TEAMtalk

Tottenham are reported to have failed with a £20million bid for outstanding Burnley defender Maxim Esteve as they push to sign another centre-back before the 11pm transfer deadline.

L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi reported that Spurs made an official bid to sign Esteve from the Championship side as they look to bolster their defensive options after being rebuffed by Crystal Palace earlier in the day in their efforts to land Marc Guehi.

It was then reported that their defensive focus had switched back to Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, although that is once again off the table as they now pursue a deal for Esteve instead.

Tottenham only recently confirmed the signing of Kevin Danso from Lens on loan to bolster a depleted back line, although Micky van de Ven should be fit to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield on Thursday night.

Cristian Romero could also return soon, but that is not stopping Ange Postecoglou hunt more defensive recruits and it appears that Esteve could be north London bound. However, Spurs will have to up their offer to £30m to get their man.

Indeed, the report adds that the Clarets have rejected the offer of £20m, with the promotion chasers demanding an additional £10m to even enter into negotiations as the clock ticks down.

Esteve has been a real rock at the heart of a water-tight Burnley defence that has conceded a remarkable nine goals in 30 Championship outings.

The 6ft 4in France Under-21 international joined Burnely initially on loan last season before completing a permanent move in the summer and has played 27 times this term.

When he arrived at Turf Moor last February, Ligue 1 expert Luke Entwistle, who is also editor in chief at Get French Football, gave the lowdown on the player’s qualities.

“He isn’t your archetypal modern centre-back,” he said.

“Despite often playing on the left hand-side of a back-three, the left footer isn’t the most progressive player, be it carrying the ball forward or through his distribution.

“Within a back-three system, he is given licence to be aggressive in his defending, pushing into the midfield to apply pressure which he does very well.

“His languid style means that he is quite effective in duels, be it in the air or on the ground. But whilst he is a positive defender who likes to win the ball high, he’s also composed when defending in-and-around his box.”

“Given his stature, Estève is deceitfully strong I’d say and he uses that strength well to dispossess his opponents, this coupled with a good turn of speed, makes him an effective defender when running back to goal as well.”

Dragusin ACL injury confirmed

Meanwhile, Tottenham have received the news they were dreading on Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin.

The defender will be out for the remainder of the season and likely the first half of the 2025/26 campaign after tearing his ACL during last week’s Europa League game against Elfsborg.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club exactly a year ago, is set to undergo an operation in London and is not expected to return until some point next season.

Dragusin looked in agony as he clutched his knee and collapsed to the turf before being hauled off against the Swedish club, with the club having to wait until the swelling went down before giving a confirmed diagnosis.

The addition of Danso will certainly help a Tottenham back line that could have first-choice pairing Van de Ven and Romero back together soon, although there are concerns that the latter could have to wait longer for his return as Tottenham tread carefully over his fitness.

Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly willing to satisfy two conditions that Manchester United were not in the race to land talented Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel in the closing hours of the winter transfer window.

Spurs’ pursuit of the French forward looked dead after Tel rejected a permanent switch to north London last week. However, what looked like an impossible deal has now been resurrected as Ange Postecoglou’s men close in on the loan signing of the 19-year-old.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg told Sky Sports News United had been in talks over a deal for the France Under-21 international until Sunday evening before the negotiations fell through.

Plettenberg then added that Tel has decided to join Tottenham after all, as he felt that they offered the best project in terms of assuring him game time until the end of the current season.

Adding to that, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has now explained to United in Focus that there are two main reasons why Spurs beat their Premier League rivals to Tel’s signature.

One of those is that the German club demanded a substantial loan fee of £6.5m for just a four-month loan spell, which the Red Devils had no interest in paying.

However, Tottenham agreed to pay the amount to the Bundesliga giants to secure the teenager’s services on a temporary deal – especially given their ongoing injury crisis.

Additionally, Bailey states that Rubem Amorim’s men were insisting on adding an option to buy to the loan deal, while Spurs were more receptive to a straight loan agreement – a move Bayern and Tel were clearly happier with, given how highly the Bavarian giants still value the player for the future.

It’s an unusual deal for Tottenham to agree to and pretty much sums up the situation they are with regards their forward line, with Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert all still out.

It does mean that signing Tel permanently is going to become incredibly difficult for Spurs in the summer, if he does make a big impression in north London – with his value almost certain to skyrocket.

Tel is poised to become Tottenham’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Antonin Kinsky and Sunday’s confirmation of Kevin Danso’s transfer from RC Lens to bolster the defence.

