GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham Hotspur fans will be devastated by reports stating that Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel has turned them down - and Michael Bridge has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that Bayern were keen on the move, as a means to settle the outstanding bill they owe Spurs for Harry Kane in a major twist.

Tel has been told by Vincent Kompany that he can leave the Bundesliga leaders in the January window after a lack of game time, failing to feature in the Belgian's plans in the current campaign. That saw Tottenham register their interest - but reports had stated that Tel declined a move to the north London club, despite Ange Postecoglou's men agreeing a £50million fee for his services.

Bridge: Bayern 'Were Keen' to Sell Mathys Tel to Tottenham

The deal would financially have worked in both favours

Tottenham, as it stands, are still looking for a new centre-forward amid Dominic Solanke's injury - but an update has been given by Bridge, who stated that Bayern were keen for Tel to move to the club as it would have paid off their debts for the Kane move, which was administered in August 2023.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge stated that the rejection is a blow for Tottenham - and that although he may want to stay in Munich, it's a saga that will have to be waited out. Bridge said:

"I think Bayern were keen on his move, because they still owe Spurs money for Harry Kane - so it wouldn't have necessarily been £50million, it might even have been £20million, but just to pay off the Kane fee.

"So it's a blow. One source has said that he wants to stay in Munich, but we'll wait and see. I think Manchester United have always been looking around.

"It's a disappointing one, because they really do need a forward."

Tel has 16 goals in 83 games for Bayern, although he is behind Kane, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman amongst others in the pecking order. A host of European clubs remain in the race for his signature, including United, and whether Tel will move on over the next few days remains to be seen.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mathys Tel has 40 caps for France's youth teams, scoring 23 goals.

However, it won't be Tottenham, who have been snubbed by the young French prodigy in recent days.

Statistics courtesy of Whoscored. Correct as of 01-02-25.

Tottenham Hotspur

Follow

Followed

Link copied to clipboard

Sign in to your GiveMeSport account

Tottenham have been in contact with a number of defensive targets, amid suspicions of a "serious injury" to Radu Dragusin, Fabrizio Romano has revealed exclusively to GIVEMESPORT.

Having already missed Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for significant portions of the season, Ange Postecoglou has been forced to devise makeshift solutions amid the injury crisis, often fielding the likes of Archie Gray and Djed Spence out of position. Now, with the setback to Dragusin, the club have until the transfer window deadline on Monday to devise a solution.

Romano: Spurs 'Speaking to Several Centre-Backs' Amid Injury Crisis

They have shortlisted a few targets

Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Romano admitted that an upcoming update in regard to Dragusin's injury may not be the sweetest of news to Spurs fans. He said:

"There are several things they have to consider. But they're speaking to several centre backs because there is the injury of Radu Dragusin. What I'm hearing is that it is a serious injury. Then let's wait for a club statement to understand the extent of the injury. But I'm told that it's a serious one."

In a report to X (formerly Twitter), Romano noted there were three options on Tottenham's shortlist, one of them being AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori. However, though negotiations were progressing between clubs, the player has purportedly shut the door on a move to the North Londoners, according to Sky Italy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender, Axel Disasi, is another target for the position. Spurs have reportedly made contact with the 26-year-old over a potential transfer, though the player has already "agreed personal terms" with Aston Villa which could cause complications.

Axel Disasi's 2024/25 Premier League statistics

Appearances

Minutes Played

Goals

Progressive Passes per 90

Passes Completion (%)

Tackles Won per 90

Interceptions per 90

Clearances per 90

Aerials Won (%)

Elsewhere, Tottenham are contemplating a late move for Lyon talent, Rayan Cherki, who could be available for transfer at a fee in the region of £20 million, as revealed exclusively by GIVEMESPORT.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Exclusive: Tottenham Consider Move for £20m Star 'Recommended by Paratici'

Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating whether to take advantage of Lyon's financial situation by signing Rayan Cherki

Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com - Correct as of 01/02/2025

Tottenham Hotspur's bid to sign a new defender could see them land Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan as the transfer window ticks down - but the defender has rejected them, according to reports.

