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Thomas Frank has spoken publicly for the first time over Rodrigo Bentancur’s future at the club as new contract talks continue to be discussed, while TEAMtalk analyses why the Uruguay star should be concerned if he does commit to stay in north London.

Spurs had a productive summer window as they splashed out more than £170m on fresh additions for Thomas Frank’s squad, although they also said goodbye to legendary forward Son Heung-min with just one year left on his contract.

And now another player who has just a year remaining on his current deal is the focus of attention, in the shape of Bentancur.

Tottenham are said to have opened preliminary talks with the 28-year-old back in February, but those discussions appeared to stall for some time.

However, fresh reports now claim that Tottenham are accelerating contract talks again, as they grow concerned over the former Juventus man potentially walking away for nothing in 2026.

Indeed, new boss Frank addressed such speculation by making clear his stance on the midfielder after a bright start to his tenure in north London.

Speaking prior to Saturday’s fine win at London rivals West Ham, Frank said of Bentancur: “I think first and foremost, I am very happy with Rodri. He has been a very good player for us, a top professional in every aspect.

“I am happy with him, he is happy with being here. I know that for a fact. Let us see what is going to happen in the future.”

Bentancur was dropped down to the bench for the victory at The London Stadium, although that was more to do with him being away on international duty during the week and Frank wanting fresh legs in his starting XI.

He will, however, be back in contention for the Champions League home opener against Villarreal on Tuesday evening.

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Why Tottenham should think of moving on from Bentancur

At his peak, before his ACL injury, Bentancur was Tottenham’s best central midfield player. A box-to-box menace capable of controlling games and not afraid to put in the hard yards.

However, it’s been a real struggle for Bentancur to get back to anywhere near those levels – only showing flashes of the player of old.

At 28, Spurs would likely be looking to commit to a new three or even four-year deal for a player who has not been a consistent performer since February 2023, when he suffered that serious knee injury against Leicester.

The loan signing of Joao Palhinha, which will almost certainly be made permanent, and the sheer potential of Archie Gray means the defensive midfield position that Bentancur has occupied at times is probably no longer an option.

Further forward, Frank wants pace, energy and high pressing, all of which are not particular traits that Bentancur possesses.

Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall had that in abundance at The London Stadium and are just 23 and 19 years of age respectively.

Come the middle of the season, Bentancur could easily find himself on the bench more often than not, unless he can take his game back to the levels of before the ACL issue.

With that in mind, it must be considered a gamble for Tottenham to tie Bentancur down to a new deal and likely make him one of the top earners at the club.

A good player – yes. But the future of Tottenham’s midfield is very bright and Bentancur might not end up being a part of it.

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Thomas Frank has reportedly instructed Tottenham Hotspur to ramp up their pursuit of an impressive Premier League defensive talent in January, with TEAMtalk analysing why the player would be a perfect fit in north London.

Having spent over £170million during what turned out to be Daniel Levy’s final window in charge of the club, Spurs are expected to spend again in the new year as they look to fill a couple of glaring holes that were not properly taken care of over the summer window.

While Tottenham enjoyed an impressive end to their summer business, they still failed to sign an out-and-out Son Heung-min replacement and add more centre-back depth – issues they are expected to resolve come January.

New signing Xavi Simons actually started his first game for the club in Son’s old role in the 3-0 rout of West Ham on Saturday, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were imperious at the London Stadium, with the latter also getting on the scoresheet.

However, if either of the starting centre-backs miss any game time, Kevin Danso remains the only recognised cover and that has led to Tottenham stepping up their interest in trying to sign highly-rated Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke – a player TEAMtalk has previously revealed is on their radar.

And now CaughtOffside reports that Frank wants the 25-year-old Netherlands international, who Van de Ven knows well, as part of his defensive rotation in the new year.

Van Hecke has established himself as a key figure in the Seagulls’ first team, breaking into the Netherlands international set-up as a result, with his impressive performances catching the eye of a number of clubs.

As TEAMtalk have previously reported, Liverpool and Newcastle are also fans of the player and are monitoring his progress, but Spurs are looking to convince him to join them instead.

