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Manchester City have moved their prospective signing of Jonathan David forward to January as Pep Guardiola looks to get his side back to winning ways, it has been claimed.

David has been a brilliant performer for Lille since joining the French club from Gent in August 2020. He has scored 101 goals in 209 games for Lille and helped them win the French title and French super cup.

David continues to be Lille’s main source of goals, as he has found the back of the net 17 times in 26 appearances across all competitions so far.

However, Lille must begin to prepare for life without the Canada ace as he has run down his contract and is expected to leave in either January or summer 2025.

As per the latest from TBR Football, Man City have entered the frame for David’s capture.

Guardiola’s side had been planning to swoop for David at the end of the season, but they have accelerated the pursuit to January after a tough few months in which they have won just once in 13 matches.

Man City need to sign a new centre-forward to take some of the pressure off Erling Haaland and have identified David as a great solution.

Given the 24-year-old’s expiring contract, he should be available for a reduced price in January.

Lille have previously valued their star forward at around the £60m mark, but there have been rumours he could now be available for just £25m instead.

City have scouted David on several occasions this season and are ‘working behind the scenes’ to get this deal done.

City overtake Spurs in Jonathan David chase

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with the player over the past few months. However, in a boost for City, it emerged recently that Spurs would rather bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers to improve their attacking options.

City landing David would rectify the mistake they made in selling backup striker Julian Alvarez over the summer.

Alvarez left for Atletico Madrid in an £82m deal and his exit has cost City both goals and creativity this term.

The Citizens decided it was best to cash in on Alvarez, particularly when such big money was on offer, but they perhaps underestimated his importance to the squad.

DON’T MISS: Trio of Premier League clubs ready to devastate Barcelona after Dani Olmo registration blow

Man City transfers: De Bruyne update; £150m signing links

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can provide an exclusive update on the future of City icon Kevin De Bruyne.

The Saudis would love to make De Bruyne their latest big-name signing, but they ‘fear’ he will move to the US instead.

The playmaker has informed all parties involved that he would ideally like to go to Major League Soccer if he cannot strike a contract agreement with City.

Guardiola is already planning how his team will look without De Bruyne, with Jamal Musiala emerging as a dream replacement option.

Reports claim City are ‘considering’ making an audacious move to prise Musiala away from Bayern Munich.

City will need to smash the Premier League transfer record as Bayern value Musiala at a whopping £150m.

Tamworth have been hammered by their own fans after implementing a massive ticket price hike for the biggest game in the club’s history when they host Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.

The National League side reached the third round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in its history when they won at Burton Albion on penalties in the second round, having previously seen off League One Huddersfield.

Their reward was a marquee home clash against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side, with the game due to take place at the club’s Lamb Ground on Sunday January 12 (kick-off 12.30pm).

However, fans who are keen to witness history at their club’s home ground off Kettlebrook Road, have voiced their anger at the ticket prices for the special occasion.

The club have posted their pricing for the match, with the top ticket costing a whopping £42, more than double the cost of a ticket to watch The Lambs play Huddersfield in the first round of the competition. While the price of the cheapest under-10s ticket is £25, five times the price of a similar ticket against the Yorkshire outfit back in October.

Tickets for the match are priced at £42 for the main stand for adults, or £38 for the terrace. Over 66s are £37 in the stand or £33 on the terrace. Under-17s are £34 and £30 respectively. And under-10s £29 in the stand and £25 on the terrace.

Those prices have led to hundreds of fans taking to social media to vent their fury, with Joe moore commenting on Facebook: “Wow. That’s disgraceful, the worse of it those kids prices!! Ripping off those regulars that you know will go and support as they do week in and week out, and putting off those that may have gone. Crazy prices.”

Jamie Phillips added: “Yeah I’m not paying that I’ll watch it at home and then carry on going to the normal-priced National League games.”

Another fan, Dawn Roberts, said: “Please justify your horrendous prices. Absolute Rip Off just cause you have a decent team to play against…”, while Alex Randle, who supports both Tamworth and Tottenham, added: “Pricing is exploitative when there are so many other potential revenue streams and will probably price me out anyway because I just don’t have enough money to spare. So disappointed.”