Postecoglou urged to use Tel centrally

Meanwhile, Plettenberg has also explained how Postecoglou should use the French forward in the remaining months of the season.

Tel is capable of laying through the middle or out wide, but Plettenberg is adamant as to where his best position is.

He told Sky Sports News: “This is a very good solution for Tel, Tottenham and Bayern.

“He has reconsidered his decision. He was in talks with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. I’m convinced that in the end Spurs have presented the best project in order to get match practice. This is the most important for Tel.

“Now it’s up to Postecoglou to place him in the right position. He’s not a winger, he’s a striker. Let him strike, let him score goals!”

Tottenham have reignited their interest in Chelsea star Axel Disasi as Ange Postecoglou’s side looks to strengthen their defensive options late in the transfer window.

Spurs agreed a loan deal with Chelsea for Disasi last week but the move was derailed after the player snubbed the switch, as his preference was to join Aston Villa.

However, a move to Villa Park is off the cards for the Frenchman as Chelsea do not want to strengthen a direct rival. Tottenham had agreed to pay a loan fee of £5million to seal a deal for Disasi, which Chelsea were happy with, but the move was put on hold due to the player’s stance.

Spurs turned their attention to other targets and made a £70million bid (including add-ons) for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi this morning, but the Eagles made it clear that he isn’t for sale this window.

But in a dramatic twist, Matt Law of The Telegraph claims that Tottenham are once again pushing to sign Disasi on loan until the end of the season.

“Tottenham Hotspur have resurrected their move to sign Axel Disasi on loan for the rest of the season. Spurs still have an agreement in place with Chelsea to sign Disasi on loan for the rest of the season for a fee of £5 million,” Law has reported,

“Disasi has been reluctant to join Tottenham, instead favouring a proposed move to Aston Villa, which led to Spurs looking at alternative targets. But negotiations have restarted and Spurs are now making a new move to convince the player.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Deadline day latest as Tottenham ignite shock Tel twist; Man City AGREE €60m signing

Tottenham still pushing to seal Axel Disasi loan deal

TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher exclusively revealed back in December that Disasi could be one of the players to leave Chelsea this window.

Enzo Maresca has already said yes to offloading the the 26-year-old as he doesn’t believe he fits into his system and prefers other players ahead of him.

Disasi, who joined Chelsea from Monaco for £38.5million in 2023, has played a bit-part role for the Blues and has started just four Premier League games this season – hence why he’s open to a move.

Tottenham are now pushing to reach an agreement with the player and it remains to be seen whether Disasi can be convinced to make a dramatic U-turn.

Meanwhile, Spurs are set to sign Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel – pending a medical – in what is arguably the biggest shock of deadline day so far.

Tottenham are expected to be active right up until the deadline at 11pm and another new centre-back, after the signing of Kevin Danso from Lens last week, remains a top priority for Postecoglou and his team.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Mathys Tel is on his way to sign with Tottenham and two separate sources have revealed the “huge” role Ange Postecoglou played in the January transfer window’s most shocking move.

Tottenham are on the cusp of completing a deal that less than 48 hours ago, looked impossible to make. Mathys Tel – Bayern Munich’s 19-year-old striker – emerged as the winter window’s hottest topic upon informing the Bundesliga side he wished to leave.

Tel’s intention to find a new club related to his lack of playing time in Bavaria. With Harry Kane unmoveable in the striker position, Tel’s lack of action was through no fault of his own.

Spurs – desperate for reinforcements in multiple areas of the pitch – acted decisively when meeting Bayern’s €60m/£50m asking price with with their first bid.

However, Tel snubbed the chance to sign for Spurs, with some outlets stating he preferred Manchester United and others claiming he was destined to stay in Munich.

Man Utd acted on their own interest, launching a loan proposal and also getting Tel’s approval on the player side.

However, Bayern preferred a deal that contained a permanent solution, be that a loan with an obligation to buy or an outright transfer. Accordingly, Tel to Man Utd quickly fell through, with Arsenal next to seriously explore a move.

But on Monday afternoon it emerged Tottenham weren’t content to take no for an answer and at the second time of asking, had convinced Tel to join.

Spurs have altered the terms of their deal with Bayern and will now sign Tel via a straight loan that does not contain an option or obligation to buy.

As such, the talented 19-year-old – who can also play on the left wing – will return to Bayern in the summer.

And according to two separate sources, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou played a starring role in Tottenham pulling off one of the highest profile deals in the winter window.

Taking to X, French reporter, Julien Laurens, wrote: “Ange Postecoglou spoke with Mathys Tel at length earlier today and convinced him to come to Tottenham.

