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There are reported ‘fears’ at Tottenham that Thomas Frank is making life hard for himself, with Spurs ranking third in a statistic which shows exactly that.

Spurs are having an up and down time in the Premier League. They have won more than they have lost – five compared to four – but some concerns have been raised of late.

Indeed, the north Londoners have slipped down to ninth in the table following losses to Chelsea and Arsenal – in between those was a draw to Manchester United, which the Red Devils sealed in stoppage time.

According to The Telegraph, there are ‘fears’ at Tottenham that Frank is making life hard for himself by chopping and changing too much.

Sources at the club are said to believe that his numerous changes have led to inconsistency and a lack of attacking potency.

Indeed, a look at the stats shows there is a basis to that theory. Tottenham have made the third-most changes of any side in the Premier League this season, behind only Wolves and Chelsea.

Being lumped in with Wolves is not a pretty sight, given they are dead bottom of the league on only two points, though the Blues are second, which shows it’s possible to have success despite making numerous changes.

The suggestion is that at Tottenham, Frank’s constant changes have impacted the ability of players to form relationships and understand his set-up, which as a new manager, will be harder than at Chelsea, where Enzo Maresca has had a chance for his players to learn the system for a season prior.

In any case, Spurs are determined to give Frank time to get things right.

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The 4-1 defeat to rivals Arsenal at the Emirates over the weekend was described as a ‘painful day’ though more than one source is said to have insisted that the club are not panicking, and are focused on the long term.

The owners are targeting long-term success with Frank and there is no sign that that is going to change any time soon, with a short-term decision not looking likely.

Tottenham could quite easily spring back into a good position within a week or two. They are just three points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and five away from Chelsea, in second.

If results go their way, any pressure being felt by Frank will seem as if it was unnecessary.

Thomas Frank is already under pressure at Tottenham having taken charge in the summer after a run of one win in five in the Premier League which has featured two of the most insipid displays imaginable against their most bitter rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The fans already being sick of his style of football suggests there’s a style to speak of, but that was obvious to no-one in those harrowing defeats, or indeed in most of the games we’ve seen from Spurs this season.

Frank can afford a midweek defeat in Paris, but the same does not apply to Fulham’s visit on Sunday. In preparation for the aftermath of that game, we bring you the top 10 candidates to replace him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as per Sportscasting

There’s little doubt in our minds that he will at some point return to the Premier League, and we imagine a Jose Mourinho-like press conference upon his return after a period in France when the already eccentric and outspoken manager has gone up a couple of sound-bite gears.

While most wouldn’t dream of leaving Marseille in the lurch in what looks as though it could be a genuine title race with PSG, De Zerbi isn’t a typical manager and strikes us as the sort of guy who wouldn’t just leave, but do so noisily, leaving as much chaos in his wake as possible.

You’re always likely to find him on these lists as an available former Premier League manager, but the 62-day stint at Bayer Leverkusen during which staff openly discussed whether he might be “the worst coach in the club’s history” is going to be an awfully difficult blot on his copybook to ignore.

We want him back no matter where he goes – he’s near the top of the Leeds list – but Tottenham would be ideal. There could be no greater test of the man’s astonishing vanity than self-deprecation in football club form. It’s like David Brent meeting Millhouse and acknowledging after half-a-season of work with him on a more global scale that he too is a loser.

Aston Villa have snuck up to fourth without anyone noticing after some frankly bizarre easy-season doubts over his future at a club which has had a negative net spend since he took over. Tottenham would love a bit of that frugal brilliance.

The former Barcelona coach has been out of work since leaving Barcelona at the end of the 23/24 season, when it was reported that he was eyeing an ‘interesting’ club in the Premier League. There is no chance his use of the word aligns with what makes Tottenham ‘interesting’.

Heavily linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in the summer of 2024 having taken Ipswich up, McKenna’s surely missed his chance of a direct route to one of the Big Six unless he brings the Tractor Boys straight back up again.

