TEAMtalk

Pedro Porro has conceded Tottenham are in a “bad situation” after sharing the definitive verdict from the club’s senior stars on axing Ange Postecoglou and with three potential replacements linked – though Chris Sutton has issued words of caution.

The Aussie has found his position come under the spotlight this season in the wake of an alarming run of form that has left the club way off the pace in the race for the top four and with the club currently sat in an alarming 15th in the Premier League table. Currently closer to the bottom three than they are the top four, Tottenham‘s latest defeat to Everton on Sunday has piled the pressure on Postecoglou’s shoulders.

In the wake of that defeat, our transfer insider Fraser Fletcher revealed serious pressure is mounting on the 59-year-old and with the club now just eight points clear of the drop zone, chairman Daniel Levy is understood to have drawn up a list of three potential replacements should the axe fall.

The most obvious replacement – and given he is currently out of work – is former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, whom we have previously revealed has admirers on the Tottenham board.

However, he is not the only coach they admire and sources have revealed that both Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola are two others who could come under consideration if they decided on a change, though moves for both would be considerably more complicated.

With speculation mounting on Postecoglou, Porro has shared the thoughts from within the Tottenham dressing room and is adamant the club are united to help the club and their manager pull through their slump.

“The gaffer and the team are together, this is important,” Porro told The Standard … we have a bad situation now [at Spurs], not in life because life keeps going, this is clear … For me, in this situation, crack on, no excuses. Nothing. This is football, one day you lose, and one day you win. Crack on.”

He added: “For me, it’s important to look at ourselves. I’m not focused on what other people are saying, if you just focus on what people are saying all the time you can’t live as a footballer.

“Right now we’re at a time in the season where we most need to support each other and stay together. Of course, internally we’re looking at our own errors, what we can learn from now and that’s the most important thing that will take us forward.”

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Porro admits Spurs are in a tricky situation as Sutton sends message

Spurs have been blighted by a series of injuries all season, but Porro is adamant they cannot use that as an excuse.

“I don’t understand this situation, but this is football,” Porro said of the injuries. “I think it’s crazy, when you have too many players injured, the situation for the team and the club, it’s a difficult time. This is football, now we focus on recovery and the players will come back stronger.

“It’s a bad situation because when you have all the back four (defenders and goalkeeper out), seniors, it’s a bad situation,” he said. “I think it’s incredible that I am 25 [and I’m the oldest], but I have been here two years now and every game I push with everything on the pitch.”

He added: “The people outside don’t understand this situation, they say Pedro you have to rest, you haven’t rested. For me and Deki, we’ve played full minutes this season, this is normal, this is football.

“Too many games, but I’m ready. If the gaffer asks ‘are you ready?’, I say ‘yeah, no problem’. Everything for the team, for the fans and for the club, it’s the most important thing for me.”

Porro’s words will come as some comfort for Postecoglou amid speculation that some senior stars have privately complained about the manager and the demands he is placing on them.

Pundit Chris Sutton, meanwhile, feels Tottenham would be making a big mistake axing Postecoglou right now, though feels their next Premier League game – at home to struggling Leicester City – is crucial for the Australian.

“Because of the ‘overachievement’ last year, I think that Tottenham should stick with Postecoglou…there’s no getting away from the fact that he needs a couple of results, and a couple of results quickly,” Sutton told the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, before adding: “I think their next Premier League game at home to Leicester is a must win game for Postecoglou.”

Tottenham transfer latest: Dibling talk heats up; Romero boots Madrid

Tottenham, meanwhile, have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Tyler Dibling, with TEAMtalk sources shedding light on the Southampton midfielder’s stance on a potential move to Spurs and with some hard work going in behind the scenes on a prospective transfer.

Spurs have also been strongly linked with a move for Barcelona winger Ansu Fati in recent weeks, with the former Brighton loanee also on the radar of West Ham and Besiktas.

