TEAMtalk

Tottenham are reportedly set to open talks with a Brazilian goalkeeper over a potential January transfer window switch, while they have also learned the result of Rodrigo Bentancur’s appeal to reduce his seven-match ban.

Spurs No.1 Guglielmo Vicario has been out injured since the 4-0 rout of Manchester City, with veteran stopper Fraser Forster taking over his spot for the last six games in all competitions.

Although the 36-year-old has performed very well in those outings, Forster will be out of contract next summer and there was always a feeling that Tottenham might try and find another stopper to compete with Vicario in the new year and beyond.

And a report from CaughtOffside claims that the north London giants are expected to open talks to sign Botafogo’s John Victor, who has been attracting interest from big clubs recently.

The report claims that Manchester United are also eyeing a move to sign the giant 6ft 5in stopper, along with top Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

It has further been revealed that Victor will be available for as little as €9-10million (£7.4-8.2m) in the January transfer window, which is more than affordable for a Tottenham side who are expected to be fairly active in the winter window.

This news comes as no real surprise, given that Vicario is likely to remain sidelined until February or March time with the fractured ankle that he actually played on and made worse against City.

As for Victor, the 28-year-old former Brazil youth international has spent a fair bit of his playing career as a backup option but has now made over 50 appearances for Botafogo as their first-choice stopper in the Brazilian Serie A. If he does sign, Victor could become the second Brazilian goalkeeper to play for the club after Heurelho Gomes spent three years in north London between 2008-11.

Bentancur has ban appeal rejected

Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will serve the final two matches of his seven-match ban after the Football Association dismissed his appeal.

The Uruguay midfielder was given the ban in November for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min on television. Spurs accepted the judgment but then appealed against the severity of the suspension.

However, the appeal was dismissed following a hearing and Bentancur will now miss the upcoming matches against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday and Sunday’s Premier League clash against leaders Liverpool.

The former Juventus star is, however, able to continue in the Europa League as his ban only applies to domestic competitions.

Anti-racism organisations Kick It Out and The Frank Soo Foundation reflected on the matter coming to an end and revealed that have received more reports about Tottenham’s decision to appeal Bentancur’s ban than the original incident itself.

In a shared statement, the groups said they hope Spurs “reflect on its decision” as the episode has been “upsetting for many fans”.

Latest Tottenham news: Postecoglou future update / Leeds defender on January radar

Reliable reporter David Ornstein has delivered an emphatic update on the future of Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager.

Spurs thumped Southampton 5-0 on Sunday to deliver the club’s first Premier League win since November 23 (Manchester City – 4-0) – a timely win given the pressure that was starting to mount on Postecoglou.

However, when speaking to NBC Sports Soccer, trusted journalist David Ornstein revealed what TT have already reported about Tottenham’s belief that Postecoglou remains the right man for the job.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could be back in business with Leeds United in 2025 after a crucial defender in Daniel Farke’s squad supposedly caught their attention – and that of two Premier League rivals.

Spurs are really struggling for depth at centre-back at the moment and are expected to be in the market for another defender in the new year, with Leeds standout Pascal Struijk said to be on their radar.

Reliable reporter David Ornstein has delivered an emphatic update on the future of Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager.

Tottenham thumped Southampton 5-0 on Sunday to deliver the club’s first Premier League win since November 23 (Manchester City – 4-0). Spurs had gone five games without a win across all competitions before demolishing the Saints in what proved to be Russell Martin’s final match at St. Mary’s.

Martin paid the price for dire results and failing to adapt his side’s style of play. Over in north London, Postecoglou’s position had come under the microscope amid his own unwillingness to adopt a more pragmatic approach in the face of key injuries and suspensions.

However, when speaking to NBC Sports Soccer, trusted journalist David Ornstein revealed Tottenham’s view is and continues to remain Postecoglou is the right man for their project.

“The pressure is external,” declared Ornstein. “Ange Postecoglou is squarely being backed by the Tottenham hierarchy.

“Every bit of dialogue that I’ve had so far suggests that he is fully supported and that they are not thinking about changing Postecoglou.

“Some sections of the fanbase and the wider public might not like to hear that, but it is the case, as things stand.”

Ornstein then offered insight into why Postecoglou is safe when referencing the “different strategy” the club are banking on.

