TEAMtalk

Tottenham are reportedly ‘in a race’ with two other clubs, including Leicester City, for the services of 6ft 5in Udinese centre-back Thomas Kristensen, who could be sold for a low fee.

Spurs’ defensive issues at the moment are very clear. Favoured centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both sidelined, meaning Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray have been paired together at the back.

Gray had played the position just once before December, but has played there a further seven times, with Tottenham conceding 17 goals in those games.

It is clear they would rather an actual centre-back there to shore things up, and Football Insider reports they are ‘in a race’ for Udinese man Kristensen.

Also courting the 6ft 5in Denmark under-21 international are Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen.

Tottenham’s January interest stems from a trip to watch the centre-back in action in Serie A in December, a game against Fiorentina in which Kristensen won 100 per cent of his tackles, made five clearances and headed clear three times, while not being dribbled past once.

The report states Udinese value the defender at £16.5million (€19.9m/$20.4m) and they could be ‘tempted’ by an offer of that value.

Tottenham priorities clear

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham are planning to strengthen four positions if they can in January: centre-back, goalkeeper, winger and striker.

Kristensen, if he is signed, would of course cover the first of those positions.

If he is as cheap as the report suggests he could be, Spurs would have more money to splash in other areas.

It would seem a cheap snare for Tottenham, too. They have spent more than the £16.5million it may take for Kristensen on three of the centre-backs in their squad: Dragusin, Romero and Van de Ven.

They also paid above that value for centre-back Davinson Sanchez, who no longer plays for the north London club.

Tottenham round-up: Sam Johnstone courted

Another priority position could be strengthened soon, with Tottenham looking into the signing of Sam Johnstone on a loan deal from Wolves, amid Guglielmo Vicario’s injured spell.

Spurs have also been offered two more centre-backs: Fikayo Tomori and Ben Godfrey, and are considering the signing of the first.

However, it’s reported they have turned their nose up at the latter, who they wanted while he was still at Everton, before his move to Atalanta.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk is aware that a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson could be pursued by Tottenham in January.

Tottenham are reportedly planning to offer an ‘escape route’ to Wolves man Sam Johnstone, with the goalkeeper surplus to requirements just months after heading to Molineux.

Spurs have been without No.1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario since November, when he suffered an ankle injury. After that happened, manager Ange Postecoglou stated he’d keep faith with second-choice keeper Fraser Forster.

But the England international has since conceded 15 goals in seven Premier League games, and almost jeopardised victory in the League Cup quarter-final.

As a result, a new goalkeeper move is in the works, with TBRFootball reporting that Tottenham are exploring a move for another England international – Johnstone.

It’s believed Spurs want to sign him on loan to fill the gap Vicario will continue to leave for some time yet, with it not yet known how long it’ll be until he returns to action.

Wolves are said to be willing to let Johnstone leave in January, and Tottenham will therefore offer an ‘escape route’ for the goalkeeper, who only joined the club in August.

At the time, Wolves thought Jose Sa would be leaving, but he remained, and has played more often that Johnstone.

DON’T MISS: Top 10 most expensive Tottenham signings ever: Two future legends mixed with disastrous flops

Johnstone a priority for Spurs

A move for Johnstone, or another goalkeeper, is a priority for Tottenham in January.

Indeed, TEAMtalk is aware they are eager to strengthen the goalkeeper position, along with adding a new centre-back, winger and striker.

It could be difficult to bring in quality players in each position if they were to only sign players permanently.

As such, a loan for somebody with the quality of Johnstone seems a fantastic way to get around that, saving funds for other positions.

Tottenham round-up: More priority moves sought

Moves at centre-back are in the offing, with Tottenham offered Fikayo Tomori, a player they are now considering landing, as per a report.

They had been said to be interested in Ben Godfrey, too, but after he was also offered, it’s reported they’ve turned their nose up at him.

Meanwhile, Spurs are said to be interested in landing Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish, a player they once almost signed from his previous club Aston Villa.

Another potential attacking transfer is that of Evan Ferguson, with TEAMtalk sources stating Tottenham could potentially approach Brighton for his transfer in January.

Tottenham have rejected the chance to sign a versatile defender despite being offered the player and his club greenlighting an exit, with a report revealing the three stars they’re targeting instead.

TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are primed to be one of the busiest clubs in the winter window. Our insider, Fraser Gillan, has been informed the board will back Ange Postecoglou whose side has been ravaged by injury this term.

Additions in four different positions are being sought – goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and striker.

