TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of signing a top-quality defender in the January transfer window are still alive, with a report suggesting that Manchester United may not have it all their way as Chelsea’s stance on a potential deal has also been revealed.

Spurs are having a terrible season. The North London club have lost five of their last six Premier League games and are now closer to the bottom three than the top four. Tottenham have conceded 35 goals in 22 league matches, seven more than Everton, who are four points behind them and in danger of getting relegated to the Championship.

While Destiny Udogie is a very good left-back, his injury issues have been a cause for concern at Tottenham, who also have Ben Davies out of contract in the summer of 2025 and linked with a January move to Leeds United.

Spurs are on the hunt for a new left-back and have been heavily linked with Patrick Dorgu. Blessed with speed and ability to go forward at will, the Denmark international is a very dynamic and explosive left-back who has scored three goals and given one assist in 22 matches in all competitions this season.

While recent reports indicated that Manchester United are closing in on a deal for the Lecce left-back, GiveMeSport are reporting that Tottenham are still in the race for the 20-year-old.

The report has claimed that Man Utd are “ facing stiff competition for Dorgu’s services” from Premier League rivals Tottenham, who have “looked at pouncing”.

The Red Devils believe that despite Lecce asking for more than £34m, they can get a deal done for closer to £21m.

Encouragingly for Man Utd – and this will come as a blow for Tottenham – Dorgu is keen on a move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Elite manager shortlisted by Tottenham as Levy stance on Postecoglou sack clarified

Chelsea another threat for Tottenham in Dorgu race

Man United are not the only club that Tottenham will have to convince Dorgu not to join in January if they are to win his prized signature.

GiveMeSport has reported that Spurs’ London and Premier League rivals Chelsea are also keen on a deal for the Danish youngster, who is able to play as a left wing-back too and scored two goals and gave one assist in 34 appearances last season.

Like Tottenham, Chelsea are also looking for a new left-back and have been impressed with Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez.

However, with Bournemouth looking for more than £40m for the 21-year-old Hungary international, Chelsea have turned their attention towards Dorgu.

As things stand, it is Man Utd who are pressing ahead the most with a move for Dorgu, which means that Tottenham and Chelsea will have to step up their pursuit of the left-back if they are to win the race for his signature before the January transfer window closes.

Latest Tottenham news: Delap move, Postecoglou future

Dorgu is not the only player that Tottenham are keen on signing in the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk understands that Spurs are interested in bringing Liam Delap to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this month as well.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Tottenham are considering making a bid for the Ipswich Town striker in January.

Spurs are keen on adding a new striker to their squad, as the North London club are determined to finish in the top four of the Premier League table.

Another striker on the radar of Spurs for a potential January move is Evann Guessand. TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham scouts have been tracking the Nice forward and have been hugely impressed with him.

Nice are willing to cash in on Guessand and will consider offers of around £20m for the 23-year-old Ivory Coast international forward, who has scored nine goals and given five assists in 26 matches in all competitions this season.

While Tottenham are working behind the scenes to bring in new players, they are also planning for life beyond Ange Postecoglou.

Head coach Postecoglou has come under pressure following Tottenham’s woeful results this season. Spurs are only eight points above the Premier League bottom three, with chances of a top-four finish looking slim.

TEAMtalk understands that while Spurs head coach Postecoglou retains the backing of chairman Daniel Levy, the North London club are “doing their due diligence in case they need to make a managerial change”.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Edin Terzic, Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank are being looked at by the Tottenham hierarchy as potential candidates.

Tottenham are considering a blockbuster move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap THIS MONTH but could face competition from Chelsea, TEAMtalk understands.

Spurs are having a woeful season and currently sit 15th in the Premier League table – just eight points outside the relegation zone – and there is serious pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.

As we have consistently reported, Tottenham’s hierarchy are keen to back Postecoglou with several new additions this month. So far, though, they’ve only signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs are keen to sign some new defenders and a front man too and TEAMtalk can reveal an update on their striker hunt.

Sources state that Ipswich star Delap is admired by Postecoglou and Tottenham are open to making a move for the 21-year-old this month.

The former Manchester City man also has serious interest from Chelsea. The Blues have been considering a move for Delap this month but now face competition from Spurs.

Tottenham are in a very strong position with regards to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and as we revealed last week, they have been in talks with six different players recently, so the final weeks of the January window will be busy for the London club.