The former Breda defender only has two years remaining on his contract, meaning Brighton will need to sell in January or next summer to recoup any sort of significant fee for his services. He is currently valued at €32m (£27.6m / $37.5m) on Transfermarkt, although it’s reported that the Seagulls have set an asking price of around €51m (£44m / £59m).

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Why Van Hecke is a strong fit for Tottenham

The Dutchman has all the qualities required to be a big hit in north London, although he would clearly face a massive battle to oust Romero or Van de Ven in Frank’s starting XI.

However, as has been proved in the past, both of Tottenham’s starting centre-backs are prone to picking up injuries, and having adequate back-up has proved a major issue for Spurs in the past.

Indeed, teenager Archie Gray, whose best position is as a defensive midfielder, was asked to play 20 games at the heart of the Tottenham back line due to Romero and Van de Ven missing game time, in what was his first season at the club.

Danso is a decent enough back-up option, while there is talk that young talent Luka Vuskovic could be recalled early from his loan at Hamburg in January – if the 18-year-old continues at his current rapid rate of progress.

However, getting Van Hecke on board would be a huge bonus for Tottenham and Frank in terms of defensive depth and being able to rotate Romero and Van de Ven and try and keep them injury-free.

The Brighton man has the attributes of both Spurs starting central defenders, showcasing great aerial ability, strong physicality and decent pace, while he is also comfortable in possession and a fine passer of the ball.

From the Seagulls’ standpoint, they have so far failed in their attempts to convince Van Hecke to sign a lucrative new deal on the south coast. Indeed, it’s been reported they are willing to make him one of the highest-paid players in their history.

The fact that he does not, at this stage, appear to be willing to put pen to paper suggests that Van Hecke believes he is ready to take the next step in his career and move to a club that can provide top-level European football.

Depending on how Tottenham go in the Champions League group stage, that could well mean a move to the capital may be on the cards for the talented Dutch defender come the new year.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has given his verdict on Xavi Simons’ debut against West Ham United at London Stadium, as Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is made aware of what he missed out on.

Simons joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window. The north London outfit, who won the Europa League last season and will play in the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign, paid Leipzig €60million (£52m, $70.4m) for Simons, who is able to play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger was a star during his time at Leipzig, scoring 22 goals and giving 24 assists in 78 matches in all competitions.

Chelsea were also keen on a summer deal for Simons, with TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reporting on July 24 that the winger had given his approval to a deal and was ready to join Maresca’s side, who won the Conference League last season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

However, in the end, it was Tottenham who pressed ahead for Simons and got a deal done with Leipzig.

Spurs manager Frank included Simons in the starting line-up for the Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham won the London derby 3-0, with the Hammers being reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute following the dismissal of Tomas Soucek.

Simons started on the left of a front-three in a 4-3-3 formation and provided the assist for Pape Matar’s goal in the 47th minute with a wonderfully-taken corner.

Although the 22-year-old did not always get involved in the game and looked rusty at times, some of his touches and movements were very encouraging.

Frank took Simons off for Richarlison in the 71st minute, as Tottenham went on to win 3-0.

During his time on the pitch, Simons took one shot which was not on target, made an assist (for the goal), had a pass accuracy of 84.4%, won one header, took 50 touches, attempted one dribble, made one tackle, and put in seven crosses.

Frank told BBC Sport about Simons after the match: “I thought he was really good, really promising. There’s more to come.

“Excellent ball for the goal. He created something when he was on the ball.”

Football.London quotes Frank as saying about Simons: “I think he was promising. I liked what I saw from him.

“I liked that he took initiative on the ball. Every single time he had the ball he tried to create something.

“And I think he had a wonderful assist for the first goal from a corner. Worked hard as well. I think it was a good first game.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Leeds raid, Chelsea talks

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to raid Leeds United for one of their youth products, as his father reveals his feelings on a potential exit.

Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea wanted to sign another star who joined Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, the name of the player that manager Thomas Frank has already transformed at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur continue to be strongly linked with a raid on Leeds United to sign Harry Gray ahead of the player’s 17th birthday next month – though the feelings of the player’s father have given an indication over what will happen next.

