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Thomas Frank said Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence knows his reaction at Nottingham Forest "didn't look the best" and expects the defender to learn from it.

Spence, 25, looked perplexed at being substituted during the 3-0 loss at the City Ground and it is the second time this season the England international has made headlines with a reaction towards Spurs boss Frank.

- Laurens' weekend preview: Spurs-Liverpool search for form, more

- Frank to speak to Spence about reaction to being subbed

- Sources: Frank not at immediate risk of Tottenham sack

Micky van de Ven and Spence appeared to ignore instructions by Frank to applaud the home fans following a 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Nov. 1 and, while an apology from the duo followed, the former Brentford head coach hinted this latest incident cannot happen again.

"I spoke to him. He was disappointed because he thought because of an injury he was subbed off and it wasn't, or that we thought he had an injury," Frank explained.

"I think he's been highlighted twice which, of course, is never perfect because then we need to use time on it here in the press conference so it's best if we haven't.

"It's two situations where he's very aware of the fact it didn't look the best and we are dealing with young people.

"He's 24 or 25 years old? How can I say, a big focus and pressure, and sometimes you don't do exactly what is the perfect way, and you learn from it. You should learn from it and do it better in the future."

Spence is expected to start when Liverpool visit Tottenham on Saturday, but Brennan Johnson could again be consigned to a place on the bench.

Johnson's lack of game time has sparked rumours a January move could be on the cards and even though Frank implied he would like to keep last season's leading scorer, the Wales international has been an unused substitute in two of the last four league games.

Asked if he wanted Johnson to stay, Frank said: "Yeah, I think we will be playing a lot of games, so it's important to have enough to shoot with.

"Overall I'm happy with Brennan. He trained well [Friday]. We mentioned before that he has played some very good games on the right and [Mohammed] Kudus has come in, so that's been a little bit of bigger competition there. Not that he can't play to the left.

"I'm happy with Brennan. I'm happy with everyone in the squad. It's just I can only play 11 unfortunately."

Every Friday, I pick the best or most exciting games not to be missed in the world of football each weekend. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

This week, we take you to England, Italy, Spain, France and Morocco for the start of a huge tournament, a potential record, some cup magic and some big-boy clashes!

English giants looking for form

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool

Premier League, Matchday 17

Kickoff: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. GMT

Considering the current form of each team, this is not as big of a game as we would have liked, but it is still Tottenham against Liverpool, two huge clubs in the Premier League looking for form and consistency. The visitors said goodbye to Mohamed Salah (for now) after the win against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, but they are still looking for the right formula. What system is Arne Slot going to play? With who in it? How well will the Reds perform?

To be fair, the questions are similar for Thomas Frank, whose Spurs side was battered by Nottingham Forest last weekend (3-0). It was embarrassing defeat in the sense that Tottenham did absolutely nothing with the ball. Frank has been unable so far to build anything attacking wise, and it is a massive problems. Will Spurs play in transition against Liverpool? It is their best chance as that's all they know to do. The manager will have to pick the right players for it, though, after messing up a few starting lineups already recently.

MY PREDICTION: Tottenham 1, Liverpool 2. Liverpool will take advantage of Tottenham's average home form this season in the league.

Can Mbappé make Madrid history?

Real Madrid vs. Sevilla

LaLiga, Matchday 17

Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. GMT

The only reason this game is interesting is because of the possibility for Kylian Mbappé to write his name in the (heavy and full) Real Madrid history book. Yes, Xabi Alonso is still very much under pressure. Yes, a loss on Saturday could lead to the sack for him, but all eyes will be on Mbappé. One more goal and he will equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record of the most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid with 59, back in 2013. If he netted a brace against Sevilla, the Parisian would reach 60 and overtake his idol.

It would be an incredible achievement for Mbappé. He is obsessed with records, and especially when he can best Ronaldo.

MY PREDICTION: Real Madrid 3, Sevilla 0. Mbappé will do it. He will score twice to break a new record and lead Real Madrid to a win to finish the year.

