TEAMtalk

Pundit Craig Burley has savaged Tottenham forward Timo Werner and backed Ange Postecoglou to spring a surprise selection change next time out against West Ham.

Eyebrows were raised when Tottenham re-signed Timo Werner to a second loan spell over the summer. The 28-year-old didn’t exactly set the world alight in his first loan spell, though Spurs saw fit to give the German a second chance. Tottenham’s new loan agreement also contains a modest £8.5m option to buy from parent club RB Leipzig.

Werner has started Tottenham’s last two Premier League matches on the left wing during Son Heung-min’s injury absence. The forward missed two one-v-one opportunities in the 3-0 victory over Manchester United and failed to make any meaningful type of impact in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton.

When speaking on ESPN FC, pundit Craig Burley labelled Werner’s end product “atrocious.” The former Chelsea and Celtic star also claimed Postecoglou will likely drop Werner next time out against West Ham and give 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore a start on the left side.

Burley said: “And again, I don’t want to sort of pick on him, but I am going to. I mean, Timo Werner. Timo Werner whatever he did in Germany, he has been unable to do in two spells in England.

“His end product was once again atrocious, and that adds to the pressure that goes on a team defensively when you are just not finishing teams off. It wasn’t just Timo Werner, but if he starts the next game after the international break, I will be very surprised.

“A young 17-year-old in Moore is probably going to come in his place. Brennan Johnson has come through a tough time when people were talking about his end product. He gets six goals in six.”

Flaw in Burley’s plan

As previously mentioned, Werner’s chances in the starting eleven of late have come as a direct result of captain Son being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

However, Postecoglou stated the South Korean was “pushing hard” to feature against Brighton last weekend.

While Son obviously did not win his fitness battle, Postecoglou’s comments strongly suggest he’ll be available for selection once again after the two-week international break.

Son will more than likely return to the starting eleven in his favoured left wing role. Dominic Solanke will continue up front, with the red hot Brennan Johnson keeping his place on the right wing.

As such, Werner is expected to drop out of the eleven, though it won’t be Mikey Moore who takes his spot.

Latest Tottenham transfer news

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly been joined by Liverpool and Newcastle in sizing up moves for Bournemouth winger, Antoine Semenyo.

Prior reports have claimed Spurs are ready to splash out £33m to sign the forward. Their relations with Bournemouth – having presided over Solanke’s transfer last summer – could aid Tottenham’s cause.

Elsewhere, Spurs have been backed to make a concrete move for Crystal Palace talisman, Eberechi Eze, in 2025.

Finally, a bidding war between Spurs and bitter rivals Arsenal has been predicted. Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey – who Villa could reluctantly cash in on in 2025 – is the subject of both clubs’ admiration.

Tottenham are reportedly considering a move for Espanyol winger Javi Puado as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

Spurs have endured a somewhat disappointing start to the season and currently sit ninth in the table after winning three of their nine Premier League matches so far.

They threw away a 2-0 lead against Brighton last weekend and lost 3-2, and now reports suggest that they could make new attacking additions in January.

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham have identified Espanyol winger Puado as a target for the winter transfer window.

It’s claimed that the once-capped Spanish international caught the attention of Spurs scouts while watching loanee Alejo Veliz in action at the beginning of September against Real Vallecano.

Puado, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored three goals in eight LaLiga appearances so far this term.

If the 26-year-old doesn’t sign a new deal with Espanyol before January, Tottenham will be able to open pre-contract talks with him ahead of a potential free transfer next summer.

Alternatively, Spurs could capitalise on his contract situation by trying to snap him up for a cut-price fee in January, as suggested by the report.

Tottenham linked with LaLiga ace

Tottenham are in a good position when it comes to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and are ready to back Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Spurs, however, are already strong in wide areas, which brings into question whether a winger like Puado will be a priority for them in January.

Brennan Johnson is in superb form and has scored in six consecutive matches, nailing down his spot in Tottenham’s starting XI.

Son Heung-min, on the other hand, remains one of the North London side’s most important players, while they have good back-up options in Dejan Kulusevski, Timo Werner and youngster Mikey Moore.

