TEAMtalk

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.

Spurs have struggled in the Premier League this term, though have advanced to the semi-finals of the League Cup and are among the favourites to lift the Europa League. Winning that latter competition would provide passage into next season’s Champions League, thus ruling their lowly league position largely irrelevant.

To help Ange Postecoglou ensure the second half of the season is better than the first, Tottenham are on the hunt for new signings in January.

An addition to the club’s injury-ravaged backline is expected and a fresh update from The Athletic reported as such. However, it’s also claimed Spurs will look to strengthen in the final third.

Tottenham reporter Jay Harris wrote: ‘[Spurs] will look out for opportunities to improve their attacking options.

‘They are over-reliant on Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson to start every game, while Postecoglou has made his feelings about Timo Werner’s effectiveness clear.’

Marcus Rashford – who has been transfer-listed by Man Utd at a price point in the £50m-£60m range – has been linked.

Rashford favours the left wing role, though can also play up top and provide cover for Solanke if required. That is the role Richarlison is supposed to be filling, though the Brazilian continues to struggle with injuries and hasn’t lived up to expectations when on the field anyway.

Harris listed Richarlison as one of the players Tottenham would be willing to sell. However, irrespective of whether Richarlison does depart, it doesn’t sound like Rashford is heading to Tottenham.

Harris explained: ‘It is an easy link to make but, reading between the lines, any potential move for Rashford feels unlikely.

‘He turned 27 in October and Spurs have focused on signing players under the age of 23 since Postecoglou was appointed.

‘Rashford prefers to play on the left wing, which is where captain Son, Werner and Wilson Odobert operate. The England international’s £325,000 a week wages would be a stumbling block, too.

‘The smarter option would be to sign a backup to Solanke – Richarlison’s struggles for form and fitness show he cannot be relied upon to the extent Postecoglou needs and would like.’

Loan expected for Rashford, as brand new suitor emerges

Providing an update of his own, trusted reporter David Ornstein suggested the likeliest outcome if Rashford leaves Man Utd next month is a six-month loan agreement.

Ornstein wrote: ‘Amorim says he expects certain standards from all players on and off the pitch, which it would appear Rashford is not meeting at present.

‘That opens the door to a possible winter departure, depending on various factors. Most importantly, United and Rashford will need to want that. Indications are they would at least be willing to discuss it. Then, vitally, is there a market?

‘Considering he is currently not playing and earns an extremely high wage, it is hard to envisage a January sale; that would more likely materialise in the summer.

‘What might be more sensible is a loan. It would give him the chance to get back on track and rebuild his value before the issue is revisited post-season.

‘Taking Rashford on a temporary basis should also avoid whoever gets him having to cover the whole of his salary.

‘United have previously benefited from similar arrangements in the cases of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood at Borussia Dortmund and Getafe respectively.

‘There is no indication they are pursuing such a route yet, but it is one to watch in the weeks ahead.’

TEAMtalk understands Jose Mourinho is open to reuniting with Rashford at Fenerbahce. United’s willingness to sanction a loan and not hold out for a permanent transfer will be key to that transfer’s success.

Latest Tottenham news – Ben Godfrey, Randal Kolo Muani

In other news, Football Insider claim Tottenham are stepping up their pursuit of Atalanta defender, Ben Godfrey.

Spurs are determined to add to their depleted backline in January and the former Everton man can be signed on a six-month loan.

Elsewhere, Sky Germany revealed Tottenham are one of numerous sides looking into the loan signing of PSG striker, Randal Kolo Muani.

The Frenchman has the green light to leave and a switch to the Premier League is the expected outcome. Competition is coming from Man Utd and Liverpool, while The Evening Standard have tipped Arsenal to be offered the striker.

Tottenham have made an approach to sign a former Premier League defender now based in Serie A, and the January addition is quickly taking shape, according to a report.

Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries at the heart of defence this season, with Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven both sidelined for the second time this season. Ben Davies – who has primarily played at centre-back in the latter stages of his career – is also ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The raft of absentees has forced Ange Postecoglou to field Archie Gray out of position alongside Radu Dragusin at centre-back. It’s a pairing that has failed to convince, with Spurs conceding nine goals in their last two matches.