“Tottenham have taken a different strategy in recent years,” continued Ornstein. “They’ve not gone for experienced, big-name players in the transfer market. They’ve gone for younger players.

“Look at the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and bringing Mikey Moore through… they’ve put their faith in Ange Postecoglou to develop a younger squad that they hope will pay dividends in the future.

“Patience is a word that nobody likes, it’s in short supply, but they (Tottenham) are confident and that is why they and and Daniel Levy as the man at the top of the tree are standing by Postecoglou.

“They’ve tried the alternative route with Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, it hasn’t worked and it’s come down in pretty spectacular fashion.

“There’s been a huge churn of players leaving the club and new players coming in – it’s still relatively embryonic in terms of their settling in process.”

Ornstein concluded by saying Postecoglou’s recent criticism of loanee Timo Werner shows the Australian is feeling the heat.

Nonetheless, he is safe in his position as Tottenham boss and Ornstein suggested Spurs are in a position to strengthen in the January transfer window if they desire it.

“They do have finances, they’re in a decent position, “added Ornstein. “They could dip into the market in January or summer, but I think their focus will be on getting their injured players back and using the resources at their disposal.”

Which positions Tottenham want to strengthen in January

Ornstein’s update reflects what TEAMtalk were told and duly reported on December 9.

Our insider, Fraser Gillan, was informed Postecoglou is safe and the manager will be allowed to splash the cash in January.

While results this season haven’t met expectations, there is a belief within the club that Postecoglou must be presented with a stronger squad for his vision to succeed.

Additions to Spurs’ injury-hit backline are on the agenda. A new centre-back is the primary focus, though a new signing at left-back hasn’t been ruled out.

Beyond the rearguard, the central midfield and striker positions will be addressed at some stage. Whether that is in January or is left to the summer remains to be seen, though stiff competition for Dominic Solanke will eventually be signed.

A younger goalkeeper to replace Fraser Forster – who is out of contract in the summer – is also being sought.

Latest Tottenham news – Struijk, Son

In other news, TBR Football state one defender emerging on Tottenham’s radar is Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk.

Struijk is left-footed and can play at left centre-back or left-back, though his alarming lack of pace is an obvious drawback for a team that plays with an ultra-high line.

Elsewhere, Spurs legend Harry Kane was recently asked which current Tottenham star he’d most like to reunite with at Bayern Munich.

“Sonny,” replied Kane, and the South Korean is out of contract at season’s end. However, Tottenham have already initiated the process of activating a one-year extension in Son’s contract.

Tottenham could be back in business with Leeds United in 2025 after a crucial defender in Daniel Farke’s squad supposedly caught their attention – and that of two Premier League rivals.

Spurs are really struggling for depth at centre-back at the moment and have had to use some players out of position as cover, such as Archie Gray, who arrived at the club in the summer after making his name as a midfielder or right-back for Leeds.

Clearly, it would be beneficial for Tottenham to bring in more expertise at centre-back – and to do so, they could turn to Leeds again.

That’s because they are now monitoring Pascal Struijk, according to a report from TBR Football.

Struijk has played every minute of Leeds’ Championship campaign so far, usually partnering former Tottenham man Joe Rodon. And now, a battle is forming for Struijk’s services.

The report claims Tottenham are ‘following Struijk closely’ – as are fellow Premier League sides Brighton and Wolves.

The fact that Struijk is left-footed makes him especially appealing to Tottenham, since Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies have both suffered hamstring injuries.

Can Leeds keep Struijk away from Tottenham?

Leeds have Struijk under contract until 2027, but are trying to convince him to extend his stay at Elland Road via a new deal.

It would be highly unlikely for them to allow him to leave in January while they are chasing promotion from the Championship, but their fate by the end of the season could prove critical.

If Leeds – who lost the play-off final last season – fail to secure promotion to the Premier League, Struijk could leave them for a top-flight club.

And Tottenham might be in a better position than Brighton or Wolves to sign him, since they have good relations with Leeds thanks to the Gray, Rodon and Manor Solomon deals this summer.

Should they need an immediate boost in January, though – and it looks like they do – a more attainable target for Tottenham might be Getafe’s Omar Alderete.

TEAMtalk can confirm Alderete is under serious consideration by Tottenham, while in the longer term they are keeping an eye on Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande.