Tottenham have needed recruits in the past few months, with an injury crisis and subsequent poor form to boot - but despite their attempts to bring in players, they may have been declined once again, with Tomori turning them down in a major twist.

Report: Tottenham Target Tomori 'To Stay' at AC Milan, Fee Agreed

The Lilywhites have had another rejection which could prove costly

The report by Gianluca Di Marzio states that Tomori wants to stay at AC Milan at the moment, as the past week has offered alternate points of view. On one hand, a return to the Premier League could be enticing for the former Chelsea star, but there is also the chance to remain at the San Siro.

Tomori has thought about his decision for a few hours, and for now, he wishes to stay in Serie A for the foreseeable future. That is despite there already being a verbal agreement between Tottenham and Milan, with the Lombardy-based outfit being open to the sale of Tomori for a fee of around €25million (£21.25million) plus bonuses.

Tottenham are 'ready' to satisfy Milan's demands, with the clubs reaching angreement on Friday evening, but Tomori has already rejected Ange Postecoglou's men for the time being. Tomori is reportedly only thinking about the Milan derby against bitter enemies Inter Milan, and has no intention of leaving the Rossoneri at the minute. Tomori would add to Tottenham's team as a homegrown player, but whether he will move before the deadline remains to be seen.

Tomori joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, moving through the ranks in the first-team with 27 appearances for the Blues - alongside rewarding loan moves to Hull City, Derby County and AC Milan, where he has since been called 'outstanding'.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Fikayo Tomori has 281 career appearances throughout his career.

It was his time in Serie A that saw him land a permanent move to Italy, where he has since made 163 appearances for the San Siro club - and with five England caps, he's clearly in the mind of the national team setup - where he could find his way back into the team under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 01-02-25.

Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku after failing in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, according to TBR Football.

Tel, 19, turned down the chance to join Ange Postecoglou's side after Spurs agreed on a £50 million deal with Bayern for the French youngster who could still arrive in the Premier League with Manchester United. Postecoglou has been keen to bring a versatile forward to the club during this winter transfer window but has so far failed to do so.

Nkunku, 27, has emerged as a potential option for the Lilywhites amid a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge, where he's playing second fiddle to the likes of Jadon Sancho, Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke in Enzo Maresca's attack. The Frenchman has started just three of 19 Premier League games, posting two goals and one assist.

Tottenham Set Their Sights On Nkunku After Tel Snub

The French attacker wants out of Stamford Bridge

Tottenham have approached Chelsea about Nkunku's availability, who joined the West London giants in the summer of 2023 for £52 million but has struggled with fitness issues. He is a versatile attacker who can play across the frontline, and as a second striker, which fits the profile Postecoglou has been after during the January transfer window.

Randal Kolo Muani was Spurs' top target, but the Paris Saint-Germain frontman chose to join Juventus on loan over the Lilywhites, and Daniel Levy put his focus on Tel in recent days. Levy failed to persuade him to make the move despite holding face-to-face talks in Munich, and Nkunku is now one of several alternatives.

Chelsea are reportedly demanding £65 million for Nkunku amid interest from Bayern and now their neighbours, and Levy is scrambling for a forward signing, but his position at the negotiating table is weakened by alerting the selling club to his willingness to spend £50 million on Tel.

Nkunku, who earns a purported £300,000 per week, was one of Europe's finest attackers at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, managing 70 goals and 54 assists in 172 games. A serious knee injury hampered the start of the 14-cap France international's spell at Stamford Bridge and he's been unable to shine with the Blues.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 01/02/2025.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur have endured nothing short of a tumultuous season but have still managed to secure automatic passage into the Europa League’s Round of 16 – but that’s not thanks to the competition’s worst-performing player so far: central defender Radu Dragusin.

In Postecoglou’s maiden season in the north London dugout, their fifth-placed Premier League finish saw them enter Europe’s second tier competition. In the new-look league phase, the capital club finished fourth after winning five of their eight games.

Sides from the English top tier – Tottenham and Manchester United, who finished in third place – have fared well in the altered format as both breezed through to the next round without having to embark on a two-legged play-off tie.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tottenham scored the joint second most goals in the Europa League play-off phase (17), alongside Lazio and behind Galatasaray (19).

