 18 assists for Tottenham – strong numbers for a player who has not always warranted a starting role at the club, given his struggles to have a significant impact on games.

No final decision has been made on his future, but Tottenham expect to receive enquiries from interested clubs in 2026 to better understand his situation.

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Johnson could be straight January swap for Elliott

If Villa do decide to move for Johnson, the attacker could come in as a straight replacement in the squad for current Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott.

Our sources have previously revealed how the struggling Anfield star could be sent back to Merseyside in the new year, with a Liverpool journalist also revealing why Unai Emery continues to ignore the player.

As things stand, Elliott has made only five appearances for Aston Villa so far this season, with manager Emery publicly suggesting that he may not play him again.

And, The Echo’s Liverpool FC correspondent, Paul Gorst, has gone some way to explaining Emery’s stance, stating that “there is an acceptance that the decision to sign Elliott in the closing hours of the window was driven by former sporting director Monchi, who left Villa just weeks later”.

The well-informed journalist added: “Emery, it is believed by those close to Villa, feels Elliott has yet to adapt to the demands placed on him and with the club still trying to avoid the pitfalls of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations, triggering a £35m fee for someone who isn’t in the plans would be a foolish move.”

While, Liverpool do not have any option to bring Elliott back from loan stint, our sources indicate that Villa are actively looking to send the player back next month, which would then potentially open the door for a Johnson swoop.

The race to sign Antone Semenyo has cranked up to another level in the last few days after Fabrizio Romano revealed Manchester United have been in contact with the player’s agent, while our sources can reveal the Bournemouth star’s number one choice amid strong interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Cherries forward is likely to be the story of the January window after it emerged that a clause in his deal can allow him to leave the Vitality Stadium for a fee of £60m plus £5m in add-ons – an attractive fee given the red-hot form the player has been in this season.

With seven goals and three assists from 15 Premier League games, Semenyo is one of the top flight’s most productive forwards, with only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago, both strikers, having scored more so far.

While Semenyo’s clause drops closer towards the £50m mark in the summer, several Premier League sides, including Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, are jostling to get a deal done for the 25-year-old Ghana winger now, and a January transfer looks to be on.

Assessing the runners and riders in the hotly-disputed race, trusted reporter Romano has now provided an update on his YouTube channel.

“Tottenham are really interested in Semenyo, but this depends on what the player wants to do. But Tottenham have a genuine interest in Semenyo,” Romano said.

“This week, again, Manchester United and Manchester City called to understand the situation of Semenyo.

“Between Monday and Tuesday, some calls took place from Manchester United and Manchester City to understand the situation of Semenyo… £65m release clause.

“So these three clubs [Tottenham, United and City] all called and Liverpool already called in November. But Liverpool are now assessing what they want to do in January and also what’s going to happen with Mohamed Salah before deciding on Semenyo.”

In an interview also released on the Men in Blazers podcast, Romano added: “Interest in the player is concrete. Now he has to decide whether he wants to complete the season at Bournemouth or maybe go already mid-season. I can mention for sure Liverpool. Liverpool are interested in the player.

Liverpool appreciate the player, but we have to see if they decide to invest this money.

“I want to mention as well, Tottenham. Tottenham wanted Antoine last summer that was not possible, and now also doesn’t seem easy for Tottenham to convince the player. So let’s see what’s going to happen there.

“And then Man City. Man City want to sign an important winger in 2026. Semenyo is one of the names, not the only one, but one of the names.”

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Which club will Antoine Semenho sign for?

In what appears a very open race to sign the player, the burning question is obvious: which club will Antoine Semenyo sign for?

The answer may lie with our very own transfer correspondents, who have all been looking deeply and are well-informed about the player’s situation over the last few weeks.

Back on December 4, Dean Jones was the first to exclusively reveal that Manchester United were seriously looking into a possible deal for Semenyo and did have the financial capabilities to sign a player that manager Ruben Amorim seriously admires.

Furthermore, Amorim who sees Semenyo as a possible option to play as a wing-back in his 3-4-2-1 system. He is also one of four Bournemouth stars we can reveal that United are tracking.

On December 12, our transfer insider Fraser Fletcher revealed that Semenyo was being strongly targeted by Tottenham, who were preparing what was described to him by sources as a “never-before-seen offer” at the north London club that would shatter their wage structure and make the 25-year-old the highest-paid player at the club.

However, the final word has to go to Graeme Bailey, who on December 9 exclusively revealed that Semenyo has made a move to Liverpool his number one preference.