“Huge role played by the Spurs manager to get one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe!”

Echoing those claims, Sky Sports journalist, Michael Bridge, provided his insight into the role Postecoglou played.

“My understanding is Ange Postecoglou had a long conversation with Tel and how he’ll use him,” Bridge said.

“The player liked what he heard and has changed his mind. It’s very similar to how James Maddison joined Spurs the other summer and he said [it was down to] the conversation he had [with Postecoglou].

“Maddison said he was umming and arring between a few clubs until he sat down with [Postecoglou].”

TEAMtalk has consistently reported Tel’s primary motivating factor when choosing who to join is playing time and the assurances the buying club make.

Tel was restricted to just 1,406 minutes of action across all competitions last season. But showcasing his quality and potency despite still being a teenager, Tel racked up 16 goal contributions at a ratio of a goal or assist once every 88 minutes.

Our insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been informed Postecoglou personally guaranteed Tel he’ll be a ‘key’ player at Spurs.

With Tel now on the move to north London, don’t expect to see the France youth international warming the bench too often.

Tottenham are set to sign Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel on loan in one of the biggest shocks of deadline day, after the 19-year-old stunningly U-turned on his decision to snub Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy travelled to Munich last week to try and thrash out a deal for Tel, but the youngster decided against joining the north London club at the time.

Reports later suggested that Tel had decided to join Manchester United, before the Red Devils pulled out of negotiations after failing to agree terms with Bayern.

Arsenal are also big admirers of Tel, but in an incredible twist Tel is now set to join Tottenham on a loan deal that does not include an obligation or option to buy.

The deal was first announced by Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, before Fabrizio Romano provided more details on the agreement.

“BREAKING: Mathys Tel to Tottenham on loan, here we go! Straight loan and NO buy option clause,” Romano posted on X.

“Agreement reached between clubs as Bayern have accepted player’s decision and player on his way [to take his medical] with agent Gadiri Camara.” Romano also added in a later update that Tottenham will cover Tel’s FULL salary as part of the deal, reported to be around £80,000 per week.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Deadline day latest as Tottenham ignite shock Tel twist; Man City AGREE €60m signing

Deadline day drama: Tottenham get Tel, another centre-back still wanted

Tel’s future was always a story that was going to go down to the wire but it comes as a major shock to see him join Tottenham.

Man Utd’s move for the talented forward broke down as they wanted to sign him on loan, while Bayern were demanding a permanent sale or loan with an obligation to buy.

Bayern have since softened their position and Tottenham have acted fastest to agree a straight loan deal for Tel which will give Postecoglou a much-needed reinforcement in attack.

Spurs have been on the lookout for attacking additions over the past month and the benefit of signing Tel is that he can play as a winger on either flank or centre-forward.

The French youth international will therefore provide cover for Dominic Solanke, who is currently out with an injury, compete with Richarlison for a starting spot and cover for the likes of Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson on the wings.

Tottenham’s transfer window isn’t done yet, either, with Postecoglou’s side working on bringing in another new centre-back, after signing Kevin Danso from Lens.

The London club saw a £70million bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi rejected earlier today, so chairman Daniel Levy is clearly willing to splash the cash for a new defender.

Tottenham also remain interested in Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi. Spurs agreed a loan deal with the Blues but the player turned down the move. However, Postecoglou’s side haven’t fully given up on signing the Frenchman.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Deadline day has arrived and we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates throughout the day as clubs scramble to get their last bits of business done before the transfer window closes.

It’s been a far more active winter transfer window than last year and that’s spilling over into deadline day too, with a number of Premier League sides still working on some major moves.

Clubs in England have until 11pm to complete their transfers, so stick with us for all the twists and turns as they happen over the course of the day.

Keep checking our live blog below for the latest updates on deals being agreed (or falling through), medicals taking place, contracts being signed and done deals getting announced!

Tottenham have failed with an audacious bid to sign Crystal Palace centre-back, Marc Guehi, though they are doing all they can to secure an alternate deal after going above and beyond in their agreement.

Spurs landed Kevin Danso from Lens on Sunday, with the Austrain centre-back joining on a six-month loan that contains an obligation to buy. As such, Danso will turn his temporary move permanent in the summer to the tune of €25m/£20.9m.

But with Tottenham competing on four fronts and ravaged by injuries, the besieged club are seeking further additions – including at centre-back.

“The club is still looking there for opportunities,” said Postecoglou in the aftermath of Danso’s signing.