The north London side spent £40m to prise Harry’s older brother, Archie Gray, away form Leeds United just over a year ago. And while eyebrows were raised at the fee the then 18-year-old commanded, the player has adapted well to his new surroundings and enjoyed an excellent debut season under the management of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

At the time of the swoop, Spurs were also credited with an interest in his younger brother, Harry, who at the time, was yet to make his breakthrough for Leeds.

And while that move was warded off, Tottenham have continued to track the teenager’s progress and reports have now resurfaced that they could look to prise him away from Elland Road and with his 17th birthday fast approaching.

In theory, Spurs could persuade him to move south and sign professional forms with them, dishing out a cruel blow to Leeds United, who plan to do the same when he turns 17 on October 8.

However, journalist Graeme Bailey believes that the young forward’s father – former Leeds player Andy Gray – wants his son to remain at Elland Road.

“It’s a big month ahead for Leeds and Harry Gray. He’s a huge young talent,” Bailey told LeedsUnitedNews.” I’m not expecting him to go anywhere else anytime soon.

“His dad, Andy, is very happy where he is now, in terms of club and in terms of his development and the handling of it.

“I’d be very surprised if Leeds lost Gray in the next month or so in time for that senior contract.

“It’s my understanding that he will stay for that first contract and sign terms when he’s 17. And then see how that plays out, really.

“Leeds is a good place to progress. He knows it and so does his dad.”

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Gray exit would hit Leeds hard – fans would be seething

Leeds have a proud reputation for developing young stars, with well-respected academy rearing several household names down the years.

Sadly, that production line appears to have slowed in recent times and the sales of both Archie Gray and Charlie Cresswell – the latter joining Toulouse in a €4.5m (£3.8m) deal – last summer marked the end of first-team ready stars who had graduated from their academy

Since then, Harry Gray has debuted for the club, coming off the bench during last season’s title run-in as they hammered Stoke 6-0 at Elland Road.

And while he is yet to play in the Premier League for the Whites, he is very much in Daniel Farke’s thinking for the future, and with the club’s coaching staff all rating Gray junior extremely highly.

Indeed, the belief at their Thorp Arch training complex is that Harry is the better talent of the two, while he is also a much more confident and extroverted personality than his older brother.

The exit of Archie pained supporters badly, who were unhappy with owners, 49ers Enterprises, for selling one of their biggest talents. Having a strong affinity with those they have developed, the loss of a second Gray sibling to Spurs would not go down well with fans.

Per the report, both Arsenal and Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Harry Gray’s situation too.

However, news that Leeds are confident that he will commit to that pro deal at Elland Road at least gives the club strong belief they will retain the player for the immediate at least.

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Meanwhile, Leeds star Willy Gnonto has snapped back at claims the Whites suffered a frustrating transfer window, having named one player ready to take the Premier League by storm and having also shared why Jack Harrison is ready to make an impact back at Elland Road.

Elsewhere, Farke’s side have learned that Fulham are ready to negotiate the sale of Harry Wilson in January if one stipulation is met – and the update is sure to cause confusion and frustration at Elland Road after their deadline day frustration.

Down at Tottenham, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea talks to sign an explosive Tottenham ace this summer, having revealed why the move collapsed.

The Gray family dynasty at Leeds

➡️ The Gray connection with Leeds first begun way back in 1964 when Eddie Gray, a then unknown teenager from Glasgow, signed for the Whites. He made his debut for the club on New Year’s Day in 1966, while just 18. Eddie went on to make 577 appearances for Leeds, where he was a one-club man, and ending his playing career in the 1983/84 season, some 18 years later.

➡️ Eddie Gray’s brother, Frank, also played for Leeds United, though to lesser success than Eddie. Frank, or Francis to give him his birth name, played for Leeds across two spells (from 1972 to 1979 and then from 1981 to 1985).

➡️ Frank Gray’s son, Andy – the father of Archie and Harry Gray – also played for Leeds. Debuting at Leeds in 1995 and playing in the 1996 League Cup final, Gray would later go on to play for Scotland, as well as representing Nottingham Forest and Sunderland in the Premier League.