Postecoglou, who has previously insisted that he always wins silverware in his second campaign in charge of a club, kick-started his trophy charge with a 3-0 win over Qarabag FK before overseeing a 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros.

They also reigned as victors in a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar and in a 3-2 win over Hoffeinhem 3-2. Tottenham did lose 3-2 to Turkish outfit Galatasaray, while a pair of draws – a 2-2 draw against Roma and 1-1 against Rangers – damaged their league position ever so slightly.

While the likes of Rangers' Cyriel Dessers and Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann make the worst-performing XI, Dragusin’s rating of 6.11 is the worst of the bunch – which makes it a surprise as to how Tottenham managed to cruise to a top four finish.

Albeit not Postecoglou and his entourage’s first choice in the heart of defence, injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have often seen the 26-cap Romania international and Archie Gray, a midfielder by trade, as their central defensive partnership.

Dragusin, who was dubbed as one of the ‘most interesting young defenders in Serie A’ prior to his £25 million move to London, has struggled to prove his weight in gold. He’s played 37 times for the club since moving from Genoa.

In the aforementioned win over Qarabag, Dragusin was shown his marching orders within eight minutes. More recently, in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg, the 22-year-old entered the fray at half-time just to pick up an injury in the 66th minute.

They are two cameos which have, no doubt, contributed to his lowly rating – but it’s evident that the jump up from Italian football to playing in Postecoglou’s high-line is far more onerous than many expected.

While their exact opponent remains unknown until Europa League play-off ties are played out, Tottenham – and Manchester United, for that matter – will play one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar in their pursuit of glory.

Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating whether to head to the negotiating table with a late bid for Lyon star Rayan Cherki after Hotspur Way recruitment chiefs and boss Ange Postecoglou have been desperately attempting to bolster their attacking options, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs' hopes of securing fresh creativity and firepower before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Monday suffered a significant blow when Mathys Tel snubbed the opportunity to move to north London despite a £50million fee being agreed with Bundesliga title-chasers Bayern Munich.

That resulted in Postecoglou having to return to the drawing board and, having improved his options in the goalkeeping department thanks to the £12.5million acquisition of Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague last month, the Greek-Australian tactician is working closely with technical director Johan Lange.

Spurs Contemplate Attempting to Land Cherki

French winger would be cut-price alternative to Tel before deadline

Tottenham are considering a move for Cherki after being put on red alert thanks to his availability, according to GMS sources, while there is an awareness that he would be a cut-price alternative to Tel as Lyon are prepared to sanction a mid-season departure if a bid in the region of £20million is tabled.

The Ligue 1 giants are willing to entertain offers for the 21-year-old after being provisionally relegated to France's second tier due to financial mismanagement, leading to them needing to secure cash before the fast-approaching transfer deadline if they want to remain in the top flight, and Spurs could profit from the situation.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are toying with the idea of heading to the negotiating table after Cherki has been touted around Premier League clubs during the final days of the winter window, and he was recommended to the north Londoners by former managing director of football Fabio Paratici.

But Spurs will have to act quickly if they want to tempt the attacking midfielder to embark on a fresh challenge in north London as Borussia Dortmund have progressed in discussions over a winter switch, while he has also shown an interest in joining the Bundesliga heavyweights in the aftermath of Niko Kovac being appointed as their new head coach this week.

Postecoglou is desperately looking to enhance his attack after falling to within eight points of the Premier League's relegation zone, GMS sources have learned, and Cherki has been pinpointed as a potential last-gasp recruit following the disappointment of being rejected by fellow Frenchman Tel.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Rayan Cherki made five key passes and won three ground duels during Lyon's draw with Nantes last weekend

North Londoners Face Competition for Cherki

Quartet of Premier League rivals aware of 21-year-old's availability

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are not the only Premier League side to have been kept in the loop over Cherki's availability as Fulham, Newcastle United, Everton and West Ham United have also been keeping tabs on his situation as they deliberate whether to offer a route out of his current surroundings.

The France under-21 international, who has been compared to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi by ex-Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, is being viewed by a host of admirers as an attractive option due to being on the market with a significantly lower asking price than other highly-rated talents.

