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Liverpool manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have been urged to raid Tottenham Hotspur for Micky van de Ven, with Khalid Boulahrouz explaining why the defender is the perfect long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, but TEAMtalk analyses that a transfer may not be possible.

Van Dijk has been on the books of Liverpool since January 2018, when he joined from Southampton, and has been one of the best players for the Merseyside club since then. The Netherlands international defender has won the Premier League title twice, the FA Cup once, the EFL Cup twice, and the Champions League once with the Reds so far in his career.

The Dutchman signed a new contract with Liverpool in April 2025 to extend his stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027.

Despite being 34 years of age, Van Dijk remains one of the first names on the Liverpool teamsheet and is also a regular for the Netherlands.

Former Chelsea defender Boulahrouz is a huge fan of Van Dijk, but the Dutchman has noted his compatriot has not been at his best this season, echoing the claims made by ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

Boulahrouz believes that Liverpool need to start looking for a long-term successor to Van Dijk and has urged the defending Premier League champions to move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.

Van de Ven plays with Van Dijk for the Netherlands team and has established himself as a key figure for Spurs, with whom he won the Europa League in the 2024/25 campaign.

Boulahrouz told ESPN Netherlands: “Virgil is still undisputed in the Dutch national team, even though Liverpool haven’t been performing quite as well lately.

“Diogo Jota’s passing has had a huge impact on the squad. In addition, many new players have joined.

“That has an impact, and you can see that with Van Dijk. But despite that, he remains a world-class player.”

Boulahrouz noted about Van de Ven: “He’s really outperforming them. He’s physically strong and incredibly quick.

“Opponents know that, so they don’t even try to get past him anymore. He could still do better on the ball; he makes the occasional blunder. But overall, I think he’s fantastic.

“I think he’s the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk, both in the Dutch national team and at Liverpool.

“The question, of course, is what Virgil will do after the World Cup. Playing in the Premier League for years has taken its toll. You might long for a bit of a break.

“And Liverpool isn’t crazy: if you’re looking for a world-class left defender and you have the money, you’ll quickly end up with Van de Ven.

“The same goes for the Dutch national team. I think Koeman has long since realised that Van Dijk’s successor is already out there.”

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Tottenham Hotspur plans regarding Micky van de Ven – sources

Interestingly, Liverpool have been linked with Van de Ven in the Spanish press.

Liverpool are on the hunt for at least one new centre-back in 2026, with Ibrahima Konate out of contract at the end of the season and yet to sign a new deal.

Given how good Van de Ven is and the fact that he can still get better at the age of 24, it would be remiss to suggest that Liverpool will not be at least keeping tabs on him.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Real Madrid have also taken a shine to Van de Ven.

While Tottenham are aware that the team need to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis and have to show ambition to keep the defender they paid just £34million (€39m, $45m) for in 2023, the north London club have no immediate plans to cash in on him.

Fletcher reported on TEAMtalk on November 5: “With Van de Ven contracted until 2029, the club faces no immediate financial or contractual pressure to sell.

“Spurs’ hierarchy view him as a world-class centre-back and a symbol of their ambitious project under Frank.

“Sources close to the club insist there is ‘zero intention’ to part ways, with the defender’s development central to their plans.”

Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR on November 6: “A new deal for Van de Ven is emerging as one of Tottenham’s priorities under Vinai Venkatesham’s reign, and talks have already been taking place since the summer.

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

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

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

Tottenham expert John Wenham told Tottenham News on November 15: “I think with his existing deal running until 2029, Spurs are not in a panic situation.

“However, as he joined from the Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, I imagine he is probably on £60-70,000 per week maximum.

“So Spurs should reward his rapid progress into one of the best defenders in the Premier League with a new deal and could even double his current salary.”

Latest Liverpool transfer news: Tottenham threat, new British record

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to splash the cash to block Liverpool from completing an audacious swap deal with Real Madrid.

Liverpool are also planning to break the British transfer record on a winger, who the defending Premier League champions believe would be a perfect successor to Mohamed Salah.

Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolas Raskin went nearly perfect in one key statistic for Belgium against Kazakhstan, and displays like that could further drive up what’s already set to be a record transfer fee.

Raskin, 24, only debuted for Belgium in March of 2025, but has become a fixture of the eighth-ranked men’s side in the world. He has now played eight games for his country, starting four on the bounce.

He scored his first international goal in the first of those four games, against Kazakhstan, and when facing them again, he went nearly-perfect in one key statistic.