Perhaps the most pressing of those positions is centre-half given the current injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Ben Davies – previously a left-back – will primarily be used at centre-back by Postecoglou moving forwards, though he’s also on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.

As such, Football Insider recently brought news of Tottenham sizing up a move for Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey.

The former Everton man – who racked up two caps for England in 2021 – has been marginalised by Gian Piero Gasperini since his arrival from Goodison Park last summer.

And according to an update from Fabrizio Romano on January 2, Atalanta have greenlit Godfrey’s exit this month.

Taking to X, Romano stated: “Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey can leave Atalanta in January as he’s no longer key for their project. Discussions to follow as Godfrey is not even in squad list for the Super Cup.”

Per a report from Mail Online, Tottenham have been ‘offered’ Godfrey’s services. However, it’s then stated Spurs have turned their nose up at the player and ‘won’t be pursuing’ the 26-year-old.

Instead, three higher profile centre-backs are on Spurs’ radar…

Tottenham eyeing higher profile defenders

Mail Online listed Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach) and Milan Skriniar (PSG) as the trio Spurs are casting their eye over.

Branthwaite would not come cheap and there will be little appetite at Goodison Park to cash in mid-season.

Everton showed their resolve to retain their star centre-back last summer when rejecting multiple bids from Manchester United. The biggest offer was worth a total of £50m, with Everton valuing the left-footer in the £70m-£80m bracket.

Itakura, 27, was on Manchester City’s books between 2019-22, though never made an appearance for the club.

He joined Monchengladbach in a permanent deal in 2022 and quickly established himself as a regular starter in their backline.

Skriniar, meanwhile, would perhaps be the easiest to sign from a club-to-club perspective given PSG fully intend to offload the 29-year-old this month.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported in mid-December: “Randal Kolo-Muani can leave PSG in January, same situation as Milan Skriniar. Both have been left out of PSG squad and it was [manager] Luis Enrique’s decision.

“Kolo-Muani and Skriniar both expect to have doors open for exit in the next weeks.”

At 29, Skriniar would not represent a long-term option, though he would make an instant impact.

The Slovakian established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A during his time with Inter Milan. He joined PSG on a free transfer in 2023, though the move hasn’t worked out as either party envisioned.

Skriniar is readily available for transfer in January, but per Mail Online, a transaction will be ‘expensive.’

A separate report from Caught Offside claimed PSG hope to collect €35m (£29m / $36m) when selling the defender. That would be a sizeable sum to pay for a player approaching 30 with little re-sale value.

Latest Tottenham news – Tomori, Grealish, Ferguson

In other news, TBR Football have listed AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori as another centre-back Tottenham are monitoring. Newcastle are also circling over the five-cap England international.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly weighing up whether to make a surprise loan approach for Jack Grealish.

The Manchester City winger has gone more than a year without scoring for his club. Given Spurs already possess an ineffective loanee on the left wing in Timo Werner, it would come as a major shock if Grealish were signed too.

Finally, TEAMtalk can reveal Spurs are keen on making a move for Brighton striker, Evan Ferguson, who is available for transfer this month.

However, Tottenham must act fast if they’re to strike a deal after two Premier League rivals made approaches.

GO DEEPER: Why Ben Godfrey isn’t playing at Atalanta

It’s fair to say that Godfrey’s move from Everton to Atalanta was one of the more surprising moves of the summer, but the defender may not have expected to be featuring so rarely in Italy.

Godfrey seemed like a smart pickup by the Serie A side, famed for their intelligent recruitment. As a versatile defender who can play anywhere across the backline, he seemed a solid fit for Gian Piero Gasperini’s three-man defence. But the York-born player has only made five appearances for Atalanta so far, and all of those have been as a substitute.

Later in the summer transfer window, Atalanta brought in Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen on loan, and he has been shown more faith out of their two new defenders.

Isak Hien, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength as Gasperini’s most trusted centre-back, standing out as one of the league’s best, and with La Dea flying at the top of the Serie A table, why change a winning formula?

Realistically, Godfrey is about fourth or fifth choice for Atalanta, especially with top prospect Giorgio Scalvini working his way back from injury, and he may need to secure an early escape if he doesn’t want to waste what should be his prime years as his 27th birthday approaches in January.

Tottenham have reportedly discussed the signing of Fikayo Tomori of late, and TEAMtalk can reveal there is a big reason for that potential signing.