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham shortlist THREE elite managers as Ange Postecoglou sack talk ramps up

Tottenham, Chelsea very interested in Liam Delap

Delap has been a key player for Ipswich this season and is a key reason why they’re in with a chance of surviving relegation, although it’ll be tough for Kieran McKenna’s side.

Clubs are beginning to queue up for Delap and Tottenham are poised to join the race for his signature.

Spurs have suffered with an incredible amount of injuries to key players and` main striker Dominic Solanke is now unavailable after picking up a knock in training, which will keep him out for a few weeks at least.

Spurs are keen to bring in more support for Solanke regardless of his injury and Delap is viewed as a good option who could come in and make an immediate impact.

The obstacle to an agreement is that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy isn’t willing to overpay for any player and is reluctant to join a battle for Delap that could see his price ramp up.

Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu is a good example of Levy’s approach as he was on Tottenham’s radar until Manchester United joined the race and now it looks like Old Trafford will be his destination.

From Delap’s point of view, he is keen to play at the highest level possible and there is an acceptance behind the scenes at Ipswich that he will leave at the end of the season.

Sources at Ipswich have been clear that they have no intention of selling Delap this month but money talks and the right offer may force them to re-think their position.

McKenna’s side will demand a minimum of £40million for the striker this month and it remains to be seen whether Levy is willing to go that high for him.

Tottenham are in a poor run of form and serious pressure is mounting on manager Ange Postecoglou after his side lost 3-2 to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Spurs have dropped to 15th in the Premier League table and are only eight points outside the relegation zone, which is far below the expectations of chairman Daniel Levy.

TEAMtalk understands that Postecoglou retains the backing of Levy, who is planning to help the manager with some new additions in this month’s transfer window. However, so far, they have only brought in one new player – goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

More defeats in Tottenham‘s upcoming games would see even more pressure piled on Levy to sack Postecoglou and bring in a new manager.

Despite the challenges Postecoglou has faced in terms of injuries to many key players and a lack of reinforcements so far, it will be the Australian coach who is held accountable for the poor results and he will be the one to leave the club if poor results persist, rather than Levy, even if many Tottenham fans have aimed criticism at the chairman.

Spurs fans were heard chanting ‘we want Levy out’ at Goodison on Sunday but the 62-year-old is unlikely to be going anywhere any time soon.

Tottenham are always doing their due diligence in case they need to make a managerial change and have interest in three coaches should they make that move in the next couple of weeks.

Tottenham shortlist three manager targets – sources

As previously reported, we understand that Edin Terzic is one coach on Tottenham’s radar and the fact that he is currently out-of-contract and available is very attractive to the club.

The 42-year-old left Dortmund last summer after guiding them to the Champions League final in 2023/24, and now he’s ready for a new challenge.

Dortmund fans loved Terzic during his time with the Bundesliga giants. The club were hopeful that he would stay for many years but decided to leave after failing to agree on a contract extension.

TEAMtalk understands that Terzic would be very interested in joining a Premier League club for his next job.

Sources state that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is ‘liked a lot’ by Tottenham and he would be considered should Spurs choose to sack Postecoglou.

Iraola, 42, is regarded as one of the best coaches in the Premier League. Bournemouth have turned into a force since his arrival at the club and now they’re pushing for European football next season. Iraola has often been touted as the man to replace Pep Guardiola when he leaves Manchester City and has strong interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides.

However, luring Iraola away from Bournemouth would be very difficult mid-season and sources state he is fully focused on helping the Cherries finish as high as possible this term.

TEAMtalk understands that Brentford boss Thomas Frank would also be a top managerial target for Tottenham should they sack Postecoglou.

Spurs looked at Frank before they hired Postecoglou and is highly regarded by club chiefs. Sources suggest that Frank may leave Brentford at the end of the season and he will be a big target for a number of top sides should they change manager.

Kieran McKenna linked with Tottenham

Recent reports have suggested that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is also on Tottenham’s radar.

The former Manchester United man has done an incredible job with the Tractor Boys, taking them from League One to the Premier League since joining the club in 2021.

We understand that McKenna will likely in the discussion for Tottenham should they sack Postecoglou but as with Iraola, it’ll be very difficult to get him mid-season.