It would be very Tottenham to hire a manager recently under pressure in his current job, though an impressive win over Sunderland keeps the wolves from Silva’s door at Fulham for the time being.

The clash against Tottenham on Sunday offers a neat opportunity for Silva to show the Spurs hierarchy what he’s made of.

After two defeats and a draw followed eight games unbeaten, we’re evidently at the start of a Bournemouth trough typical of their wild swings in form under Andoni Iraola. Just at the point where we start to wonder whether he’s in fact already too good for Tottenham, he slumps to a realistic candidate equilibrium.

Crystal Palace are desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal as Glasner continues to work wonders at Selhurst Park, building on the FA Cup success despite losing Eberechi Eze in the summer, having lost Michael Olise the summer before.

The Eagles are a realistic bet to qualify for European competition through the Premier League and are the favourites to win the Conference League. Success with Frankfurt and now Palace does raise the question as to whether he’s an underdog manager. But that could work.

Any time we see a clip of Pochettino in a USMNT press conference or interview he looks like he’s having the worst time, but the results of late have been really very good, with his zenith coming in a 5-1 victory over Uruguay last time out.

He will presumably be very available immediately after the World Cup but not before.

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur have decided to turn to a new leading transfer target as a move for Ivan Toney is hindered by ‘two hurdles’.

Unsurprisingly, Spurs were very active in the transfer market ahead of Thomas Frank‘s debut season in charge and their return to the Champions League.

Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons were among their most notable additions in the summer as Tottenham looked to build a stronger squad after last season’s 17th-placed finish in the Premier League was somewhat salvaged by their Europa League triumph.

Under Frank, Spurs have generally been more solid than they were during Ange Postecoglou’s time in the dugout and they are in the conversation for Champions League qualification as they sit ninth in the Premier League table after 12 matches.

However, Spurs have produced nothing performances against Chelsea and Arsenal, with Sunday’s 4-1 loss to their north London rivals fuelling deserved criticism.

READ: Thomas ‘too nice’ Frank, Daniel ‘whopper’ Farke and Arne Slot doomed

They are lacking in attack as they have struggled to fill the void left by Harry Kane, with Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison yet to prove that they can consistently shine for the Premier League outfit.

Therefore, it could be a priority for Spurs to sign a new striker in January and they are already linked with several potential options.

Toney has been mentioned as a target as it’s been suggested that he could return to the Premier League in January to boost his chances of playing at next summer’s World Cup. He is also understood to have a strong relationship with Frank from their time together at Brentford.

However, a report from journalist Dean Jones for our pals at TEAMtalk claims ‘two major hurdles’ are threatening a deal for Toney, who would need to take a substantial pay cut and there is only a slim chance of him earning a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

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This means they may have to turn to an alternative and journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims they have their eye on Porto standout Samu Aghehowa, who previously came close to joining Chelsea.

Tavolieri explained: ‘Spurs see Aghehowa as the ideal profile to fit into the revamped system of Thomas Frank , a coach renowned for bringing out the best in his strikers — as seen in the successes of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins during his time at Brentford.

‘Tottenham could therefore soon launch a concrete offensive for one of the most followed attacking talents in Europe, hoping to finally fill the void left by Harry Kane.’

Tim Sherwood has urged Tottenham Hotspur to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth after they missed out on Ebere Eze in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, with former transfer target Eze scoring a hat-trick.

It was Thomas Frank’s first away defeat and worst day as Spurs boss so far. His side are now ninth in the Premier League and will fall further down the table if Manchester United avoid defeat to Everton on Monday night.

Eze scoring felt inevitable after Arsenal hijacked Spurs’ pursuit of the England international, but a hat-trick rubbed salt in the wounds.