According to SofaScore, Raskin made 52 of 53 passes, at an accuracy percentage of 98.

In his own half, he did not misplace a single pass, and the Rangers man made two key passes, as well as two crosses.

He received a 7.7 rating for his performance, after receiving an 8.0 the last time he faced Kazakhstan. While he’s underperformed in two games against Wales, any performance on the big stage is likely to attract attention.

That could be to the detriment of Tottenham, who TEAMtalk is aware are fans of Raskin, with Rangers initially setting a price tag of £20-25million.

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Raskin price could rise

Sources have since mentioned that £20million price tag again as a value which could see Rangers part company with the midfielder.

But performances on the big stage could see Raskin’s price tag rise.

Anything above £20million would represent the Scottish club’s record sale.

While they won’t want to lose Raskin, they’ll know big performances in international football will only increase the eyes on him, and whether that sees Tottenham go big for him or gives them competition remains to be seen.

In any case, the Rangers man looks more than comfortable in a side containing Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs expected to land Rodrygo

Keith Wyness feels Tottenham are the most likely side to end up with Real Madrid star Rodrygo despite reports of a swap with Liverpool for Florian Wirtz.

However, TEAMtalk is aware Spurs feel his salary demands are too high.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk sources have stated Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in Belgian youngster Nathan De Cat.

It’s suggested the 17-year-old could command a fee of up to £31million.

Insider Keith Wyness has suggested he expects Real Madrid star Rodrygo to land at Tottenham but there have been “whispers” of a huge Liverpool swap, while TEAMtalk can reveal which destination is most likely for the Brazilian superstar.

Spurs have a wealth of attacking options but still don’t seem to know who their best left-winger is. Xavi Simons has been used there to little effect and it’s been the same story with other men playing out wide.

As a result, it’s understood Tottenham will be looking to prioritise a new winger in the January window.

Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, feels Real Madrid man Rodrygo will land in north London, though reports of a Florian Wirtz swap deal with Liverpool could have an impact.

He said: “I think he’ll go to Spurs, but the whisper I got was a potential swap deal with Wirtz as part of it from Liverpool.

“Now, given the start that Wirtz has had, that isn’t beyond the realms of the imagination. I think he may fit better into the Real Madrid style of play and the La Liga style of play.

“I think that may be something that could have some currency in it. I didn’t dismiss it out of hand straight away.

“But I do think that Spurs will be the ones that end up paying the money to get him across from Real Madrid. I expect Spurs to push hard, but that Liverpool-Wirtz story did seem to make some sense to me.”

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Rodrygo most likely to go to Man City

However, TEAMtalk has in fact found out from sources that a Tottenham move is unlikely in January, with Rodrygo’s salary demands deemed too high and beyond what the north London side are capable of paying.

It is instead Manchester City who top the race for the Brazilian forward.

Sources state the Premier League high-flyers are ready to trigger a deal worth €60-80million (£53-£70m).

They’re also willing to pay him €10million (£8.8m) in wages, so the move aligns perfectly for Rodrygo.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs want De Cat

TEAMtalk is aware that Belgian youngster Nathan De Cat will become the centre of a bidding war including Tottenham and the likes of Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

Anderlecht could demand £31million for the 17-year-old star.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk is aware Spurs have sent scouts to watch Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche.

They were present as the 22-year-old played 22 minutes in the 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday evening.

Thomas Frank has not had anything like the output he wants from Tottenham Hotspur’s central strikers so far this season, with sources informing us that a new No.9 is on the agenda for January – leading to TEAMtalk ranking the club’s top five targets.

It’s fair to say that Spurs and Frank have had rotten luck with their striker options to date, with Dominic Solanke and loan signing Randal Kolo Muani spending more time on the sidelines than the pitch so far.

The irony of Richarlison being Tottenham‘s only genuine fit No.9, given all his previous injury woes, will not be lost on many – although it’s also led to some fans of the north London club to call for highly-rated home-grown talent Dane Scarlett to be given a go ahead of the Brazilian.

Genuine Spurs No.9s, not including Mathys Tel, who is still regarded as more of a winger, have contributed just four of their 31 goals in all competitions so far this season, with all four coming from Richarlison.

One major target who was known to be on the club’s radar is now off it, with TEAMtalk sources confirming that Tottenham will no longer pursue a deal for Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic.