Spurs’ defensive issues at present are apparent. They have been lining up with Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray at centre-back for the last few games, and are constantly conceding. They conceded six in the Premier League against Liverpool of late.

Gray is not a natural centre-back, and the favoured pair of players in the position – Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven – are both sidelined.

According to TBRFootball, Spurs have discussed signing AC Milan’s Tomori in recent weeks to stop the rot.

His name is said to have been circulated to clubs, with the defender unhappy about recent sparse playing time, and potentially looking for a move.

Along with Tottenham, it’s believed Newcastle have discussed the signing, and a number of other Premier League sides have considered it.

Tottenham offered Tomori

TEAMtalk is aware one of the reasons Tottenham are interested in Tomori is due to the fact he’s been offered to them.

It is seemingly very possible that he finds a route out of Milan.

Whether the north London outfit will take the opportunity to sign Tomori or not remains to be seen.

However, that they are considering moving for him will give the defender hope that he can find a way out, and get more football elsewhere.

Tottenham round-up: Ferguson transfer possible

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham moving for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson in January is possible, with the striker a potential target for the winter window.

It comes after we revealed the north Londoners want to improve four positions: goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and striker.

Jack Grealish could be the man to solve one of those positions, with the Manchester City man reportedly on Spurs’ radar.

Meanwhile, James Maddison has hit back at a fan who questioned him for going to the World Championship of Darts while Tottenham are in poor form, saying: ‘shut up you wally’.

Tottenham are keen on signing a Premier League striker on one condition after he was given the green light to leave in January, though with two rival sides already launching approaches, Spurs must act fast.

Spurs are primed for a busy January transfer window that could prove to be make or break for Ange Postecoglou. Despite dire results throughout the entirety of 2024, the lack of squad depth and crippling injury crisis have left the board under no illusions that they must back the manager in the winter window.

Tottenham have a number of positions they’re seeking to address and one of those is centre-forward.

The club’s aim is to bring in a capable striker to provide back-up and stiff competition for Dominic Solanke. That should have been Richarlison’s job, though the Brazilian has struggled with injuries and even when fit, has not justified his lofty £60m price tag with sub-par performances on the field.

Sources have urged TEAMtalk to keep an eye on Brighton frontman, Evan Ferguson, who could become a key target for Tottenham as the January window unfolds.

Brighton have made the Irish international available for loan in January and sources state he is keen on the opportunity to play in London. The desire to play at a bigger club is also present within the player.

Only 20 years of age, Ferguson is still young, though boasts extensive Premier League experience and is still considered one of the brightest young talents in football.

Ferguson has 59 Premier League appearances to his name, though the bulk of his outings this term have come from the bench, with manager Fabian Hurzeler favouring Danny Welbeck and/or Joao Pedro to start.

He has been hampered with injuries over the last year, but that has not put off his plethora of suitors who are keen to strike a loan agreement with Brighton in January.

Sources have stated that Spurs are eager to do just that, though they are not sold on the idea of developing another team’s player for nothing.

As such, it’s our understanding that Tottenham will only proceed with a move if able to insert an option/obligation to buy into any loan agreement.

Tottenham must act fast amid rival approaches

Tottenham are not alone in monitoring Ferguson, with Chelsea long-term admirers of the Brighton hotshot who was previously valued in excess of £100m by Brighton.

Ferguson is alongside Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap on Chelsea’s list of striking options and with a deal for the Ipswich man not likely until the summer, a six-month loan may suit all parties.

Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has asked his board for a potent striker to add to his ranks in a bid to stave off relegation. Sources have stated Ferguson is also in the Foxes’ sights.

West Ham are also big admirers of Ferguson and due to Michail Antonio now being unavailable, they view the Brighton man as a readymade replacement in the winter window.

We can reveal West Ham and Leicester have both approached Ferguson’s agents and one way or another, the striker is likely to leave Brighton in January.

Latest Tottenham news – January spree / Jack Grealish loan

In other news, TEAMtalk can confirm that aside from a new striker, Spurs are also striving to strengthen in the goalkeeper, centre-back and winger positions next month.

The identities of two centre-back targets have been confirmed by TEAMtalk, while Celtic winger, Nicolas Kuhn, is under consideration for the front three.

Elsewhere, stunning reports from Mail Online and Football London claim Tottenham could satisfy their need for a new winger by signing Jack Grealish.

The Manchester City man, 29, is woefully out of form having gone an entire year without scoring for his club. Grealish’s last goal came in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on December 16, 2023.

