TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has been handed another injury blow ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with north London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday evening, although not all fans will agree with that description.

Spurs are already without Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Wilson Odobert for the game against the Gunners and now another attacking star will be missing at The Emirates.

Speaking at his press conference before the game, Tottenham boss Postecoglou revealed that Timo Werner, who featured in both of the cup wins against Liverpool and Tamworth, picked up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup tie and will join that illustrious list of names already on the sidelines.

“The only one who picked up an injury was Timo,” Postecoglou revealed on Tuesday. “He picked up a hamstring injury. We’re just waiting on the results for that scan.”

Although the extent Werner’s injury are not yet known, it’s likely that the winger will miss several matches in the coming weeks or months.

While the news is a blow in terms of the squad depth being weakened again, Werner has been largely anonymous for much of the season anyway and was hammered for his display playing as a central striker at Tamworth.

Commenting on X, a number of fans lambasted Werner’s performance as his hopes of turning his loan move into a permanent switch over the summer nosedived massively.

@mionomedev wrote: “Werner looking like the worst player on the pitch against non-league opposition is impressive even for his standards.”

@Zeus1882x added: “If Werner played for them I don’t think he’d be their best player.”

@Dave_THFC1882 commented: “12 non-league players on that pitch. Tamworth and Werner,” and @fullback03 added: “Werner wouldn’t get in this Tamworth side.”

Richarlison returns for north London derby

However, Postecoglou also confirmed that Brazilian striker Richarlison will be available to feature for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the match against Aston Villa in November.

Confirming the news, the Spurs boss added: “In terms of incomings, Richy is available. We’ve taken our time with him for sure. He’s been harassing me for the last 10 days to be involved. He’s looked really good in training.”

Meanwhile, Postecoglou also reflected on the events at Tamworth as Spurs managed to avoid the mother of all giantkillings, but only just as they won in extra-time.

Footage has emerged of Tottenham players being abused by a minority of home fans as they walked into the ground on Sunday, the sort of language that Postecoglou described as “vile and detestable”.

While the majority of fans enjoyed the game in the right spirit, Postecoglou says there was an “unacceptable” minority who did not.

“90% of the crowd were very good and enjoyed the banter. There was 10% who were pretty unacceptable,” said Postecoglou.

“The stuff I heard was pretty vile and detestable, and getting things thrown at me, not a great experience, but we’re expected to be the bigger person.

“I would have loved to have turned around and not be the bigger person in that moment, but you deal with it and go on.”

Latest Tottenham news: Left-back eyed to revive Son / Real Madrid want Archie Gray

Tottenham are reportedly ready to act on their significant interest in a top Serie A left-back who is being tipped to help revive skipper Son Heung-min after the South Korean’s inconsistent form this season.

The South Korean has not looked anything like as sharp as he has in recent sessions, only showing the odd flash of quality that has already made him a club legend.

However, Spurs have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Lecce’s attacking full-back Patrick Dorgu in a move that could revitalise Son for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly planning to make a big bid for Tottenham Hotspur’ youngster Archie Gray, with club chairman Daniel Levy facing the prospect of losing three Spurs players to Los Blancos in 2025.

You can watch Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in the North London derby without a Sky or TNT subscription. The match will be shown on TNT Sports at 8pm on Wednesday but those who sign up to a free Amazon Prime account can watch it via Amazon by signing up for a Discovery+ add on.

The Amazon add on will also give you access to Manchester City’s trip to Brentford, Chelsea versus Bournemouth and Graham Potter’s West Ham as they take on Fulham. You can sign up here.

Tottenham Hotspur have taken a big step towards signing Randal Kolo Muani in the January transfer window, with a report in France outlining the details of their bid as Spurs aim to beat two major clubs to the signature of the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Kolo Muani has been heavily linked with clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United. Tottenham are also keen on a deal for the PSG forward and are determined to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as head coach Ange Postecoglou looks to steer the team towards the Premier League top four.

TEAMtalk’s transfer expert Fraser Fletcher reported earlier this month that Tottenham have held talks with PSG over Kolo Muani, with Spurs looking to bring in a new wide player and a striker in January.

And now a well-known and well-respected French publication has claimed that the North London club have finally lodged a bid for the 26-year-old.

According to L’Equipe, Tottenham have made a loan bid for the France international forward. What Spurs have proposed is to sign Kolo Muani on loan until the end of the season with the option to make it permanent thereafter.