READ: 16 Conclusions on Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham: Eze, Rice, Frank and the Premier League title

Spurs summer signings: Key statistics

Xavi Simons (£56.3m): 0 goals, 2 assists, 15 games

Mohammed Kudus (£55m): 1 goal, 5 assists, 16 games

Mathys Tel (£30m): 2 goals, 0 assists, 11 games

Randal Kolo Muani (loan): 0 goals, 1 assist, 9 games

His start to the season has been fantastic, while the attacking reinforcements Frank signed in the summer have struggled to make an impact.

Mohammed Kudus was the club’s marquee signing, joining from West Ham United for £55million, before Xavi Simons joined from RB Leipzig as an alternative to Eze.

Simons has fallen victim to the dreaded Bundesliga tax, and his struggles have thrown Tottenham’s failure to sign Eze into sharp focus, especially as it was Arsenal who hijacked the deal.

Kudus, who only has one goal in 11 games this season, is the only attacking signing that Sherwood believes has performed well enough to avoid criticism.

Sherwood has been highly critical of Spurs’ recruitment, blasting the club for signing “average players” rather than spending an extra £10million on “make-the-difference players”.

“Look at the money they’ve spent on them players. All right, Kudus has done okay,” Sherwood said on Sky Sports News.

“What’s Eze? 65 million? You’d rather pay an extra 10 million for a make-the-difference player. You know he’s gonna be a make-the-difference player.

“Just get the deal done as soon as you can. Don’t give the opportunity to other clubs higher than you in the league to come in and nick your price. That’s exactly what Arsenal done.

“Tottenham should have done the deal. Get the deal done before Arsenal pick up the phone to Eze. It happens time and time again.”

Spurs must avoid Eze repeat with Semenyo

Sherwood then urged Spurs to be ruthless and get Bournemouth forward Semenyo through the door in the January transfer window.

“Save your money on average players you keep buying. Let the academy boys be the stocking fillers, and fill up your squad and make-the-difference money on make-the-difference players like him.

“Like Semenyo now, go and get him, Tottenham. Don’t wait for Man City. Don’t wait for Liverpool. Don’t wait for Man United. Go and get him before everyone else comes to the party.

“Don’t give him a decision then. It’s frustrating.”

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract, though that fee will reportedly drop to around £50m next summer.

Spurs know how much it’ll cost to sign the Ghanaian, so as Sherwood says, it’s about being decisive and reaching a full agreement with the player before other clubs swoop in.

Welcome to the Eberechi Eze show. You lads stay solid, give me the ball, and I’ll do the rest.

It was all so straightforward for Arsenal, from start to finish. But then, what else did you expect at this point? This is their season, and with Eze playing as sensationally as this, there is only one outcome.

Call them dull and methodical at times if you like – and we have, plenty – but it is hard to find many flaws in Mikel Arteta’s side when it comes to winning games. A big, impenetrable tank does not have to be painted in pretty colours; it does all its talking with steel and might.

There is just an incredible confidence about this side this season that says ‘we’re happy to take our time because we’re not going to make a mistake, but you are’. It’s not that they can’t be stylish – their goals proved otherwise – but rather that they have a concrete idea about when and where to do it to best catch the opposition off guard.

Tottenham, by contrast, looked little short of desperate and hopeful that the Death Star might just have left an exhaust port exposed, if Guglielmo Vicario could just punt a free kick into it.

Here’s a hint, Tottenham: if you’re relying on your goalkeeper to provide all your attacking creativity, you’re doing everything wrong.

Their efforts off the ball were no better whatsoever, leaving Thomas Frank open to justifiable scrutiny for opting for such a conservative approach to a local derby. Tottenham might as well have just saved themselves the trouble and forfeited the game before kick-off.

That left the first 35 minutes of this North London Derby as a disappointing watch, aside from a beautiful early move that saw Eze dink the ball over the top for Declan Rice to volley straight at Guglielmo Vicario.