A top-four clash in Italy

Juventus vs. AS Roma

Serie A, Matchday 16

Kickoff: Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. GMT

Another weekend and another big clash between two heavyweights of Serie A. Juve vs. Roma in Turin is fifth vs. fourth with only four points separating the two teams in the table. Both of them had massive 1-0 victories last weekend, on Sunday away at Bologna for Luciano Spalletti's Bianconeri, and on Monday against Como for Gian Piero Gasperini's capital club.

After a heavy schedule in the past few weeks full of European fixtures, this is the last game before the Christmas break, and both have to win. Roma are only three points behind league-leading Inter Milan while Juve are a further four points behind in fourth. Getting three points against a solid Roma team would be huge for Spalletti.

MY PREDICTION: Juventus 1, Roma 1. I can't see any winner in this one. I would love a super-attacking and exciting encounter, but I think it will be tight and cagey.

Morocco kick off AFCON with high expectations

Morocco vs. Comoros

Africa Cup of Nations, group stage

Kickoff: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT

This is the opening game of the most anticipated AFCON in a very long time. Morocco kick things in on home soil on Sunday, and the whole country is buzzing. Morocco want to host the greatest-ever Africa Cup of Nations and hope for a first win for their Atlas Lions since 1976.

Walid Regragui has been doing an amazing job with this team, reaching the semifinals of the last FIFA World Cup, breaking the record of the most successive wins, and now it's the biggest challenge of his managerial career. Win AFCON on home soil and he and his players will become living legends in Morocco.

MY PREDICTION: Morocco 2, Comoros 0. Morocco will start their AFCON with a convincing and comfortable win in against one of the smallest sides of the tournament.

The magic of the cup travels 4,350 miles

AS Gosier vs. Lorient

Coupe de France, round of 64

Kickoff: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. GMT

The Coupe de France always offers some exotic ties due to the fact that some teams come from the overseas French territories. AS Gosier, from Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean islands, is the last side still in the competition. They are located almost 4,350 miles away from Lorient, who they face in this round.

It's an incredible occasion for the amateurs islanders. They arrived in Paris, where their "home" game will be played, a week ago. They have been training at Clairefontaine, like the France team trains during international breaks, where they're also staying to be ready for the biggest game in the club history. AS Gosier play in the equivalent of the sixth tier of French football. Their star player is Claudio Beauvoir, the former Guingamp, Lyon, Celta Vigo and Leganes forward who had a good career and is now enjoying, at 37, playing with his mates.

On paper, Gosier have no chance against Ligue 1 side Lorient. They are fighting in the top flight to stay up, which is their priority, and they know how tricky this game is. The whole stadium will be full of support for Gosier and for the magic of the cup.

MY PREDICTION: Gosier 1, Lorient 2. AS Gosier will be proud of their performance, but in the end, Lorient will be too strong for them.

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool to north London on Saturday night, as the Premier League witnesses one of its most exciting clashes of the season.

Arne Slot will hope to continue Liverpool's mini-revival following two wins on the bounce (against Inter Milan and Brighton), albeit without Mohamed Salah's presence, who has joined up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. Spurs, meanwhile, followed their 3-0 win in the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 loss away to Nottingham Forest.

Both clubs have had a rare week off to train, and with plenty of issues to solve on either side, it is anyone's guess who will come out on top in London.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's game!

How to watch:

The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, NBC Sports in the U.S., JioHotstar in India and Stan Sport in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details:

Date: Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET; 11 p.m. IST and 3:30 a.m. AEST, Sunday)

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: John Brooks

VAR: Stuart Attwell

How will the absence of AFCON stars impact the game?

It was supposedly Mo Salah's final game in a Liverpool shirt when he came on against Brighton midway in the first half and provided an assist in a 2-0 win. Tensions with the club have dissipated since, and there are even reports that Salah could stay on with the club after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Given Salah's much-publicised absence from the starting lineup in recent times, the Liverpool boss doesn't have to rejig his favoured XI. Yet, Salah represented a fearsome option from the bench, and his absence will further impact Liverpool's ability to be unpredictable with their style of play. Slot's complained since the start of the season about teams playing a certain way against them, and teams may figure out another solution for his new formation.