Latest Tottenham news

In a prediction that their last buy from Leeds is going to pay off in the long run, a respected journalist has detailed why Gray is ‘the future’ of Tottenham.

Meanwhile, in other news, TEAMtalk can confirm that Ange Postecoglou is in no immediate danger of being sacked – but also that a current Premier League manager could be tempted if the Spurs job does become available.

As for transfers, two players who could leave Tottenham are Richarlison – linked with a groundbreaking return to Brazil – and fellow forward Timo Werner, after a decision was made about the latter’s loan from RB Leipzig.

Harry Kane has revealed he would like to raid Tottenham for Heung-min Son if Bayern Munich were to sign any of his former Spurs team-mates.

Kane has continued the sensational form he showed in north London since moving to Bayern. He bagged 30 Premier League goals in his final season with Spurs, and in his first with Bayern, he notched 36 Bundesliga goals along with four assists.

This term, Kane has already reached 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, making him one of the form attackers in all of Europe.

Though he has continued to thrive at Bayern, he still has an affinity to Tottenham, and asked by a fan who he’d most like to sign from his former club, his answer was an obvious one.

“Sonny,” Kane replied, as per journalist Nico Linner.

Though perhaps not a direct order to go and sign him, Son is out of contract at Spurs at the end of the season, and has previous experience in Germany, with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen, so if it was possible, could be a useful asset for Bayern to land.

DON’T MISS: The 10 most expensive Tottenham sales and how they fared after leaving: Kane, Bale, Berbatov…

Kane and Son’s fantastic partnership

Over the course of 297 games played together with Tottenham, Kane and Son combined for 54 goals in all competitions.

Kane bagged 26 goals assisted by Son, and the South Korean was assisted by his team-mate on 28 occasions.

The pair won 556 games playing together, earning 1.78 points per game.

They also finished their time as team-mates as the most prolific partnership in the history of the Premier League, surpassing Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba’s 36 goals together, to eventually end on 47 in the English top flight.

Son is clearly Kane’s best ever attacking partner, and if he joined him at Bayern, there is little doubt they’d continue to cause havoc for defences as they both get deeper into their thirties.

Bayern Munich round-up: Potential Rashford raid

The signing of Marcus Rashford could be made at Bayern, with the club’s interest reportedly piquing after Manchester United decided they would sell him.

United could lure Bayern star Alphonso Davies away, though, with major interest in the left-back, who’s coming to the end of his contract at the Allianz.

It’s been suggested United and Real Madrid will both get the chance to meet with Davies before he decides if he wants to pen a contract renewal with Bayern.

And Leon Goretzka could leave Bayern for the Premier League, with Tottenham named as a good destination for the midfielder, who United also have one eye on.

Ange Postecoglou is reported to have decided to waive his option of turning Timo Werner’s loan move to Tottenham into a permanent deal next summer in the wake of his stinging criticism of the Germany star this week – while Spurs are being linked with a surprise raid on Fulham for an in-form star.

The Lilywhites have endured an inconsistent campaign so far, cruising to wins at Manchester United and Manchester City, but then suffering frustrating losses to the likes of Bournemouth, Ipswich and Crystal Palace, with the latter two struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table. As a result, speculation has begun to build on the Australian coach, who suddenly sees his long-term future at Tottenham coming under the spotlight.

Postecoglou allowed his frustrations to bubble to the surface on Thursday evening when, after their 1-1 Europa League draw against Rangers at Ibrox, he publicly hung Werner out to dry after condemning his “unacceptable” display.

Now according to Givemesport, the north Londoners have decided as a result to not take up their option to sign the Germany star, currently in his second season on loan from RB Leipzig, permanently, even though the bargain option on his signing is set at just £8.5m (€10m, $10.7m).

Meanwhile, reports in Brazil claim Postecoglou wants to add more steel to his midfield in the January window and is plotting a surprise raid on Fulham for Andreas Pereira.

According to Trivela, Postecoglou has set his sights on the Brazil international, who has become a figure of real consistency at Craven Cottage since moving to London from Manchester United in July 2022 for a fee of around £10m.

The nine-times capped Brazil midfielder is approaching 100 appearances for Marco Silva’s side and would not be sold on the cheap, with his current deal running to 2026, though the Cottagers do have a one-year option on top of that. Trivela reckons though that a huge bid is under consideration by Spurs with the January window opening for business in 18 days time.