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Tottenham are determined to provide Postecoglou with reinforcements in January.

A new defender is top of their wishlist for obvious reasons and per the report, an approach has been made for Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey.

The former Everton man, 26, joined Atalanta in a deal worth roughly £11m last summer. However, he’s failed to break into Gian Piero Gasperini’s table-topping side, racking up just 93 minutes of action across all competitions.

Godfrey – who won two caps for England in 2021 – could soon have the opportunity to prove his worth back in England by way of a six-month loan spell in north London.

FI added there is ‘growing belief’ an agreement is there to be made and Tottenham have surged into the position of favourites.

‘Work has already begun on the move’ and a six-month loan spell to see out the season is reportedly being sought.

Latest Tottenham news – Fagioli, Trafford, Postecoglou

In other news, reports in Italy state Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli, is tempted by the idea of joining Tottenham in January.

Other Premier League clubs are keen on the €25m-rated midfielder, though Fagioli views Spurs as the more ‘prestigious’ option.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly weighing up a £20m move for a top Championship goalkeeper following Fraser Forster’s blunders in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term injury.

The Daily Mirror reports that Burnley star James Trafford has once again emerged as a January target for Spurs, with the Championship outfit set to demand £20m for the stopper.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou threatened to give reporters the silent treatment if they refuse to acknowledge that injuries are the biggest reason behind Tottenham’s defensive issues.

“You know what? I’m just going to stop answering these questions,” Postecoglou replied to BBC Sport. “If people can’t see the obvious I’m not going to point it out.

“Look, make of it what you want, yes we’re conceding goals. If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back as well and that hasn’t coincided with what we’re doing… I don’t know what to say anymore.

“I think people make up their minds in their own way. They either think what I’m doing is good or they don’t and that’s fine.”

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 Hotspur are being tipped to beat three Premier League rivals to the signing of a Juventus midfielder as talk of a January transfer window switch hots up.

Midfield is one of three main areas where Ange Postecoglou is looking to bolster his squad in the new year after a poor first half of the current campaign.

The Tottenham boss is keen on getting reinforcements at centre-back, left-back and in his engine room, while the possibility of signing another striker can also not be ruled out.

And, according to reports in Italy, Postecoglou could land the midfielder he wants from Juve as talk of a move for Nicolo Fagioli has significantly ramped up.

Fagioli has largely been a bit-part player since Thiago Motta arrived in Turin over the summer and it has been widely reported over the last few days that Spurs are plotting to sign the Bianconeri star.

It’s claimed that an offer of around €25million (£20.7m/ $26m) from the north London outfit may be enough to prise the midfielder away from the Allianz Stadium in the new year.

The latest update comes from IlBianconero, who state that Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham have made contact over a deal for the Juventus man ahead of the January window.

However, it is explained that Fagioli is not particularly interested in joining either of those sides and is more attracted by a switch to Tottenham, as he views them as the ‘more prestigious’ option.

Juventus willing to offload Fagioli

The same report goes on to say that the Old Lady would be willing to sell their academy graduate if they can recoup that figure if around €25m.

Indeed, former Juve defender Sergio Porrini suggested last week that the Turin giants should look to get Fagioli off their wage bill next month if they get the chance to do so.

He told Tutto Juve: “If the right amount were to arrive, I would honestly sell him. In this Juve, there is no star.

“So, everyone is important and no one is indispensable.”

It could be argued that Fagioli is not really the type of midfielder that Tottenham need right now, given that he is more an attacking player than a defensive one.

Postecoglou has had real issues defending his back four this season, especially since the partnership of Radu Dragusin and young midfielder Archie Gray have been forced to play together.

Yves Bissouma’s form continues to be very hit and miss and Pape Sarr is more of a box-to-box player than a holding midfielder.

The return of Rodrigo Bentancur from his seven-match ban against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day will at least give Postecoglou some stability in his engine room again, but another body in that area will also be welcomed in the new year.

Latest Tottenham news: Veliz urged to make Prem return / Spurs back in for Championship keeper

Tottenham Hotspur striker Alejo Veliz has been told to consider a January switch to Leicester City so he can learn from Premier League great Jamie Vardy.