There have been reservations over whether Cherki wants to play in England after he has previously turned down the likes of Fulham, while there have been concerns when it comes to his attitude and application, but GMS sources understand that Tottenham are mulling over whether to open negotiations.

The Lyon academy graduate is not the only winger Spurs are monitoring as GMS sources recently revealed that Postecoglou could attempt to beat Chelsea to the signing of Alejandro Garnacho despite Manchester United seeking bids worth in excess of £60million as the closure of the transfer window edges closer.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox

Tottenham Hotspur are toying with the idea of making a last-minute attempt to lure Alejandro Garnacho to Hotspur Way despite facing competition from London rivals Chelsea for the Manchester United star as the winter transfer deadline edges closer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs have been forced to move onto alternative targets after Mathys Tel rejected the opportunity to embark on a fresh challenge in the capital even though a £50million deal was agreed with Bundesliga table-toppers Bayern Munich, leaving boss Ange Postecoglou in a desperate situation ahead of Monday's 11pm cut-off point.

Antonin Kinsky has been Tottenham's only acquisition since the turn of the year, thanks to the goalkeeper completing a £12.5million switch from Slavia Prague, but technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy have refused to rest on their laurels in the aftermath of being frustrated in their attempts to strengthen their options in attack.

Spurs Consider Last-Gasp Move for Garnacho

North Londoners eyeing Argentine after Tel disappointment

Tottenham have entered the race for Garnacho's signature and refused to rule out the possibility of attempting to beat Chelsea to an agreement, according to GMS sources, but there are doubts over whether they are prepared to meet Manchester United's demands at this stage of the transfer window.

Spurs' pursuit is complicated by the fact that the Argentina international still has three-and-a-half-years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £50,000-per-week, putting the Red Devils in a strong negotiating position ahead of potential last-gasp proposals, but Postecoglou is deliberating whether to test their resolve.

Manchester United have been waiting for Chelsea to make an offer as there is a belief that head coach Enzo Maresca still wants to pounce but, in a significant twist, GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham could look to beat their Premier League rivals as they go in search of an alternative to Tel.

Although Spurs and the Blues have opted against formalising their interest by lodging a formal proposal, despite being in a race against time, Red Devils chief Ruben Amorim is relaxed about the situation and will only sanction the winger's departure if a bid too good to turn down is tabled after showing no desperation to do business.

Tottenham and Chelsea will need to make an offer in the coming hours if they want to stand a chance of recruiting Garnacho as Manchester United are only prepared to part ways if they have enough time to line up a replacement, GMS sources have learned, but his desire to head to north London is uncertain at this stage.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Alejandro Garnacho won eight ground duels and provided an assist during Manchester United's Europa League victory over FCSB in midweek

Levy Plotting Potential Garnacho Loan Swoop

Winger's current employers seeking big-money fee before deadline

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham chairman Levy is deliberating whether to attempt to negotiate an initial loan deal for Garnacho despite being aware that Manchester United are not interested in a temporary switch and remain adamant that it would take more than £60million to get the deal across the line.

Spurs' disappointment in being unable to recruit Tel came after also missing out on Randal Kolo Muani earlier this month, thanks to the France international choosing to join Juventus from reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season, resulting in Postecoglou scrambling for fresh attacking impetus from elsewhere.

Tottenham could look into securing Marcus Rashford if his wages can be subsidised and they come up short in the race for his Manchester United teammate, GMS sources understand, but the latter is higher on their list of targets and they are plotting a move despite the 20-year-old and his representatives showing an openness to heading to Chelsea.

GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils would not entertain any offers which come after Friday, due to fears of being unable to swoop for a replacement before the transfer window slams shut, but Spurs and their counterparts at Stamford Bridge are still threatening to test their resolve in the coming hours.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox

Tottenham have reportedly approached Chelsea defender, Axel Disasi, in a bid to bolster their defence before the transfer window slams shut on Monday, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Disasi looks set to be on his way out of the club very soon, having already "agreed personal terms" with Aston Villa. The midlands-based club are thought to be negotiating a loan proposal for the 26-year-old, though Spurs' interest has forced a key decision from the player.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou and his entourage have been scouring the market for defenders, following the injury to Radu Dragusin. They could be looking to add up to two new centre-backs to reinforce the depth in the position, and AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori is a primary target. Negotiations have progressed well in that regard, and the Italian outfit are reportedly eager to "move on" from the Englishman.