Pereira says leaving Man Utd has aided career surge

The midfielder has not commented on his chances of leaving Craven Cottage, though the Brazilian outlet suggest the move across London would tempt him were Spurs to make a concrete offer for his services.

In the meantime, Pereira is clearly enjoying the responsibility Silva has afforded him in SW6, having admitted earlier this year that he is enjoying the chance to prove Manchester United wrong for not giving him a regular opportunity at Old Trafford.

“I think it was the best decision I made in my life,” the 28-year-old told the Evening Standard. “To come to live and play here, to enjoy my football, to get back into the national team with great players, to enjoy my football in the Premier League, leaving is the best decision I made.

“The time I was [at Man Utd], I really enjoyed being at a fantastic club. But I don’t regret leaving. We [the players in my situation] have this desire to show it was wrong that we didn’t play.

“With everyone’s help around me [at Fulham], I achieved a great season. We started the season by losing a very important player, [Aleksandar] Mitrovic.

“We had to search for the way we have to play without him. In January, Rodrigo [Muniz] came in, scored all the goals and made my life easier!”

Latest Tottenham news: More backing for Postecoglou; LaLiga defender targeted

Much of Tottenham’s struggles in recent weeks have come off the back of the injury issues suffered by first-choice centre-halves Micky van der Ven and Cristian Romero. As a result, Postecoglou was forced to field a makeshift central defensive line of Radu Dragusin and teenage midfielder Archie Gray at Ibrox on Thursday.

With that in mind, it is no surprise to see Postecoglou being linked with a few options to strengthen their rearguard – and sources confirmed that Spurs have a genuine interest in signing Omar Alderete, with the Getafe star having a tempting exit clause in his deal.

Any move could be funded by potential sales and one of those strongly linked with an exit is Richarlison amid claims Newcastle United are considering a raid in the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe wants another No.9 on board despite the club’s ongoing PSR concerns and transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims that a surprise raid on Spurs for the Brazilian could be on the cards – for the right price.

Elswhere, Teddy Sheringham has pleaded with Daniel Levy to stay faithful to Postecoglou in the wake of growing speculation over his future. The iconic former Spurs man has urged the Tottenham chairman to remember the more pragmatic football served up by Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, having stated exactly why they need to stay loyal to the Aussie.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been advised to stay loyal to the under-fire Ange Postecoglou after insisting the Aussie is more than capable of turning their poor form around and that sacking him would be a significant mistake and despite their apparent interest in luring Brentford boss Thomas Frank across the capital.

Spurs have endured a difficult season so far with the club a disappointing 11th heading into the weekend’s latest round of Premier League fixtures and with their inconsistencies really coming to the fore so far. Having enjoyed monumental away wins at both Manchester United and Manchester City, Tottenham have also shown their frailties in losing to strugglers Ipswich and Crystal Palace, while also blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-4 to Chelsea last Sunday.

As a result, speculation over Postecoglou‘s future has gathered pace in recent weeks and it’s been suggested that, with Levy having set the Aussie a target of finishing in the top four this season, he could fall on his sword even sooner if results do not start picking up.

Reports that Levy is also strongly considering a move for Bees Frank as his replacement has also not helped matters.

However, former Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham has told Levy in an interview with the Daily Express that axing the 59-year-old would be a big mistake – especially after the more pragmatic football served up by both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

“I am firmly on Ange’s side. I love the way that he gets bums off seats when they’re playing,” Sheringham said.

“He’s had a lot of injuries recently that he doesn’t like to mention until it’s all coming on top. And, over the last four years, when you’ve had Mourinho and Conte, the football hasn’t been great.

“I know that if I go watch Tottenham, I’m going to see 12 chances being made and that hasn’t happened over the last few years. And that could happen in the first 10 minutes at Tottenham.

“That’s the way they play. He’s on the front foot. It’s exciting. I’m sitting down, I’m on the edge of my seat and that’s how I want to watch a football match, to be entertained. And I love his manner.

“Yes, there are one or two things that could be worked on, but I think he’ll get there.”

GO DEEPER

▶️ Carragher fears Postecoglou sack with Tottenham excuses ‘starting to wear a little thin’

▶️ Postecoglou sack: Tottenham boss warned he’s a few games from brutal Levy decision unless one thing changes

Sheringham tells Postecoglou how he can spare himself from Spurs sack

Despite Sheringham’s advice, we understand that Spurs will review their manager’s position at the season’s end and will consider a change if they decide the Aussie has fallen short of what is expected of him.