Nonetheless, a six-month loan signing in January has been touted and Man City being willing to subsidise a sizeable chunk of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages is key to the deal’s viability.

Tottenham are weighing up a shock January move for Manchester City winger, Jack Grealish, and a report has revealed how Spurs could replicate a dubious Arsenal deal to make the move work.

Grealish, 29, became the most expensive English player of all time when moving from Aston Villa to Man City for £100m in 2021. Declan Rice (£105m) has since assumed that mantle, though while Rice has been an instant hit at Arsenal, the jury is still out on Grealish.

The winger has notched vital goals at times during his City career. However, a return of just 14 goals and 20 assists in 143 matches for Man City is well below expectations for a £100m player.

Indeed, Mohamed Salah, for example, has more goal contributions in half a season this year (37) than Grealish does in three-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad (34).

Grealish has gone more than a full year without scoring for City, with his last goal coming against Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw in December of 2023.

Yet according to a fresh update from Mail Online, Tottenham are showing interest in bringing Grealish on board.

It’s claimed both they and Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ the winger’s situation, while a second report from Football London has zeroed in on a potential move to north London…

Tottenham could replicate Arsenal transfer with Grealish loan

Following on from Mail Online’s update, Football London stated that if Grealish were to join Spurs in January, it would be via the loan route.

Man City are expected to spend heavily in January in the hopes of rescuing their ailing season. A loan move wouldn’t do a great deal to boost their spending power, though it would chop a sizeable sum off the wage bill and remove an under-performing player from the equation.

But with Grealish pocketing a mammoth £300,000-a-week on his current deal, Tottenham would reportedly insist Man City subsidise a healthy portion of the salary.

As such, a loan where the parent club are still paying a significant slice of the player’s wages would mirror the deal that brought Raheem Sterling from Chelsea to Arsenal last summer.

The Gunners believed they’d snagged a bargain when loaning the four-time Premier League winner, not least because Chelsea are on the hook for around half of Sterling’s high salary.

However, Sterling has failed to make any meaningful level of impact thus far and given Grealish’s struggles in 2024, there’s no guarantee he’d fare any better at Tottenham either.

Nonetheless, TEAMtalk has been informed the flanks are a position where Spurs hope to strengthen in January and taking a punt on Grealish via the loan route would ensure there’s plenty of cash to splash in other, arguably more pressing positions…

Latest Tottenham news – January transfer exclusive

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Gillan, has been told Spurs hope to strengthen four positions in the winter window.

Tottenham aim to be among the busiest Premier League sides next month and additions at goalkeeper, centre-back, on the wings and at striker are being sought.

Regarding the centre-back chase, Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi and Abdukodir Khusanov of Lens – valued at £25m – are being tracked.

The full details in Gillan’s exclusive – including an SPL ace and a Premier League striker who are also being targeted – can be found here.

Tottenham are primed to attack the January transfer window and hope to strengthen in FOUR different positions, and TEAMtalk can reveal which players are in Spurs’ sights.

Tottenham are in desperate need of reinforcements in January amid a lack of adequate squad depth and a crippling injury crisis.

Having to start 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray at centre-back in each of Spurs’ last four Premier League matches sums up the situation Ange Postecoglou is working with.

The Spurs hierarchy are well aware Postecoglou has been dealt a bad hand and accordingly, they are willing to be the most active Premier League side in the winter window.

Postecoglou has made it clear the January window is extremely important and sources have confirmed that Tottenham are looking to bring in players in four different positions over the next few weeks.

The positions Spurs aim to strengthen are goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and striker.

The need for a central defender – amid injuries to Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies – is clear. As such, the club have a number of players listed…

Tottenham transfer targets revealed

Illya Zabarnyi of Bournemouth is hugely admired by Spurs, but the Cherries centre-back is also courting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea too.

Chelsea in particular may seem like a more appealing option at this point in time and there is also interest in the Ukraine international from LaLiga sides too.

Tottenham also had scouts watching 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov who has caught the eye with a string of stellar displays in Ligue 1 for Lens this term.

The Uzbekistan international is seen as one of the brightest young defensive talents in football and has major interest in his services.

Lens’ coaching staff have been clear that they hope to hold onto Khusanov until the summer at least and will do all they can to keep him at the club in January.

He is contracted until the summer of 2027 and viewed as a key player for the club’s efforts this season under manager Will Still.

However, Lens sporting director, Diego Lopez, has indicated the club are open to doing business if their price point is met. We understand Lens value Khusanov around the £25m mark.