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And then, the cannons fired. Mikel Merino fed Leandro Trossard with another exquisite ball over the Tottenham defence, and the Belgian’s shot on the turn was heavily deflected into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later, Eze’s powerful low drive went through a crowd that included two teammates in offside positions, but Vicario seemed to have a clear view of it all the way despite his protestations; the goal stood.

Then within a minute of the restart, Eze again, firing smartly into the bottom corner after Tottenham haplessly failed to take any of several opportunities to stop Arsenal in the build-up.

The best goal of the game went Tottenham’s way, of course, as Richarlison’s pressing helped force a loose ball that he then ran around from 35 yards out and curled over David Raya into the top corner.

That goal of the season contender came completely out of nowhere, and despite the Brazilian racing to grab the ball out of the net and carry it back to the centre circle, you could tell that both he and the away end knew it was unlikely there would be another two moments of genius like that to get Tottenham back into it – because that is what it was going to take against this Arsenal side, Gabriel or no.

Sure enough, next goal Arsenal, Eze completing his hat-trick with another supremely confident finish after Tottenham again flailed and faltered in their efforts to deal with a change of pace from their rivals.

Arsenal are not a flawless team, as Liverpool, Manchester City and Sunderland have shown. But they have by far the fewest flaws of any side in the Premier League. It may be nice for the neutral to think that a clear rival for the title might emerge – Chelsea, for instance – but for that to happen, Arsenal would first have to badly lose their way. There are absolutely no signs that is about to happen.

Arsenal’s defensive indomitability has been there for some time, but with their new attacking additions – especially Eze – and a more consistently available Bukayo Saka, you now go into all their games with the expectation that they should win. More importantly, so do they.

Republic of Ireland hero Troy Parrott could leave AZ Alkmaar in January, with several Premier League clubs circling. He might be exactly what Everton, Leeds United or West Ham need to stay afloat.

Multiple reports have linked Parrott with the Premier League trio after his international heroics, which sent Ireland to the 2026 World Cup play-offs.

Troy Parrott: What a week he’s having, by the way

Scored all five of Ireland’s goals across two World Cup qualifiers

Brace vs Portugal kept play-off hopes alive

Hat-trick in Hungary sealed a dramatic 3–2 win and a play-off spot

The guy is a national hero, and Ireland haven’t even qualified yet!

Parrott has been on fire for AZ this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 matches across all competitions, including six in seven in the Eredivisie.

He carried that form straight into the international break with five goals against Portugal and Hungary, which has prompted Premier League clubs to take notice ahead of January.

“He’s attracting interest, of course, at the moment it is nothing more than calls to enquire about his situation. But this could be an interesting one soon,” said Fabrizio Romano.

Caught Offside claim Leeds could move in January, with Everton and Crystal Palace also keen, while Football Insider have added West Ham to the mix.

Football Insider correspondent Mick Brown explained: “A number of Premier League clubs are looking at Troy Parrott. Not just because he scored a hat-trick in that massive win for Ireland, but he’s been playing at a high level for his club on a more regular basis this season.

“When somebody’s playing at a high level and scoring regularly, these clubs have got to be having a look at them and sending their scouts to go and watch.

“We’ve spoken about numerous clubs in the Premier League who are in need of a striker. This is somebody who is playing in Europe, seems to be at the top of his game, scores goals for club and country, so they’d be stupid not to have a look. Especially playing in the Dutch league, I know most of the clubs if not all of them in England are keeping an eye on what’s going on over there.

“So yeah, I would be very surprised if they weren’t aware of how he’s been playing.”

Parrott could be Leeds’ Raphinha in survival bid

Leeds are currently 16th in the Premier League and there is no doubt they will be in the thick of a relegation battle in the second half of this season.

When you look at the clubs around them at the bottom of the table, Leeds have what some of their rivals lack: an X-factor in attack.

They had that in Raphinha from 2020 to 2022 and that was enough to keep them afloat. Without him, Leeds failed to survive.

Finding someone of that ability will be close to impossible for the Whites, and their rivals do not have anyone on that level, but they do have more difference-makers.