We are told by sources with knowledge of the situation that Semenyo would, in theory be open to joining any of the clubs showing an interest, but it is Anfield where he sees himself.

And things could very well work out for Semenyo, given the issues surrounding Mohamed Salah, whose agent is due to hold crunch talks with FSG over the Egyptian’s future at Anfield.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is keen on a 2026 deal for Alessandro Bastoni, and so is Tottenham Hotspur co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, according to an Italian report, which has also revealed the Inter Milan defender’s stance on leaving for the Blues or Spurs.

Bastoni is one of the best defenders in the world and is a key player for Inter Milan and the Italy national team. The 26-year-old has won Serie A twice with Inter and was named the best defender in Serie A for the 2024/25 campaign, just as he was bestowed with the accolade in the 2023/24 season.

The defender has been successful with Italy as well, winning Euro 2020 with Italy, and is at the top of his game at the moment.

With Levi Colwill injured, Chelsea have not completely discounted the signing of a new defender in the January transfer window, according to The Telegraph.

FC Inter News has reported that Bastoni is the centre-back that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca would love to bring to Stamford Bridge.

The Inter Milan-centric news outlet has claimed that Maresca is ‘crazy about him’, and so is Paratici, who would love Tottenham to sign the Italian star.

The report, though, has noted that Bastoni has already ‘rejected the advances of Chelsea and Tottenham’, with the defender having turned down the chance to join Al Hilal or Al Qadsiah in the summer of 2025 as well.

There is now interest in Bastoni from Barcelona, who won LaLiga last season and are aiming to retain their title as well as win the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

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Alessandro Bastoni to hold new Inter contract talks

Not only is Bastoni not willing to join Chelsea (or Tottenham), but the defender is also planning to hold talks with Inter in the coming months.

FC Inter News has noted that ‘initial discussions regarding an extension of his current contract, which expires in June 2028, are likely to begin in the coming months with his agent, Tullio Tinti’.

Bastoni is ‘deeply attached’ to Inter, having been on the books of the Nerazzurri since 2017 and ‘wants’ to stay at the club for the long run.

The centre-back has scored seven goals and given 28 assists in 277 appearances for Inter so far in his career.

Latest Chelsea transfer news: Thiago Silva return, Man City competition

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be concerned to learn that Arsenal have made a massive bid for a Juventus star that the Blues are keen on.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Thiago Silva is ready to return to Chelsea… in a playing capacity.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a potentially transformative January transfer window, with sources telling TEAMtalk that head coach Thomas Frank is prioritising an upgrade in the goalkeeper department amid growing concerns over current number one Guglielmo Vicario.

Sources indicate that Tottenham have cast their net wide, monitoring Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona as a high-profile option.

The 33-year-old German international goalkeeper made his first appearance for Barcelona this season when he started against Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey this week.

It was Ter Stegen’s first appearance for Barcelona since the final home game of last season back in May.

Joan Garcia joined Barcelona from Espanyol in the summer of 2025 and is the number one between the posts when fit and available, with Ter Stegen only now getting back to full match fitness following his injury recovery.

Garcia is Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s preferred choice, and Ter Stegen is seen as a situation worth watching closely by Tottenham.

Barcelona are understood to be open to offers for the 33-year-old, particularly if it helps alleviate their wage bill, although no significant direct negotiations have taken place yet.

A loan-to-buy structure has been floated in some reports as a viable path, allowing Ter Stegen to secure regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup while giving Tottenham time to assess a permanent move.

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Tottenham hold talks over James Trafford move – sources

Meanwhile, sources have told us that James Trafford remains a key target for Frank’s side.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper returned to Manchester City in the summer of 2023, but he has struggled for game time behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

We understand that Trafford is viewed at Tottenham as a long-term solution with high upside.

Man City are eager to facilitate a departure to aid Trafford’s development, with a loan deal including an obligation to buy emerging as the most probable formula.

Tottenham have already held exploratory discussions, although Man City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly stated his intention to keep the 23-year-old for the remainder of the season.

However, Trafford is keen on a move to secure a regular number one position.

The push for reinforcements comes against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Vicario.

The Italian shot-stopper, who played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph last season, has faced criticism for recent errors and is attracting interest from Serie A clubs, most notably Inter Milan.

Sources suggest that Vicario could be open to a return to Italy in the summer of 2026, potentially paving the way for Tottenham to cash in and reinvest.

Frank, who took the reins at Tottenham in the summer following his successful spell at Brentford, has made no secret of his desire to strengthen between the posts.