Veliz has lost his place in Espanyol’s starting eleven, after joining the LaLiga outfit on loan last summer, and has been struggling for game time in recent weeks.

And his former Rosario Central team-mate, Facundo Buonanotte, who is on loan at Leicester from Brighton, has urged the Spurs man to join him at the King Power.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly weighing up a £20million move for a top Championship goalkeeper following Fraser Forster’s blunders in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term injury.

The Daily Mirror reports that Burnley star James Trafford has once again emerged as a January target for Spurs, with the Championship outfit set to demand £20m for the stopper.

Tottenham are interested in Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt and are reportedly poised to ‘open talks’ over a potential January transfer.

Spurs have endured a disappointing season so far and sit in a disappointing 11th place in the Premier League table – eight points adrift from the top four.

Manager Ange Postecoglou has faced criticism for his tactics that have often seen Tottenham be too open as the back, as evidenced by their 6-3 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham are looking to strengthen in January and have identified Brandt as a target. The 28-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, so could provide cover in several key areas for the North London side.

The report claims that Spurs are ‘exploring the possibility of signing Brandt’ and ‘talks between Spurs and the Dortmund could progress during the winter transfer window.’

The German international is under contract until 2026 and if he doesn’t sign an extension, January or next summer will be Dortmund’s last chances to recoup a decent fee for his services.

The report adds that ‘the next month will be crucial in defining the future of the German midfielder and his possible arrival in London.’

Tottenham linked with Julian Brandt swoop

We have previously reported that Tottenham are interested to sign a versatile forward, but that isn’t their priority for January, per our sources.

Despite Spurs’ turbulent form, TEAMtalk understands that Postecoglou retains the full support of the club’s board and they are planning to back the manager in the winter window.

They will first look to sign a new centre-back, rather than an attacking player. Tottenham’s lack of quality cover in the position has been exposed recently due to injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Brandt is certainly a player to keep an eye on and if he doesn’t sign a new contract with Dortmund soon, there will undoubtedly be Premier League interest.

He joined Dortmund in 2019 and has made 235 appearances to date for the Bundesliga giants, notching 43 goals and making 56 assists in the process.

Liverpool have been linked with Brandt recently but our sources suggest any reports claiming that the player has held talks with any club ahead of January are wide of the mark.

Brandt is a key player for Dortmund and they are reluctant to allow him to leave, but it’ll be interesting to see how his situation develops in the coming months.

While Tottenham will try and bring in reinforcements in January, the feeling is that they’ll wait until next summer to bring the right new attacking player.

Tottenham round-up: England int’l wanted / Slovakian defender eyed

Meanwhile, Tottenham could reportedly be forced to sign a new goalkeeper in January, with Guglielmo Vicario injured and Fraser Forster making some comical errors recently.

Forster gifted two goals to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and put in another shaky performance against Liverpool. Although none of the six goals could be blamed on him, he passed one straight to Mo Salah in the first half, but the Egyptian wasted the opportunity.

According to reports, Burnley star James Trafford has once again emerged as a January target for Spurs.

It’s claimed that Postecoglou has been given the green light to sign a keeper from the EFL and that Trafford is ahead of Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson and Sheffield Wednesday rookie Pierce Charles on Spurs’ wish-list.

In other news, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that Tottenham are one of the clubs keeping an eye on Feyenoord and Slovakia centre-back David Hancko, along with Chelsea.

Hancko also has suitors from outside the Premier League, with Italian giants Juventus plotting a move for the defender as Thiago Motta looks to bring in cover for injured centre-back Gleison Bremer.

LATEST TRANSFER NEWS: Third source confirms Liverpool will bid for £60m-rated attacker

Ange Postecoglou has been told he must accept the blame for Tottenham conceding nine goals in the space of four days – but after being accused of ‘stubbornness’, the manager has threatened to stop answering questions about his tactical approach.

Postecoglou has stuck to his principles in recent weeks, despite Tottenham having some notable absences at the back. It has left them open, with the approach leading to high-scoring affairs at either end of the pitch.

On Thursday, they beat Manchester United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup, but on Sunday, they lost 6-3 to Liverpool in the Premier League. After 61 minutes, they found themselves 5-1 down.