The 38-year-old is fully focused on Ipswich as he attempts to guide them away from the relegation zone this term. Ipswich are currently third-bottom, but only behind Wolves on goal difference as things stand.

DON’T MISS: The best available football managers: Xavi, Zidane, Allegri…

All the latest rumours, transfer talks, medicals, agreements and done deals in one place – follow along with our live blog below.

We’ll have the latest on Alejandro Garnacho’s potential sale as Man Utd line up a replacement, while Mo Salah’s future continues to be a huge talking point, along with Arsenal’s search for a new striker and injury-hit Tottenham’s hunt for reinforcements as their alarming slide continues.

Keep checking our live blog here for the latest updates as we hear them…

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly preparing a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, while the under-fire Ange Postecoglou has been called ‘arrogant’.

Tottenham’s disastrous campaign continued on Sunday when they were beaten 3-2 by Everton at Goodison Park. Goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison saw Tottenham attempt a late comeback, though the manner of the first half performance – where Everton scored all three of their goals – will have been harrowing for Spurs fans to see.

Postecoglou is under severe pressure to turn things around, with Spurs sat 15th in the Premier League. They are closer to the relegation zone than the top 10.

Postecoglou will point out the plethora of injuries Spurs have suffered to key stars such as Micky Van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and now Dominic Solanke.

But Spurs chief Levy is highly likely to swing the axe if the team does not return to winning ways soon.

Journalist Henry Winter believes Ipswich should be concerned about Spurs swooping for McKenna as Postecoglou’s replacement. The 38-year-old has history with Spurs and has also done a brilliant job in guiding Ipswich to the top flight from League One.

“If I was the Ipswich hierarchy I would be slightly worried about Ange’s position”, Winter said on talkSPORT after Spurs’ latest disappointing result.

“Because Kieran McKenna spent seven years there as a player, obviously didn’t make it because of injury, then worked there as a youth team coach, knows the place.

“You hate to see managers leave a settled club like this, but if you are Daniel Levy at some point you might look at Kieran McKenna.”

Postecoglou’s post-match interview following the Everton defeat has gone viral, as he responded angrily to claims that losing is now a ‘familiar story’ for his side.

“Great way to start an interview,” Postecoglou said sarcastically, before going on to analyse what went wrong for Spurs.

‘Arrogant’ Ange Postecoglou on the brink

The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter, James Pearce, has hit out at the 59-year-old, writing on social media: ‘There’s a strange arrogance to Postecoglou. Lost seven of the last 10 in the league, 15th in the table. So yeah it’s a familiar story.’

TEAMtalk understands Postecoglou is at major risk of being sacked in the coming days. Former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is a prime contender for the job as he is admired by Spurs and would be open to managing in the Prem.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank of Brentford are also under consideration following the great work they have done at their respective clubs.

Terzic will be easier to capture though as he is currently a free agent.

DON’T MISS: O’Hara ‘surprised’ if Postecoglou ‘survives’ Tottenham defeat with his side ‘not good enough’

Tottenham latest: Manager ‘talks’; bargain striker move

Meanwhile, reports in the Italian press claim Massimiliano Allegri has also held ‘informal talks’ with Spurs about replacing Postecoglou.

Allegri has been out of work since mutually agreeing to terminate his Juventus contract at the end of last season.

The six-time Serie A champion is also weighing up a lucrative offer to manage Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

News of Solanke’s injury could force Spurs to land a new striker in the January transfer window.

Spurs are big fans of Lille’s Jonathan David, though he is likely to remain in France before securing a free transfer this summer.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Spurs are tracking 23-year-old Nice forward Evann Guessand, who is available for £20million (€23.7m / $24.4m).

Former Tottenham man Jamie O’Hara has revealed he would be “surprised” if Ange Postecoglou “survives” the latest Tottenham loss, with results “not good enough”.

Spurs have now lost 12 of 22 games in this season’s Premier League. Only three sides – two of which are in the bottom two – have lost more often than the north Londoners.

In the Premier League, Tottenham have lost each of their last three, being turned over by Newcastle and Arsenal – both might expect to beat Spurs – but then Everton, who started the day just a point above the drop zone. They are now just four points – and one place – below Postecoglou‘s side, who occupy 15th place.

Former Tottenham man O’Hara was on Sky Sports punditry duty for the game, and feels the boss is hanging on by a thread.

“What a bad day this is turning into. I tell you what, I’d be surprised if he survives, Ange,” he said.