“They’ve been working hard and we don’t want to bring just anyone in, and sometimes that takes a bit longer, which is frustrating for everybody.”

Spurs moved for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori before the England international snubbed the opportunity to join.

That prompted Tottenham to sweep in for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi who has the green light to leave before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Aston Villa had long since agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old, though Unai Emery’s side were unwilling to match Chelsea’s demand regarding a loan fee.

With Tottenham desperate for more bodies, they weren’t so reluctant to meet Chelsea’s high asking price and a club-to-club agreement on a six-month loan was forged.

Per reporter Ben Jacobs, the loan fee agreed between Spurs and Chelsea is around £5m. That is a significant price to pay for a short-term loan and indicates Tottenham’s determination to provide Postecoglou with reinforcements at all costs.

Another factor emboldening Chelsea to do business with bitter rivals Tottenham is the fact they’re not a threat to Chelsea’s aims of qualifying for the Champions League.

Aston Villa – who currently sit just three points behind the Blues – are very much a contender for UCL qualification at Chelsea’s expense.

But while Chelsea and Spurs found common ground on the loan fee, Disasi rejected the chance to move across London.

And per the latest from Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are refusing to give up on Disasi after seeing an entirely separate bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi turned down.

“Tottenham keep trying for Axel Disasi after loan fee agreed with Chelsea as revealed yesterday, no green light yet from player,” wrote Romano on X.

“Spurs also made a late bid for Marc Guehi in last 48 hours as top target but Palace rejected, will now run to summer; out of contract in June 2026.”

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been told Spurs’ bid for Guehi totalled £70m.

Fletcher has also been informed Tottenham are willing to back off from Disasi and pursue other targets if it becomes apparent the Frenchman simply will not budge.

Tottenham are not content to bark up the wrong tree for the next 13 hours and will switch to alternatives if their latest attempts to convince Disasi don’t succeed.

Latest Tottenham news – Leon Bailey, Noah Okafor

In other news, Tottenham are also seeking to add firepower to their frontline.

Spurs put a call into Aston Villa to discuss a move for Leon Bailey. The 27-year-old Jamaican is also in Manchester United’s sights, though per the Athletic, United’s move has not progressed.

AC Milan’s Noah Okafor is another attacking option in Spurs’ sights. The latest on that deal via Gazzetta dello Sport can be found here.

Tottenham have opened dialogue over the signing of a readymade Premier League forward after Manchester United’s own attempts to seal a deal did not progress, according to a report.

Tottenham and Man Utd are both on the hunt for attacking reinforcements prior to tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Red Devils’ desire stems from the lack of goals provided by Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford has been loaned out to Aston Villa and Alejandro Garnacho’s future remains a hot topic.

Spurs, meanwhile, have no shortage of viable options for their front three. Their issue is injuries, with Ange Postecoglou down to the bare bones right now.

One player both clubs have fixed their gaze on is Leon Bailey of Aston Villa.

United’s interest came first, with Bailey along with Christopher Nkunku serving as back-up targets to Mathys Tel.

And with Man Utd reportedly unable to match Bayern’s demand for either a loan containing an obligation to buy or an outright transfer, Tel looks set to be denied his ambition of playing at Old Trafford.

That’s brought Bailey back into view, but per The Athletic, a move for the 27-year-old winger has not progressed.

And per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham hope to step into the breach after calling their counterparts at Aston Villa. But while contact has been established, Romano suggested a deal may be difficult to forge.

“Man Utd and Tottenham, both clubs called to be informed on Bailey, “said Romano on his YouTube channel. “But it depends on Aston Villa and at the moment there are no open doors.”

Explaining Villa’s stance on offloading Bailey, Romano strongly suggested the Jamaican may only be given the green light to leave if more forwards are signed to take his place.

Marco Asensio’s arrival from PSG on a straight six-month loan is imminent. However, Villa have also been trying to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea and as yet, those attempts have not succeeded.

Leon Bailey record this season

Bailey has scored just one goal and provided three assists across 29 appearances this season. Those are not the types of figures that will whet the appetite at Spurs or Man Utd, though Bailey did bag 14 goals last term.

The speedy left-footer operates primarily on the right flank and boasts three-and-a-half years of Premier League experience.

He’d represent a readymade and potentially explosive option for either of Tottenham or Man Utd. But as Romano mentioned, the ball is in Villa’s court and as yet, they’re unwilling to share.

Latest Tottenham news – Kevin Danso, Axel Disasi

In other news, Spurs officially announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso – who’ll wear the No 4 shirt – on Sunday.