But the opportunity to snap up Puado for a cut-price fee, or even on a free transfer, may well tempt Tottenham so it will be interesting to see how this story develops in the coming months.

Spurs plot Eberechi Eze swoop

Meanwhile, Tottenham continue to be linked with talented Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. Recent reports suggest that they are ‘fully expected’ to move for the England star in 2025.

Spurs are likely to face fierce competition for Eze’s signature, though. Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are also thought to be admirers of his and will be in the mix to sign him.

Eze, 26, is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027, but his deal includes a release clause of £68m which reportedly becomes active next summer.

It has been suggested that £60m could be enough to lure Eze away from Crystal Palace and it seems likely that one of his suitors will match that price tag.

Eze can play as an attacking midfielder or left-winger so could compete with the likes of James Maddison and Son at Tottenham.

Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing Torino defensive midfielder Samuele Ricci, but will face competition from Man City.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form for Torino in recent months and has deservedly earned a regular spot in the Italian national team.

A price tag of around £18.4m has been mooted for Ricci and there is certainly no shortage of interest in him.

Liverpool and Newcastle have reportedly both joined Tottenham in pursuing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with the Cherries fearful of losing their star.

Semenyo has taken on added responsibility in the Bournemouth forward line since the departure of Dominic Solanke. The striker joined Tottenham in the summer for a fee potentially rising to £65million.

The first game this season, Semenyo played up top, scoring his first goal of the season, before returning to the right-wing position – which has become more natural to him of late – where he bagged goals two and three for the season and an assist.

Amid his good form, the forward has the eyes of some Premier League big hitters on him.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Semenyo’s form has alerted Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.

It’s believed Bournemouth fear the attacker is becoming a target of big clubs, and want to avoid seeing him depart, especially soo after Solanke did.

But if that does happen, the report suggests the Cherries would be able to receive a big sum of money for Semenyo.

DON’T MISS: Mo Salah: Liverpool superstar’s most outrageous stats which show Slot why he’s simply irreplaceable

Tottenham interest already evident

Interest from Liverpool and Newcastle is fresh, but Tottenham were seemingly already in the mix for Semenyo.

It has been suggested they are willing to splash £33million to take him to north London.

There, he would reunite with Solanke, who he played alongside on 41 occasions as a Bournemouth player.

The pair did not have the most prolific partnership, with Solanke assisting Semenyo twice in those games, and no goals being scored the other way.

But playing for a bigger club with more attacking talent, things could be different.

Liverpool round-up: Salah on unexpected radar

Liverpool know there is a chance of Mohamed Salah moving on at the end of the season, given his contract is up.

But while Saudi Arabia looks the most likely destination, it’s reported San Diego FC are plotting the shock swoop of both Salah and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

Real Madrid could reportedly accelerate their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, too, following the injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

But Liverpool could see some players coming in, too, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson featuring high on their midfielder shortlist.

How is Semenyo performing

Semenyo played 11 games for Bournemouth in 2022/23 after joining from Bristol City, and after one goal that term, his production in the top flight has clearly been on the rise.

Antoine Semenyo Premier League stats during last three seasons

Tottenham plans to sign Eberechi Eze next year have been confirmed by one of Spurs’ former stars – but Ange Postecoglou is likely to face strong competition for the player amid claims the Crystal Palace playmaker could leave for a fee lower than his exit clause.

Eze moved to Selhurst Park in summer 2020 after a £17m move across London from QPR. Now in his fifth season with Crystal Palace, Eze has gone from strength to strength and is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s most naturally gifted stars.

Having registered a hugely impressive 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 27 appearances last season, Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old playmaker, whose form saw him included in England’s Euro 2024 squad at the expense of James Maddison.

And while no official approach was made by Spurs during the summer window, former goalkeeper Paul Robinson claims he is very much on their wishlist and now ‘fully expects’ Postecoglou and Co to make a formal move for Eze next year.

“An attack-minded midfielder is something they are looking at alongside James Maddison,” Robinson told Football Insider.