However, while it has now been reported that although Barcelona are willing to offload the Spain international for good in the January window, the 22-year-old himself has an altogether different outlook over his future.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail has reported that Cristian Romero is now ‘open to leaving’ Spurs amid ongoing speculation linking the Argentine with a move to Real Madrid.

Everton have been offered the chance to sign Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards, though sources close to the club have moved to set the record straight when contacted by TEAMtalk.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star has fallen down the pecking order at Sporting this season and has played just 346 minutes across all competitions.

TEAMtalk understands state that Edwards’ agency, ARETE, are looking to secure a move for Edwards this month and Everton are one of the clubs to have been offered his services. He isn’t on good terms with Sporting at the moment and hasn’t played in their last six league games.

Our information also tallies with that from Caught Offside journalist Jacque Talbot, who has reported that Everton have enquired about a potential deal for Edwards.

But when TEAMtalk contacted sources close to Everton, they made it clear that no approach had been made from the club’s side.

Per Talbot’s report, Sporting are open to selling Edwards for €12million (£10.1m, $12.5m), though 35% of the fee from any sale would go to Tottenham, due to a sell-on clause the London club have in his contract.

However, Everton sources insist that the Toffees are yet to submit an offer for Edwards and are yet to make a decision on whether to move for the player, as of today (Wednesday).

As previously reported, Everton are keen to sign a new winger this window. Edwards fits the profile they’re looking for – a right-sided, left-footed winger, but it remains to be seen whether they will be convinced to make a bid.

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David Moyes stalling on Ernest Nuamah deal – sources

TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher disputes the claims from our Everton sources. He understands that the Toffees have, in fact, asked about the conditions of a potential deal for Edwards.

Amid the speculation surrounding the Sporting winger, Everton are still in contact with Lyon over a potential deal for winger Ernest Nuamah, who came close to joining the Toffees last summer.

The 21-year-old agreed personal terms with Everton and Fulham last summer and travelled for a medical with the Cottagers, before the move collapsed late in the transfer window.

Everton have held talks with Lyon over a potential move again this month and at one stage, all parties were confident that an agreement could be reached.

However, the deal has stalled since Sean Dyche’s sacking and David Moyes’ reappointment as Everton manager.

TEAMtalk understands that Moyes is still deliberating over whether to green light a move for Nuamah and that is the reason for the delay.

The Scottish coach’s preference would be to sign players with Premier League experience. Nuamah, on the other hand, is still a youngster and has struggled with Lyon this season, failing to score in 13 league games this season.

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Everton links with three Serie A stars, Monaco forward debunked

Meanwhile, Everton have been linked with moves for Juventus forward Timothy Weah and midfielder Arthur Melo by various Italian outlets this week.

However, TEAMtalk understands that the Toffees have NO interest in either of the Juventus players, contrary to reports.

We also understand that links with AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal are wide of the mark. Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that Galatasaray is the most likely destination for the former Tottenham man this month.

Finally, sources close to Everton have strongly refuted claims that the Toffees are interested in Monaco centre-forward Breel Embolo, who has also been linked this week.

The Merseyside club are expected to make at least one new addition before the window slams shut, but they are not interested in Weah, Arthur, Emerson or Embolo, per our information.

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Tottenham have missed out on the signing of a centre-back who could’ve made an instant impact in north London, with two separate sources confirming a rival’s superior offer has been accepted.

TEAMtalk revealed on December 31 that Tottenham intended to make signings in four areas this month – goalkeeper, centre-back winger and striker.

The first on that list was quickly ticked off, with Antonin Kinsky arriving from Slavia Prague for £12.5m. Progress on the other three fronts has been harder to come by.

It did look like Tottenham could be nearing a breakthrough with regards to the centre-back chase in recent days.

Reporter Ben Jacobs confirmed Tottenham’s interest in Milan Skriniar of PSG last weekend. The 29-year-old is available for transfer this month and Spurs were understood to be considering a loan bid for the Serie A and Ligue 1 winner.