Wolves have Jorgen Strand Larsen, a £60million-rated striker. West Ham have Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen. Brentford have, erm, Michael Kayode’s long throw-ins. Nottingham Forest have Morgan Gibbs-White. Maybe Fulham lack it, but their squad is comfortably stronger, and Kevin has the potential. Finally, Burnley are also crying out for someone with Raphinha’s influence, but there are three relegation spots and Leeds look destined to occupy one if they do not improve in January.

The signing of Parrott could be the shot in the arm this team needs. They are begging for a new centre-forward and Parrott should be their guy.

West Ham might already have a game-changing attacker in Bowen, but they are also crying out for a natural talent through the middle, as Niclas Fullkrug simply is not that guy and he is expected to leave in January.

Last December, we called him “the most ‘two goals in 30 appearances for West Ham’ striker in history”. He has three in 27. Annoying.

Anyway, Leeds and West Ham would be very silly to ignore Parrott’s availability for a reported £26million, it could be what keeps them in the division.

Everton, meanwhile, have two misfiring strikers in Beto and Thierno Barry. They need someone who knows where the back of the net is, FFS.

Could Spurs re-sign Troy Parrott?

The 23-year-old came through the Tottenham academy but never established himself, spending time on loan at Millwall, Ipswich, MK Dons, Preston and Excelsior before joining AZ for €4 million.

A return to North London is “unlikely,” according to Ben Jacobs.

“A lot of people are asking me about Tottenham Hotspur as well, a return to Spurs is unlikely,” Jacobs said.

“It’s been kind of ruled out by all parties, there’s no buy-back clause as far as Tottenham are concerned, but they do have a sell-on of 20%.”

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who will likely have to replace Ben Davies at the end of the season.

The Brazil centre-back has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A and is now Juventus’ vice-captain after joining from city rivals Torino in July 2022.

Gleison Bremer’s career path

Named after German football icon Andreas Brehme

Joined Atletico Mineiro after youth spells with Sao Paulo and Desportivo Brasil

Signed by Torino, aged 21, in 2018

Moved to Juventus in 2022 and made his Brazil debut two months later

Approaching 100 appearances for Juve and has earned five Brazil caps

It is no secret that Tottenham want to sign a new central defender to provide cover for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who were both linked with moves away in the summer and have struggled with injuries.

Thomas Frank also has Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, and the injured Radu Dragusin, but centre-backs continue to be linked with a switch to north London.

One name in the mix is Juventus’ Bremer, who was heavily linked with a Premier League move during his standout years at Torino.

Football Italia have offered a fairly speculative report suggesting Spurs could move for Bremer, largely because his agency also represents several Tottenham players.

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Naturally, they have added two and two together by noting that Davies’ contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Bremer is represented by CAA Base Ltd, the same group responsible for James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence and Richarlison.

Bremer is arguably the best defender in Serie A, not to mention Juventus’ most important player. He would be an incredible coup for Spurs and would likely dislodge one of Van de Ven or Romero if all three were at the club.

And saying Bremer could join to replace Davies is just amazing.

Bremer to Spurs? Maybe not…

There is one major issue: Bremer has played only 10 league games since the start of last season.

The 28-year-old featured in every minute of Juventus’ opening six Serie A matches last term before tearing his ACL, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

He started and finished Juve’s first three games of 2025/26 before being rested on matchday four. He then captained the side on matchday five but has not featured since due to a meniscus injury.

That is concerning and could deter potential suitors like Spurs.

He is not expected to return until next year after undergoing surgery in October.

But if interested clubs are unsure whether to take the risk, Juve’s form without him underlines just how vital he is.

In nine games across all competitions without Bremer, the Italian giants have won only twice and have failed to score in four of their six Serie A matches.

In that period, Juventus sacked head coach Igor Tudor and replaced him with Luciano Spalletti.