Neither PSG nor Kolo Muani has responded to the bid, with the report stating that both are waiting to see what other proposals arrive, although the player himself is seduced by the idea of playing in the Premier League.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is personally involved in the transfer. The English businessman has a good relationship with the PSG bosses – something he hopes to use to his advantage – and Spurs believe that could be a big factor in getting a deal done.

Kolo Muani has become a peripheral figure in the PSG squad, with head coach Luis Enrique not using him much in recent weeks.

The Frenchman has made only 14 appearances for PSG this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. During the 2023-24 campaign, the forward found the back of the net 12 times and gave six assists in 44 matches in all competitions.

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Man Utd and Juventus are also keen on Kolo Muani

While Tottenham might think that a loan deal for Kolo Muani would appeal to the forward and PSG, the Premier League club are facing stiff competition from Juventus and Man Utd.

The Italian media has claimed that Kolo Muani has accepted Juventus as his destination, with the Serie A club in constant talks with PSG over a deal.

The former Nantes star now has the option to join Tottenham, but the forward waiting to see who else come for him is an indication that he has not completely made up his mind on his next club.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti reported this month that Man Utd have their eyes on Kolo Muani as well.

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new forward, and if, as expected Marcus Rashford leaves, there is an even greater need for a player upfront.

With PSG willing to offload Kolo Muani and the forward himself open to a move to England, a potential transfer to Old Trafford is one to watch.

Latest Tottenham Hotspur news: Gray bid, Dorgu interest

One of Tottenham’s best young players is Archie Gray. Gray is a midfielder by trade, but he starred as a right-back for Leeds United last season before he earned a £40m move to Spurs last summer.

Gray has been playing as a centre-back for Spurs, and his performances have impressed Real Madrid. Reports in Spain have claimed that Los Blancos are so keen on a deal for the youngster that they are willing to make a bid of £42m for him in the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham will not sell Gray to Madrid at that price>. Spurs have had injury problems this season, and the North London club are not going to sell him for a minimal profit.

In terms of incomings, Patrick Dorgu is a player that Tottenham like. It has been reported that Tottenham want to sign the Denmark international from Lecce in January.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the other clubs who have keeping tabs on Dorgu, who can play as a left-back or wing-back.

Spurs, though, will have to cough up a lot of money for Dorgu. Italian club Lecce reportedly value the 20-year-old at around €50million (£42m).

Meanwhile, a Tottenham player could leave this month. TEAMtalk understands that Leeds United are interested in signing Ben Davies from Spurs.

Leeds are aiming to win automatic promotion from the Championship, and head coach Daniel Farke believes that Davies could help in that.

The West Yorkshire club are likely to have to pay a small transfer fee to secure the services of Davies in January, with the Wales international out of contract at Spurs at the end of the season.

You can watch Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in the North London derby without a Sky or TNT subscription. The match will be shown on TNT Sports at 8pm on Wednesday but those who sign up to a free Amazon Prime account can watch it via Amazon by signing up for a Discovery+ add on.

The Amazon add on will also give you access to Manchester City’s trip to Brentford, Chelsea versus Bournemouth and Graham Potter’s West Ham as they take on Fulham. You can sign up here.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Tottenham’s hopes of beating rival suitors to a January transfer window swoop for out-of-favour PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs are among a plethora of clubs trying to secure a loan deal for the France international, despite his struggles for regular game time at the Ligue 1 giants this season.

Indeed, Kolo Muani has started only two of his 14 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season, scoring just twice in that time. However, that has not put the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Juventus in trying to secure his signature.

As TT recently reported, the north London club have been pushing hard for a loan deal for the 26-year-old since last week, although GIVEMESPORT recently stated that Spurs are not keen on having an obligation to buy attached to any move involving the versatile forward.

That has seemingly opened the door for Juventus, who are believed to be Kolo Muani’s first choice, while United are currently more concerned with trying to offload another Spurs target in Marcus Rashford before the January window shuts.

And now Romano has delivered the latest of the PSG attacker’s future, confirming that more Tottenham talks have talen place.

He posted on X: “Juventus and Tottenham have both made contact again today with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani.”

“Manchester United called last week and remain informed on developments but Rashford exit will be key factor.

“PSG insist on their conditions, but RKM will 100% leave.”

Race to sign Kolo Muani hots up

It was reported last week that Daniel Levy and Tottenham technical director Johan Lange had actually flow to Paris to open discussions over a deal for Kolo Muani, although that rumour was never officially confirmed.