With the north London club hovering mid-table and facing a congested fixture list, stabilising the goalkeeping position could prove crucial in turning their season around.

While January moves for elite goalkeepers are notoriously difficult, Tottenham’s proactive approach signals ambition under the new hierarchy.

Fans will be hoping it translates into action as the window approaches.

READ NEXT: Four Tottenham targets to replace Guglielmo Vicario, including ‘world-class’ coup and two Prem stars

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Man Utd competition, Brennan Johnson future

Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have made a move for a top talent, who is on the radar of Manchester United and Manchester City, too.

Graeme Bailey has also reported Tottenham’s stance on the future of Brennan Johnson.

The battle for Jeremy Monga is set to intensify in 2026 with a host of clubs manoeuvring to land the outstanding 16-year-old prospect, with sources confirming to us that Tottenham Hotspur have been making a big push in recent weeks.

Every top Premier League club is chasing Monga – who despite his age has played over 20 first-team games. Monga made his debut for Leicester aged 15 last season and at that point was the second youngest player in Premier League history, behind only Ethan Nwaneri.

Monga turns 17 in July, when he is able to sign his first professional contract with Leicester. But it remains to be seen if he will commit to the Foxes, who are struggling to get their promotion campaign on track this term.

Whilst pleased with the action he is seeing at the King Power, Monga and his camp are aware of the interest that has emerged and that will be very difficult for him to overlook.

Indeed, given the impact made by the likes of Monga’s international colleagues Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman in the Premier League this season, it is likely going to be hard to persuade him to remain in the Championship.

We can reveal that Tottenham have been pushing very strongly in recent weeks, but Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all laid out their plans to the Coventry-born star.

As it stands, we are told that he will likely make his final decision in early 2026.

We can confirm that Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have all had conversations with his team. Although, he would have to wait until 2027 in theory to leave England, should that be the path he wants to take.

It emerged on October 27 that City were leading the chase for the left winger, but Spurs are trying to beat them to his capture.

YOUR NEXT READ: Four Tottenham targets to replace Guglielmo Vicario, including ‘world-class’ coup and two Prem stars

Tottenham transfer news: Exit green light; £70m striker option

Meanwhile, sources state that Spurs are poised to let Brennan Johnson leave in January.

They are planning an initial loan exit to help the forward increase his transfer value.

Spurs have shown interest in an in-form striker who’d replace Richarlison, though they will have to pay a huge £70m to snare him.

Sources can confirm that Tottenham Hotspur are set to green-light Brennan Johnson’s departure in the January window – but are now open to letting the player leave on loan, while Thomas Frank sets his sights on two ambitious replacements on the wing.

The 42-times capped Wales winger has featured 20 times for Tottenham this season, though half of those have come from the substitutes bench and there is now acceptance within the club that Thomas Frank is not his biggest fan.

As a result, we reported at the weekend that Spurs are open to the departure of their £47.5m (€54.3m, $63.7m) signing from Nottingham Forest next month – if the price is right.

At the same time, we revealed that Crystal Palace had expressed an early interest in bringing the player across London, with Oliver Glasner seeing him as a potential option to cover for Ismaila Sarr, who has headed off to the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.

However, the early signs suggest that Spurs may struggle to claw back a sizeable fee for Johnson. And their valuation – which we understand to be around the same fee they paid for him – is already looking a tall order for those chasing him.

As a result, Tottenham are happy to instead consider letting the 24-year-old leave on a temporary deal, hoping the move can kickstart the player’s career and help them achieve a bigger fee come the summer window instead.

The winger is now considering his options ahead of a potential move in the New Year, and with several clubs keen on a potential deal.

To that end, we can reveal several sides have enquired about Johnson’s situation heading into 2026.

And we understand that Bournemouth see Johnson as a potential option to replace Antoine Semenyo, should the powerhouse Ghanaian winger depart the Vitality Stadium next month.

Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on the situation, while there could yet be the opportunity for Johnson to move abroad.

Either way, sources have confirmed that Johnson is prepared to leave Tottenham for more regular first-team football, given that it is not looking available to him under Frank.

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Spurs chasing quality winger replacement

With Spurs openly looking to move Johnson on, Frank and Co. have made it their mission to strengthen Spurs’ wide attacking options, with a left winger seen as a priority for January.

To that end, we can confirm Spurs are firmly in the mix to snap up Semenyo in the January transfer window, despite concrete interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool for the Ghana international.

Indeed, my colleague Fraser Fletcher revealed on Friday that Spurs are willing to smash their wage structure for Semenyo in a huge statement of intent by the club’s owners and in an effort to beat their rivals to his signature.