Arsenal welcome Tottenham to the Emirates on Sunday for the first North London derby of the season.

The Gunners return from the international break top of the Premier League table, four points clear of Manchester City after an eight-match unbeaten run.

A 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out halted their winning streak, with a stoppage-time equaliser denying them another three points.

Tottenham sit five places back but arrive with momentum of their own. They have the joint-best away record in the league and remain unbeaten on the road.

Their form away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been the foundation of their season. Thirteen points from 15 reflect a side comfortable absorbing pressure and striking at the right moments.

Arsenal hold the recent edge in this derby. They have won five of the last six meetings and completed the league double last season.

The Emirates has also provided a barrier Spurs have rarely broken. Tottenham have not won a Premier League match here since 2010.

With both sides pushing at the top end of the table and carrying clear strengths, this derby arrives with familiar tension and a genuine sense of jeopardy.

How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham

Arsenal vs Tottenham kicks off at 16:30 (UK) on Sunday, November 23, at the Emirates Stadium.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

Arsenal team news

Gabriel is out for at least a month after suffering a thigh injury on international duty, leaving a sizeable gap at both ends of the pitch.

Cristhian Mosquera is expected to step in. The summer signing impressed earlier in the season when covering for William Saliba, and Piero Hincapié offers another option.

Calafiori and Timber both returned from the break with minor issues, while Viktor Gyokeres remains unavailable following the setback against Burnley.

Arsenal are also waiting on updates for Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta was optimistic before the break that all three could return for the derby.

Kai Havertz will not feature after a relapse in his knee recovery, with a return expected towards the end of the year.

Arsenal expected line-up

(4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Eze, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Merino

Tottenham team news

Tottenham remain without a long list of senior players, including Solanke, Kolo Muani, Gray, Dragusin, Kulusevski and Bissouma.

James Maddison is still a long-term absentee. Bergvall is also a concern after withdrawing from Sweden duty under concussion protocols.

Pape Matar Sarr returned to London for treatment after being forced off for Senegal. Spurs will assess him further before the weekend.

Richarlison is now the club’s only fit centre-forward, with Muani joining Solanke on the sidelines.

Tottenham expected line-up

(4-3-3) Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Johnson; Simons, Odobert, Richarlison

Arsenal vs Tottenham stats

– Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League games against Tottenham.

– Arsenal have lost just one of their last thirty-two Premier League home games against Spurs.

– Arsenal have scored in each of their last twenty-six home league derbies.

– Arsenal have scored at least twice in each of the last eight home derbies against Tottenham.

– Arsenal have only conceded once in eight home games in all competitions this season.

– Tottenham are the only side unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season (W4 D1).

– Thomas Frank is winless in his last seven matches against Arsenal (D2 L5).

– This will be Tottenham’s first league derby without Kane or Son since 2014.

Arsenal vs Tottenham predictions

Arsenal will expect a response after the slip at Sunderland, but their injury list leaves Arteta short of stability in key areas. Losing Gabriel removes both a defensive presence and key set-piece threat.

Tottenham arrive with issues of their own, yet their away form has been the defining strength of their season.

Frank’s side have looked far sharper on the road than at home and carry a composure that often suits this fixture.

This has the feel of a tight derby rather than a chaotic one. Arsenal’s set-piece edge is significant, but Spurs’ counter-attacking threat is worth keeping an eye on.

Under 2.5 Goals at 1/1 makes sense given the injuries and the way both sides have managed big games.

Tottenham are looking to land two top targets in the January transfer window with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Villarreal forward Georges Mikautadze on their list, according to reports.

Spurs find themselves fifth in the Premier League under new head coach Thomas Frank with Tottenham winning five, drawing three and losing three of their first 11 matches this term.

Tottenham spent over £180m on new signings in the summer transfer window with attacking players like Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons signing for big money.

Spurs have scored a respectable 19 goals in 11 Premier League matches so far this season but Frank is keen to bring in more attacking reinforcements in January.