To that end, our reporter Fraser Gillan has revealed that Frank would be swayed by the Tottenham vacancy if they came calling and amid our understanding that West Ham are also casting admiring glances towards the Gtech Community Stadium.

As it stands, Postecoglou retains the backing of Levy though and it would take a monumental decline for a change to be made mid-season.

One of the biggest criticisms levelled at Postecoglou has been Tottenham’s defensive frailties. They have conceded 19 goals this season which, while by no means the worst, is five more than Ipswich, who currently find themselves sat in the relegation zone.

Now Sheringham has advised the former Celtic boss that he might need to slightly alter his tactics to both shore up at the back and ensure he keeps the pressure building on his shoulders.

“Of course, results mean everything,” he added. “It’s very much like Ossie Ardiles’ reign at the moment, you’re entertaining, but losing 4-3 and 5-2. I loved playing for Ossie. He’s a legend as a man and a legend as a leader of people.

“The tactics needed to be tweaked and I think that’s the same with Ange. I would want to play for him [Postecoglou] because the chances are being made.

“Yes, results are very important because confidence will soon go if you carry on playing the way he’s playing, but getting beaten. You’ve got to be careful to counteract both.”

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Formidable LaLiga centre-back targeted

Spurs have certainly suffered in the absence through injury of both Cristian Romero and Micky van der Ven in recent weeks, with teenage midfielder Archie Gray forming a makeshift central defensive line with Romania international Rady Dragusin at Ibrox on Thursday.

As a result, it is no surprise to see Postecoglou being linked with a few options to strengthen their rearguard – and our sources have been able to back up reports from Spain that their interest in Getafe star Omar Alderete is in fact genuine.

It’s reported that Alderete’s power and quality on the ball has caught Postecoglou’s attention, with the 27-year-old’s exit clause making his signing an even more exciting proposition for the Spurs boss.

Any move could be funded by potential sales and one of those strongly linked with an exit is Richarlison amid claims Newcastle United are considering a raid in the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe wants another No.9 on board despite the club’s ongoing PSR concerns and transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims that a surprise raid on Spurs for the Brazilian could be on the cards – for the right price.

Postecoglou’s startling fall from grace with Tottenham

Postecoglou made an instant impact after arriving at Tottenham from Celtic in summer 2023.

With the club reeling from the sale of Harry Kane to Tottenham, a sharp decline was expected. But what was to follow was a brilliant start to the season which saw Spurs win eight of their first 10 games, drawing the other two, to sit top of the table and ensure the Aussie made the best-ever start to a Premier League season by a debutant manager.

Since then, though, it’s been a pretty sharp decline for Spurs, who eventually finished fifth last season to qualify for the Europa League.

Indeed, he has more losses than wins since then, with a win percentage rate sitting at just 42%.

Thankfully, a trip to tackle Southampton awaits them on Sunday evening – and a chance to get themselves back to winning ways after a run of just one win from their last eight games.

West Ham are eyeing Thomas Frank to be their next manager, but he could be swayed if Tottenham come calling in the event that they sack Ange Postecoglou, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Frank has now become a well-established Premier League manager and the work he has done with Brentford is seen as excellent across the board.

The Danish coach has been the Bees’ boss since 2016, making him the second longest-serving manager in the Premier League behind Pep Guardiola.

He has been the subject of interest in the past and has been on the shortlist of the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham in their previous manager searches. Frank now finds himself on the radar of some big clubs again as they asses their options in the manager options.

West Ham are seriously looking around at options as they continue to struggle under manager Julen Lopetegui. The Spanish coach is under serious pressure as the club have fallen well short of expectations so far this season.

Despite a very active summer window and a squad who, on paper, look capable of challenging for the top eight in the division, they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.

Sources state that Frank has come up in discussions at the London Stadium and should they choose to make a change he could be a manager the make a move for, though it’s not yet known if this would interest Frank.

Tottenham battle possible

If the Hammers were to make a move they may have to do so quickly as Tottenham have previous interest and if there was to be a shift in the backing for Postecoglou, he would again find himself in the frame for the role.