Juventus, however, remain the favourites to land the PSG star heading into the final few weeks of the winter window, with Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli recently hinting that progress was being made for the transfer and that there could be “positive news over the next week” regarding both Kolo Muani and the club’s interest in Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araújo.

Tottenham, however, are refusing to back down as they look to give Ange Postecoglou another central striker to bolster his injury-hit squad.

The lack of squad depth was apparent again during Sunday’s FA Cup tie at National League Tamworth, a game that Postecoglou used the completely ineffective Timo Werner in a central role in order to give the overworked Dom Solanke a rest.

However, the England forward was forced to come on midway through the second half as Werner fluffed his lines again before Spurs eventually booked a trip to Aston Villa in the fourth round after a win in extra-time.

In years gone past, old Levy would have tried to drag this deal out until later in the window to get the best deal but Postecoglou pushed for early signings over the summer and got them and landed a new keeper early in the current window.

To that end, it’s expected that Tottenham will try and thrash out a deal for Kolo Muani fairly quickly, one way or another.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to act on their significant interest in a top Serie A left-back who is being tipped to help revive skipper Son Heung-min after the South Korean’s inconsistent form this season.

The South Korean has not looked anything like as sharp as he has in recent sessions, only showing the odd flash of quality that has already made him a club legend.

That has not stopped Tottenham taking out the option to extend Son’s contract by a further season, given that he could have become a free agent in the summer.

Son was in brilliant form at the start of last season when Spurs went on a 10-match unbeaten run to start the season, although some of his success was down to the attacking intent shown by Destiny Udogie in Postecoglou’s ultra-attacking formation.

That has not been the case this season, with Udogie not hitting anything like the same heights he did last term and also currently sidelined with a hamstring problem – having also suffered injury issues towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign too.

And, with veteran defender Ben Davies out of contract in the summer and also being linked with a January switch to Leeds United, it’s no surprise that Tottenham have reportedly stepped up their interest in Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, the north London outfit are one of several clubs showing an interest in the Denmark international, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool also keen on the young talent – to name but a few.

Lecce currently value Dorgu at around €50million (£42m) so he will not come cheap. However, the 20-year-old is an absolute menace with his attacking play from deep and would be a tremendous addition to the Tottenham squad and strong competition for Udogie’s place in the side.

Dorgu to take some of the heat off Son

The Lecce’s star threat from left-back would be a welcome addition for Spurs and Son, whose own threat from the left side of the attack would be increased if Dorgu is raiding from that position too and giving opposition defences double the problem to deal with.

The defender has already scored three goals this season and, although he only has one assist to his name, he constantly finds himself in attacking positions and has even played on the right-wing this term.

Dorgu currently averages a goal involvement every 5.25 games, or every 455 minutes, which is impressive going for a full-back who could himself swapping Italy for England this month.

In terms of Son’s stats this season, the Spurs skipper has scored seven times and has seven assists in 25 games in all competitions which, on the face of it, is pretty decent. However, he appears to lost that burst of pace that was once so key to getting past opposition defences and either scoring or creating for teammates.

That is perhaps not a huge surprise for a player who will turn 33 this year, although there is also an element of Son feeling that he has been tasked with taking on the mantle of all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane after his exit on 2023.

The pressure that Son almost certainly puts on himself, along with the burden of captaincy, may have played a part in his struggles to replicate his best form so far this season. However, adding better players around him can only improve things going forward for Son himself and the club.

Latest Tottenham news: Real hunting Archie Gray / Spurs eye Inter midfielder

Real Madrid are reportedly planning to make a big bid for one of Tottenham Hotspur’s best young stars, with club chairman Daniel Levy facing the prospect of losing three Spurs players to Los Blancos in 2025.

Tottenham are not having a great season, but there have been some positive signs, with the rise of youngsters Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall a particular highlight.

However, Fichajes reports that Madrid are keen on a shock deal for Gray and are planning to make a big bid for the England Under-21 international.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly ready to bid €32million (£27m / $32.8m) to try and secure the services of an Inter Milan and Italy midfielder in the closing weeks of the January transfer window.

Getting another midfielder on board for Postecoglou is another distinct possibility and the latest reports from Italy suggest that Tottenham have ramped up their pursuit of Inter star Davide Frattesi.