“Eze, depending on how this season goes with Crystal Palace, will sit down and see where his future lies.

“It’ll be a tough one to get done in the winter. He’s under contract until 2027, so come next summer he’ll have two years left on his contract.

“I fully expect there to be interest in Eze if he has a good season for Palace this year and plays well for England as well.”

Robinson warns, though, that competition for Eze will be tough, adding: “There’ll be a number of clubs ready to take him away from Selhurst Park next year. The top clubs in England will all be after him.

“The likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are all admirers of Eze and are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of next summer’s transfer window.”

IN-DEPTH ➡️ How Eze fit into a tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end long trophy wait

What have Palace said on Eze sale? / Cut-price fee touted

Eze remained at Selhurst Park this summer but did have to watch on as his close friend and teammate Michael Olise sealed a blockbuster move to Bayern Munich.

And with Eze wanting to sample European football to take his career to the next level, Palace chairman Steve Parrish admitted last month of his surprise that they did not receive a firm offer for his services.

“I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael (Olise) and Ebs in the same window,” Parrish told Sky Sports.

He continued: “We didn’t have in Ebs the interest that I thought we would have. I was astounded – genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s a gift to any football club.

“I don’t think any Crystal Palace supporter would mind the fact that, at some point, Ebs wants to play at the highest level. He’s playing regularly for England, back in the squad again which we’re so proud about.

“Ebs is still here and it’s great for the football club. I was surprised that that’s what happened.”

One of the factors that may have dissuaded his suitors from a concrete move is the £68m clause that exists in the player’s contract, which is seen as relatively high despite his obvious abilities.

However, come the summer Eze will have two years remaining on his Palace deal and, with Parrish not likely to stand in his way, it’s claimed a reduced offer of £60m (€71,5m, $78.6m) will be enough to sanction his sale.

There is also a belief that Eze could be signed to play alongside Maddison with both players given the freedom to roam or with Eze offered the chance to play off either wing, which he is equally capable of doing.

Planned signing earning rave reviews / bidding war commences for Villa ace

Meanwhile, Tottenham are being linked with a fresh move for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey in 2025 as time ticks down in his contract at Villa Park.

The 23-year-old offers plenty of endeavour and something of a goal threat from midfield, making him a perfect addition to Postecoglou’s engine room.

He came under surveillance from Spurs last summer and they are now being mentioned again as suitors amid claims Villa will reluctantly be forced to sell if he does not agree a new deal and with the Midlands giants keen to avoid a scenario whereby he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Arsenal have also been linked.

Elsewhere, one player already having agreed a move to Spurs next summer – centre-half Luka Vuskovic – is earning rave reviews while out on loan in Belgium with Westerlo.

The 17-year-old is due to arrive for a fee of between €11m-€15m from Hajduk Split next summer – but Spurs have genuine reason to be excited their young side of the future could be strong contenders for silverware, and with Vuskovic earning huge plaudits.

IN PROFILE: How does Eze compare to Maddison?

While Eze could equally play off the wing, he could also be another brilliant option to play in the No 10 role for Spurs in place of Maddison.

And a look at the two men’s stats from last season shows Eze is a player who could potentially open up games even more for Spurs with the Palace man boasting a very impressive 69 successful take-ons and widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best ball carriers.

Maddison was, however, the more creative when it came to chances engineered and assists, though with a keen eye for goal, Eze outscored the Tottenham man by almost three times.

Aston Villa could reluctantly cash in on Jacob Ramsey in 2025 and a report has tipped Arsenal and Tottenham to battle for his signature.

Ramsey was a player whose future came under the microscope over the summer. Aston Villa were seeking to balance the books and also free up room and funds for signings of their own. The sale of Ramsey as a homegrown player would have been extra lucrative for Villa given the proceeds would have been logged as ‘pure profit’ on the balance sheet.

Ultimately, Villa made the decision to keep Ramsey despite interest from north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. However, according to an update from Mail Plus, the story may be different in 2025.