Tamworth accused of ‘madness’ over ticket pricing

With Tamworth trending on X over their decision to raise prices significantly, The Pyramid Podcast added: “How short sighted are these prices. A chance to repay and respect the fans that go and support you every week, and instead you release this monstrosity. Shameful.”

Jamie Hoskins said: “I appreciate that you want to earn as much money from this opportunity as possible but those prices are scandalous! Part greed from Tamworth & part blame for the FA abolishing replays because the big boys demanded so!

“No romance of the cup here whatsoever, poor from Tamworth.” And Dean Cornish said: “That’s madness. Make the money on the TV, the bar, the merch, the snack bar. Not by ripping off loyal fans on tickets.”

Matt Merrick added: “So looking at £150 for a family of four. I’m all for making a bit of money, but after Christmas and everything else that’s going on. That’s taking the mickey out of ordinary fans.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eye another rapid Bundesliga centre-back / O’Hara wants Postecoglou replaced

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their focus to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in their efforts to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries at the heart of their backline for much of the season, with Radu Dragusin suffering an ankle injury at Nottingham Forest to join Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies on the sidelines.

To that end, another centre-back is expected to arrive in the new year and a fresh report suggests Spurs are ready to move for Monchengladbach star Ko Itakura.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara is once again calling for Ange Postecoglou’s head after Spurs suffered their ninth Premier League defeat in 18 games this season and has named another Premier League manager he thinks could do a better job.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their focus to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in their efforts to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been crippled by injuries at the heart of their backline for much of the season, with Radu Dragusin suffering an ankle injury at Nottingham Forest to join Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies on the sidelines.

Assuming Dragusin fails to recover, Tottenham could line up with Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma as their central defensive pairing against Wolves on Sunday, unless Postecooglou opts to throw youngster Alfie Dorrington into the mix.

But with problems aplenty in that position, Spurs are primed to bolster their defence in the new year and have been linked with the likes of Ben Godfrey, Milan Skriniar and David Hancko.

However, a report from GiveMeSport states that Tottenham are keen on signing Monchengladbach star Ko Itakura, who was known to be a target for the club during the 2023 summer window.

The pacy defender has been likened to former Spurs favourite Jan Vertonghen in terms of his style of play and could be available in a bargain deal given that his contract runs out at the end of the current campaign.

The north London club have reportedly refused to rule out the prospect of launching a formal proposal for Itakura, even though he has not been pinpointed as their first-choice recruit at this stage.

Crucially, Postecoglou is aware that there is a possibility of being able to negotiate a cut-price agreement if Itakura doesn’t commit his long-term future to Gladbach going forward.

Itakura has been at Borussia Monchengladbach since 2022 after signing in a permanent €5million (£4.3million) deal from Manchester City, who he failed to make an appearance for.

Itakura ticks a number of Postecoglou boxes

The 27-year-old Japan international certainly has the traits to play in Postecoglou’s high defensive line.

Indeed, the Bundesliga website shared quotes from Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus about Itakura back in 2023, stating: “Ko covers an unbelievable amount of ground and is a tactically disciplined player who can operate in different positions in defence, including as a No.6.

“He had a number of attractive options in terms of a transfer, so we’re all the more delighted that he’s decided to join us because he’s a cornerstone of our planning.”

The Bundesliga website also likened the player to Vertonghen, who formed one of the best centre-back partnerships Tottenham have had alongside Toby Alderweireld in the Premier League era.

“Rangy and quick over the ground, Itakura makes defending look easy,” they wrote.

“In theory right-footed but comfortable enough on the ball to have regularly played as the left-sided centre-half, he is similar in style to Benfica’s former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.”

That pace is certainly something that would be utilised well by Postecoglou, with Itakura potentially pushing Real Madrid target Cristian Romero for a place alongside the equally rapid Van de Ven at the heart of the Tottenham defence – if he makes the switch to north London.

Latest Tottenham news: Rashford move rated / Spurs join chase for PSG star

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

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

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

Meanwhile, a striker previously signed for €90m has a ‘strong chance’ of moving to the Premier League next month, and Manchester United have reportedly been overtaken by Liverpool and Tottenham in the race to seal a risky deal.