Real Madrid are reportedly planning to make a big bid for one of Tottenham Hotspur’s best young stars, with club chairman Daniel Levy facing the prospect of losing three Spurs players to Los Blancos in 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur are not having a great season, but there have been some positive signs, namely the rise of two of their young players. Lucas Bergvall has been hugely impressive in midfield, while Archie Gray has surprised many at centre-back despite that not being his natural position.

Injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have forced Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou to use Gray in defence, and the teenager has risen to the occasion.

A midfielder by trade, the 18-year-old starred at right-back for Leeds United last season before earning the move to Tottenham in the summer of 2024 for £40m.

It has now been claimed in the Spanish media that Tottenham have the chance to cash in on Gray for far more than the fee they paid for him.

According to Fichajes, Madrid are keen on a deal for Gray and are planning to make a big bid for the England Under-21 international.

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to make an offer of more than €50m (£42m, $51m) for Gray in the January transfer window. The defending Spanish and European champions are determined to bring Gray to the Santiago Bernabeu “at all costs”.

Madrid are looking to sign young and talented players for the long term, and Tottenham star Gray is one Los Blancos like very much.

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Real Madrid also eye Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven

Gray is not the only Spurs player that Madrid have their eyes on. If the Spanish and European giants could have their way, then they could deal a triple blow to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

A report in December claimed that Tottenham could lose Romero at the end of the season if they fail to finish in the Champions League places in the Premier League table.

Madrid are reportedly long-term admirers of the Argentina international centre-back. A move to the Santiago Bernabeu could be very tempting for Romero.

Reports in Spain have claimed that Madrid have their eyes on Micky van de Ven. Van de Ven has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League, and Los Blancos believe that he would be a good addition to their squad.

However, despite the apparent interest in Gray from Real Madrid, we can confirm Spurs would be loathe to sell a player whom has already more than proved his worth to Postecoglou – and especially for the fee being quoted.

And given his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium runs until summer 2030, it would take a serious price more than that to get Spurs to the negotiating table for Gray.

Latest Tottenham news: Kolo Muani loan deal, Ben Davies interest

Tottenham are not having a particularly great season, and one of the areas that the North London club have identified to strengthen in the January transfer window is their attack.

Randal Kolo Muani has been linked. Reports have claimed that Tottenham are pushing to sign the Paris Saint-Germain striker on a loan deal. Juventus have also been linked with the 26-year-old France international, but Spurs believe that he is going to pick them over the Italian giants.

Another player Spurs are keen on signing in the January transfer window is Davide Frattesi. The 25-year-old is on the books of Inter Milan at the moment, and Tottenham are keen on a deal, according to a report in Italy.

Inter, who are aiming to win Serie A this season, are willing to sell Frattesi, but Tottenham have been told of a massive fee needed to get a deal done.

Meanwhile, there is a chance that a veteran Tottenham player could be on his way out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk understands that Leeds United are “strongly pushing” to secure the services of Ben Davies from Spurs in the January transfer window.

Leeds are aiming to win automatic promotion from the Championship, and head coach Daniel Farke reportedly believes that Davies could help them in that quest.

Tottenham’s reported refusal over one part of the deal to sign PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani could end up costing them the addition of the France international in the January transfer window.

As TT have reported previously, Spurs are pushing hard to land the striker on loan during the remaining weeks of the window, although they are not the only clubs interested in Kolo Muani‘s signature.

Both Manchester United and Juventus are also in the mix for the Frenchman but Tottenham have been hoping to pip their rivals by landing the 26-year-old on a temporary basis.

However, a report from GIVEMESPORT states that the north London outfit are so far refusing to include an obligation to buy in their loan offer to sign PSG for the player.

And while Kolo Muani is happy to consider a move to Tottenham, he is also insisting on hearing from all interested parties before making a decision over his future.

The report adds that PSG do not currently have a preferred destination for him because the only loan offers include an option to buy, with the French giants wanting around £50m (€59.5m / $61m).

It’s also claimed that Juventus have a loan with an option on the table and they are growing in confidence that Kolo Muani is going to pick them over a move to England.

However, if Daniel Levy and co. can agree to the option to then it will put them in pole position to land the player.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Spurs are also toying with the idea of a new proposal that includes incentives that might become more tempting for PSG.

Tottenham pushing for double PSG deal

Kolo Muani is not the only PSG player Tottenham have been targeting in January, with a recent report suggesting that they are also back in for long-time centre-back target Milan Skriniar.