As for Spurs, Senegal midfielder Pape Sarr's departure won't truly affect Frank, as he only started one of Tottenham's last five games and is clearly not trusted by the Spurs boss. Given the club have been struck by multiple injuries all season, Frank might be loathe to lose another option in midfield, especially since Yves Bissouma will also feature for Mali.

Will injuries affect Slot's new formation?

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five games, and a large portion of the credit goes to Arne Slot's rejigged 4-2-3-1 formation. Joe Gomez, who started at right-back, limped off against Brighton and is certain to miss this game, while Dominik Szoboszlai (who dropped to right-back after Salah came on) faces a late fitness test with an ankle problem. Conor Bradley's return from suspension ought to mean the right-back role ought to be his, but Slot faces a dilemma in his creative line behind the striker.

Salah would have slotted into the right-wing role had he been available, but Slot's options are limited -- a scenario compounded by Cody Gakpo's injury. Florian Wirtz looks most at home operating from the left in this formation, which might necessitate one of Federico Chiesa or Rio Ngumoha operating from the right. Slot could even revert to Wirtz playing centrally behind the striker, but that could disturb the way his current double pivot presses the ball in midfield.

There may be a temptation to revert to a three-man midfield behind three forwards, but that would be needlessly risky against a Spurs side that leaks goals anyway. Keeping the unbeaten run going will be crucial for Slot, and the less he disturbs a working system that has kept three clean sheets in that period, the better.

Will a loss earn Frank the sack?

A home fixture against Liverpool is hardly a gimme, but Thomas Frank will need to ensure that his side at least comes away with a point against the reigning Premier League champions. Spurs have replaced the gung-ho football of Ange Postecoglou with a circumspect version in Thomas Frank, but they've conceded 21 goals in 16 games anyway, despite Micky van den Ven's assertion that he prefers Frank's style of play.

Tottenham fans, who place quite the premium on attacking football, would have made do with Frank's safety-first approach if the results were coming their way. Spurs appeared to have turned a corner following their last-gasp draw against Newcastle, with wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, only for the 3-0 hammering away to Forest smashing any semblance of positivity within the club.

Frank is teetering on the edge, but given he's had to deal with perhaps the lengthiest injury list of any PL manager since the start of the season, he ought to be afforded a bit of leeway. A couple of big results against teams like Liverpool would go a long way in ensuring he's backed in the January transfer window - which would prove crucial in him staying in the job.

Goal-fest incoming?

The last seven games between these two teams have yielded 36 goals at an average of 5.15 goals per game. Liverpool have scored 24 of those, but they went goalless in their last trip to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, a 0-1 loss in the EFL Cup.

While Spurs have scored a sizeable 25 PL goals this season, they have massively overperformed their xG (15.2), which is the amongst the lowest in the division (only Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland have accumulated lower totals through sixteen games). Meanwhile, Liverpool have the fifth-best xG conceded stats in the division, despite conceding 24 goals so far. For all the brickbats aimed at Virgil van Dijk and co., Slot's team has defended relatively well.

Should both teams revert to their xG averages, it points to Spurs finding it difficult to score, while Liverpool may find the net. With both managers feeling the pressure, we might not have the goal-fests of previous seasons.

How do you solve a problem like Isak?

Two goals, one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions. Those are awful numbers for the Premier League's most expensive signing of all time, and it's not like Alexander Isak can redeem himself by pointing to his underlying numbers - (his xG+xA of 2.10 is nowhere near the best in the squad).

The 'lack of a pre-season' argument has long flown out the window. While fit, the Swedish striker looks bereft of confidence and clearly needs to play to work himself into form. However, Slot's attempt at shoehorning both Isak and Hugo Ekitike into the same lineup came up with nothing against Inter Milan in the Champions League -- the pair made zero passes to each other.

Ekitike appears to be Slot's first choice at the moment, and with plenty to play for this season, the Dutch manager would be risking plenty if he takes the Frenchman out of the lineup against Spurs. However, Isak has scored 6 goals in five games against Tottenham in his career -- he's not scored more against any other opponent. Coupled with Spurs' poor form at home, this could represent the ideal opportunity for Isak to find form. If Liverpool are to win anything this season, Isak will need to get back to his fearsome best.