Amid protests from some Tottenham fans against much-maligned chairman Daniel Levy, a fresh report has delivered an update on Sheikh Jassim’s interest in buying the club.

It has recently been made public that the north London club will do their due diligence and consider any offers made for investments, with Levy speaking openly about Spurs’ plans over the last two years.

Former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley, a financier well-known for helping broker Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has also been linked with bringing Saudi Arabian investment to Tottenham – following Levy’s recent comments.

However, a report from the Daily Mail states that Sheikh Jassim will not rush to buy another Premier League club after failing in his attempt to complete the takeover of Manchester United.

The Qatari businessman saw his efforts to buy the Old Trafford outfit fall short as Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a minority takeover of the club last December.

Sheikh Jassim offered £5billion in cash to wipe Glazers’ debt and provide new facilities for United, in exchange for the club in its entirety. However, that offer was rejected before Ratcliffe earned a route into the club with Ineos – receiving a 25% stake following their £1.3bn agreement.

And now the Daily Mail report states that the setback with United has made Sheikh Jassim reconsider looking to invest into another Premier League club, with plans still remaining at Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.

Indeed, the excerpt from The Mail read: “He is still a United fan. He is not going to rush off and try another Premier League club. If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest. The plans are still there.”

Staveley still looking to invest

Meanwhile, a report from over the summer from Bloomberg stated that Staveley, who has generated around £500million through investment fund, PCP Capital Partners, is still said to be keen to invest in another football project after leaving Newcastle at the end of the last campaign.

As reported in Football.London, it’s previously been stated that Levy is certain investment will make Tottenham a powerful entity to be reckoned with in the global game.

Indeed, he mentioned at a fans’ forum: “We announced with our last results that we believe this club needs a bigger capital base because we’ve got a lot of exciting projects on the horizon and we want to make further investment in the teams.

“Some form of minority investment is what we’re looking for. We’ve got nothing to announce at the moment but we are in the market.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs back in for Skriniar / Rashford move latest

Tottenham are reportedly among a whopping 11 clubs showing interest in signing a top PSG central defender after suffering yet another blow in that position at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Romanian defender Radu Dragusin became the latest centre-back to head to the sidelines after suffering an ankle problem at The City Ground as Spurs finished the game with Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma at the heart of their defence.

Ange Postecoglou was already on the hunt for another central defender, even before Dragusin’s injury, and Spurs could now turn to an old target in the shape of Slovakian star Milan Skriniar.

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

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara is once again calling for Ange Postecoglou’s head after Spurs suffered their ninth Premier League defeat in 18 games this season and has named another Premier League manager he thinks could do a better job.

A demoralising 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day made it just one win from their last six Premier League outings as they continue to languish down in 11th in the table ahead of the weekend visit of Wolves.

Despite dominating possession and being the better side for the most part at The City ground, Anthony Elanga’s strike sealed a win for Nuno Espirito Santo against his old club.

Some Spurs fans are already starting to turn on Postecoglou, although we understand that the Australian’s job remains safe given the injury crisis he has to deal with in north London.

Defensively, Tottenham have been all at sea without the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies, while Radu Draugsin also picked up an ankle knock at Forest.

However, former Tottenham star O’Hara has suggested that Postecoglou is outstaying his welcome and that it is time to turn to a successor, telling talkSPORT: “Do you know what? Carry on being stubborn, carry on doing what you’re doing, you’re going to get the sack.

“I don’t care what you say, I don’t care how far you go in the European competition or get into the final of the Carabao Cup, Premier League is where it’s at. You can’t be 11th in the table.”

And, having previously suggested that Brentford boss Thomas Frank would be a great option to replace Postecoglou, O’Hara has now jumped on the Marco Silva bandwagon after the Portuguese engineered Fulham’s first win at Chelsea in 45 years on Boxing Day.

O’Hara wants Tottenham to ‘nick’ Silva from Fulham

O’Hara is clearly not a fan of Postecoglou’s stubborn tactics and thinks that Silva could do a better job in north London.

He added: “I’m starting to come around to the fact that we should nick Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva. I want to nick him. He’s good. Do you know what they are? When I watch them, they are organised, got a structure to the team. They’ve got really good players – they haven’t got world-beaters – but they’ve got really good players.