Their reporter, Sami Mokbel, claimed Unai Emery’s side could look far more favourably on cashing in on Ramsey next summer.

At that stage, the 23-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract. Per Mokbel, the contractual situation ‘could tempt the Midlands club into considering offers to avoid their midfielder entering into his final 12 months.’

Such a decision will ring alarm bells in the capital, with the report confirming both Spurs and Arsenal explored Ramsey’s signing last summer.

Mokbel concluded: ‘Ramsey remains on the ‘long-term recruitment lists’ of a number of top sides who are already preparing to revisit their interest in 2025, leaving Villa facing a fight to keep their highly-rated midfielder.’

Ramsey’s valuation unclear after failed Tottenham swap

Prior reports in 2024 differed when naming Aston Villa’s valuation of Ramsey. While some outlets pointed to a £30m figure, others went as high as £45m and even £50m.

The presence of multiple bidders would enhance Villa’s chances of extracting maximum value in the event they were to cash in.

Of course, it is also entirely possible that Ramsey stays at his boyhood club for the long haul. For that scenario to unfold, Villa and Ramsey would need to meet at the negotiating table and iron out a long-term contract extension.

Ramsey can play in a vast array of midfield roles and would be a useful addition to any side he signs for.

Between Arsenal and Tottenham it was the latter whose interest was the stronger last summer. Talk of a cash-plus-player swap deal that would’ve reunited Giovani Lo Celso with Emery at Villa Park swirled.

In the end, Lo Celso returned to Spain when joining Real Betis and Ramsey stayed put at Villa where he’s featured in nine out of a possible 10 matches this term. The only fixture he missed – last time out against Manchester United – was due to a groin injury.

Jhon Duran signs / Emery to Man Utd laughed off

In other news, Aston Villa announced on Monday morning that Jhon Duran has signed a contract extension.

The Colombian – who was the subject of negotiations with Chelsea over the summer – is now contracted to Villa Park until 2030.

Elsewhere, reports in Spain have claimed Manchester United are readying a £42m bid for Villa centre-back Pau Torres.

Finally, pundit Danny Murphy has quickly shut down any suggestions Villa boss Emery could be tempted to take over from Erik ten Hag if he’s sacked by Man Utd.

“If Erik ten Hag is sacked, would Emery be tempted to replace him? I’d be gobsmacked if he did, certainly, if he felt he’d have less influence at Old Trafford than he does now. Anyone else and the Villa hierarchy might be worried about a vacancy at United,” Murphy told the Daily Mail.

“But Emery’s commitment to the cause means I’d be shocked if he was tempted. He is adored by Villa fans and the players will run through walls for him. They have a very high ceiling and importantly he is well-backed by the owners.

“I am not saying he wouldn’t be at United but it’s other people who would be in charge of recruitment and he wouldn’t be able to bring in his people. Expectations are growing at Villa, it’s a good place to be.”

TIMELINE – Jacob Ramsey’s remarkable rise

Ange Postecoglou was left raging after seeing his Tottenham side throw away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs looked to be heading to a sixth successive victory in all competitions as they deservedly led 2-0 after 37 minutes but collapsed in the second half to leave Postecoglou seething.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring with his sixth goal in six games before James Maddison curled home in an opening half dominated by the visitors.

But Brighton hit back after the break with goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck to take all three points on the south coast and leave Tottenham boss Postecoglou stunned.

And speaking after the game, the crestfallen Australian told Sky Sports: “Disappointing. Frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I’ve been here. Unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how were were going.

“We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We paid the price. The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself.”

On message to the players: “There is no message. It is a terrible loss for us – as bad as it gets. Only one way to fix it and that’s my responsibility.

“We lost all our duels and if you’re not competitive it is not going to work – we were not competitive. They all go international duty the majority of them. They will process it individually and I will process it when everyone gets back.”

Maddison floored by Tottenham collapse

The result was the 10th time that Tottenham have lost a Premier League game in which they led by two or more goals, meaning they are the first club to hit double figures. Reaching that mark is also at least three more than any other side in the competition’s history.