But according to fresh updates from Fabrizio Romano and Turkish journalist, Yagız Sabuncuoglu, Tottenham and two other clubs have been pipped to a deal by former boss Jose Mourinho and his Fenerbahce side.

Romano confirmed Spurs and fellow interested sides Napoli and Galatasaray were only willing to proceed with a loan move.

That left the door open for Fenerbahce given PSG’s preference was a permanent sale. The Turkish giant have capitalised on the opening, striking an agreement to sign Skriniar outright.

Sabuncuoglu broke the news, reporting on X: “Fenerbahce has reached an agreement with Milan Skriniar! The player will be in Istanbul today at 15.30 for a medical check-up!”

Romano subsequently added: “Fenerbahce agree deal in principle to sign Milan Skriniar and winning the race over more than 3 clubs!

“Verbal agreement to sign the player on permanent deal, not loan as offered by other clubs. Skriniar, expected to be in Istanbul today as Sabuncuoglu reports.”

Rubber-stamping Fenerbahce’s coup, Sabuncuoglu posted a picture of an airborne Skriniar on his way to Istanbul while holding a Fenerbahce shirt.

Milan Skriniar miss a blessing in disguise?

There are no doubts around Skriniar’s defensive ability. He was among the best Serie A had to offer during his time with Inter and remains a high quality option despite not featuring all that regularly at PSG.

However, for all the qualities Skriniar possesses, pace and mobility cannot realistically be described as being amongst them.

Skriniar thrived in a back three at Inter, whereas Postecoglou features just two centre-backs at Spurs. What’s more, the Tottenham manager’s familiar high line could present a problem for Skriniar.

Pace is among the most important traits a centre-back must boast to make Spurs’ high line work. A sluggish centre-half who is reluctant to push up and subsequently struggles to chase down an attacker when the ball is played over the top poses an obvious problem.

And as reported, Spurs were only willing to stretch to a loan and not a permanent deal.

If Skriniar joined outright and quickly proved unsuited to Postecoglou’s tactics, Spurs would be stuck with a highly-paid dud who turns 30 next month.

Who will Tottenham turn to next?

While Skriniar is now out of reach for Tottenham, they have also been linked with the following centre-backs this month – some being more ambitious targets than others…

-Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)

-Omar Alderete (Getafe)

-Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach)

-Illya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth)

-Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

-Thomas Kristensen (Udinese)

Former Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Claude Littner has revealed why he thinks Danel Levy is not the man to blame for the club’s struggles this season and that the buck should squarely sit with Ange Postecoglou.

The current campaign has been nothing short of a disaster for Spurs as they currently 15th in the Premier League, just eight points above the relegation places, although they are at least in pole position to book a place in the Carabao Cup final.

Defeat at Everton on Sunday made it just one win in their last 10 league outings, leading for more calls for Postecoglou to be shown the door. However, Tottenham fans at Goodison Park made it very clear that they feel Levy is the villain of the piece for not giving Postecoglou a strong enough squad to cope with the demands of four competitions.

Littner has been interacting with a number of Spurs supporters on X, with many of the conversations revolving around Levy’s running of the club and how the squad is built.

During Tottenham’s defeat to Everton, one fan asked Littner to ‘have a word with Levy and tell him to fire Ange’. Littner responded with ‘he knows’, indicating that the Tottenham chairman appears to have lost faith in the Australian.

When another supporter suggested Levy was equally responsible for Tottenham’s failings, Littner offered a strong statement in support of the 62-year-old.

Posting on his X account, he wrote: “I do not see Daniel as part of the problem. He has put Spurs in a very firm financial position. We now need a manager with the experience and know-how to overcome our shortcomings and challenge for Honours.”

Levy has to take some of the blame

While some of what Littner says is true, the turnover of players at Tottenham over the summer was quite alarming, especially when you consider the amount of experience that walked out the door to be replaced by talented younger players.