➡️ Archie Gray debuted for Leeds in August 2023 while just 17, though he had been named on the bench as a 15-year-old back in December 2021. He made 52 appearances for the Whites, before leaving in a £40m deal for Spurs on 2 July, 2024.

➡️ Harry Gray made his debut for Leeds as an 86th-minute substitute for Brendan Aaronson in a 6–0 Championship league win over Stoke City on 21 April 2025. He was also included in the England squad for the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Chelsea were hoping to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United during the summer transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano explaining why he joined rivals Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Kudus had been targeted by Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion before arriving at West Ham in August 2023. The Irons paid Ajax £38million to bring Kudus to the Premier League.

The versatile forward, who can play as a right winger or central attacking midfielder, went on to make 80 appearances for West Ham. Kudus became one of West Ham’s best players in that time, notching 19 goals and 13 assists.

He left the London Stadium in the summer, signing for Tottenham on a six-year deal.

Kudus had an £85m release clause in his contract, while West Ham rejected an initial £50m offer from Spurs before accepting an improved £55m bid.

But the Ghana ace could have been representing Chelsea this season instead.

After previously missing out on Kudus in 2023, Chelsea returned for him over the summer. They entered ‘negotiations’ for Kudus but could not convince West Ham on a player-plus-cash deal.

“I’m getting many questions today on what happened between Mohammed Kudus and Chelsea,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “Kudus was a potential target for Chelsea at the beginning of the summer transfer window, but from what I’m hearing the deal was never really close.

“They tried, they negotiated. There was a conversation with West Ham, there was a conversation with the agents. Kudus was considered as one of the players who could have been part of the Chelsea project ready for the Club World Cup.

“But it was never something that was really close to being agreed because West Ham didn’t want to include a player in the deal. They preferred to do the deal with Tottenham.

“Kudus was more than enthusiastic to go to Tottenham because he trusts the project, he spoke to Thomas Frank. Thomas Frank was a really important factor in this story.

“Tottenham also offered what West Ham wanted in terms of [the] transfer fee. So not including players but just putting the money on the table and letting West Ham decide.

“This was probably the crucial factor, and also the player [was] more than happy to go to Tottenham. [He is] very happy about his start at Tottenham so far.”

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Tottenham ‘feared Chelsea hijack’

According to The Athletic, Spurs wanted guarantees from Kudus that he would join them in the summer as they ‘feared a Chelsea hijack’.

The 25-year-old subsequently ‘gave Spurs his word’ as he ‘felt he would get more playing time there’ than at Chelsea.

Kudus has got off to an exciting start at Spurs, playing all three of their Premier League games so far and registering two assists during the opening 3-0 win over Burnley.

While Chelsea missed out on Kudus, they did make several other additions to their forward line. Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte all joined.

Estevao Willian is also competing for a starting spot under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea agreed a £29m deal for the Brazilian wonderkid in May last year and he continued his development at Palmeiras before moving to west London in August.

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Tottenham believe the benefits of their summer recruitment drive are already beginning to show, while a star who struggled under previous manager Ange Postecoglou is starting to shine.

Spurs have begun the campaign well, picking up impressive wins against Burnley and Manchester City, before suffering a defeat to Bournemouth before the international break.

This leaves Frank’s side fourth in the Premier League table as they prepare to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The permanent signing of Mathys Tel, the loan arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, and the marquee additions of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus were all made with a view to padding out the top end of the pitch.

That has already eased the pressure on Dominic Solanke’s return from injury, with the striker not having to be rushed back into action as he edges closer to fitness.

Thomas Frank confirmed ahead of the West Ham clash that Solanke remains just short of being ready, admitting: “I get a feeling he is not too far away, but he’s just fallen short for this week.”

In previous times, that might have left Tottenham light on options or having to get Solanke back onto the bench sooner – but Frank now has an abundance of attackers to lean on.

Thomas Frank has reignited Tottenham star

Richarlison has been given a fresh lease of life under Frank.