Sources say Spurs have an appreciation of Frank, and his ability to play good football, work on a budget and build strong relationships with players are big factors in his favour.

This is a move that would pique the interest of Frank, according to sources, due to the size of Spurs and the infrastructure in place at the club. There would also be the opportunity to work with top-class players and make it at a big-six club.

It has to be stated that Tottenham are backing Postecoglou and are aware of the challenges he faces. They hope to back him in January but football can change quickly and Spurs’ supporters are in a state of despair at the club’s struggles.

For now, Brentford are delighted they still have their manager at the helm. They are aware he is capable of stepping up to a huge job but hope he continues the brilliant work he has done there.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs told Frank is the man

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has told the club that Frank is a “great fit” for the role.

It’s after Postecoglou slammed Timo Werner for a “not acceptable” performance in Europe of late.

The boss is also said to have hand-picked Getafe defender Omar Alderete as a useful addition to the backline amid injury troubles.

Meanwhile, Spurs are under threat from Fluminense for Richarlison, who reportedly want to ‘break the market’ for him, despite the striker being way more expensive than anyone they have ever signed.

Ange Postecoglou is in no immediate danger of being sacked by Tottenham, although the London club could undertake an end-of-season review of the situation.

Spurs have endured a disappointing start to the campaign and have failed to win in their last five matches in all competitions, dropping to 11th and ninth in the Premier League and Europa League respectively.

Postecoglou has received criticism for his comments following Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Rangers on Thursday, in which he took aim at Timo Werner.

“He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” said Postecoglou. “When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He’s a senior German international.”

Some supporters viewed that as the manager shifting the blame and believe it was in poor taste to throw one of his players under the bus.

However, TEAMtalk understands that it isn’t a case of Postecoglou’s future being reviewed on a game-by-game basis by Tottenham. He retains the backing of the board for now. Spurs could look at the situation at the end of the season but sources say there is no immediate threat to his position.

There is an acceptance within the Spurs hierarchy that the team’s poor form is not all down to Postecoglou, although there is an ongoing conversation among the football department as to whether the attack-minded philosophy may need to be tweaked. This is being led by Postecoglou himself.

Some at the club feel Postecoglou’s approach needs to be more flexible. Tottenham have no problem scoring goals but often, once they have a lead, are too open defensively and end up losing games – as seen in their 4-3 loss to Chelsea.

Any possible tactical changes are naturally driven by Postecoglou himself, however, rather than the board interfering with the manager’s plans on the pitch.

Tottenham back Postecoglou to turn things around

Sources are adamant that Postecoglou will be given time. There have been flashes of brilliance this season, particularly in their 4-0 win to Manchester City.

There is also an acceptance that the Premier League table is very tight. While Spurs currently sit 11th, they are only five points behind fifth place and that could be enough to secure Champions League qualification this season.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy still believes that Postecoglou can turn things around in the festive period, despite there being tough fixtures ahead against the likes of Liverpool (home), Nottingham Forest (away), Newcastle (home) and Arsenal (home).

Spurs could make some additions in January. TEAMtalk understands that they are keen to sign a versatile winger – likely left-sided – although there is an acceptance they may have to wait until next summer to get one.

A new defender is the priority for January. Tottenham view their back-line of Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie as one of the best in England, but with Van de Ven and Romero suffering injuries this season, it’s clear that the London side need more cover at centre-back.

Tottenham interest in LaLiga star confirmed

It’s understood Getafe star Omar Alderete is someone Spurs are looking at as a potential signing in January. The 27-year-old could be relatively affordable this winter, has experience at a high level and would be a solid back-up option.

In the longer term, we understand that 21-year-old Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande is a player to keep an eye out for, although it could take at least £70million to lure him away from Portugal – even if this is usually beyond what Levy is comfortable spending.

Sources indicate Romero, despite links with Real Madrid, is viewed as ‘unsellable’ by Tottenham’s hierarchy, per sources close to the London club.

And TEAMtalk understands that as of now, Tottenham are not actively pursuing a new goalkeeper despite reports linking them with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford. They view Guglielmo Vicario as their long-term first choice goalkeeper and believe Fraser Forster is more than capable of deputising in his absence.

Fluminense will reportedly look to ‘break the market’ in order to sign Tottenham attacker Richarlison, so they can prepare for the 2025 Club World Cup with him up top.