Constantly vulnerable to counter-attacks, Tottenham ‘got what they deserved’, according to former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel – who placed the blame on Postecoglou.

“It’s on [Postecoglou],” Schmeichel told Premier League Productions. “He’s playing to his principles. Today it was crazy, the high line, the space they left behind, they’re not playing with a ‘keeper who’s comfortable cleaning up behind.

“You can’t play a system the players can’t play because of principle. For that they’ve conceded three on Thursday and six today.

“When you look at the table, they’re not on the front page, they’re on the second page. Tottenham are not supposed to be on the second page, it’s because of the way they play.

“The stubbornness of wanting to play that way, they got what they deserved and it could have been a lot worse.”

Postecoglou threatens silent treatment

The Tottenham manager, who is bordering on being under pressure, has faced a lot of questions recently about needing to change his tactics to offer more stability.

But speaking after the game, Postecoglou said he would stop giving answers if people couldn’t ‘see the obvious’ reasons for his approach.

“You know what? I’m just going to stop answering these questions,” Postecoglou replied to BBC Sport. “If people can’t see the obvious I’m not going to point it out.

“Look, make of it what you want, yes we’re conceding goals. If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back as well and that hasn’t coincided with what we’re doing… I don’t know what to say anymore. I think people make up their minds in their own way. They either think what I’m doing is good or they don’t and that’s fine.”

And in his post-match press conference, Postecoglou reiterated that he will not be changing how he sets his team up.

“I think I have been really patient the last 18 months sitting up here answering the same questions over and over again,” he added.

“If people want me to change my approach, it’s not going to change. We are doing it for a reason, we are doing it because we think it will help us to be successful.

“If people don’t understand the circumstances we are in at the moment, the challenges we have from a squad perspective which are as obvious as you want to make them. I get the idea that people think that I should just flip a switch and change and somehow that will miraculously make us a better team.

“It is what it is. I’m just going to continue, stay focused on trying to build this team to be the team we want. In the interim we are going to accept there are going to be challenges along the way.”

Carragher insists: ‘Nobody has ever won anything playing like that’

Postecoglou’s defence of his tactics has fallen on deaf ears, though, with Jamie Carragher arguing afterwards that his approach – if used in all circumstances – does not lead to winning results.

“It was so easy for Liverpool and no matter how many injuries they’ve got, it shouldn’t have been that easy and that comes down to the manager not relenting on how he wants his team to set up,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

“With Tottenham, I get the idea, it’s not about a style of play. If everyone’s fully fit and he wants to do things slightly different, and every manager who comes in’s got a different way of doing things, you’ve got to have your ID, you’ve got to have something that’s a little bit different that makes you special, that makes you start off in Australia and get yourself to the Premier League, it’s a brilliant journey he’s been on, and he’s got a way about that – but when you’ve got your best team, not when you’re down to the bare bones.

“Not that I expect Tottenham to win the Premier League, but nobody has ever won anything playing like that.”

Tottenham are 11th in the Premier League table after 17 games as a result of their defeat.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Alejo Veliz has been told to consider a January switch to Leicester City so he can learn from Premier League great Jamie Vardy.

Veliz joined Tottenham in August 2023 when they paid Rosario Central £13million for his signature. However, the centre-forward has only scored one goal in eight first-team appearances for Tottenham so far as he has had loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol.

Veliz joined Espanyol on a season-long loan in August after Tottenham decided this would be best to further his development.

The Argentina U20 international notched a hat-trick against San Tirso in the Copa del Rey, while also finding the back of the net during a league victory over Rayo Vallecano in August.

However, Veliz has lost his place in Espanyol’s starting eleven and has been struggling for game time in recent weeks.

Veliz’s former Rosario Central team-mate, Facundo Buonanotte, is on loan at Leicester from Brighton & Hove Albion and has urged the Spurs man to join him at the King Power.

In an interview with Argentine newspaper Ole (via talkSPORT), Buonanotte was asked about Veliz’s situation. He replied: “I would tell Tanque Veliz to come here to learn from Jamie Vardy.