TEAMtalk sources say that the manager has embraced the Brazilian’s qualities and intends to keep him central to the starting XI, even as competition intensifies.

Richarlison, 28, notched two goals in Tottenham’s opening 3-0 win over Burnley – one of the strikes being a sensational overhead kick.

The forward finally seems to be rediscovering the form that saw him earn the £60m (including add-ons) move to Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022.

With new signings about to make their mark and Solanke close to a return, Tottenham feel their strategy is already paying off and the pressure is not going to fall on a single goal scorer to carry the burden.

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Chelsea are showing an ambitious interest in a Tottenham Hotspur star, according to a report, which has revealed Vinai Venkatesham’s plan regarding the Spurs ace, who is said to be so good that he can easily play for Arne Slot at Liverpool or Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Tottenham and Chelsea are bitter London rivals who are aiming to have a successful 2025/26 campaign. After winning the Europa League last season, under new manager Frank, Tottenham are determined to finish in the Premier League top four and also progress from the League Phase of the Champions League in 2025/26.

As for Chelsea, manager Maresca is aiming to win the Premier League title with the Blues this season after clinching the Conference League in the 2024/25 campaign and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

Chelsea were very active in the summer transfer window and signed the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Alejandro Garnacho, among other players.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, has reported that Chelsea could make two more signings in the January transfer window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Chelsea manager Maresca wants a new defender because of the injury to Levi Colwill and could also sign a new goalkeeper, if Robert Sanchez does not continue to impress.

It has now emerged that Tottenham central defender Micky van de Ven is on Chelsea’s radar.

According to TBR, Tottenham are aware that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are all keen on Van de Ven.

This has led Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham to take action regarding the future of the Netherlands international defender.

Tottenham reportedly plan to ‘open dialogue’ with Van de Ven and hand the 24-year-old a new contract that will see him double his wages from £50,000 per week to £100,000 per week.

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Micky van de Ven good enough for Liverpool and Real Madrid

Van de Ven has been on the books of Tottenham since the summer of 2023, when he joined from Wolfsburg in a deal that could rise to £43million (€49.7m, $58.2m).

The defender has been one of Tottenham’s best players during his time so far and is one of the first names on the teamsheet when he is fit and available.

Van de Ven has impressed with his pace and reading of the game and has forged a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero at the back for Tottenham.

Like TBR, the Spanish media have reported Real Madrid’s interest in Van de Ven, as Los Blancos aim to sign more centre-backs in the upcoming transfer windows.

Van de Ven’s agent, Jose Fortes, himself has publicly said that the defender is good enough to play for Madrid.

Fortes told Marca in April 2025: “Micky also has the level to one day play for a big club like Real Madrid.”

Van de Ven’s agent added: “For my players, effort is non-negotiable. I wasn’t a good footballer, but that’s why I know how to help them.

“Micky fits this quality; he’s a born worker. After his injury, he’ll return to a high level, on par with any big club.”

Former Tottenham player and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara is a huge fan of Van de Ven, and believes that he is better than Arsenal defender William Saliba and would start for Liverpool under Slot.

O’Hara said on talkSPORT in October 2024: “He (Van de Ven) is unbelievable. I would go as far as to say the best centre-half in the world right now.”

When fellow host and former Chelsea player Jason Cundy mentioned Saliba, O’Hara replied: “He is better than Saliba. Come on, mate. He has got way more than Saliba. Come on, don’t compare him to Saliba.”

O’Hara further added: “Saliba is brilliant, he is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. Great centre-half. But, don’t tell me Saliba has proved it. He has won nothing. Van de Ven is better than Saliba right now.

“Don’t compare him to Saliba, compare him to Van Dijk or Rudiger at Real Madrid or a top centre-half in the world.

“Saliba is a really good player, a top player, but let’s calm down a little bit, Arsenal have won nothing yet.

“Van de Ven is the best centre-half in the world right now. Right now on form, he walks into any team.

“He gets into Liverpool’s team, he gets into Real Madrid’s team, he gets into Manchester City’s team, he walks into any team in the world. Does Saliba play over Rudiger?”