Postecoglou needed some experienced hands to go along with the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who have been thrown to the wolves this season – especially Gray, playing as a makeshift centre-back.

With less than a fortnight now left in the winter window, Postecoglou needs at least two new faces through the door – with a striker now the priority after Dominic Solanke’s new injury.

Top target Jonathan David was in the country on Tuesday evening and scored as his Lille side suffered a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Liverpool, with the Canada international a more than affordable option for Spurs.

Lille, however, remain in the mix to try and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, while David himself has already indicated that he is more likely to move on in the summer.

Spurs could also add to their defensive ranks before the February 3 cut-off date, with a centre-back and left-back also eyed, while a move for another central midfielder should not be ruled out in what could be a busy few days ahead for Levy and co. – if they decide to open the purse strings.

Latest Tottenham news: Real get Romero move boost / Saints sensation fancies Spurs switch

Real Madrid have received huge encouragement in their pursuit of a top Tottenham player, with a report claiming his stance on a potential exit after his extraordinary rant about the north London club’s board.

Madrid have one of the strongest squads in the world and could win LaLiga and the Champions League this season just like they did in the 2023/24 campaign. Los Blancos are at the top of the domestic league table and could also progress to the Round of 16 stage of the Champions League without going through the playoffs.

Carlo Ancelotti has some of the best forwards on the planet, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo able to terrorise defenders all over Europe, but defensively they are ageing and have also been hit by injury problems.

To that end, Real have identified the heart of their defence as an area to reinforce in 2025.

Cristian Romero is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and his impressive performances for Tottenham and Argentina have caught the eyes of Madrid – and a new Daily Mail report is a big worry for Spurs fans.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Tyler Dibling, with TEAMtalk sources shedding light on the Southampton midfielder’s stance on a potential move to the north London club.

Real Madrid have received huge encouragement in their pursuit of a top Tottenham player, with a report claiming his stance on a potential exit after his extraordinary rant about the north London club’s board.

Madrid have one of the strongest squads in the world and could win LaLiga and the Champions League this season just like they did in the 2023-24 campaign. Los Blancos are at the top of the domestic league table and could also progress to the Round of 16 stage of the Champions League without going through the playoffs.

Carlo Ancelotti has some of the best forwards on the planet, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo able to terrorise defenders all over Europe.

Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are two of the finest young players in the world, while Thibaut Courtois is a classy goalkeeper.

However, there is always room for improvement, and Madrid believe that they need to strengthen their defence if they are to continue to win major silverware in the coming years.

With Eder Militao injured, David Alaba just coming back from a long-term injury and Antonio Rudiger 31, Madrid have identified the heart of their defence as an area to reinforce.

Cristian Romero is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and his impressive performances for Tottenham and Argentina have caught the eyes of Madrid.

There were reports earlier this season that Romero could leave Tottenham at the end of the campaign if the north London club fail to finish in the Champions League places, with Los Blancos keen on a deal.

Madrid’s chances of signing Romero will have now increased, with The Daily Mail reporting that the 26-year-old is “open to leaving” Tottenham.

The report has added that Romero, who has had injury problems for Tottenham this season, will be the subject of interest from clubs in LaLiga in the summer of 2025.

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What Romero said about Tottenham in the Spanish press

While Romero is always committed on the pitch when he turns out for Tottenham, the chance to move to Madrid and play for arguably the biggest club in the world could prove to be too tempting to resist.

Madrid will also be encouraged by comments from the Argentine star on the Tottenham hierarchy in December.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes, the 26-year-old complained about the lack of investment from the Tottenham board to compete for major titles.

Romero said: “Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results.

“Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they [the board] realise it.”

The defender added: “The last few years, it’s always the same – first the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Romero will have no such complaints at Madrid, who regularly sign big-name players and continue to refresh the playing squad to maintain their ultra-high standards.

Latest Real Madrid news: Ancelotti exit bombshell, Diaz interest

If Romero did end up joining Madrid in the summer of 2025, then he could be playing under someone other than Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

There is speculation that Ancelotti has decided to leave his role as the Madrid manager at the end of the season.