“Regardless of the injuries and regardless of what we’ve got in terms of being in cup competitions, the Premier League is bread and butter.

“It’s not good enough. You can’t be 15th in the table and 3-0 down against Everton.”

While Tottenham managed to turn it round to lose 3-2, the result given the position the Toffees were in is still an embarrassing one.

Postecoglou in big trouble

TEAMtalk is aware that Postecoglou is in major trouble of being given the boot now.

The club had already identified Edin Terzic – former Borussia Dortmund manager who last season guided them to the Champions League final – as an attractive asset to perhaps take over from the current boss.

The fact he is available gives Spurs an option, and they are also looking at Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank.

Those two managers have their respective sides, Bournemouth and Brentford, above Spurs in the table, and both are therefore managers Tottenham could see having success.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs pushing for new striker

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham are keen on Nice striker Evann Guessand, and they are reportedly ready to intensify their chase, knowing the French outfit could accept an offer in the region of £20million.

The desire for a new attacking signing comes after an injury to Dominic Solanke, who missed the Everton game, after scoring seven Premier League goals this season.

Spurs could find themselves down on strikers, with a report suggesting Richarlison has decided to quit the club, with a mega-money Saudi Pro League move said to be eyed.

And in their manager hunt, Tottenham have reportedly spoken to Massimiliano Allegri to potentially take the reins.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is now in major trouble in regards to keeping his job, with potential successor Edin Terzic free, and two more managers in the running, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Tottenham were consigned to their latest loss in the Premier League at the hands of Everton. It opened up a gap of four points between the relegation-threatened Toffees and the drop zone, and there are now just four points from Everton to Spurs.

It’s an embarrassing result for the north Londoners to lose to a side who had not won any of their last six league matches, and it now means pressure has been heaped on Postecoglou.

Indeed, TEAMtalk can reveal he is now in major trouble, especially with former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic available.

We have previously stated he is a manager appreciated by Spurs, and would be open to moving to the Premier League, making him a top contender for the Tottenham job.

TEAMtalk is aware that Premier League pair Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank are also contenders to become the boss in north London.

Iraola – who we are aware will not be easy to get – currently has Bournemouth sixth in the Premier League, with Frank’s Brentford 11th – both way above Tottenham, in 15th.

Postecoglou expects things to get better

Postecoglou himself does not seem worried, though, suggesting that the situation will get better soon for Tottenham.

“If you look at the situation we’re in, it will eventually dissipate. I certainly hope and believe it will. We’ll give ourselves the opportunity to get consistency in performance and results,” he said.

“I certainly haven’t lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half that they haven’t either.”

He also stated that reinforcements will be needed to help the turnaround: “There will be urgency but it doesn’t need me to say it, everybody can see that. I have no issues with how the club are going about it, they are working hard and trying to find solutions.”

“These players need help that is for sure and hopefully over the next 10 days or so we’ll find a solution. It is really tricky, we’re not the only ones in the market. The club are trying hard.”

Tottenham round-up: Solanke injury blow hurts Spurs

Dominic Solanke was absent from Tottenham’s squad against Everton through injury, and though Postecoglou is unaware how serious it is yet, the club are already on the hunt for a striker.

TEAMtalk is aware that Nice forward Evann Guessand is on the radar, and the French outfit are said to be willing to consider offers in the region of £20million.

Spurs are also reportedly considering the signing of Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, but want him on loan, while the French side would rather he left permanently.

And reports state that Massimiliano Allegri has spoken to Spurs about becoming the next manager.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to intensify their chase for a bargain Ligue 1 striker following Dominic Solanke’s injury, although their hopes of landing Jonathan David in the January window look to be disappearing.

Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Sunday, prior to the Everton clash, that the England forward suffered a knee injury in training, although the club do not yet know the full extent of the problem and how long he will be out for.

Speaking about Solanke before the game, Postecoglu told Sky Sports: “Dom tweaked his knee in training yesterday trying to have a shot – I am not sure the extent of it.

“It is always a blow when you lose key players and obviously in the situation we are in it is exemplified by the fact that we do not really have the depth to cover it.”

It’s another tough injury break for Postecoglou and Tottenham as they were also missing arguably seven players who would have started the game if they were not on the sidelines.

Postecoglou decided not to start Richarlison at his old club after his return in midweek following two months out, with young forward Will Lankshear also on the bench.