L’Equipe reports that Spurs have offered the defender a way out of Paris by tabling another loan offer to the French giants.

Enrique has preferred to use Marquinhos, Willian Pacho and Lucas Beraldo this campaign, with Skriniar making just five league appearances so far.

There is certainly no lack of interest in the Slovakian, with the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Turkish giants all being tipped to make a move for a player who was, at one point, considered one of the best defenders in European football while he was at Inter Milan.

Skriniar is on big wages in Paris, hence the loan-to-buy option currently being mooted, but the fact that he is left-sided and can also fill in as an emergency left-back ticks a number of boxes for Postecoglou.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs tipped for Juve raid / Double January exit mooted

Former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is rumoured to be playing a part in the club’s hunt for a new central midfielder in January following links to a top Juventus star.

Although landing a new midfielder is not one of the club’s main priorities, they are willing to make a move if the right opportunity presents itself.

And that could well be the case when it comes to Juventus star Douglas Luiz, who is currently being linked with a host of clubs in the winter window.

A report from TuttoJuve states that Juve could be prepared to sell Luiz this month and that a number of Premier League clubs are keen on bringing the 26-year-old former Aston Villa man back to England, with Tottenham very much in that mix.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are strongly pushing to secure the signing of Ben Davies this month, with a cut-price move to Elland Road on the cards, and with a trusted journalist revealing how a second Spurs star could be shown the door.

Leeds United are strongly pushing to secure the signing of Ben Davies this month, with a cut-price move to Elland Road on the cards, and with a trusted journalist revealing how a second Spurs star could be shown the door thanks to a recent addition in N17.

The Whites are top of the Championship table with just over 56% of the season elapsed and look strong contenders to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking. And while Leeds United enjoyed an unbeaten festive period that has seen them clock up an unbeaten eight-match run, there remains some frustration that their one-point lead at the top is not wider after successive draws against Blackburn and Hull courtesy of the concession of late goals in both games.

Either way, Leeds go into 2025 well placed in the promotion race, and while Daniel Farke has revealed he is keeping his eyes open for possible new recruits, the Whites are yet to add anyone to their squad.

One man who has been linked with a move in recent weeks is Tottenham defender Ben Davies. The Welshman is Spurs’ longest-serving player having been on their books since summer 2014 – now his 11th season for the club.

His contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is due to expire at the end of the current season and chairman Daniel Levy is not planning a renewal for the 341-game veteran.

As a result, transfer expert Ben Jacobs has shared what he knows about the chances of a move to Elland Road are now – and there could be some imminent good news for the Whites.

“With Ben Davies, I think that he will also be gone. And the same for Fraser Forster as well,” Jacobs said on The Last Word on Spurs podcast.

“With Davies, the natural thing is to run down the contract. Leeds United remain interested. So that could be one to watch in the coming weeks.”

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Second Spurs star also cleared to leave; Farke on Gelhardt

Leeds would likely have to pay a small fee to bring Davies north this month, though the fact that one of his closest friends in football, Joe Rodon, is also now at Elland Road would certainly give them an edge.

Davies would also give the Whites a more stable option at left-back to succeed Junior Firpo amid our understanding that the Dominic Republic international has not yet been offered a new deal at Elland Road and with his current arrangement due to expire in the summer.

Leeds also have a strong Welsh representation at Elland Road, with Dan James and captain Ethan Ampadu also regulars for the country.

Davies, though, might not be the only experienced Spurs man to leave the club this month, with 36-year-old keeper Forster now slipping to third choice in the wake of the recent capture of Antonin Kinsky.

The young Czech was thrown in for an immediate debut on Wednesday as Tottenham recorded a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, with the 21-year-old catching the eye.

Now Forster could also get the green light to leave this month, with Jacobs adding: “I think that with Kinsky arriving, Forster falls down the pecking order.”

One man who could leave Leeds this month is Joe Gelhardt, with the little-used forward attracting attention from the likes of Hull, QPR and Cardiff.

On the prospect of him leaving, Farke told the media: “I have an open and honest relationship with Joffy. I know it’s tough for him, he’s a top character, and has his qualities, the problem is just the competition in the squad.

“You can’t back or support all four strikers in the same way. I prefer to stick a bit more with Piroe, Joseph and Bamford. Joffy can also feature as a winger but we have proper competition with Manor, Willy, Dan James and Ramazani.