Multiple defensive signings could be on the cards

Spurs' defensive woes have been well-documented so far this term, and injuries to star players including Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have forced a reliance on back-up centre-backs. With options limited, however, Postecoglou has resorted to fielding the likes of Archie Gray and Djed Spence out of position to cover instead.

The Greek-Australian custodian is determined to ensure this is no longer the case in the second half of the season, and the Tottenham hierarchy could be willing to sanction up to two new arrivals in the position. Disasi's acquisition would likely be expected alongside Tomori, as opposed to one or the other.

A deal for Disasi may be difficult, as it was previously revealed the Frenchman "only wants Aston Villa". The midlands-club could offer Champions League opportunities, although he may be in line to receive more game time in North London, given their availability issues.

Having joined the club in 2023 for £39 million, Disasi is one of the most expensive French signings in Premier League history. Things haven't quite worked out for him at Stamford Bridge, and, with just four league starts this term, he is likely uninvolved in Enzo Maresca's plans.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a boost in their pursuits of Mathys Tel, with fellow clubs in the race for his services now convinced he will be signing for Spurs, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.

It has been a turgid season for Tottenham, one littered with injuries and inconsistency as a result of those absences. They are currently 15th in the Premier League table, having won just seven of their 23 matches played. There is understandable pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, but the Australian is in clear need of reinforcements.

Spurs have made just one signing so far this month, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague. The club seem keen to make at least one outfield addition before the early February transfer deadline and now appear closer to making a signing than not.

Spurs the target for Tel

Frenchman wants to remain in Europe

According to Plettenberg, Mathys Tel will not be moving to Al-Ahli, having turned down a potential approach from the Saudi side. The Frenchman’s preference is to remain in Europe, in order to compete at the highest level. Saudi clubs now expect him to move to England, with Spurs displaying an immense interest in the Bundesliga record-breaking forward.

Tel has struggled for form this season, but much of that has been due to limited minutes in the Bayern Munich first team under new manager Vincent Kompany. It is this game time, or more so, the lack thereof, that has led Tel to requesting a departure from the Bavarian giants by the end of the window.

At Spurs, Tel would have clear first-team opportunities, either leading the line or in another attacking position. Still only a teenager, it would be an ambitious signing for Spurs and one that would show firm support of Postecoglou from the ownership, with reports suggesting that Spurs have reached an agreement to sign Tel for £50 million already.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the opportunity to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface before the transfer deadline on Monday, TBR Football has claimed.

The Lilywhites, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, have been given the chance to land the Nigerian international with just four days remaining in the winter market.

Boniface has reportedly been offered to a host of Premier League clubs following the collapse of his move to the Saudi Pro League, as Bayer are ‘willing’ to parting ways with the 24-year-old this month.

The reigning Bundesliga champions accepted Al-Nassr’s offer in the region of £50m for Boniface and could seek a similar fee if any of the English clubs decide to make a move.

Tottenham Offered Victor Boniface Deal

The 24-year-old ‘widely admired’ in England

According to TBR Football, Boniface is widely admired by Premier League sides and has become a topic of conversation at several clubs, who have been made aware of his availability.

The Nigeria international has endured a difficult second season in Germany and has just returned from a two-month injury absence after suffering a setback in mid-November.

The 24-year-old, labelled 'world-class' by This Day, has made 15 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in almost 1,000 minutes of action for Leverkusen.

Tottenham are believed to be targeting a new forward before Monday’s deadline, with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel now their primary target.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites are prepared to splash out €60m (£50m) to secure the promising 19-year-old on a permanent deal, although they may first have to overcome competition from Premier League clubs.

As many as four English heavyweights are thought to be following Tel’s case at the moment, including Manchester United and Chelsea, while the Frenchman is still deciding on his next step.

Tottenham have yet to sign an outfield player this window, having only welcomed Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky earlier this month.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.