And speaking after the game, James Maddison admitted: “We couldn’t deal with the momentum shift. We lost control of the game when the first goal went in. We dealt with momentum poorly and couldn’t get any control of the game – it felt like attack after attack.

“They are a good side and have good players. Adversity in the Premier League – you have got to stay strong and weather the storm – we definitely didn’t do that.

“We have been on a good run, but it feels like a couple of steps back today.

“We were saying all the right things to not get complacent, but words mean nothing if you don’t go out and show it.”

Is Ange fully to blame for Tottenham’s complete collapse at Brighton? Let us know in the comments below…

Incoming Tottenham starlet earning rave reviews

In other Tottenham news, another young player the club are due to sign in the summer of 2025 is getting rave reviews for his performances in the Belgian Pro League so far this season.

Centre-back Luka Vuskovic is the player in question, with the 17-year-old currently on loan at Westerlo from Hajduk Split ahead of an agreed move to north London for a fee between €11-15million next summer.

Sunday’s edition of Croatian newspaper Vecernji List have certainly been impressed with his performances in Belgium so far this term.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended to him by Fabio Paratici.

Another young player Tottenham are due to sign in the summer of 2025 is getting rave reviews for his performances in the Belgian Pro League so far this season.

Centre-back Luka Vuskovic is the player in question, with the 17-year-old currently on loan at Westerlo from Hajduk Split ahead of an agreed move to north London for a fee between €11-15million next summer.

Tottenham are making a concerted effort to get the overall age of their first-team squad down, while also bringing in some of Europe’s top young talent in the process.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were both brought in during the last transfer window to compliment the likes of academy stars Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, with all four players starting the Europa League win at Ferencvaros on Thursday evening.

Depending on what happens in January, Vuskovic will be the next to walk through the door and, judging by the comments from Croatian newspaper Vecernji List on his start to the season in Belgium, Spurs are signing another incredible talent.

Sunday’s edition of Vecernji List reported about the defender: “He really started the season wonderfully. Not only did he as a 17-year-old become an unquestionable starter in the position of central stopper in a formation with three at the back (started in all games this season), but in ten games in Belgium he has a rather incredible attacking performance of four goals and one assist.

“He particularly excelled in the last game where his club drew 2:2 with Beerschot, scoring both of his team’s goals as a stopper. But the goals weren’t everything, Vuskovic had an incredible seven shots in that test, seven out of eight in duels won, 100 touches with the ball, two dangers removed, three successful sliding starts with which he saved his team from dangerous opponent counterattacks, and eight out of twelve successful long balls.”

The same report also suggests that Vuskovic is the kind of player ‘born once in a hundred years’, which is some way to build up the young defender.

Vuskovic a deadly set-piece threat

Vuskovic, who is playing alongside Tottenham loanee Alfie Devine at Westerloo, certainly has the physical attributes to play at centre-back, already standing at 6ft 4in despite his young age.

Unsurprisingly for his height, he is a real weapon in the air and a massive threat from set-pieces, as is evidenced by his eight goals in 35 senior career appearances so far.

Scouting expert Jacek Kulig also reports that Vuskovic has no significant weaknesses, while his style of play has been likened to that of Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique.

And while all that bluster must be tempered by the fact that he is currently excelling in Belgium’s top flight and not in one of the bigger European leagues, Tottenham’s track record of identifying outstanding young talent in recent times suggests they could have another potentially big success on their hands.

Tottenham set for Dibling blow as Paratici recommends Italy star

In other Tottenham news, Manchester United and Spurs’ hopes of signing a Southampton ace are set to fade after a report claimed an alternative deal is on the way.

The 18-year-old right winger Tyler Dibling has established himself as a key performer on the south coast, excelling in a Saints side that have yet to win a game in a Premier League since their return.

But despite their struggles, it’s reported that the Tottenham, Man Utd and Newcastle target is poised to sign a new deal on the south coast.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended him by Fabio Paratici.

IN FOCUS – Tottenham future is sound

Tottenham’s focus on signing younger talent and developing their already successful academy should see them set fair for years to come.