The centre-back is absolutely one to watch, especially as we understand as the Lens director is willing to trump his manager and sell the talent in a bid to raise funds for incomings of their own.

ICYMI: James Maddison in spat with Tottenham fan after being hammered for night out at the darts

Tottenham are also looking at attacking targets and Nicolas Kuhn at Celtic is admired. The left-footed right winger has serious interest from Brentford and Brighton also, and is set to be the subject of tempting bids in the coming weeks.

The German, 24, has arguably been the best player in Scotland this season, with 14 goals and 11 assists to his name in 25 matches for Celtic.

And keep and eye on striker Evan Ferguson who is free to leave Brighton via the loan route next month.

Spurs have flirted with the idea of bringing Ferguson in to support Dominic Solanke, but it’s likely the north London side will want a option or obligation to buy and the Seagulls have placed a high valuation on the Irishman.

James Maddison has hit back at a Tottenham fan who questioned his trip to Alexandra Palace to watch the World Championship darts with teammate Brennan Johnson after Sunday’s draw with Wolves.

Spurs conceded an 87th-minute equaliser to Jorgen Strand Larsen to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Wolves on another difficult afternoon for Ange Postecoglou, which left the club sitting in 11th place in the Premier League heading into 2025.

Postecoglou has given the squad Monday and Tuesday off ahead of Tottenham‘s visit of Newcastle this coming weekend, confirming to reporters: “It was always planned. We kind of knew this is the first week where we don’t have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.

“It’s been fairly intense for a real small core group of players, particularly over the last four or five weeks and I think it’ll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves, with their families, and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.”

Maddison and Johnson took the opportunity to join the thousands at Alexandra Palace as reigning world champion and No.1 seed Luke Humphries was knocked out by two-time winner Peter Wright on a thrilling night of action.

The official Instagram account of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) posted a photo of Maddison and Johnson at Ally Pally in the hours after the loss to Wolves, and some Spurs fans took exception.

One wrote: “U taking the p***? The form were (sic) in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable.”

Maddison was certainly in no mood to let the fan get away with that criticism by responding “shut up you wally”, with an added laughing emoji.

While it’s not exactly a great look after another negative result for Tottenham, Maddison and Johnson were clearly doing nothing wrong after being given permission for a couple of days off by Postecoglou.

Maddison left out by Postecoglou again

Maddison’s inconsistent season continued against Wolves on Sunday after he was left out of the side again by Postecoglou.

The 28-year-old has started Tottenham’s last two games on the bench and has been in and out of the side for the majority of the season, something which has irked the attacking midfielder.

Indeed, after being recalled to Postecoglou’s side and scoring twice in the outstanding 4-0 win at Manchester City in November, Maddison was adamant that Spurs are a better side with him in it.

Speaking after that match, Maddison told Sky Sports: “I’m never happy with not playing. The gaffer took me out for a tactical reason because he wanted [Pape] Sarr and [Dejan] Kulusevski – two really fit lads who can really go and press for 90 minutes – for a couple of games.

“I’ve got a lot of self-belief and if I go through tough spells of having two games out I’m at the age now where I’m able to go and show you that this team is much better with me in it.

“That is the mindset – not in an arrogant, big-headed way – just the mindset of myself and that self belief. That’s the only way you get out of them little ruts.

“I’ve actually been really happy with my form this season, been a couple games when I haven’t maybe been at the level, but I watch all the games back and I know when I’m not playing at the level.

“There’s been a couple which in football, it happens, but I’m really happy and proud I bounced back, back in today for a big game, really showed my leadership and the manager will be happy with that so I am.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eye shock centre-back swoop / Brazilian striker a January target

Tottenham are reportedly holding internal talks over what would be a sensational centre-back signing, as they look to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit backline during the January transfer widow.

The north London club have been missing first-choice central defensive pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for a number of weeks now, while backup Ben Davies is also sidelined and left-back Destiny Udogie suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Sunday.

That has led to reports of a January swoop for at least one defender and the Daily Mail reports that Tottenham have held ‘internal talks’ about signing Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

Tottenham are reportedly holding internal talks over what would be a sensational centre-back signing, as they look to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit backline during the January transfer widow.

The north London club have been missing first-choice central defensive pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for a number of weeks now, while backup Ben Davies is also sidelined and left-back Destiny Udogie suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Sunday.

All of those issues have forced Postecoglou into playing 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-back alongside Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, who has yet to convince that he has the quality to become an elite Premier League player.