Richarlison has struggled for most of his time at Spurs. In his first two full seasons, he managed just 15 goals, which is not far from what he scored in his final season at Everton alone.

So far this term, the Brazilian has managed just one goal, having been sidelined for the majority of the campaign.

Yet he is still being courted by other sides, with Fichajes now reporting that Fluminense want to take Richarlison back to his homeland.

It is believed they could make ‘significant financial efforts’ with the report stating Fluminense ‘want to break the market’ for the Tottenham man.

He could be signed in January if the Brazilian club get their way, as they want to prepare for the 2025 Club World Cup with Richarlison up top, so have already initiated contact with his entourage.

DON’T MISS: Top 10 most expensive Tottenham signings ever: Two future legends mixed with disastrous flops

Fluminense face big-club battle

But a big name in the Premier League have also reportedly got their sights on Richarlison.

It’s been suggested that there is substance to links between Newcastle and the Brazilian.

However, it’s believed Spurs want £60million for him, and the Magpies would rather spend between £40-45million.

It would seem that if reports of Fluminense wanting to spend big money are true, they could beat the Premier League side to the snare.

However, their record signing was approximately £5.8million in 2012, so them being able to muster up the sort of money which would land Richarlison seems almost impossible, and there’d be no point in them trying.

Tottenham round-up: Postecoglou replacement endorsed

Former Spurs man Jamie O’Hara has endorsed Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the new manager at Tottenham if Ange Postecoglou is shown the door, as he’d be a “great fit”.

Postecoglou hit out at Timo Werner after Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Rangers, calling his performance “not acceptable”.

The Tottenham boss has also reportedly hand-picked Getafe’s Omar Alderete to improve his back line, and TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that interest.

Meanwhile, Spurs are said to be considering recalling Ashley Phillips from his loan at Stoke City given injury problems at the back.

Ange Postecoglou has reportedly had a major part to play in Tottenham pinpointing an impressive LaLiga centre-back as a January transfer window target.

The addition of another central defender in the new year has arguably become Postecoglou’s main priority in the new year after seeing the middle of his backline decimated by injuries yet again.

Tottenham lined up with Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray at the heart of their defence against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies all currently sidelined with injury.

The north London club moved for Dragusin last January and are now expected to do likewise for another player to bolster a fragile area of Postecoglou’s first-team squad, amid a run of just one win from the last eight games in all competitions.

And, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS, Postecoglou has personally picked out Getafe star Omar Alderete as a major option to bolster his beleaguered backline – news that TT has heard is legit.

AS states that the 27-year-old is one of the names included in the north London club’s target list for next month, with the Paraguay international on that list mainly because of Postecoglou.

It’s reported that Alderete’s power and quality on the ball has caught Postecoglou’s attention, with the Australian ‘asking’ the club to secure his signature as soon as the January window opens.

Alderete has bargain release clause

AS adds that Tottenham are not the only club interested in Alderete’s services and may face a battle for his signature.

However, they will be boosted by the news that he has a relatively cheap €16million (£13m/$16.7m) buyout clause, despite the fact that he remains under contract until 2028.

Indeed, Getafe chairman Angel Torres has always referred to Alderete’s release clause when there’s been an approach for the centre-back, although that figure will not be an issue for Postecoglou given that he does have money available in January to bolster his injury-hit squad.

Alderete joined Getafe from Hertha Berlin in 2023 after an initial loan stint with the Spanish outfit and has gone to make 95 appearances for the club, scoring once.

He is also well-travelled in Europe, having started out in Switzerland with Basel and also having a temporary spell with Valencia, while also winning 25 caps for his country to date.

At 6ft 2in, Alderete is an imposing presence who relishes physical battles and has decent pace for his size.

Latest Tottenham news: Wrong to sack Postecoglou / Newcastle in shock Richarlison links

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been told that he would be making a mistake if he decided to sack Ange Postecoglou and start another rebuild at the north London club.

Postecoglou has been heavily criticised for sticking to his guns with his stubborn approach of playing the same way, even with the plethora of injuries he has in key positions.

However, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton is a big fan of the Australian and believes he should be given more time in north London.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are being tipped to raid Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for Richarlison in the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe wants another No.9 on board despite the club’s ongoing PSR concerns and transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims that a surprise raid on Spurs for the Brazilian could be on the cards – for the right price.