Although we’ve mentioned nine players here, there were also plenty more who could have got on the list as Daniel Levy and co. look to develop and build for the future in north London.

Tottenham and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended him by Fabio Paratici. The Italian recruitment expert was forced to step down as Tottenham’s managing director in April 2023 after failing to overturn a FIFA ban, but he still influences transfer decisions at the club.

Paratici has been very impressed by Ricci’s performances for both Torino and the Italy national team of late.

On the defensive midfielder, Football Insider pundit and ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robison added: “I think it’ll be a tough one to do in the winter.

“If you look at the way the team’s played in recent weeks in more of a 4-3-3 formation, I’m not sure whether the midfield will be a pressing position.

“But he’s a young player, he’s only 23 years old and he’s already got four caps for Italy.

“Tottenham are certainly interested in signing him. I think it’ll be tough to do in the winter but that is potentially one they’ll explore in the summer.

“We know that Spurs like to do their business in Italy. They’ve had a lot of success from players who have come to the club from the Serie A, and maybe that’s why Ricci is the latest name to be mentioned.

“It’s still got the fingerprints of Fabio Paratici working with Tottenham’s recruitment team.”

Tottenham view Ricci as someone who can compete with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma for the defensive midfield role in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven. However, they are not alone in hunting his services.

On September 29, it emerged that Manchester City have ‘set their sights’ on Ricci too and have opened preliminary talks with Torino over a potential deal.

Man City have been forced to enter the market for a new No 6 following news of Rodri’s season-ending injury, and Ricci is one option they are considering.

As the four-time Italy international does not play for one of Serie A’s truly elite clubs, he should be relatively cheap to sign. A price tag of around £18.4m (€22m / US$24.2m) has been suggested.

DON’T MISS: Arsenal, Tottenham tipped to move for confirmed Chelsea target in 2025 as transfer battle heats up

Tottenham fans might prefer attacking signing

While Ricci would be a solid addition to Postecoglou’s side, there is a good chance Spurs will push to bring in a more attacking player instead.

The North London outfit are big fans of Crystal Palace playmaker Ebere Eze, who is aiming to follow in Michael Olise’s footsteps by joining a top club in the near future.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Spurs are planning to bid for attacking midfielder Eze next summer.

While Eze’s £68m (€81.2m / US$89.2m) release clause was not met during the recent summer window, it will reactivate at the end of the campaign.

Spurs round-up: Real Madrid worry, Bournemouth link

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing Spurs star Pedro Porro as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid are on the hunt for a new right-back and Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold is their dream signing. But if the Englishman opts to remain at Anfield by penning a new contract, then Madrid will open talks for Porro over an ambitious swoop.

In terms of potential new additions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it has been claimed that another Bournemouth raid is on the cards.

Spurs broke their transfer record in the summer by paying £65m to make Dominic Solanke their new striker. It was recently claimed that Antoine Semenyo is the latest Bournemouth ace on Spurs’ radar.

The winger has started the campaign in great form, having registered three goals and one assist in six Premier League games so far.

Tottenham remain in the hunt for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who will be available for a big fee next summer due to a release clause in his contract.

The Eagles are at the beginning of a new era under Oliver Glasner but keeping hold of their best players has proved a challenge, as evidenced by Michael Olise’s switch to Bayern Munich.

Glasner had his side playing some fantastic football last season but they have endured a disappointing start this term and find themselves in the relegation zone.

There are no fears of relegation at Selhurst Park due to the quality of their squad but some questions are being asked about the future of their key men.

Palace did manage to keep hold of Marc Guehi after turning down three big offers from Newcastle in the summer, the last of which amounted to £65m including add-ons. The interest from top Premier League sides in the defender remains.

Eze is considered one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League and many expected him to leave Palace in previous windows.

However, the London club managed to tie him down to a new long-term contract in November, which includes a release clause of £68m that becomes active next year. Tottenham are big admirers of Eze and we understand that they are considering a move for him.