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is ‘confident’ that the club will sign a £20million forward in the January transfer window after they decided against a bid for him on deadline day.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham are competing with Liverpool and Manchester United for a robust midfielder who is a combination of Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, has revealed why Lucas Paqueta did not join Tottenham from West Ham in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ‘quietly confident’ that a top Serie A forward that Daniel Levy did not sign in the summer transfer window will move in January, according to a report, but the north London club are facing competition from Juventus for his signature.

After winning the Europa League last season and appointing Frank as the manager, Tottenham were busy in the summer transfer window, as Levy, who has since departed as the club’s chairman, was keen on strengthening the squad to enhance their chances of finishing in the Premier League top four and progressing from the League Phase of the Champions League this season.

Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were among the major signings that Tottenham made in the summer.

Kolo Muani arrived at Spurs on the final day of the summer transfer window, with the 26-year-old France international striker signing on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham were also in for Ademola Lookman on deadline day, with TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reporting on September 1 that the Premier League club has asked for details about the Atalanta forward.

Atalanta were willing to sell Lookman, who was named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football Awards in Marrakech in December 2024, for £43.3million (€50m, $59m).

However, Tottenham never made a bid for Lookman, who is still at Atalanta and is set to train for the first time under manager Ivan Juric after he was frozen out of the team and trained separately in August after trying to force a move out of the Serie A outfit.

According to SportsBoom, Tottenham manager Frank is still keen on a January deal for Lookman, who scored 20 goals and gave seven assists in 40 appearances for Atalanta last season, playing predominantly as a second striker.

Frank is ‘a big admirer’ of Lookman and is ‘quietly confident’ that Tottenham will be able to sign the Nigeria international forward for £20million after telling the north London club to make a bid.

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Tottenham face Juventus competition for Ademola Lookman

It remains to be seen if Tottenham bid for Lookman in January and, indeed, if Atalanta are receptive to selling him, especially for just £20m (€23m, $27m).

Spurs will also face competition for the former Everton forward, with TuttoSport reporting that Juventus are keen on the 27-year-old.

Dusan Vlahovic is out of Juventus at the end of the season and is very likely to leave.

Juventus, who are aiming to win Serie A this season, plan to sign Lookman as a replacement for Vlahovic.

Lookman has been a star for Atalanta for a number of years now and is at the top of his game.

The forward won the Europa League with Atalanta in the 2023/24 campaign and was named the club’s best player in 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

If Tottenham are able to sign Lookman for £20m (€23m, $27m) in January, then they should go for it.

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TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a midfield sensation who is a mix of Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, has revealed why Tottenham could not complete a late deal for West Ham United and Brazil international attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

A playmaker that Tottenham made a massive bid for in the summer transfer window has won a major individual award.

Tottenham Hotspur flirted with the idea of signing Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk, and if manager Thomas Frank had got his way, then the Brazilian playmaker would have been lining up in Spurs colours this weekend instead of for West Ham United.

Spurs will take on West Ham at London Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday. The London derby between Tottenham and the Hammers is already shaping up to be a spiky clash, with Mohammed Kudus preparing to face his old club after switching to Spurs in the summer.

The match would have carried an extra charge had Paqueta been allowed to cross the London divide.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham identified Paqueta as a target in the summer, with manager Frank of the opinion that the 28-year-old playmaker could be the kind of player to add guile and authority to his midfield.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham ran the rule over Paqueta seriously. For a spell late in the window, there had even been whispers that West Ham might be forced into selling the 28-year-old, who can also play as a winger.

Aston Villa came closest to luring Paqueta away from West Ham, but the thought of him walking out eventually unsettled Hammers co-owner and co-chairman David Sullivan.

Sullivan dug in, aware of the uproar it would cause to let one of West Ham’s crown jewels to strengthen a rival such as Tottenham or Villa.

A slow start to the season sharpened his resolve, and Paqueta’s strike against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before the international break – celebrated with relish – was a pointed reminder to the West Ham fanbase that he was not going anywhere.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been left to wonder what might have been.

Paqueta would have been the kind of high-level operator to lift Frank’s project up a notch, but the reality is that the Brazil international is still in West Ham colours, with Spurs still seek another midfielder in the January market.