Mali and Tottenham Hotspur are working together to ensure captain Yves Bissouma gets back to his best during the Africa Cup of Nations following a challenging six months, according to Eagles head coach Tom Saintfiet.

The 29-year-old has been named in Mali's AFCON squad despite not playing a competitive fixture for his club since May, amidst fitness and disciplinary problems under incoming Spurs head coach Thomas Frank.

However, Saintfiet believes that Bissouma can still be among Mali's key players at the Nations Cup, having worked in tandem with his Premier League employers to give the central midfielder the best chance of featuring in Morocco.

"It's sad that he's been inactive for a few months because of injury," Saintfiet told ESPN, "but we are working together with Tottenham to get him back, and we hope that he'll be on the pitch during the AFCON to help our team.

"He's always a major player for our team on and off the pitch, and we need him on our way to success."

Saintfiet handed Bissouma seven minutes of action in October, during Mali's World Cup qualifying victory over Madagascar in Bamako, but acknowledges that the midfielder is short of match fitness heading into the biennial showpiece.

Bissouma has struggled with knee and ankle injuries during the first five months of the Premier League season, even undergoing ankle surgery in October, while he was also cut from Spurs' squad for the August UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain by Frank due to persistent lateness.

"He's a leader, a personality, an intelligent footballer, and he helps the team a lot," Saintfiet continued. "We're helping him step by step to get [back to match sharpness], but we don't put any pressure.

"We know that maybe game one will be too early for him, but we'll see when he's ready," he concluded. "We have a lot of good players, but we could on him, on and off the pitch, as our team captain."

While Frank has insisted the door is open to Bissouma returning to first-team contention at Tottenham when fit, he has also had to contend with further disciplinary issues, with the UK media reporting earlier this month that he had been filmed inhaling nitrous oxide for a second time.

He was previously handed a one-match ban at the start of the 2024-25 season for a similar offence, when footage emerged of him breathing in laughing gas.

Entering the final six months of his contract with Tottenham, it remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old has a future in North London beyond the end of this season, with the likes of West Ham United and Everton previously understood to be interested in the ex-Brighton man.

Spurs are also understood to have the option to activate a one-year extension to Bissouma's contract if they so desire.

Mali open their AFCON campaign against Zambia in Casablanca on Monday, before they face hosts Morocco in Rabat four days later. Their Group A mission will conclude with a showdown with Comoros on December 29.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank expects to be given time to turn his side's problems around after insisting there is "no quick fix" following a 3-0 Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest.

A mistake playing out from the back was proved costly by Callum Hudson-Odoi, who then scored with an overhit cross as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was caught out of position.

The forlorn Italy international could not do anything to keep out Ibrahim Sangaré's wonder goal as Spurs put in a wretched performance and endured a desperate afternoon in the East Midlands.

The clouds had appeared to be lifting after a draw at Newcastle and wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague -- but this was as bad as it has been under Frank, who insisted things would not turn around overnight.

Asked if he would be given time to implement his idea, the Dane said: "I can't see why not. I think it's pretty evident that if no one gets the time, no one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix."

He added that, while he may appear cool, he is hiding a "hurricane" inside him.

"I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it's deeply frustrating that we are not doing better today after three good performances," he said.

"I think it is extremely important to be calm and measured and of course, have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they're not in doubt of what I think.

"I'm very honest about where we are as well. I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance, no two ways about that.

"But I also know that to change this will take some time. No one will want to hear about that. It's just reality.

"I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances and that's the thing. We are working very hard."

Frank did absolve goalkeeper Vicario of any blame for the opening goal -- even though his pass to Archie Gray put the Spurs midfielder under pressure.

"I think you see that every week in the Premier League and from every team all over the world," Frank added. "So, there's no problem with that.

"It is a classic thing you see week in, week out. A ball playing to one of the two sitters, bounce it up first touch, not take a touch.

"You learn from that, I'm pretty sure he will use one touch next time."