Now in his second spell as the Madrid boss, Ancelotti has decided that his time at the Bernabeu is coming to an end.

Even if Los Blancos win major silverware this season, the former Chelsea manager will not change his mind and will leave the club for good.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly the favourite for the managerial role at Madrid. The former Spain international midfielder guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season.

Madrid are also in danger of losing Brahim Diaz, with Liverpool interested. The Reds have identified the winger as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot personally wants Diaz at Anfield and believes that he would star for his team.

According to Danny Murphy, though, if Salah leaves, then Liverpool should target Rodrygo.

The former Anfield hero is a huge fan of the Brazil international forward and believes that the Reds could be able to sign him from Madrid.

Some Tottenham players are reportedly fed up with a major aspect of Ange Postecoglou’s management methods as talk of the Australian facing the sack in north London continues to grow.

Spurs made it one win in 10 Premier League games after suffering a 3-2 defeat at struggling Everton on Sunday, a game in which they were 3-0 down at half-time with Postecoglou starring down the barrel before a late rally almost earned them a point.

However, the manner of the first-half performance left some pundits claiming that Daniel Levy needs to call time on Postecoglou’s tenure sooner rather than later as Tottenham now sit 15th in the table – just eight points above the relegation places.

Postecoglou and some of the Spurs players were booed as they clapped their fans at Goodison Park, although much of the fans’ fury was aimed at chairman Daniel Levy’s lack of investment in a playing squad that has been decimated by injuries this season.

And, despite Levy’s decision to stand by his manager, the Daily Mail are now reporting that some of Postecoglou’s players are not happy and have ‘privately complained about the demands of training and the schedule’.

The report adds: ‘As ever in football, how the players view Postecoglou differs depending on who you talk to. Some still swear by their boss. Others are less convinced.

‘Certain players have privately complained about the demands of training and the schedule. The club’s injury list does not ease some players’ concerns that their output needs reducing.

‘Staying in a hotel the day before games, regardless of location and kick-off time, has also caused consternation — though it’s reasonable for the club not to want to take long journeys on matchdays to ensure calm before kick-off.

‘The team’s expansive, attacking approach — or, more pertinently, Postecoglou’s apparent refusal to adapt it — is also noted as a factor behind the team’s struggles.’

Postecoglou tinkering with his approach

Despite those claims about failing to adapt, the report goes on to add that the Tottenham boss is starting to realise how hard it is to pull off the same approach whe so many first-team players are currently absent.

Spurs were missing as many as 10 first-team starters against Everton at the weekend, although they are expected to start seeing some important players return soon.

That being said, The Mail report added: ‘One source close to the Spurs team, however, believes he has recognised a watering down of the gung-ho tactics that many pundits cite as Tottenham’s biggest flaw.

‘There was shock within the squad when Postecoglou dropped captain Son and James Maddison earlier this month, too. Both are big characters and such decisions often have consequences, particularly when results don’t improve.

‘Yet it was a risk Postecoglou believed was worth taking in the hope of doubling-down on his authority and shaking off the malaise.

‘The team’s expansive, attacking approach is also noted as a factor behind their struggles.’

Tottenham face Hoffenheim away in the Europa League next on Thursday evening before a huge home clash with Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday, a game in which three points is an absolute must.

Indeed, TT understands that Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and former Borussia Dortmund chief Edin Terzic are currently on the club’s radar – if they do decide a change has to be made.

Latest Tottenham news: Dibling keen on Tottenham switch/ Ansu Fati latest

Tottenham have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Tyler Dibling, with TEAMtalk sources shedding light on the Southampton midfielder’s stance on a potential move to the north London club.

Dibling has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Despite Southampton’s dire form, the 18-year-old midfielder has stood out with two goals in 20 Premier League matches and produced some eye-catching displays.