We understand that Spurs stepped away from the race, with club sources indicating they will not make an approach in January, nor engage in talks if they are approached regarding his availability again.

To that end, here are five realistic striker options Spurs could sign in January, with TEAMtalk ranking them on best fits to least likely…

The Brazilian talent failed to shine during his time at Barcelona, but did fare a little better on loan at Real Betis before being offloaded back to his homeland in February.

The 20-year-old looks to have found his mojo again at Palmeiras, scoring 20 goals in 52 appearances and also attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Signing Vitor Roque would be classed as a gamble, though, despite his clear talent. Thomas Frank needs a striker who can hit the ground running, not one who could take months to adjust to playing in England.

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A quality attacking player and one who would definitely help Tottenham, but more as a winger than a No.9 – even though Lookman can play there.

Having played more than 300 career games, the Nigerian has lined up through the middle on 40 occasions, while the majority of his appearances have come on the left flank.

That is the exact position where he should be playing, if Spurs can secure his signature, with the absence of club legend Son Heung-min fully in evidence so far this season.

There could also be good news on the Lookman signing front, following an update on his future on Thursday.

While a move for one Juve frontman has been ruled out, it’s another who remains a target for Tottenham and a player they have chased for a number of windows now.

Canada international David was a prolific force at his previous club Lille, scoring 109 times in 232 games for the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, things have not gone to plan since his free transfer switch to Turin, with the 25-year-old starting just seven games for Juve and only scoring once in 14 games in total.

There is a feeling, though, that David’s playing style is not quite right for Italian football and that he is better suited to the cut and thrust of the Premier League.

With that in mind, it would come as no surprise if Tottenham reignited their interest in the forward in the new year.

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The Spain international has been plying his trade in Portugal since last season, having struggled to make an impact when he got a big move to Atletico Madrid a year in 2023.

After notching eight goals on loan at Alaves, Porto paid Atletico €15million for 50% of his rights and also reserved the option to buy 15% of his rights in 2025 and 2026 for €5 million each year in a rather complex arrangement.

So far this term, the talented 21-year-old attacker has scored nine times in 14 outings and has impressed with his pace, power and clinical finishing ability.

Aghehowa certainly has all the tools to be a big success in English football, and TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has previously revealed that he is a player Tottenham scouts have been watching closely and regularly.

Aghehowa has a €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract, which runs for another four years, although it’s more likely that he can be signed for a figure in the region of €60m (£52m) instead.

This has to be the main option for Tottenham in terms of ticking all the boxes they want from signing a new No.9.

Toney has a ton of Premier League experience, is still only in his late 20s and, more importantly, has worked under Thomas Frank for a number of years.

The 29-year-old England international moved to the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2024 and has gone on to score 41 goals in 59 goals for Al Ahli, albeit in less demanding conditions than top-flight football in England.

TEAMtalk have consistently reported on Tottenham’s interest in bringing Toney back to the Premier League, while talkSPORT have since jumped on that bandwagon.

There’s no smoke without fire and we expect Frank to do his utmost to try and convince Toney to join him in north London, giving the Spurs boss the lethal finisher that he craves.

Nathan De Cat, the wiry 17-year-old orchestrating Anderlecht’s midfield like a veteran conductor, has become the epicentre of a continental bidding war that includes Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, we can reveal.

The Belgian wonderkid – blessed with a wand of a left foot and an uncanny knack for threading passes through needle-eye gaps – has racked up four goals and six assists this season, turning heads from the English south coast to the Spanish capital. Insiders at Lotto Park confirm that no fewer than seven top-tier clubs are locked in a feverish pursuit, each desperate to secure the signature of a player still months shy of his 18th birthday.

In England, the chase is ferocious. Brighton, architects of shrewd continental raids, have earmarked De Cat as the cornerstone of their next evolution, with the Seagulls impressed and enamoured by his press-resistant poise.

Aston Villa’s recruitment machine views him as the ideal partner for Boubacar Kamara in their midfield pivot.

Tottenham, craving creativity beyond James Maddison, and Nottingham Forest, seeking a spark to ignite their survival bid, complete the Premier League quartet.

Early feelers suggest Anderlecht would demand north of €20million (£18m) upfront, plus performance add-ons that could push the package toward €35m (£31m).

Europe’s traditional powerhouses refuse to be sidelined. AC Milan’s scouting network, honed on Serie A’s tactical chessboard, sees De Cat slotting into their 4-2-3-1 formation as a deep-lying playmaker with flair.