While Spurs put in a shocking performance, this was probably the best for Forest under new boss Sean Dyche, whose side moved five points clear of the drop zone.

"Overall, it was probably our best [performance] because of the balance of play," Dyche explained.

"When we had to defend, we did. When we could play, we did. When we had to clear our lines and do the basics, we did."

Dyche is usually pragmatic when his side scores, but even he allowed himself to celebrate Sangaré's stunner, not that he admitted it.

"I'll have to look at that back," he joked. "I'll have to get the VAR to have a check on that. I'm disappointed in myself if I have got involved in that nonsense."

Tottenham had also succeeded in frustrating United defensively. By half-time, United had already attempted 15 shots -- slightly above their 90-minute Women's Super League (WSL) season average of 14.5 -- as they struggled to convert their pressure into goals.

But complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the second half after Fridolina Rolfö was introduced. The 32-year-old's impact was immediate and decisive and, after Ella Toone pulled one back in the 74th minute, Rolfö almost single-handedly dragged United back into the contest, scoring twice to complete the comeback and save a 3-3 draw -- with her equalizer coming right at the death.

Ultimately, it was a game of two halves. Spurs demonstrated some devastating efficiency early on but sat back too early and struggled to hold off a ruthless United, who were determined to fight back. The hosts may have shown resilience, intensity, and belief to salvage a point from a seemingly lost position, but they also showed just how vulnerable they can be.

After a great start to life in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL), United suffered a bruising 3-0 loss to OL Lyonnes midweek and failed to get a shot on target against the eight-time champions. Their once-unflappable defense looked shaky as they lost control, and vulnerabilities in attack began to seep into their defending.

So where do these two results leave them? Well, nine points behind WSL leaders Manchester City (in fourth place) and heading into the final UWCL matchday on Wednesday with a playoff spot assured, something many have long suspected is clear: Given the composition of the squad, United are not yet equipped to compete simultaneously for both the WSL and the UWCL.

However, the resilience that has often been absent in recent seasons, particularly when compared to the ingrained winning mentality of a side like Chelsea, is beginning to surface.

Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea have shown in recent years just how demanding it is to sustain challenges on both fronts. City, despite holding a six-point lead over Chelsea in the WSL this season, missed out on European qualification and were unable to maintain momentum in either competition last year, primarily due to injuries. Arsenal, meanwhile, effectively sacrificed their domestic title ambitions after damaging defeats to Aston Villa (5-2) and Brighton (4-2), but that compromise ultimately delivered their first continental title in 18 years.

Chelsea provide perhaps the clearest example of the trade-off required. They have maintained domestic supremacy, winning the WSL in each of the past three seasons, but at a significant cost in Europe. Last season's 8-2 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the semifinals marked the third consecutive year they exited at that stage.

This season is the first time United have had to balance the demands of two of the toughest competitions in the world, and their performances across the past week reflect that learning curve. Ahead of a decisive Champions League fixture against Juventus on Wednesday, there are positives to take from the draw with Spurs: the timing and impact of the substitutions, and the grit shown to recover from a difficult position.

What cannot be overlooked, however, is how vulnerable United appeared at times. A lack of a clinical edge in attack has left increased pressure on a defense that, last season, was among the strongest in the league. As a result, United looked exposed, and well-organized opponents willing to take their chances will view this performance as a blueprint for how to frustrate and ultimately defeat them.

Yes, injuries and absences have compounded these issues; Celin Bizet is unavailable due to pregnancy, Hannah Blundell has only recently returned from maternity leave, and Millie Turner has been sidelined since her injury against London City Lionesses. That has left United with just two available central defenders and limited tactical flexibility.

But while a lack of depth may be a reasonable explanation against a side like OL Lyonnes, who boast one of the deepest and most talent-rich squads in Europe, it holds less weight against Spurs. Barring two new additions, Spurs fielded largely the same squad that United dispatched comfortably twice last season. The visitors also named just one attacking substitute on a thin bench, making United's squad depth appear considerable by comparison.