Elsewhere, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg lists Tottenham Hotspur as one of multiple clubs to have taken a shine on RB Leipzig’s talented star Yan Diomande in recent weeks, though the fee for the Ivory Coast winger would be considerably higher.

Posting on X, the reliable Plettenberg posted: ‘Top clubs from England all have Yan Diomande in their sights: Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and many more. Contrary to other reports, there are no concrete or advanced talks with any club.

‘Contract until 2030 with no release clause.

‘A move after the World Cup is possible. Leipzig are considering a fee of over €100 million. Incredible talent.’

Spurs hold talks over Ruben Neves; striker target given huge £70m valuation

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are ready to sell Ruben Neves back to Europe next month as they struggle to tie him down to a new contract, and with sources confirming that several Premier League clubs, including long-term suitors Tottenham, are among the sides to have held talks with agents over a possible January deal.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur have learned they will have to pay up to £70m (€80m, $94m) if they want to secure the signing of a top striker who has scored more goals this season than the club’s three genuine No.9s put together in the January window.

Tottenham Hotspur have learned they will have to pay up to £70million (€80m / $94m) if they want to secure the signing of a top striker who has scored more goals this season than the club’s three genuine No.9s put together in the January window.

Goals have been pretty hard to come by for Spurs strikers so far this term, with Richarlison netting seven in all competitions, loanee Randal Kolo Muani two and the injury-plagued Dominic Solanke failing to get off the mark from the three outings he had early in the campaign.

To that end, it’s no great surprise that Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, whose job is under increasing pressure, is on the hunt for a more prolific central attacker.

Numerous names have been linked with a switch to north London in the winter window, although almost all of them had been ruled out – namely the likes of Ivan Toney, Dusan Vlahovic and Samu Aghehowa.

However, TEAMtalk has previously reported on the club’s interest in Brentford frontman Igor Thiago, who has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League so far this season, with 11 goals to his name from 16 league outings.

The 24-year-old has ensured that Brentford have not missed either Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa, although he’s now rumoured to be the next top star to leave the Gtech Community Stadium.

It was first reported back in October that Tottenham are eyeing a £30m move for Thiago in January, even though our sources have indicated that the player is not for sale.

Brazilian journalist Felipe Silva has added to that stance, taking to social media to reveal that the Bees have no interest in negotiating the sale of their star striker halfway through the campaign.

However, they still expect offers to be forthcoming from the likes of Spurs, Aston Villa and Newcastle, given the impact Thiago has made this season after failing to find the net in his eight games last term.

And, according to Silva, Brentford will set an asking price of £70m, which would make him a record signing for Tottenham if they launch a concrete move for the forward.

DON’T MISS: Four Tottenham targets to replace Guglielmo Vicario, including ‘world-class’ coup and two Prem stars

Latest Tottenham news: 13-club Guehi chase; Van de Ven exit concern

Sources can confirm that the interest in Spurs target Marc Guehi is, as expected, strong amid claims that Manchester City have now made the player a ‘leading target’ in 2026. And we can confirm the names of every major club in Europe who have made contact with his camp ahead of his exit on a free transfer away from Crystal Palace next summer.

Elsewhere, a stunning report claims Real Madrid have identified a Tottenham centre-back as their No 1 transfer target in January and believe if he agitates for a move, he can be bought for just €50m.

A stunning report claims Real Madrid have identified a Tottenham centre-back as their No 1 transfer target in January and believe if he agitates for a move, he can be bought for just €50m.

Real Madrid signed a plethora of new defenders (Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras) over the summer, though the injury bug has once again bitten this season. New and old signings alike are dropping like flies, with Eder Militao the latest to fall.

The Brazilian – who is arguably the best centre-back at the Bernabeu right now – will be sidelined for up to four months with a torn hamstring.

Los Blancos are weighing up whether to bring plans to sign a new centre-back forward from the summer to the January window in lieu of the injury blow.

And with Real Madrid no longer pursuing Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, a fresh report from E-Noticies claims there’s two defenders – both of whom play in the Premier League – in their sights.

The first is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but it’s quickly stressed a move for the Crystal Palace man does NOT have unanimous backing from the club’s key decision-makers.

Instead, the preferred choice is Micky Van de Ven, who has arguably been Spurs’ best player this season.

Despite being a centre-back, Van de Ven is remarkably the club’s second top scorer across all competitions with six goals. Only Richarlison has more, and only just with seven.

E-Noticies stated: ‘Real Madrid’s leadership has already narrowed the list of options down to two top-level defenders.