Depending on just how long Solanke will be sidelined, Tottenham have been looking at another striker addition anyway – given that recent reports suggest Richarlison is looking to move on in the summer.

Lille star David emerged as the club’s No.1 choice after their failed move for Randal Kolo Muani, but the Canada international is indicating that he wants to remain in France this month before then making a decision over his future at the end of the campaign.

However, TT sources have told us that Spurs scouts have also been tracking highly-rated Nice forward Evann Guessand, who is making a big impression in Ligue 1 this season.

The 23-year-old Ivory Coast forward has scored nine goals and laid on five assists in 26 games in all competitions so far this season, with 12 of those outings coming as a central striker.

Guessand also has the ability to play out wide, most notably on the right, which would kill two birds with one stone for Postecoglou, who has also been looking at adding another winger to his squad.

Nice are reportedly considering offers of around £20million for Guessand, which is easily affordable for a Tottenham side who still have money available to spend this month to help Postecoglou’s beleagured squad.

Spurs facing competition for Guessand

Tottenham will not have it all their own way in the chase for Guessand though, with the Daily Mail reporting that Premier League rivals West Ham United and Bournemouth are also keen on the attacker.

Guessand continues to impress this term, with French publication L’Equipe sticking the forward in their Team of the Season so far. However, it’s reported that luring the striker away midway through the season could still be problematic, as Franck Haise’s side are currently challenging for a Champions League spot.

Nonetheless, anything around that £20m mark will tempt them into a deal for a player who only signed a new contract until 2028 back in August.

Guessand would add pace and power to Tottenham’s forward line, plus that ability to play through the middle or on either wing but much now depends on Daniel Levy and co. tempting Nice into a sale.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks with an elite European coach over potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, as the club continues to slide alarmingly toward the relegation zone.

Spurs have won only one of their last nine Premier League outings to drop to 15th in the table and are only eight points above the drop zone as it stands. Indeed, 16th-placed Everton can close to within four points of Postecoglou‘s men if they win the clash between the two sides at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Tottenham’s hopes of getting a positive result from that game have suffered another blow on the eve of the contest, with striker Dominic Solanke set to be out for a while after suffering a knee injury in training.

It’s the latest in a long line of injury issues that Postecoglou has had to deal with during his time in north London, with the Australian already without three-quarters of his first-choice back four – as he has been for weeks.

Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma are also doubts for the game on Merseyside to further compound Postecoglou’s problems and he must be starting to wonder whether his spell at Tottenham is actually jinxed.

That being said, the Spurs chief has not always helped himself with his insistence on still playing his same high-risk, borderline-reckless, style of football – despite asking inferior players who are not regular starters to do just that.

To that end, his job continues to be a source for endless debate, even though TT have been told that he is not under any pressure due to the club’s ongoing injury crisis.

However, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reports that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has been spoken to by the club as a potential replacement for Postecoglou, who still has more than two years remaining on his contract.

The report states that Allegri held ‘informal talks’ with Daniel Levy but didn’t receive an offer. This suggests that the Spurs chairman wants to continue with Postecoglou, although Corriere do not say when the discussions actually took place.

Allegri, who has been out of management since agreeing to terminate his contract with Juventus at the end of last season, was actually at Tottenham Hotspur stadium in November for a 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League.

Despite a difficult end to his second reign at the Allianz Stadium, he was a success with the Old Lady, winning the Coppa Italia in his final game in charge. He also delivered five Scudetto titles in his first spell in charge and is still regarded as one of the elite managers in the European game.

West Ham United are known to have made an offer to Allegri last summer that was rejected, while Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab and Belgium’s national team were also snubbed by the 57-year-old.

Postecoglou angry at job scrutiny

Speaking back in December, Postecoglou lamented the fact that managers no longer get the chance to build squads they want any more while also admitting that management is tougher now than it’s ever been.

“This job is the hardest job now in any walk of life,” declared Postecoglou. “You can say politics but this is harder than any job. The tenure and longevity of this role means very few are going to come out of it without any scars.

“How many times does [Keir Starmer] have an election? I have one every weekend. We have an election every weekend and either get voted in or out.”

Postecoglou was speaking after Spurs’ only win in their last nine Premier League games, the 5-0 rout of Southampton that ended up costing Russell Martin his job.