So, a busy January transfer window feels essential if United are to keep pace in the title race and give themselves a realistic chance of progressing through to the UWCL knockouts. To even attempt to fight on both fronts, significant investment will be required. This could arguably be United's most crucial spending window.

Nottm Forest vs. Spurs (14 Dec, 2025) Live Score  ESPN

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation at Tottenham Hotspur while Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot could leave for a move to Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's grades | Women's grades

TOP STORIES

- Arteta tells critics to back off struggling Gyökeres

- Frank: Tottenham will make signings in January

- David Silva: 'I was the first' to receive Inter Miami offer

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation, with Tottenham Hotspur working to renew the right back's contract beyond its 2028 expiry, says TEAMtalk. City are looking for a new right back and also have Newcastle United's Tino Livramento high on their list of options, though Porro was on their books from 2019-2022 and didn't make a first team appearance. Spurs are willing to give the 26-year-old a significant pay rise as they aim to see off interest from other clubs.

- Real Madrid are interested in a deal for Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, 26, according to TEAMtalk. United's director of football Jason Wilcox is considering letting the Portugal international leave as he has a contract that runs until 2028, which includes the option for another year. Madrid signed Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, but Dani Carvajal's age (33) and Dalot's versatility are factors in them looking to improve their options. Though Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested.

- Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is close to reaching an agreement with AC Milan, as Barcelona have doubts over signing him, says Sport. It is increasingly likely that 39-year-old Robert Lewandowski will leave the Blaugrana in the summer when his contract ends, and Vlahovic, 25, is also expected to become a free agent in the summer. However, his wage demands of €12 million-a-season are an obstacle, while his six goals in 17 appearances have not been enough for Barca to maintain an interest.

- With Juventus keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Davide Frattesi, Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Khephren Thuram could move the other way to join up with his brother Marcus Thuram. The two deals won't necessarily be linked and the Nerazzurri have previously dismissed an approach to sign Frattesi from Juve, while they are interested in Roma's Manu Koné and Atalanta's Éderson as possible replacements.

- Footmercato have offered an update on the situation of Bayern Munich center back Dayot Upamecano. Bayern are still negotiating to extend the 27-year-old's contract past this summer but their latest offer doesn't meet his expectations. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both informed the France international that they are able to meet his wage demands if he becomes a free agent in the summer, with Los Blancos even having a verbal agreement on the basics of a contract.

EXPERT TAKE

Nicol: Salah didn't look like he was saying goodbye to Liverpool fans

Steve Nicol speaks about Mohamed Salah clapping the Liverpool fans after their win over Brighton.

OTHER RUMORS

- Liverpool's shortlist of potential replacements for Ibrahima Konate is made up of Stade Rennais' Jeremy Jacquet, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is among Internazionale's main options to replace Yann Sommer at the end of the season, although the Nerazzurri are looking to keep the move in the €20 million range. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- West Ham have added Norwich City and USMNT striker Josh Sargent to their list of options for the position as they aim to strengthen in January. (Sun)

- Fiorentina's Albert Gudmundsson is among Roma's options if they can't sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, while Paulo Dybala is likely to leave the club in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Newcastle United will face competition from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider)

- Manchester City could look to offload Savinho, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb in January to fund incomings. (Football Insider)

- Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have a serious interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago, while clubs from Serie A and LaLiga are also keeping an eye on the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside)

- Two unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring Internazionale right back Denzel Dumfries, who has a €25 million release clause that is valid in July. (Nicolo Schira)

- Villarreal are in talks with Angers about signing 18-year-old striker Sidiki Cherif, but they are only willing to offer a fee of up to €20 million while the Ligue 1 club want €5 million more. (L'Equipe)

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation at Tottenham Hotspur while Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot could leave for a move to Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's grades | Women's grades

TOP STORIES

- Arteta tells critics to back off struggling Gyökeres

- Frank: Tottenham will make signings in January

- David Silva: 'I was the first' to receive Inter Miami offer

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation, with Tottenham Hotspur working to renew the right back's contract beyond its 2028 expiry, says TEAMtalk. City are looking for a new right back and also have Newcastle United's Tino Livramento high on their list of options, though Porro was on their books from 2019-2022 and didn't make a first team appearance. Spurs are willing to give the 26-year-old a significant pay rise as they aim to see off interest from other clubs.