With Dibling’s talent and impressive performances this season, it is going to be very hard for Southampton to keep hold of the midfielder, especially with clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United and Liverpool all monitoring him.

Tottenham have also shown interest in Dibling, with the north London outfit very active in bringing in promising young players in recent transfer windows, such as Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Antonin Kinsky.

And sources have now told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Dibling is very keen on a move to Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s quest to sign Ansu Fati from Barcelona could get complicated, with a report revealing his desires after learning that his club want to get rid of him, while head coach Hansi Flick has made clear in public his thoughts on the matter and a potential exit.

Tottenham have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Tyler Dibling, with TEAMtalk sources shedding light on the Southampton midfielder’s stance on a potential move to the north London club.

Dibling has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Despite Southampton’s dire form, the 18-year-old midfielder has stood out with two goals in 20 Premier League matches. The teenager has also given two assists in the Carabao Cup and has found the back of the net twice in the FA Cup. BBC pundit Dion Dublin has been so impressed that he has compared Dibling to Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer.

With Southampton having won just one Premier League game all season and rooted to the foot of the table, it is very likely they will suffer an immediate return to the Championship.

With Dibling’s talent and impressive performances this season, it is going to be very hard for Southampton to keep hold of the midfielder, especially with clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United and Liverpool all monitoring him.

Tottenham have also shown interest in Dibling, with the North London outfit very active in bringing in promising young players in recent transfer windows, such as Lucas Bergvall, Ashley Phillips and Archie Gray.

Sources have now told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Dibling is very keen on a move to Tottenham, who we can also reveal have been working very hard and putting in the graft behind the scenes at winning the race to secure the services of the midfielder.

A move in the January transfer window may not be possible because Southampton will surely not want to lose any of their best players when they still have a mathematical chance of escaping the dreaded drop.

However, a transfer to Spurs in the summer of 2025 could happen, especially with Dibling, who is under contract at Southampton until 2027, very interested in playing for the north London club.

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RB Leipzig ready to pay big money for Dibling

TEAMtalk understands that Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are also keen on a deal for Dibling.

There is now speculation in Germany that Leipzig are pressing ahead with their pursuit of the midfielder and want to deal done in the January transfer window.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Leipzig are ready to pay €30m (£25.4m, $31m) for him.

Southampton want much more because they are aware that Tottenham and other clubs in the Premier League are interested in him too.

The journalist wrote on X: “EXCL | RB Leipzig want to sign Tyler Dibling! Half of Europe is chasing the 18-year-old super talent from Southampton.

“RB Leipzig are prepared to pay 30 million euros for the versatile winger. Southampton, however, demand much more, partly because SpursOfficial and other clubs from the Premier League are heavily involved in the race.

“Contract until 2027. At the latest for the summer transfer window, Dibling is one to watch.”

Latest Tottenham news: Fati stance, Dorgu competition

While Dibling is keen on a move to Tottenham, the Premier League club would have to work hard to convince Ansu Fati.

Reports in Spain last week claimed that Tottenham have already made an offer for the Barcelona forward. West Ham United and Besiktas are keen on the 22-year-old as well.

However, it has now been reported that although Barcelona are willing to offload the Spain international for good in the January transfer window, the youngster himself wants to stay at the LaLiga club and make himself a success there.

As TEAMtalk has reported this month, Tottenham want to sign a new centre-back in January as they aim to fare better in the second half of the season.

Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked with a move to Tottenham. The 27-year-old defender joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer. The Blues are ready to let the Englishman leave, and it seems that Tottenham are willing to take him.

Another defender that Tottenham are looking to sign in January is Patrick Dorgu. He is one of the best young left-backs in Europe and can also operate as a left wing-back.

The Denmark international has been a regular for Lecce for the past two years, and Manchester United are now actively trying to sign him.

However, Tottenham have not given up hopes of luring Dorgu to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and are reported to be providing Man Utd with “stiff competition”.