EXCLUSIVE ROUND-UP: ‘No 1’ Man Utd manager target; Liverpool winger move; Aston Villa name Jhon Duran price

Tottenham plot 2025 swoop for Eze – sources

Palace’s valuation of Eze put off some of his suitors last summer as they weren’t keen to spend that amount due to the Premier League’s stringent financial rules, which limited a lot of team’s business.

Tottenham have previously pondered a bid for Eze and sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that they remain interested in the England international.

A lot would need to happen for Spurs to sign Eze in January, including player sales, but Ange Postecoglou’s side are ‘looking at possibilities of how to bring him to North London’, per sources.

A move to Tottenham at the end of the season is the most likely outcome for Eze as things stand.

Spurs are in a good position in terms of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and Daniel Levy is prepared to back Postecoglou with some big signings.

Eze is one of Palace’s highest earners, taking home just shy of £5m per year, and this wage was earned on merit after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents.

He was keen to have a similar contract to other players at his level and eventually got his wish.

Eze’s new contract, which is valid until 2027, is not expected to keep him at Selhurst Park for its duration, but rather acts as security for the Eagles who will only allow him to move for a big fee, or at least the value of his release clause.

Eze was delighted to break into the England squad and wants to remain there, but sources have been clear that a move to a side playing in Europe may be his best chance of achieving that.

The 26-year-old’s full focus for now is on helping Palace to rise up the league table, but a big move to Tottenham or another top club next summer will be difficult for him to turn down.

Tottenham to rival Arsenal, Chelsea for centre-back – report

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also considering signing a new centre-back and are one of the clubs keen on Benfica star Tomas Araujo, per reports.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Chelsea enquired about the defender over the summer, while Crystal Palace also had a bid rejected for him.

Now, it’s claimed that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in Araujo, who could be available for around €20m (£16.6m; £22.1m) in January.

The 22-year-old is the latest highly-rated youngster to rise to prominence in Portugal. He broke into the Benfica first team in December 2021 and has made 29 appearances so far, scoring one goal.

€20m is a relatively cheap fee for a player of Araujo’s quality and potential, so there may well be a battle for his services in the coming months.

DON’T MISS: Every club in Europe that broke their transfer record this summer: Tottenham among five Premier League sides

Tottenham retain their interest in Eberechi Eze, and while reports state a January transfer is unlikely, they are among the sides that feel they can get him for lower than the £68million release clause which will soon return.

Eze was believed to have a release clause of an initial £60million in the summer, with add-ons taking it to £68million. Tottenham were said to be willing to match that, but nothing came to fruition.

They have since returned with interest, as per Football Insider.

The report states that a January move is unlikely, but their interest in the attacking-midfielder remains. That they may not be able to get him in the winter seems largely due to the fact that Crystal Palace could demand anything, before Eze’s clause of £68million returns in the summer.

But Tottenham are among the sides who feel that they can get him for less than that.

Indeed, Eze will have two years left on his deal by the summer, and some clubs – Tottenham included – are said to be ready to explore a cut-priced deal, with offers from £50-60million in that window.

Tottenham have big-club competition

While the report does not name any of the other interested sides, they do suggest there are ‘top clubs’ in the mix.

TEAMtalk revealed interest from Manchester City in the summer, and that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Eze suggests that might well remain.

The Citizens would surely be able to afford the £68million release clause – which TEAMtalk can confirm – but they, along with other sides, may be more likely to look for the cheaper option.

Liverpool have also been linked with the snare of the Palace man of late.

Tottenham round-up: Postecoglou looking all over

Ange Postecoglou is seemingly keen to recruit both from within the Premier League and outside of it.

From within England, Tottenham are said to be willing to pay £33million for the services of Antoine Semenyo.

Elsewhere, both they and Arsenal are going after Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo.

Both those sides are also going after monstrous Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has already reached 11 goals for the season.

Eze’s Premier League stats

Eze was directly involved in two more goals than James Maddison last season in the Premier League, and he’d likely be competing with him for a place in the Tottenham side.

This term, both men have a single goal to their name in the league, but Maddison has two more assists, so he’ll feel his chances of staying in the side are good if he can keep up form.