Frank’s side have been linked with a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and now Spanish website Fichajes insists that Tottenham are ‘planning an €85m (£75m) offer, combining a substantial fixed payment with performance-based incentives’.

The report adds: ‘The figure, designed to entice Real Madrid , aims to test the Spanish club’s willingness to negotiate the departure of one of its most talented players. The footballer welcomes the possibility of regaining prominence. His lack of playing time at Real Madrid not only reduces his impact but could also jeopardize his place on Brazil’s squad for the next World Cup, a goal he considers a top priority.’

READ: Big Weekend: Arsenal v Tottenham, Manchester City, Garnacho, Farke, Milan, Sheffield derby

The same website claims that Tottenham are also ‘preparing an offer close to €50m (£44m)’ for Georgia international Mikautadze with Spurs ‘convinced of the enormous potential for growth’ of the Villarreal forward.

Fichajes continues: ‘Villarreal insist that Georges Mikautadze is a priority player and that any departure must respect the established sporting plan. Barring a major surprise, the striker will not leave for less than €50 million, and his price could rise in the coming weeks if he continues to shine in La Liga.’

As well as strengthening their forward line, the Daily Mail claims that Tottenham are also going to attempt to sign a new goalkeeper in the winter window.

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The newspaper wrote: ‘Similarly, a world-class goalkeeper would give them a boost and, despite signing Antonin Kinsky less than a year ago, Spurs are actively looking. Guglielmo Vicario has had some brilliant moments this season but does not command his penalty area and is often targeted at set-pieces. Could they, for example, make Aston Villa an offer they can’t refuse for Emi Martinez?

‘There is an element of the unknown because nobody is sure precisely how the Lewis family plan to follow up on public promises to invest in the team for sporting success.’

We’re back, and once again the fixture computer has given us all a treat to make up for two weeks with absolutely no Barclays to sustain us, a fortnight in which we’ve had to make do with nothing more than a series of astonishing international matches with astonishing late drama.

For being so good during the last fortnight, we get to enjoy the first North London Derby of the season. It’s a fixture that usually delivers some kind of nonsense, and we’ve run the numbers and think there are just about enough players left available in the two INJURY-RAVAGED squads to get a game on.

It’s the headline act of the weekend, but far from the only treat in store.

Game to watch: Arsenal v Tottenham

Lovely slice of proper Super Sunday to get us back into the Barclays swing after an astonishing international break that was pleasantly dull if you’re English and wildly, absurdly exciting if you’re from just about anywhere else.

It might have been an interlull to restore your faith in the international game, but what it’s not done is restore either of the North London pair’s squads to anything like their full power.

Both teams will, if anything, be missing even more players than they were before the break. Which was already a lot. That’s probably a bigger problem for Spurs, who lack Arsenal’s initial depth and are also – and you will have to excuse us getting so technical so early – less good at football generally.

At a quick count and with the usual licence applied to what constitutes a ‘first-team’ absence and indeed ‘major doubt’, we’ve got to 21 names who are either definitely out or doubtful.

Almost quicker to run through the ones who aren’t injured, but we’ll stick with the usual approach.

The players missing or doubtful for this one are Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinellil, Gabriel Jesus, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison.

At least it provides whoever loses a ready-made excuse; you just have to carefully ignore the injury ravages faced by the other lot. Which is pretty easily done – football fans are absolute experts at this kind of compartmentalisation.

It’s a shame, though, because the first NLD of the season does arrive at a fascinating point. Both Spurs and Arsenal have had two weeks to stew on frustrating games before the break in which they went 1-0 down and 2-1 up before conceding last-gasp equalisers.

It also pitches the best home record in the country – on a points-per-game basis if not absolute points – against the best away record. Arsenal have four wins and a draw from five home games including Manchester City; Spurs have four wins and a draw from five away games including Manchester City.