“He is on loan, but now he is at Tottenham, so I think he knows about this. During the time we were at Central we made a nice duo.”

Veliz would likely be able to learn a lot from Vardy. The former England international only made his Prem debut at the age of 27 but has gone on to become one of the most iconic strikers in the competition’s history.

Vardy’s Prem record stands at 142 goals in 323 games, putting him 15th in the all-time scorers charts. The 37-year-old holds the record for the longest scoring run in Prem history – 11 games – while he has also notched a total of 196 goals for Leicester.

Vardy is a master at playing on the shoulder of the last defender and at getting into the minds of his opponents. Playing alongside someone of Vardy’s experience would surely help 21-year-old Veliz as he tries to make his mark in England.

Of course, any January move to Leicester would first need to be signed off by his current loan club, Espanyol.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham star drops honest Ange Postecoglou verdict amid sack speculation

Tottenham transfers: Keeper swoop; striker decision made

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly planning to sign a goalkeeper in January amid Fraser Forster’s struggles.

Forster has come into the starting eleven following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury, but he is having problems with playing out from the back and gifted Manchester United two goals on Thursday.

This has resulted in Spurs targeting Burnley’s James Trafford for a January move. Trafford has also been heavily linked with Newcastle United.

Spurs are in the market for a new striker who can provide Dominic Solanke with competition and cover, as Veliz is still honing his craft.

The North London side have been linked with Lille’s Jonathan David. ESPN, though, state that Spurs would rather land Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Matheus Cunha.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have all expressed interest in Cunha too, setting up a big transfer battle in summer 2025.

Tottenham are reportedly weighing up a £20million move for a top Championship goalkeeper following Fraser Forster’s blunders in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term injury.

Forster had been in impressive form since replacing Vicario as No.1 in north London after the Italian suffered a broken foot in the 4-1 win at Manchester City in November.

However, he made two horrendous mistakes with his feet trying to play out from the back to gift Manchester United a route back into a game they were 3-0 behind in midway through the second-half. Thankfully for Tottenham they still managed to get through to the last four but there has been plenty of scrutiny on Forster since.

In some ways that’s unfair, given that the 36-year-old has never been a keeper who is comfortable playing out but continues to be asked to do so by Ange Postecoglou’s high-risk philosophy.

But with all that taken into account, the Daily Mirror reports that Burnley star James Trafford has once again emerged as a January target for Spurs.

The report states that Postecoglou has been given the green light to sign a keeper from the EFL and that Trafford is ahead of Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson and Sheffield Wednesday rookie Pierce Charles on Spurs’ wish-list.

Premier League rivals Newcastle failed in their efforts to sign Trafford last summer following Burnley’s relegation, while the stopper is currently playing a key role for Scott Parker’s as they boast the meanest defence in England’s second tier.

Trafford has made almost 50 appearances for the Clarets since signing from Manchester City for a fee that could end up reaching £19million in the summer of 2023.

Trafford move a no-brainer for Tottenham

Getting Trafford on board could turn out to be a real coup for Tottenham and makes sense on a number of different levels.

The former England Under-21 stopper has been on the fringes of the senior national team and, at just 22 years of age, is expected to be a Three Lions squad regular for years to come.

Playing back in the Premier League at the earliest possible date would certainly boost those chances, especially with new coach Thomas Tuchel taking over in the new year.

At 6ft 6in, Trafford is certainly an imposing presence but, unlike Forster, he is more confident playing out from the back having done so under Vincent Kompany last season. He also has a good passing range and appears a good fit for Tottenham.

In the continued absence of Vicario, Forster, who be out of contract next summer, will continue in goal for Sunday’s daunting clash with league leaders Liverpool in north London.

However, Postecoglou has backed the veteran stopper to bounce back and return to his best against Arne Slot’s men after reflecting on his errors against United.

Speaking after that contest, Postecoglou said: “He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us. He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.

“The first one probably affected his confidence a little bit. He lost a bit of belief, and that second one just compounded it. But he’s a big boy and is another one that’s stood up for us big-time in this period. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eyeing Feyenord defensive standout / O’Hara calls for Rashford swoop

Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko is attracting interest from Tottenham and Chelsea and a race for his signature could take place in 2025, per TEAMtalk sources.