“I might have to start putting it out there – Marco Silva for Spurs.

“All I’m saying is I don’t know if Big Ange can carry on playing this way. You can’t lose nine games in 18 while being Tottenham manager. I’m sorry, you can’t get away with that. You can’t continue.”

Silva’s stats since arriving at Fulham are actually quite similar to Postecoglou’s at Tottenham, although it has to be highlighted that the expectations are nowhere near as high for the Portuguese coach at Craven Cottage.

It must also be pointed out that the last time Silva was at a so-called ‘bigger club’ in Everton, he only lasted 18 months before getting sacked after recording just 24 wins in 61 games on Merseyside.

Tottenham are reportedly among a whopping 11 clubs showing interest in signing a top PSG central defender after suffering yet another blow in that position at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Romanian defender Radu Dragusin became the latest centre-back to head to the sidelines after suffering an ankle problem at The City Ground as Spurs finished the game with Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma at the heart of their defence.

With Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven already, the last thing that Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham needed with another injury in the back line but that appears to be the way things are currently going for the beleaguered north London side.

A fourth loss in five games has left Spurs 11th in the table after 18 games and they could drop a further place if Brentford win at Brighton on Friday night, in what has been a disastrous season so far.

Postecoglou was also known to be hunting another central defensive signing in January, even before Dragusin’s injury, and now a fresh report states that they are one of 11 teams in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain star Milan Skriniar.

The 29-year-old has been on Tottenham’s radar for a number of years, particularly during the reigns of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, and CaughtOffside reports that the French giants are willing to listen to offers of around €35million (£29m / $36m) for the Slovakian.

Skriniar earned a reputation as one of Europe’s toughest defenders during his playing days at Inter Milan, where he made 246 appearances at the San Siro, winning five major trophies, including the Serie A title in 2021.

However, a move to the Parc des Princes as a free agent in July 2023 has frustrated Skriniar as he’s lacked game time in the French capital. To that end, PSG are willing to cash in on the unsettled Skriniar heading into the January transfer window.

Skriniar chase hots up as Tottenham get Davies boost

Luis Enrique has only handed Skriniar five appearances in Ligue 1 this term, but the problem for Tottenham in their hunt for the player is the sheer number of clubs chasing his services.

The report adds that Newcastle, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, AS Roma, Napoli and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are also monitoring the experienced centre-back, who has just over three years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Skriniar is not the only centre-back being targeted by Tottenham though, with former Everton man Ben Godfrey also said to be on the club’s radar ahead of a potential new year raid.

Postecoglou also confirmed after the Forest defeat that Dragusin’s injury may not be that serious, saying: “He was a bit sore. He hurt his ankle and said he couldn’t continue so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Pressed on the club’s plans for the January transfer window more broadly, the Australian added: “We are working hard behind the scenes, but we’ve got a game on Sunday and focus on that first. Then, we will look at January.”

Tottenham may also be boosted by the return of an injured star against Wolves, although they will be missing Djed Spence after the full-back saw red against Forest.

Ben Davies recently returned to training after overcoming a hamstring injury and Postecoglou confirmed that while Boxing Day was too much of a risk for the Welshman, he should be fit for this weekend.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs eye PSG forward / Juventus midfielder also on Ange’s radar

A striker previously signed for €90m has a ‘strong chance’ of moving to the Premier League next month, and Manchester United have been overtaken by Liverpool and Tottenham in the race to seal a risky deal, according to a report.

PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani is the player in question, with the the Frenchman, who was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75m plus €15m in add-ons back in 2023, no longer in Luis Enrique’s plans. As such, he has been given the green light to leave next month.

L’Equipe previously claimed Man Utd were keen to strike a deal with PSG who are open to a six-month loan that contains an option/obligation to buy.

But according to a fresh update from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Man Utd do not expect to sign Kolo Muani in January. What’s more, the reporter revealed Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham are now circling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loan expected for Rashford, as brand new suitor emerges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest Tottenham news – Ben Godfrey, Randal Kolo Muani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest Tottenham news – Fagioli, Trafford, Postecoglou

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juventus willing to offload Fagioli

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham linked with Julian Brandt swoop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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