Arsenal will be looking to reassert the control they’d taken of the Premier League before allowing City to trim their lead by a couple of points, while for Spurs… well, we really would just like to know whether or not they’re any good.

Up to now their away form has suggested they definitely are, but their home form says definitely not. Their season surely hinges on which of the two has been the more misleading thus far, and it does rather feel like the likelihood is that the away form is flattering more than the home form is deceiving.

But if they remain unbeaten by Sunday evening having ticked off trips to both City and Arsenal, we might have to reconsider. Until they lose at home to Fulham next weekend, of course.

Player to watch: Alejandro Garnacho

Others may have more dramatically highlighted the fact that leaving Manchester United is just simply good for the soul, but there have been some encouraging signs in recent weeks that Garnacho might well join your McTominays and Rashfords and Antonys in proving the point decisively.

He’s got two goals and two assists across his last four appearances for Chelsea and it is easy to forget just how young he is. Not yet 22, he will become the youngest South American to make 100 Premier League appearances should he play some part for Chelsea at Burnley in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

It’s a big game for Chelsea too; with both Arsenal and Man City facing tricky-looking games, the fact Enzo Maresca’s side has first-mover’s advantage as the first team back in post-lull action gives them the chance to thoroughly insert themselves into the title-race picture ahead of the big games on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Team to watch: Manchester City

While the North London Derby is the weekend’s clear standout fixture, the context in which it’s played will depend much on what’s happened at St James’ Park the day before.

Arsenal fans will have felt a familiar feeling when watching City so imperiously pounce on their minor slip just before the international break, and if City go to Newcastle and win on Saturday evening there is suddenly only a point in it ahead of Arsenal’s walking wounded taking on their local rivals.

There is definitely a sense of something around City at the moment. The lethargy – apathy, even – as their title defence and Champions League chances evaporated last season has gone and the new laser focus on harnessing the awesome power of Erling Haaland is reaping rich rewards.

Liverpool and Arsenal have both already gone to Newcastle and won but have had to strain every sinew to do so. It would be no great surprise were City to find it slightly easier with Newcastle currently on the back foot after a couple of damaging and meek away defeats in London at West Ham and Brentford before the break.

Having already had Liverpool and Arsenal come to visit, they could have done with literally anyone else rocking up now – Alan Shearer is certainly worried – but there is clearly a huge chance there for a confident, in-form City to strike a significant blow on not one but two wounded opponents this weekend.

Manager to watch: Daniel Farke

Survived the international break, but how much longer does the Leeds manager have? Does feel like it’s simply a matter of time as he begins a brutal run of fixtures between now and Christmas.

Farke’s misfortune is two-fold here; he knew he’d been left short in the summer, he said he needed more players that he didn’t get. And that very fact that has snookered him in the first five months of the season now puts him under even greater pressure, because Leeds must now also decide which manager they’re buying players for in January. And it really doesn’t feel like that will be Farke.

Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa is followed by games against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool before the first week of December is out.

If the league table suggests that your easiest game on paper in a four-game run is against Liverpool, you’re already in trouble even if you haven’t also lost four of your last five games.

Farke needs something and soon. The problem is that the ‘something’ he needs might just be a miracle.

Football League game to watch: Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United

The first Steel City derby of the season takes place with both clubs marooned in the bottom three and desperately searching for signs of positivity. United have turned back to Chris Wilder, Wednesday have at least and at last taken the first steps out of the misery of the Chansiri ownership.

There hasn’t been a notable uptick in on-field results for either team as a result, but even in the most forlorn of situations a win over local rivals always warms the heart. So it’ll probably be a 0-0 draw.

European game to watch: Inter v Milan

And continuing the local-derby theme, it’s the Milan derby. Slightly different vibe to the Sheffield one here, with both these teams in the top rather than bottom three of Serie A rather than the Championship.

Inter currently lead the way, but Milan could be top of the pile at the end of the weekend if they can take the bragging rights here and Roma fail to beat Cremonese.