Bayern Munich leading race for Nathan De Cat

Atletico Madrid, ever pragmatic under Diego Simeone, covet his duel-winning ferocity to bolster an engine room thinned by departures.

But the real juggernaut emerges from Munich: Bayern, having initiated formal talks with De Cat’s representatives, dangle the allure of the Rekordmeister’s fabled academy-to-first-team conveyor belt. With Jamal Musiala as a living blueprint, the Germans are prepared to eclipse rivals with a €38m (£34m) total package, sweetened by a potential loan-back clause to ease his transition.

Anderlecht sporting director Olivier Renard acknowledges the “exceptional interest” but stresses any exit must fund squad reinvestment. The player, a product of Brussels’ melting-pot streets, offers measured diplomacy: “Anderlecht is home, but big clubs make you think.”

January looms as the battleground. Will De Cat trade purple for Seagull blue, claret, lilywhite, garnet, red-and-white stripes, Rossoneri red-black, or Bayern’s crimson? The kid they call “The Kitten” is one of the brightest talents to watch in world football.

Spurs in Liverpool battle; latest on struggling Villa man

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to us that Liverpool will fight Spurs for one of the very best forwards in the Premier League.

Harvey Elliott left Liverpool for Villa over the summer amid his search for game time.

Tottenham Hotspur have continued to make checks on Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, and had an eye on him while on France duty this week, sources have revealed to us.

Akliouche appeared from the bench and made a positive impact in a 4-0 win over Ukraine. Sources indicate that Tottenham had representatives watching the game as he looks to make his mark in international football.

Spurs have been monitoring him closely at Monaco, and it is believed he is one of the players they are looking towards as a potential 2026 transfer target.

Thomas Frank wants new edge to his attack, and Akliouche offers a sense of excitement with his runs both on and off the ball.

Spurs are still not sure which way they will turn in the new year, as they have a list of attacking options and will whittle it down in the coming weeks.

They have players at varying levels so that they are well prepared to recruit in January at a time when they aim to be as ambitious as possible.

We revealed that Akliouche is on Spurs’ attacking shortlist on August 26.

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Tottenham keen on Akliouche, Semenyo

On October 22, sources confirmed to us that Spurs have identified the right winger as an alternative signing to Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

The latter remains a top target for Spurs but is also being chased by Liverpool, according to TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher. If Spurs miss out on Semenyo then talks could begin for Akliouche instead.

Spurs have been watching the 23-year-old Frenchman’s performances in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League closely this season.

Akliouche was at the heart of Monaco’s most dangerous moves when they hosted Spurs in the Champions League last month, and he would have had at least one assist if Guglielmo Vicario didn’t manage such an impressive performance.

Akliouche can operate as either a right winger or central attacking midfielder, meaning he could bolster numerous positions for Frank. Although, Spurs also need to strengthen the left side of their attack, a void which could be filled by Semenyo or another signing.

Spurs news: €60m deal ON; £42m striker target

Meanwhile, Spurs have reportedly made progress in their attempts to sign a €60m Serie A forward.

Fabio Paratici is also interested in a £42m striker, a report has claimed.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered what could be another crushing setback ahead of the north London derby on November 23, and are facing the prospect of being without as many as 10 players against Arsenal.

It’s been a testing start to Thomas Frank’s reign, despite the club sitting fifth in the Premier League table and being in a decent spot in the expanded Champions League group phase after four unbeaten outings.

Injuries have already played a part for Tottenham, as they did for so much of last season under Ange Postecoglou, and it appears there is no let-up at the moment.

One player who had hoped to be available again against the Gunners was midfielder Lucas Bergvall after he jetted off on international duty with Sweden, having missed two games with the concussion he suffered against Chelsea.

However, Sweden boss Stefan Pettersson confirmed Bergvall suffered a setback during training, telling SportBladet: “We had agreed with Tottenham’s doctor to do some tests during the week and then run at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly.

“When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don’t want to take any risks.”

Bergvall has now returned to London, where he will continue rehabilitation after leaving Sweden’s training camp and must be considered a major doubt to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.

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Thomas Frank faces anxious wait on injured Tottenham stars

Thomas Frank, who is reported to be under pressure after one win his last four games as Spurs boss, faces the prospect on not being able to call on 10 players for the Gunners clash.

Besides Bergvall, Randal Kolo Muani and Mohammed Kudus are both sidelined, although there is some hope that the latter could be good to go against Mikel Arteta’s men.

Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies and Kota Takai are also struggling with injuries and not expected to be available.

Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke are out for the foreseeable future due to long-term injuries, with the latter the likeliest to return early from the ankle issue that forced surgery.

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Latest Tottenham news: Winger chase update; Brazilian striker emerges on radar

First up, Tottenham could turn their year-long scouting of a top Ligue 1 winger into a January transfer swoop, according to sources, as Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange aim to provide Thomas Frank with attacking upgrades.

Elsewhere, Antoine Semenyo, the dynamic Bournemouth forward, has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool and Tottenham, with TEAMtalk sources indicating a potential blockbuster move on the horizon.

Tottenham Hotspur could turn their year-long scouting of a top Ligue 1 winger into a January transfer swoop, according to sources, as Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange aim to provide Thomas Frank with attacking upgrades.

As TEAMtalk have consistently reported, Spurs are expected to sign a new left-winger after failing to adequately replace former skipper Son Heung-min, with the likes of Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons all failing to make the position their own.

In reality, Simons only started in that position as part of his transition to English football after his summer switch from RB Leipzig, with his best position as a No.10.

Johnson is more effective in Mohammed Kudus’ position on the right, while Odobert has some flashes that he could be the answer – but not enough for Tottenham not to move for an upgrade in the winter window instead.

As we’ve mentioned before, Antoine Semenyo and Ademola Lookman are the two favourites to fill that role, but now TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has thrown a bit of a curveball when it comes to Barcelona target Malick Fofana.

We asked Jones if any Premier League clubs are in the mix to sign the explosive Lyon attacker in January, with Fofana expected to cost in the region of €50m (£44m / $58m), to which he replied: “If there is a battle to sign Fofana then it will be interesting to see if Tottenham position themselves as part of it.

“They had a look at him in the build up to last summer but by the time they decided to go for him it was a bit too late to bring anything to life.

“They have watched him a lot across the calendar year and obviously we know Spurs are drawing up their list of attacking options at the moment for future windows, so he probably would figure within that.”

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Unbelievable signing, but Tottenham sent Fofana warning

Fofana has spent the large part of his career playing as a left-sided attacker, so would clearly be a strong fit for Spurs.

He’s not had the most explosive starts to the current campaign, scoring twice and adding one assist, but the 20-year-old Belgian is a two-footed, direct winger who would bring another dimension to Frank’s attack.

That being said, Jones has warned about the time it could take Fofana to adapt to English football, as has been seen with both Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, and the fact that Tottenham need players who can make an impact straight away.

Jones added: “I think a main thing would be to consider his adaptation time to the Premier League because with their next signings, they really do need players that hit the ground running.

“We have seen how Xavi Simons and Kolo Muani have not found the switch easy, when it comes to getting into the side and then performing constantly at their top level.

“So maybe Spurs have to think about that moving forwards. But he’s a player that has impressed them.”

Whether Tottenham actually move for Fofana remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – it would be a major mistake if a new left-sided attacker is not signed for Frank.

Latest Tottenham news: More winger signing updates; Brazilian striker eyed

First up, Tottenham have reportedly taken a step closer to the January signing of a top attacking target who would make a significant impression on Thomas Frank’s starting XI, if they can overcome interest from a LaLiga rival in his services.

Elsewhere, Spurs are being tipped to switch their focus for signing a new No.9 from Europe to Brazil, as sporting director Fabio Paratici looks to give Thomas Frank more firepower, although TEAMtalk can reveal why the latest links must come with a word of caution.

And finally, Tottenham have made a decision on whether or not they will sack Thomas Frank as the manager, as a Sky Sports pundit sends a warning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful.

Antoine Semenyo, the dynamic Bournemouth forward, has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool and Tottenham, with TEAMtalk sources indicating a potential blockbuster move on the horizon.

The 25-year-old Ghana international, who has lit up the Vitality Stadium with his explosive pace, physicality, and goal-scoring prowess, is “very keen” on a switch to Anfield, where Liverpool are eyeing him to bolster their attacking options.

Liverpool’s interest stems from their ongoing squad evolution under Arne Slot. Semenyo’s versatility to operate as a winger or central striker aligns perfectly with the Reds’ high-pressing system.

Insiders claim the Merseyside club has placed him firmly on their radar, viewing him as a long-term investment to complement stars like Mo Salah and Alexander Isak, and potentially replace the former in the long-term.