- Real Madrid are interested in a deal for Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, 26, according to TEAMtalk. United's director of football Jason Wilcox is considering letting the Portugal international leave as he has a contract that runs until 2028, which includes the option for another year. Madrid signed Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, but Dani Carvajal's age (33) and Dalot's versatility are factors in them looking to improve their options. Though Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested.

- Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is close to reaching an agreement with AC Milan, as Barcelona have doubts over signing him, says Sport. It is increasingly likely that 39-year-old Robert Lewandowski will leave the Blaugrana in the summer when his contract ends, and Vlahovic, 25, is also expected to become a free agent in the summer. However, his wage demands of €12 million-a-season are an obstacle, while his six goals in 17 appearances have not been enough for Barca to maintain an interest.

- With Juventus keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Davide Frattesi, Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Khephren Thuram could move the other way to join up with his brother Marcus Thuram. The two deals won't necessarily be linked and the Nerazzurri have previously dismissed an approach to sign Frattesi from Juve, while they are interested in Roma's Manu Koné and Atalanta's Éderson as possible replacements.

- Footmercato have offered an update on the situation of Bayern Munich center back Dayot Upamecano. Bayern are still negotiating to extend the 27-year-old's contract past this summer but their latest offer doesn't meet his expectations. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both informed the France international that they are able to meet his wage demands if he becomes a free agent in the summer, with Los Blancos even having a verbal agreement on the basics of a contract.

EXPERT TAKE

Nicol: Salah didn't look like he was saying goodbye to Liverpool fans

Steve Nicol speaks about Mohamed Salah clapping the Liverpool fans after their win over Brighton.

OTHER RUMORS

- Liverpool's shortlist of potential replacements for Ibrahima Konate is made up of Stade Rennais' Jeremy Jacquet, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is among Internazionale's main options to replace Yann Sommer at the end of the season, although the Nerazzurri are looking to keep the move in the €20 million range. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- West Ham have added Norwich City and USMNT striker Josh Sargent to their list of options for the position as they aim to strengthen in January. (Sun)

- Fiorentina's Albert Gudmundsson is among Roma's options if they can't sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, while Paulo Dybala is likely to leave the club in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Newcastle United will face competition from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider)

- Manchester City could look to offload Savinho, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb in January to fund incomings. (Football Insider)

- Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have a serious interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago, while clubs from Serie A and LaLiga are also keeping an eye on the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside)

- Two unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring Internazionale right back Denzel Dumfries, who has a €25 million release clause that is valid in July. (Nicolo Schira)

- Villarreal are in talks with Angers about signing 18-year-old striker Sidiki Cherif, but they are only willing to offer a fee of up to €20 million while the Ligue 1 club want €5 million more. (L'Equipe)

The Colorado Rapids are poised to name Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Matt Wells to be the team's next manager, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.

Wells, 37, replaces Chris Armas, whose contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, and was unable to reach an agreement with the MLS club on a new deal.

The London-born Wells is expected to arrive in Colorado next week following Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest.

Sources tell ESPN that Wells will be bringing several assistant coaches with him, but that current Rapids assistant and goalkeeper coach Chris Sharpe will remain on the staff.

The Athletic was the first to report the news.

Wells served a long apprenticeship in England and elsewhere, having been an assistant coach for Spurs' under-18 team as well as the club's development squad in 2018 before joining Scott Parker's staff at a series of stops, including Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.

He rejoined Spurs in April of 2023 as an assistant, and joined the staff of Ange Postecoglou the following summer. He remained on the Tottenham staff upon the hiring of Thomas Frank in June of 2025.

As a player, Wells joined Tottenham's youth academy at the age of nine, but injuries scuttled his playing career, and he then pivoted to coaching, earning his UEFA B license at the age of 20.

Wells inherits a side that has long struggled to be a consistent force in MLS, making the postseason in just four of the last 12 seasons, with just one playoff appearance in the last four campaigns.