Tottenham pulled off a coup when hijacking Wolves’ deal for the Austrian. Wolves had even booked a medical for Danso before Spurs swooped.

The deal is a six-month loan that contains an obligation to buy worth €25m/£20.9m. Per Tottenham reporter, Alasdair Gold, Danso could be eligible to make his debut against Liverpool on Thursday for the League Cup semi-final second leg clash.

Elsewhere, Spurs are attempting to add another centre-back to their ranks after agreeing a loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi.

Tottenham are reportedly rivalling West Ham United in the race to sign AC Milan winger Noah Okafor as the 24-year-old’s future hangs in the balance.

Spurs have promised Ange Postecoglou more additions in what remains of the transfer window and the club are understood to be looking at attacking targets.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy tried and failed to seal a deal for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel earlier this week but the 19-year-old snubbed Spurs and now they’re looking at other targets.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham and West Ham are both ‘in contact’ over a move for Milan winger Okafor.

Okafor was close to joining RB Leipzig on loan last week. The deal included a €2m (£1.7m, $2.05m) loan fee and an option to buy of €26m (£21.6m, $26.6m).

However, the move ultimately collapsed due to a problem with his medical. Okafor has been left in limbo as a result and his representatives are working hard to find him a new club.

AC Milan initially wanted to sell Okafor this window but the report has reiterated that the Italian giants are now open to loaning him out.

Tottenham, West Ham have other priorities – sources

It could be a frantic end to the window for Tottenham as the board look to back Postecoglou with reinforcements in several different positions.

TEAMtalk understands that a new winger signing is possible before the transfer deadline. They have a few targets on their radar, such as Southampton star Tyler Dibling.

However, we have received no confirmation from sources as yet that Tottenham are interested Okafor.

Spurs officially unveiled defender Kevin Danso as their latest acquisition earlier today (Sunday) but Ange Postecoglou is still keen to bring in more cover at the back.

They agreed a loan deal for Chelsea star Axel Disasi, but he has REJECTED a move to Tottenham in a big twist and could end up staying at Stamford Bridge.

As for West Ham, they are keen to do more business before the transfer window slams shut but their focus at the moment is on finalising a deal for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

The Irish international is currently undergoing a medical with the Hammers ahead of joining on a straight loan deal.

A new winger isn’t thought to be a priority for Graham Potter and as with the Tottenham links, sources have not confirmed any interest in Okafor from the Hammers’ side.

The 24-year-old has played a bit-part role for Milan this season, notching just one goal in 11 Serie A appearances so far.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Tottenham have reached a full agreement with Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi on loan but the centre-back has put the breaks on the move in a dramatic twist.

Spurs officially unveiled defender Kevin Danso as their latest acquisition earlier today (Sunday) but Ange Postecoglou is still keen to bring in more cover at the back.

Disasi, 26, is one of several Chelsea players to have been made available and Tottenham and Aston Villa have both shown interest in signing him on loan.

Disasi agreed personal terms with Aston Villa earlier this week but Chelsea refused to let him join the Midlands side as they didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea are more open to doing business with Tottenham, however, as they have had a dismal season so far and currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Disasi on a straight loan, but the player has said NO to joining the north London club.

“Tottenham have agreed loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi, no buy option clause and loan fee included,” Romano posted on X. “Axel Disasi, not accepting Spurs bid… as he already agreed terms with Aston Villa. Chelsea have NO intention to negotiate with Villa as UCL spot competitors.”

Tottenham have been rejected by BOTH Disasi and Tomori

Disasi now faces a situation where he could be left in limbo as it’s clear that he isn’t part of Maresca’s long term plans at Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has made just six Premier League appearances this season and finds himself behind the likes of Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo in the pecking order.

Chelsea have been demanding a big loan fee for Disasi, which Tottenham seemingly agreed to, so Disasi snubbing the move comes as a blow for the Blues too.

It will be an interesting deadline day for the Frenchman as it’s clear that Chelsea are still intent on offloading him. Tottenham, for their part, will have to look elsewhere for another new defender.

Spurs have also shown interest in signing AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori this month but ironically, the England international also rejected the chance to join Postecoglou’s team, per reports from Italy.

This came after Tottenham agreed a €25million (£21m / $26m) deal with Milan plus bonuses.

The reason for Tomori rejecting Spurs isn’t clear, but it’s fair to say that the fact they’re set to miss out on Champions League qualification is likely a factor.

Tottenham have just hours remaining in the window to sign another new centre-back and also strengthen other areas, with Postecoglou keen to sign a new striker.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window