Tottenham’s quest to sign a talented forward from Barcelona could get complicated, with a report revealing his desires after learning that his club want to get rid of him, while head coach Hansi Flick has made clear in public his thoughts on the matter.

As TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has been reporting this month, Tottenham are keen on signing a new striker in the January transfer window. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy still believes that Spurs could have a successful season and is ready to help head coach Ange Postecoglou in the second half of the campaign, with the team just eight points above the Premier League relegation zone right now.

Tottenham were keen on a deal for Randal Kolo Muani with Levy personally trying to make it happen, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward is now on the verge of moving to Juventus on loan for the rest of the season.

TEAMtalk understands that Spurs are planning a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. Postecoglou admires the striker, but there is competition from London and Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Another forward that Spurs are monitoring is Ansu Fati. Reports in Spain last week claimed that Tottenham have already made an offer for the forward, who had a loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion from Barcelona last season.

West Ham United are also reportedly keen on Fati and have made a bid too, with Besiktas claimed to be showing interest in the 22-year-old as well.

Sport has now reported that Barcelona have made up their mind to severe ties with Fati in the January transfer window.

While the LaLiga giants are not going to force the forward to leave, they will try to come to an agreement with him and his agent.

Barcelona respect that Fati has come through La Masia to become a first-team player, so they will not push him to leave, but they have made it clear to the forward that he is not in their plans.

Sport has also reported what Fati wants to do. According to the Spanish publication, the forward does not want to leave Barcelona in January.

Once described as “magic” by his Barcelona teammate Eric Garcia, Fati has always wanted to become a success at the Catalan club, and he has not changed his mind at all.

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What Flick has said to Fati is encouraging for Tottenham

While Tottenham will be apprehensive about a potential deal for Fati after hearing about his stance, the Premier League club’s hopes of signing the forward are still alive.

Barcelona head coach Flick said last week that he has made it clear to Fati that he is not in his plans.

The youngster, who scored two goals in 19 Premier League appearances during his loan spell for Brighton last season, has played only eight matches in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

Flick said: “It’s very important to be honest with the players. I’ve been honest with Ansu. We talked about various options and now it’s his decision.

“If he wants to stay, that’s fine, he’s a La Masia player. This is professional football and performances count.

“My job is to help him improve and that’s what we want to do with all the players. Ansu is very professional and always focused. I want to help him.”

With the Barcelona board ready to offload Fati and Flick publicly saying that he is not going to use him, the forward could change his mind in the coming days, especially if Tottenham persist with their interest in him.

Latest Tottenham news: Adarabioyo interest, Dorgu hopes

Fati is not the only player that Tottenham are keen on bringing to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window. Tosin Adarabioyo has also been linked with a move to Spurs.

Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Adarabioyo leave this month, and Tottenham are interested in the centre-back.

The 27-year-old English central defender joined Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after leaving Fulham at the end of last season.

Adarabioyo has made 19 appearances for Chelsea so far this season. He has scored four goals in those games.

Another defender that Tottenham are keen on is Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international is one of the best young left-backs in Europe and has done well for Lecce over the past two seasons.

Manchester United are already in talks over a potential transfer and believe that they could be able to convince Dorgu to move to Old Trafford in a £21m deal.

However, Tottenham have reportedly not given up on the prospect of striking a deal for Dorgu and are providing Man Utd with “stiff competition”.

Paris Saint-Germain central defender Milan Skriniar is also on the radar of Tottenham, who are considering a loan offer for him.

Ligue 1 giants PSG are reportedly ready to offload the Slovakia international centre-back, but they would prefer a permanent exit.

Tottenham are eyeing a move for one of Chelsea’s summer signings after manager Enzo Maresca failed to rule out an exit this month.

The player in question is centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who signed on a free transfer last summer after leaving Fulham.

Despite emerging as a key figure in recent months for Chelsea due to Wesley Fofana’s continued injury struggles, he has been linked with a move away.