The Spurs chief also feels there is a lack of respect for managers who are in jobs and then get continually asked about who could replace them – something he could be dealing with very soon if results continue as they are.

He added: “You don’t even get sacked in the morning now, you’ve got to change your song. We have lost all sort of modes of respect in our society where guys are in jobs and they are putting up names of who is going to replace them while they are still working.”

Latest Tottenham news: PSG approach being considered / Richarlison wants out

Tottenham are ‘considering’ an approach for a high quality PSG star, though his profile may not suit Ange Postecoglou and the terms the Parisians are demanding make a deal doubly risky for Spurs.

Spurs kicked off the January window by signing goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in a £12.5milion deal, but remain keen on landing two more defenders and a striker before the February 3 cut-off point.

And, according to a report on Saturday, PSG’s Milan Skriniar is once again in the spotlight.

Multiple outlets have reported on Tottenham’s interest in the 29-year-old who’s won both Serie A and Ligue 1 titles with Inter Milan and PSG respectively over the past few seasons.

And according to a fresh update from journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are considering a loan bid – but PSG have other ideas.

Meanwhile, Richarlison wants out of Tottenham and one specific exit route is opening up, while a report has outlined why Ange Postecoglou is to blame in the Brazilian’s eyes.

Tottenham look certain to push ahead with their move for a new striker in the January transfer window after suffering yet another devastating injury blow on the eve of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton.

Spurs head to Goodison Park on a run of just one win from their last nine Premier League games that has seen them drop to 15th in the Premier League, just eight points above the relegation places.

First-choice centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain on the sidelines, where they’ve been for the last six weeks now, and now No.9 Dominic Solanke is the latest to face a spell out in another massive blow to Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham have already been on the hunt for another forward to strengthen their squad, with Lille frontman Jonathan David heavily linked with a switch to north London after a move for PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani failed to materialise.

That search will almost certainly intensify in the remaining two weeks of the January window after initial reports stated that Solanke suffered a knee injury in training on Saturday that could keep him out for up to six weeks.

That news has not been confirmed by the club at this stage, although Postecoglou will almost certainly address it in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports before the Everton clash.

If the worst Solanke fears are realised, then the England forward is also set to miss Europa League games against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg as well as Premier League clashes with Leicester, Brentford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Ipswich and Manchester City, along with the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

That outcome will surely force Daniel Levy and sporting director Johan Lange’s hand in terms of signing a replacement, especially given that Solanke’s deputy Richarlson’s injury record cannot be trusted.

Lille star David reportedly remains the club’s priority signing option for January, having scored 17 goals and added seven assists in 30 games in all competitions for the French outfit this season – although there have been some suggestions that he favours a summer switch instead.

Another Ligue 1 forward, Nice star Evann Guessand, is also known to be on the club’s radar after several scouting missions, although much will now depend on the severity of Solanke’s injury.

The former Liverpool and Bournemouth man has scored 11 times in all competitions for Tottenham this season after his big-money summer switch, but it’s not just his goals that have been important to Postecoglou’s side. Solanke’s all-round play and pressing from the front has set the tone for some of Spurs’ best, albeit rare, performances in what has so far been a hugely disappointing campaign in N17.

Chance for Richarlison to stake his claim

Solanke’s injury is set to open the door for Richarlison again after an injury-hit season so far for the mercurial Brazilian frontman.

Richarlison, who is said to want out of the club, returned from a two-month absence in the 2-1 north London derby defeat at Arsenal in midweek and could now deputise up front with Solanke out.

“We’ve been really careful in the way we’ve brought him back this time. He’s probably been ready to go for a couple of weeks. We’ve given him extra work,” Postecoglou said of Richarlison on Friday.

“I thought he was really good when he came on the other night [at Arsenal], you could see his quality.

“He is one of these guys that does lead by example, particularly when he plays. It’s great to have him back.

“With Richy, it’s about him gaining confidence in his body as well. We can do that in the next few weeks.

“He’ll certainly play a part in the Everton game. Hopefully get him some more minutes than the other night, because if we can keep him fit, I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a really important player for us.”

The big question will be whether Postecogkou thinks Richarlison is ready to start the game after eight weeks out, with skipper Son Heung-min and youngster Will Lankshear the other two options if the Spurs boss thinks its too much of a risk – especially given the Solanke news.