The Slovakian international thrived under now-Liverpool boss Arne Slot and has continued his excellent form this season, catching the attention of several top clubs.

Hancko, 27, is ready to test himself in an elite league and is open to leaving Feyenoord if the right opportunity presents itself.

Meanwhile, Jamie O’Hara has named wantaway Manchester United star Marcus Rashford as the player he thinks would be a big upgrade over under-fire attacker Timo Werner, although not everyone agrees with the former Tottenham midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to end their interest in prolific Lille frontman Jonathan David and move for a Premier League forward who has scored eight times so far this season.

Canada international striker David has just six months left on his contract at Lille and it’s been reported in recent weeks that Spurs are among the favourites to win the race for his signature.

Indeed, some reports have suggested that the north London outfit have launched an offer to bring David to Tottenham, with talks already held with the player’s representatives over a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

However, ESPN reporter James Olley has now revealed that sources close to the club have distanced themselves from the reports about their interest in David.

To that end, it’s stated that Tottenham are instead stepping up their bid to sign Wolves attacking sensation Matheus Cunha, who has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 16 Premier League outings this season.

talkSPORT revealed Spurs’ interest in the player last month, although they are expected to have a major battle on their hands to secure the signing of one of the Premier League’s top performers this season, despite Wolves’ struggles down at the wrong end of the table.

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, along with French giants PSG, are also reported to have expressed an interest in the 25-yeard-old.

The player himself also sent a cryptic hint on social media that he could also be Manchester United-bound, although that is thought to be less likely.

Cunha offers incredible versatility

If Tottenham do indeed sign the Wolves man, Cunha would provide Ange Postecoglou with tremendous versatility – given the number of positions he has played for the Molineux outfit this season.

In his 16 appearances this term, the Brazilian has only started as a central striker twice, with the majority of his appearances (eight) coming as an attacking midfielder – which is where he has done the most damage in terms of goals and assists.

Cunha has also lined up on both wings and as a No.10, which is the sort of adaptability Postecoglou loves from his attacking players.

Son Heung-min is currently Dominic Solanke’s deputy in the No.9 role in north London, but getting another option on board who can play centrally could be integral to success in the second half of the campaign.

Ahead of Sunday’s visit of leaders Liverpool, Tottenham currently sit down in 11th place in the Premier League table and are eight points off fourth-placed Nottingham Forest who they face on Boxing Day.

The outlier in their league position remains their goal difference, which at plus-17 is just one behind the current top three and far better than all the other clubs around them.

Indeed, while all of Tottenham’s wins this season have come by at least two clear goals, their seven defeats have all been by a one-goal margin – proving that if they can find some consistency in the new year then anything is possible in the second half of the campaign.

Latest Tottenham news: Postecoglou gets backing from Spurs star / Robinson urges keeper signing

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has come under fire for his team’s inconsistent form of late but Yves Bissouma has every confidence in the Aussie coach.

Spurs have endured a difficult start to the season and sit 11th in the Premier League table, but did secure a win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Thursday. But even in that game, Postecoglou’s tactics were again brought into question.

However, in an interview with SportsBoom, Bissouma defended Postecoglou and backed the manager to lead Tottenham to success, despite some speculation that he won’t last at the north London club.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told the club that Caoimhin Kelleher would be a “brilliant option” to be signed in the summer, after previously suggesting Spurs wouldn’t land him.

Looking ahead to the summer, former Spurs stopper Robinson feels Kelleher – who looks certain to leave Liverpool – would be a top signing for the north London club.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has come under fire for his team’s inconsistent form of late but Yves Bissouma has every confidence in the Aussie coach.

Spurs have endured a difficult start to the season and sit 11th in the Premier League table, but did secure a win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Thursday.

But even in that game, Postecoglou’s tactics were again brought into question. Tottenham were cruising and 2-0 up before two horror mistakes at the back let United back in the contest. Spurs ultimately won 4-3, but shambolic defending is becoming a theme for Postecoglou’s side.

In an interview with SportsBoom, Bissouma defended Postecoglou and backed the manager to lead Tottenham to success, despite some speculation that he won’t last at the North London club.