“He works his socks off in every training session. He knows I trust him but his behaviour is unbelievably professional. Once he has thought it’s the best for him, he can knock at my door and we speak about it. That hasn’t happened yet, let’s see what happens in the next couple of days.”

Leeds transfer round-up: Buendia deal difficult; Gladbach star eyed

Elsewhere, Leeds face a tough task in signing Emi Buendia this month following links to the Aston Villa man.

The once-capped Argentina international has seen his game-time limited this month owing to the excellent form of Morgan Rogers and a loan exit has been suggested.

However, it’s been revealed that reported interest from Leeds looks tough to pull off, given the player’s thoughts on a move and owing to Villa’s demands over his wages were he to make a temporary exit.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are currently ahead of Wolves in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, though why a deal may be delayed until the summer has come to light.

And finally, our reporter Rudy Galetti has provided a strong update on the future of Firpo, with a return to a former club now looking a strong possibility.

Tottenham Hotspur hero Chris Waddle has explained why Ange Postecoglou’s side should reject the prospective signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

Rashford is searching for his next club after revealing his desire to take part in a ‘new challenge’ away from United. The forward is a United fan who came through their academy, but the pressure on his shoulders is too high and he needs to leave in order to revitalise his career.

A host of clubs are keeping tabs on Rashford, viewing him as a great market opportunity. AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the main European giants interested, though they may struggle to pay his £325,000-a-week wages.

Tottenham burst into the race for the Englishman on Wednesday, while West Ham United and Arsenal have entered the frame since then.

But former Spurs and England star Waddle has cast doubt over Rashford’s long-term form, even comparing him to players such as Dele Alli and Ross Barkley.

“There’s a lot of mind games going on with Marcus Rashford,” Waddle said (via the Daily Mirror). “I think there are a lot of doubts about his desire, his passion and his ambition.

“If he went to Tottenham and the fans were singing his name, would he be happy with that and think, ‘That’s it, I’ve arrived, I don’t need to do that anymore.’

“Whoever gets him, they’re going to get a player for six months. After that, can he keep that appetite and hunger to go on? Can he prove to everybody he should be playing left wing for England? To do that, he needs to be playing week-in, week-out for his club side.

“What is he doing at the minute? They said he was ill for the Liverpool game, not in the squad. No disrespect, but he’s not young anymore. People keep talking as if he was 21. He’s not.

“He’s had an in and out career. He had that season where he scored loads of goals, but that’s becoming a distant memory. He’s been bang average since.

“We all know he’s got ability, but we’ve seen this story with so many players before. Players like Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, they come on the scene, burn brightly and then disappear.

“Both of those players were talked about as world-beaters when they were younger, and they couldn’t do it over the course of their careers. There are so many players who were tipped to become the next big thing, and it didn’t happen for them. The only person that can change it is Marcus.”

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Rashford agents working hard to find him new club

Rashford’s representatives have travelled to Italy in recent days to hold talks with both Milan and Juve chiefs.

Reports in Italy state that Rashford is leaning towards a Milan move. The Rossoneri have even offloaded Noah Okafor to RB Leipzig, which could help them fund a swoop for Rashford.

Although, as mentioned previously, Milan will need help to match the 27-year-old’s big salary.

One solution could be for Rashford to join Milan on an initial loan which includes an option for the move to be made permanent in the summer.

Man Utd transfers: Chelsea battle; big sale ‘practically closed’

Meanwhile, United will face competition to make Nuno Mendes their new left wing-back as Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for him.

The Blues have added PSG star Mendes to their transfer shortlist as they hunt a replacement for the out-of-favour Ben Chilwell.

United remain in a good position to land Mendes though, as he is thought to be eager to reunite with his former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim at United.

Separate reports emerging from Brazil claim United midfielder Casemiro is ‘very close’ to leaving for the Saudi Pro League.

Casemiro has been tipped to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, though his exact next club has yet to be revealed.

United selling the Brazilian would significantly ease their financial concerns as he is on a reported £350,000 a week.

Manchester United are reportedly doing all they can behind the scenes to beat out Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to signing of PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has struggled for game time since his move to Paris in September 2023 for a whopping €95m, with PSG now looking to offload him.

Indeed, Kolo Muani has made just two starts in his 14 appearances so far this season, scoring just twice and adding one assist in that time.

That has led to a plethora of top European clubs asking about his availability and journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Man Utd are determined to win the race for his signature this month.