Postecoglou has already admitted that January signings are needed at Tottenham, with the likes of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore at the other end of the pitch also still missing through injury.

Speaking before the recent loss to Nottingham Forest, the Australian said: “[Transfer policy] can be disciplined, but we need a clear picture of where we’re at. There is a need to reinforce if we can, it’s not an easy time to do that in this window.

“The club is working hard behind the scenes to help the players we’ve got, who are giving everything in every game to try and get us through. We’re working hard to try to get reinforcements.”

To that end, a rather fanciful report from the Daily Mail states that Tottenham are ‘holding internal talks’ over a potential move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is one of four players currently under consideration.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but ended up remaining at Goodison Park, although the spotlight is very much on his future again amid rumoured Manchester City interest as well.

Branthwaite a pricey option for struggling Tottenham

The report states that Spurs are discussing the option of trying to land Branthwaite, who still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his £35,000-a-week deal on Merseyside.

The England international is being considered as a replacement for Ben Davies, who will be out of contract next summer, given his ability to play centrally or fill in at left-back.

Any hopes of a January deal appear remote though, given that the Toffees recently slapped an £80million price tag on Branthwaite, who is one of the first names of Sean Dyche’s team sheet.

It also makes little sense for Everton to sell arguably their best player when they are only three points off the bottom three and likely to be in another relegation scrap this season.

Add in the fact that paying £80m for a player who would essentially be viewed as a backup to Romero and Van de Ven and the report does not make an awful lot of sense.

Other proposed targets include the likes of Milan Skriniar and David Hancko, who can both cover left-back as well, along with Japan international Ko Itakura and Atalanta’s former Everton star Ben Godfrey.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs chasing Barcelona striker / Arsenal join race for full-back target

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

The Brazilian may have struggled to make a name for himself at The Camp Nou, but six goals and two assists for Betis so far this season has piqued Tottenham’s interest.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been offered a soon-to-be free agent defender and are considering striking a deal, though Arsenal have entered the frame by opening talks, according to reports.

Online outlet TBR Football recently revealed Tottenham had been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell at season’s end.

The 25-year-old is in the prime of his career and racked up two caps for England in 2022. However, he’s out of contract in the summer and Palace’s attempts to thrash out a new agreement ‘have failed.’

TBR Football claimed Spurs had been offered Mitchell by his camp and Postecoglou’s side were giving consideration to signing him. But according to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Spurs could be shunted aside by bitter rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the likes of Brazilian side Palmeiras to sign a talented Barcelona striker who is currently on loan at LaLiga rivals Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Vitor Roque is the player in question, with a transfer race hotting up for the 19-year-old after his impressive start to life on loan at Betis.

The Brazilian may have struggled to make a name for himself at The Camp Nou, but six goals and two assists for Betis so far this season have shown why Roque has previously been spoken of in such glowing terms.

Beits do have the option to sign the Brazilian permanently for €25million (£20m / $26m) in the summer and it was reportedly recently that the Spanish outfit were ready to issue Tottenham a hands-off warning.

And now Estadio Deportivo are the latest to report on Spurs’ pursuit of the 19-year-old, claiming that things are hotting up in the race for his signature.

It’s no secret that cash-strapped Barcelona are in urgent need to raise funds in January in order to sign the players they want and register others in their squad, including the likes of Dani Olmo, with the Catalan club therefore willing to sell Roque in the new year.

It’s also been reported that Palmeiras have already tabled a €20m (£16.5m / $21m) bid for the teenager, while adding that ‘Tottenham’s pounds are putting pressure on all parties’.

The report adds that the Premier League side are willing to offer Roque a ‘tempting salary’ and that the striker’s camp are ‘appreciative’ of the interest shown by Tottenham and others.

However, at this stage, Roque is not thinking about leaving Betis mid-season and wants to have a strong second half of the campaign in Seville, complicating Spurs’ pursuit as a result.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs chasing January left-back signing / Chances of Rashford deal rated

Tottenham are reportedly planning to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window due to concerns over Destiny Udogie’s workload and a position change for a veteran star.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries for much of the 2024/25 campaign, particularly centrally, with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven and Ben Davies all currently sidelined. while Udogie himself also limped out of Sunday’s clash with Wolves with what looked like a hamstring issue.

Those problems have led to a search for more defensive recruits, with several left-back options on their radar.

Meanwhile, Tottenham aim to strengthen their attack in the upcoming January transfer window and a report has shed light on whether Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford, will wind up in north London.