“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had in my career. My coach always speaks with me and tries to make us understand whatever he wants us to do. He wants us to do everything perfectly.

“We have a lot of quality in the team. He’s here for his players. You can go to speak to him about anything. He’s like a dad. For me, as a coach he is amazing.”

“You can’t be perfect all the time, you know. Sometimes you can win, sometimes you can lose. And yeah, especially when we lost some games that we normally don’t lose. But like I said, this is football, which is working hard, trying to change the situation.”

Postecoglou retains backing of Tottenham board – sources

Tottenham will hope to put a dent in Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes when they face the Reds on Sunday afternoon.

“I want to play that game and win as well because it’s important for us to win,” Bissouma added on the upcoming clash.

“I’m excited because it’s an important game. It’s a big game, you know? It’s always a pleasure to play a game like this. So yeah, I’m more excited. I’m just working hard and waiting.”

Sources close to Tottenham have informed TEAMtalk that Postecoglou retains the full support of the club’s board and he is under no threat of losing his job, contrary to reports.

Spurs are planning to back the coach with new additions in January and a new centre-back is their priority. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both suffered with injuries this term and Postecoglou wants more cover for the duo.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy doesn’t want to make any rash decisions about Postecoglou and the feeling at the club is that he will remain manager until the end of the season at least.

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Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told the club that Caoimhin Kelleher would be a “brilliant option” to be signed in the summer, after previously suggesting Spurs wouldn’t land him.

Stand-in Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster did not cover himself in glory in the League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. Big errors from the keeper allowed the Red Devils back into the game, which eventually finished 4-3 to Spurs.

Guglielmo Vicario may still be out for a couple of months, but Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has previously stated Forster will be given the faith of the club until that time, with no goalkeeper signing to be made in January.

Looking ahead to the summer, then, former Spurs keeper Robinson feels Kelleher – who looks certain to leave Liverpool – would be a top signing for the north London club.

“Don’t bring somebody in who’s not better than what you’ve already got, [I] just don’t think there’s anybody out there in January that would fit the bill,” he told Football Insider.

“Kelleher’s time at Liverpool with [Giorgi] Marmadashvili coming in, that would be a brilliant option if we were talking in the summer.”

On other options, Robinson stated: “They’re linked with John Victor, aren’t they? Remember where he plays his football now, he’s at Botafogo, he was on loan at Valladolid last year.

“He’s got a little bit of experience but you’re paying five or six million for a goalkeeper that’s untried and untested at that level.

“[They’re] linked with Anthony Patterson at Sunderland, 24 years old. He’s a good goalkeeper, not so sure he goes in ahead of Fraser Forster, not sure you trust the goalkeeper that you bring in at that age.”

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Kelleher could be a big-money mover

There is a belief that Kelleher could command a fee in the region of £30million, though that could drop as we reach the summer, when he’ll have just a year left on his deal.

That would place him in the top 10 most expensive goalkeepers ever.

Whether Tottenham do move for him is a question, with the sentiment from Robinson somewhat confused. While he did not state Spurs shouldn’t go for him previously, he suggested they wouldn’t do it, before campaigning for the move now.

“He’s proven his ability to be first-choice this year and he’s a top-quality goalkeeper. I don’t see the club investing the money needed to buy him and I don’t think it’s an option for Kelleher. It’s a bit of a non-starter, in all honesty,” Robinson said.

But Leeds could be an option for the Liverpool man, with the Whites potentially a Premier League side next season, and one who could look for an upgrade in net.

TEAMtalk is aware a move for Kelleher is one they are currently assessing.

Tottenham round-up: Hancko a confirmed target

Feyenoord defender David Hancko is a target of Tottenham, as confirmed by TEAMtalk sources, but he is also on the radar of London rivals Chelsea.

Ex-Spurs man Jamie O’Hara feels a move for Marcus Rashford would be an upgrade for the club, with a “hungry” version of the forward definitely a step up on Timo Werner.

Meanwhile, Gabby Agbonlahor referred to Tottenham as a set of “clowns” in their 4-3 victory over Manchester United of late.

Postecoglou is refusing to change his ways, though, simply asking: “Do you want a scrambling 1-0?”