The Red Devils want to sign the 26-year-old on loan with an option-to-buy clause added and have made contact with Kolo Muani’s management team, conducting talks – as reported Plettenberg. He states that United will soon enter direct negotiations with PSG and are doing “everything possible” to get their man.

However, United will have to act fast as TEAMtalk have been told that Tottenham are similarly determined to sign the France international and could be further along in their bid to bring in the forward.

During his best season with Frankfurt, Kolo Muani, who can play as a central striker or out wide, scored 15 goals and produced 15 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches.

He has never been able to hit those heights at PSG, however, with Luis Enrique clearly not a fan of his qualities.

That has not stopped the likes of United and Spurs making concrete moves though, along with other interested suitors Chelsea, Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan.

Kolo Muani a man in demand

United are clearly eyeing up Kolo Muani as a replacement for wantaway frontman Marcus Rashford, who continues to be linked with an Old Trafford exit.

Doubts also persist over Antony’s long-term future, especially given that Ruben Amorim does not really use out-and-out wingers in his formation – given his use of wing-backs.

Muani would provide immediate competition for Rasmus Hojlund as United No.9, given speculation that Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way back to Italy.

In terms of Tottenham’s interest, Ange Posteecoglou wants Muani to provide competition for summer signing Dominic Solanke, who has not really been rested during the club’s injury crisis.

Games have been coming thick and fast for Spurs of late and they do not have a squad capable of coping with those demands.

Tottenham have a similar approach to signing Muani as United, in terms of a loan-to-buy scenario, and it could just come down to the player himself deciding which route he wants to take next.

Former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is rumoured to be playing a part in the club’s hunt for a new central midfielder in January following links to a top Juventus star.

It’s shaping up to be a busy January in the white half of north London as Spurs look to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s threadbare squad, in order to boost their lowly Premier League position and chances of ending that 17-year trophy wait.

Tottenham are said to be in talks over a double raid on PSG for striker Randal Kolo Muani and centre-back Milan Skriniar to fill two more needs, although Postecoglou would still like another midfielder on board – if the right opportunity presents itself.

And that could well be the case when it comes to Juventus star Douglas Luiz, who is currently being linked with a host of clubs in the winter window.

A report from TuttoJuve states that Juve could be prepared to sell Luiz this month and that a number of Premier League clubs are keen on bringing the 26-year-old former Aston Villa man back to England.

The report adds that Tottenham are in the mix of clubs keen on the Brazilian defensive midfielder, along with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, as of now, there are no concrete talks or negotiations from any clubs for Luiz, although his agent Kia Joorabchian was in Manchester some weeks ago and is said to have held talks with Juve sporting director Cristiano Guintoli about the player’s future.

But in terms of Tottenham’s interest in Luiz, it will come as no surprise if Paratici is involved in trying to broker a deal given his connections with both clubs and his involvement in several transactions the north London club have done with Serie A clubs over the last few transfer windows.

Luiz provides midfield versatility

Luiz has the ability to fill a number of different midfield roles for Tottenham after doing so while at Villa Park.

Initially utilised as an out-and-out holding midfielder, the Brazil international was pushed further forward following Unai Emery’s arrival and scored 10 league goals in his final season for the club before heading to Turin.

Tottenham’s current midfield options consist of an injury-prone Rodrigo Bentancur, a version of Yves Bissouma that is not the same player as he was at Brighton and young talents like Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison both operate in No.10 roles.

Luiz would certainly been an upgrade on what Bissouma has produced in the defensive midfield role, although the majority of appearances for Juve this season have come as a No.8.

However, there must be some concern that Luiz has missed a number of games this season with muscle issues, something Tottenham have already had their fair share of with the likes of Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs target South American midfielder / Shock Rashford links

Tottenham have reportedly lodged an offer for a South American midfielder who is being labelled an upgrade on current Spurs star Yves Bissouma.

A report from Italian outlet AreaNapoli, states that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has lodged an official offer for Palmeiras midfielder, Richard Rios, with the Colombian international emerging as a ‘concrete target’ in the January window.

At this stage, there is no mention of the nature of the bid or the money involved, although Rios reportedly has a €100million (£83m / $103m) release clause in his existing contract at the Brazilian club – although any fee will not reach those sorts of heights.

Meanwhile, the Marcus Rashford saga has taken a new twist as Tottenham Hotspur are now considering signing the wantaway Manchester United star, it has been claimed.