His impressive tally of six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances so far this term has only heightened the buzz.

That is following on from a stellar 2024/25 campaign in which he notched 11 goals and six Premier League assists, which helped Bournemouth challenge for European football.

Liverpool have Semenyo high on their radar, but they won’t have it all their own way and Tottenham represent a formidable foe in the race…

Tottenham primed to battle Liverpool for Antoine Semenyo

Tottenham have been admirers of Semenyo for longer than Liverpool. They scouted Semenyo extensively during the summer transfer window but balked at Bournemouth’s lofty valuation, which exceeded £70m.

Thomas Frank’s side, seeking to add depth behind their strike force, had him high on their wishlist but prioritized other deals. However, their admiration persists, and a renewed push could materialize if they address squad imbalances in the coming windows.

Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, remain resolute in retaining their talisman through January.

The Cherries, enjoying another solid European chasing campaign, see Semenyo as integral to their ambitions and are unwilling to disrupt momentum mid-season.

Club officials acknowledge, though, that the summer of 2026 poses a sterner test. With his contract running until 2027, interest from top clubs is expected to intensify, potentially triggering a bidding war.

Semenyo’s rise from Bristol City to Premier League standout underscores his quality, determination and potential. Valued at around £60-80m depending on form, his marketability is soaring.

For Liverpool, he represents a shrewd addition; for Spurs, a statement signing.

As the transfer carousel spins, Bournemouth braces for inevitable approaches, while Semenyo dreams of elite European football.

The coming months could define his career trajectory in this intriguing saga.

Latest Liverpool news: Harvey Elliot in limbo / Marc Guehi battle boost

Meanwhile, two reliable journalists have revealed that Harvey Elliot must make five more appearances for Aston Villa for his loan move from Liverpool to be made permanent.

Villa must sign the 22-year-old for £35m if those conditions are met. However, there are growing concerns that he may not feature again under Unai Emery.

In other news, a reputable Spanish source has claimed that Liverpool are set to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign Marc Guehi.

The Crystal Palace captain is said to be already ‘on his way’ to the Merseyside giants.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken a step closer to the January signing of a top attacking target who would make a significant impression on Thomas Frank’s starting XI, if they can overcome interest from a LaLiga rival in his services.

It’s no secret that fresh attacking additions will be the main port of call for Spurs when it comes to the winter window, with TEAMtalk previously revealing that a left-winger is the main priority, followed by the potential signing of another No.9.

In terms of the latter, it’s been revealed that a top Brazilian talent is now on the club’s radar, but in terms of the left-wing spot that has been a clear issue to Son Heung-min’s exit, several names are in the mix.

Chief among them are Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, and it’s the latter that is the focus of the latest report when it comes to Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange’s search for quality January signings at Tottenham.

While TEAMtalk recently revealed how Lookman’s recent bust-up with Atalanta coach Ivan Juric enhanced their chances of snapping up the Nigeria international, TuttoJuve has now added more on the race to snap up the versatile forward.

The 28-year-old former Everton man scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, and his familiarity with playing in England means he should take no real time to settle.

TuttoJuve reports that Tottenham have now stepped up their pursuit of the player, following recent events, while interest from Atletico Madrid has also quickened that potential process.

It’s been reported that the Spanish giants are ready to pay as much as €60million (£53m / $69m) to get a deal done for Lookman, which seems a little steep for a player who is only under contract for another 19 months.

Whether Spurs are willing to match that sort of fee remains to be seen, although that will still be considerably cheaper than what Bournemouth are asking to part ways with Semenyo in January.

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‘Phenomenal’ Lookman a strong fit for Tottenham

One player who is a massive fan of Lookman is current Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, with both players part of the England U-20 team that won the World Cup in 2017.

Indeed, in an interview with Showmax, Solanke called Lookman “nothing short of phenomenal” and his “favourite Nigerian footballer”.

Solanke also added: “What he has been doing over the past few years has been nothing short of phenomenal. What he has been doing has been crazy, especially for the Nigerian national team, so I have been super proud”.

Lookman’s ability to be equally effective either out wide or through the middle is particularly attractive to Frank, although it’s that troubled left-wing spot that he is being tipped to fill.

If Tottenham are able to secure Lookman’s signature in January, get a fit and firing Solanke back alongside Mohammed Kudus on the right, then their attack looks an altogether different prospect.

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