At the same time, Spurs are still experiencing a defensive crisis with 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray and back-up defender Radu Dragușin in the heart of their defence after Cristian Romero and Micky van den Ven’s injury woes.

That’s why CaughtOffside is reporting that Tottenham is looking to add defensive cover this month. The report claims that Chelsea may be open to the exit of Adarabioyo given any fee received for the 27-year-old would qualify as profit.

In addition, Maresca was asked about potential exits and, specifically, Tosin and Axel Disasi, who have also been linked with an exit. He said: “At the moment, they are both with us. The intention is not to allow them to go. But we are in January and anything can happen.”

Both clubs have options

Chelsea have developed 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong and brought him into the starting lineup in recent weeks which may also be a consideration for Tosin.

Disasi has fallen out of favour as well after joining in 2023, starting just four games in the Premier League with three of those coming at right-back. They also have Levi Colwill, Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in their defensive setup.

In terms of their current injury situation, Spurs are expecting both first-choice centre-backs to return in the next month with Ange Postecoglou revealing the news before their defeat to Everton.

“In the next couple of weeks, Romero and Van de Ven will be back.” Postecoglou claimed.

Even so, it gives the club time to identify a replacement in the window before it shuts and there are some alternative targets under considering as well.

Tottenham also want Serie A title-winning duo

In terms of alternate targets for Spurs, Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori have both been mentioned in the report.

Tomori, who won the Serie A title with AC Milan after leaving Chelsea, could be available on a loan with an obligation to buy this month. However, they face stiff competition from Juventus, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton.

Skriniar has been a long-term target for the club and the 29-year-old is reportedly available to sign after falling out of favour at PSG. While Spurs are chasing a loan, the French club would rather agree a permanent move.

Perhaps a deal that included an option-to-buy rather than an obligation could force a move through but, as it stands, Spurs remain locked in the market for a defensive addition.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham shortlist THREE top managers as Ange Postecoglou sack talk ramps up

Chelsea quiz: higher or lower

Tottenham have been warned that handing interim control of the club back to Ryan Mason would be ‘hugely embarrassing’ but there is an admission from a journalist that there is a ‘lack of available managers’ who they’d want.

Mason has taken interim charge of Tottenham on two occasions. He managed seven games in 2020/21 and was at the helm for six games in 2022/23.

He is currently an assistant to Ange Postecoglou, but could be forced to take over from him for a short time if recent history is to repeat itself.

TEAMtalk is aware that the Australian boss is in major trouble, with Spurs currently 15th in the Premier League.

The Telegraph‘s football news correspondent Matt Law feels Mason taking control would be a bad look for Spurs, but admits options are scarce if they do part ways with Postecoglou.

He wrote: ‘Sacking Postecoglou would leave Tottenham in the difficult position of having to decide whether to appoint an immediate successor or give Ryan Mason the interim post for a third time.

‘Asking Mason to take over as caretaker again would be hugely embarrassing for Spurs, but there is currently a lack of available managers who are likely to be attractive to them.’

Terzic on Spurs’ list

Though there are not many top managers available, Edin Terzic – who reached the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund last season – is, and he’s appreciated by Spurs, TEAMtalk sources state.

We are also aware that Daniel Levy is interested in Premier League bosses Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank.

Of course, both are in jobs and are doing better than Postecoglou, so may not be particularly attainable.

TEAMtalk is aware that Iraola in particular will be tough to lure away given his desire to help Bournemouth – currently seventh – finish as high as possible in the Premier League.

Tottenham round-up: Dorgu remains in sights

Though Manchester United are in talks to land Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu, and know how they could get him, Tottenham are said to be providing them with stiff competition.

Spurs are also rivalling Chelsea for the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, TEAMtalk can confirm.

Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys’ manager, Kieran McKenna, is reportedly on the radar of the north London outfit to take over from Postecoglou.

And former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has stated he would be surprised if the current boss “survives” at the club after their latest loss to Everton.