‘The first is Marc Guehi, a Crystal Palace centre-back, who could arrive at Bernabéu for about €30 million. Guehi is especially liked by the coaching staff for his ability to anticipate and play cleanly out from the back.

‘However, this option doesn’t fully convince the board, who are already considering a much more suitable alternative for what the team needs right now.

‘This is Micky van de Ven, a Dutch international defender from Tottenham, whose signing would be around €50 million. Even though he’s more expensive, his profile fits Real Madrid’s requirements perfectly.

‘Van de Ven is fast, aggressive, and very strong in one-on-one duels, essential qualities to cover the huge gap left by Éder Militao.

‘In addition, his personality and ability to take on responsibilities in high-pressure situations make him an ideal candidate for Bernabéu. In England, they claim Tottenham would listen to offers if the player pushes to leave.’

What we’re hearing about Van de Ven

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, was recently able to verify Real Madrid’s interest in signing Van de Ven.

However, Jones was also informed Tottenham would put up the fight of all fights before selling the player and even if they did, they’ll demand much more than the Spanish media are claiming a deal can be struck for.

Jones told TEAMtalk: “Van de Ven has been mentioned in the same way that Madrid have looked at Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi, but it is different because those three players are becoming free agents and that is a market Madrid are very keen to exploit when they can.

“Van de Ven would be a much different situation as he has more than three years remaining on his current deal and the club are hoping to tie him up to a new one, on better terms over an extended period.

“Obviously, Madrid have the power to turn any player’s head, but they would have to pay big money for him as Spurs really do not want to lose him.

“They consider his experience and leadership to be absolutely vital, on top of the fact he’s a great defender and can also be a threat in terms of scoring goals.”

Latest Tottenham news – Frank sack decision / Vicario sale and replacements

In other news, The Athletic stated recent discussions amongst Tottenham’s key decision-makers have yielded one conclusion – Thomas Frank needs more time.

The Dane has come under increasing pressure amid a run of seven defeats in 14 matches, but Tottenham have no intention of sacking their manager any time soon.

Elsewhere, sources have revealed Inter Milan’s stance on signing Guglielmo Vicario in the summer of 2026, while the Tottenham goalkeeper has been hammered in the Italian media for his performance against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Amid a hugely ambitious call to appoint Jurgen Klopp, Tottenham have reached a decision on whether or not to sack Thomas Frank.

Tottenham took the bull by the horns last summer when deciding to part ways with Ange Postecoglou who’d just delivered their first major trophy since 2008.

A bright start to the season suggested Spurs were right to be pro-active when choosing Thomas Frank as Postecoglou’s successor.

However, familiar frailties at the back have resurfaced in recent months, and combined with a bluntness in attack, results have turned.

Spurs have won just four of their previous 14 matches across all competitions, drawing three times and losing seven times.

It is a run of form that has fuelled speculation Frank’s tenure in north London will be a short one, but according to The Athletic, that is not the case.

The trusted outlet declared on Monday evening that discussions held amongst Tottenham’s key decision-makers have yielded one conclusion – the club must stick by Frank.

The report read: ‘Thomas Frank has been given the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy following discussions at the top of the club.’

It continued: ‘While there have been discussions at the club about Frank’s future, these have been regular meetings of the type that all clubs will have about their staffing and direction, rather than anything specifically reacting to events.

‘And sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, indicated the clear position of the majority shareholding Lewis family is to stick with Frank and to give him the time that he needs.’

Speaking in the aftermath of Tottenham’s brutal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Frank insisted the Spurs managerial job does not lend itself to a “quick fix” and that “if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around.”

Spurs and their manager are singing from the same hymn sheet and a managerial change will not be made any time soon.

Crazy Jurgen Klopp call made

One Tottenham figure who seemingly would’ve been on board with the club sacking Frank is former chairman, Lord Alan Sugar.

The 78-year-old ambitiously called for Spurs to hire Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp as Frank’s replacement after the Forest loss.

Posting on X, Sugar wrote: “With the massive fortune of the Lewis family it would be a win win situation if they hired Jurgen Klopp in January. Loads of money for players and a great manager. Who agrees #coys @SpursOfficial.”

Klopp has already gone on record to state he’ll never manage another English team besides Liverpool.

Furthermore, all the noise coming from Klopp’s camp suggests the legendary German is happy in his role as head of soccer at Red Bull and has no plans to return to management in any country, never mind England.

And with Tottenham sticking by Frank, Klopp to Spurs is a fanciful idea that can now be resigned to the scrapheap.