Instead of building around Paqueta, Tottenham’s immediate job is to contain him, as they try to bounce back from a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League before the two-week international break.

West Ham know that they dodged a bullet in terms of optics – and Tottenham are aware they missed out on a player who could have transformed their midfield.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Ranking Daniel Levy’s top 10 BEST and WORST Tottenham signings

Latest Tottenham news: Target wins award, Sunderland raid

A playmaker that Tottenham made a massive bid for in the summer transfer window has won a major award in his league.

Frank wants Tottenham to put in a bid for a Sunderland left-back after the north London club decided not to make an offer for him.

Tottenham have set a price-tag for a gem that Real Madrid have taken a shine to.

One of Europe’s best young attacking midfielders is going from strength to strength after turning down the chance to join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, as TEAMtalk analyses whether Spurs would be able to convince him to join Thomas Frank’s side following the departure of Daniel Levy.

Tottenham were very active in the summer transfer window, as the north London club aimed to enhance the squad that won the Europa League last season. Under new manager Frank, Spurs are aiming to finish in the Premier League top four and also progress from the League Phase of the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were among the major signings that Levy made for Tottenham in the summer before stepping down as the chairman of the Premier League club.

Tottenham also made an ambitious bid for Nico Paz, with trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that Como rejected it, with the former Real Madrid playmaker himself keen on staying at the Italian club.

The Italian transfer guru noted that Paz wants to play for Madrid in the long run, having come through the Spanish and European giants’ youth system before turning out eight times for the first team, scoring one goal in the process.

Paz joined Como from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, with Los Blancos holding buy-back clauses for 2025 (now expired), 2026, and 2027.

Romano wrote on X at 9:55pm on August 24: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham bid worth €70m package for Nico Páz has been turned down tonight. Páz wants to stay at Como with view on Real Madrid future + Real were gonna match any proposal in any case. Real have €10m buy back clause in 2026 but will compensate Como in future.”

Paz made 30 starts and five substitute appearances in Serie A for Como last season, scoring six goals and giving eight assists in the process.

The youngster also made his debut for Argentina in October 2024, with the great Lionel Messi subsequently describing his maturity as “crazy and beyond his age”, adding that the youngster “has an impressive head”.

Paz won the Serie A Best Under-23 player award for the 2024-25 campaign and was included in the Serie A Team of the Season.

The Como playmaker has made a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign and has scored one goal and given one assist in two Serie A matches.

Paz’s goal came in the 2-0 victory over Lazio when he scored from a direct free kick with his left foot.

The Tottenham target’s impressive start to the new Serie A season has led to him being bestowed with the honour of being the Rising Star (Best U23) of the month for August in Serie A.

Paz will receive the award ahead of Como’s Serie A game against Genoa at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia next Monday.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Ranking Daniel Levy’s top 10 BEST and WORST Tottenham signings

Tottenham have to move on from Nico Paz

One has to laud former Tottenham chairman Levy for his ambitious bid for Paz, but that ship has sailed now.

Paz has publicly made it clear that his dream is to return to Real Madrid, and it is hard to see him make a U-turn on his stance and switch to Tottenham, should the Premier League club come back for him in January or next summer.

The playmaker told Provincia di Como: “The transfer market? I didn’t listen to anything.

“I stayed focused on preparing for the season. Let’s hope everything goes well and that we can reach the highest possible level.”

Spanish publication, AS, reported in on August 27 that Real Madrid have made a ‘promise’ to Paz to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2026.

Madrid, who appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager at the end of last season following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, have ‘told’ Paz that they are ‘counting on him for 2026’, as Los Blancos aim to exercise their buy-back clause of €9m (£7.7m, $10.5m).

Latest Tottenham news: Thomas Frank instruction, Real Madrid raid

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has told the club to make a bid for a defender in January, after the north London outfit decided not to make an offer for him in the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid have made a Tottenham star a major target, with the Premier League club setting a price-tag on him.

New Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to raid Tottenham for four players, but two of them are no going to swap clubs.