Sport Witness

Radu Drăgușin’s agent, Florin Manea, has admitted the Tottenham Hotspur defender is ‘amazed’ by the late January interest in him.

Digi Sport have an interview with the Romanian agent today. He discusses the late moves being made for his client, and tells club they know where he is.

Drăgușin has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham this month. He’s recently returned from a long-term knee injury and wants to be playing regularly.

That seems unlikely to happen under Thomas Frank. The Dane has stuck with Cristian Romero and Micky van Ven as his defensive due and doesn’t appear keen to break that up.

A return to Italy appears to be the most likely option. Drăgușin previously played there with Juventus before impressing at Genoa. AC Milan are currently at the front of the queue, and a report last week stated Tottenham were potentially about to give in to let Drăgușin depart.

Reports have also linked AS Roma and Fiorentina with potential moves before Monday’s transfer deadline. In fact, reports in Italy have stated that Manea has been meeting with Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare.

Manea now denies this, even though he will admit he’s known those in charge at the San Siro for a while. He’s heading to Italy soon, albeit not on Tottenham transfer business. He’s open to talks if anyone wants them, though.

Tottenham player’s agent is off to Italy

“Nobody spoke to me. I’ve known Igli Tare for a long time, but I haven’t spoken to him,” he said.

“I’m going to Italy; I have some work there. If there’s interest in Radu and someone wants to contact me, they know where to find me. I’ll be in Italy tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, but not for Radu.

“I also followed with bated breath what was happening with the transfer, they all knew better than me. I had seen something that Tottenham had lowered the price, but I didn’t know anything. All that came out was speculation.

“Of course, Radu also finds out about this information, but I told him that I’d let him know if anything comes up. It’s wonderful how much there is speculation. There’s nothing to destabilise him”

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid earlier this month.

His transfer has seen Diego Simeone’s side look for a new midfielder in the winter market. The La Liga side have their eyes set on Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, however, Tottenham are also pursuing him.

Earlier this week, we covered claims from Italy that Tottenham are in the picture to sign Goretzka. Thomas Frank’s side see him as an option to further improve their midfield.

Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo now picked up on that and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share more updates on Spurs.

The Germany international has less than six months left on his contract. Tottenham, Los Rojiblancos and AC Milan are all keen on securing the player.

According to Longo, the Spanish club are pushing hard and are ready to make an offer to Bayern Munich. Their intention is to sign the 30-year-old before the window closes on Monday.

Atlético have to be wary of the competition from the Premier League side. The journalist claims Tottenham are in contact with Roof, the agency that manage the Bayern Munich player.

AC Milan have also made an approach but are mainly looking to sign him for free in the summer. With Atlético and Tottenham keen, Longo states these are ‘important hours’ for Goretzka’s future.

The Bavarian club secured a 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday. After the match, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl was asked about Goretzka’s situation and Sky Deutschland have relayed his comments.

When asked whether Goretzka could stay until the end of this season, he said: “So far, yes.”

Sky then state: ‘The sporting director called Goretzka’s considerations for a move abroad “legitimate” because his contract expires in the summer.’

Eberl then explained: “No decisions have been made yet.”

Tottenham appear to have transfer advantage

On Goretzka, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany added: “I know that I have to get up early tomorrow and then have a conversation with Max or Christoph at some point – that we need to discuss the squad.”

Meanwhile, El Desmarque’s Rubén Uría reports Atlético can’t afford to buy the Bayern Munich player in this window.

“Atlético want to sign Goretzka; Mateu Alemany has spoken with him. He won’t leave Bayern this winter because the German club is asking for a sum that Atlético neither wants to pay nor can afford his salary. That’s the information I have: Goretzka is going to stay at Bayern,” he said.

This should give Spurs a clear advantage to sign the German before Monday’s deadline.

Yesterday we covered reports Galatasaray are again looking to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Vice president Abdullah Kavukcu has flown to the UK to hold transfer talks for the Tottenham midfielder. He’s been accompanied by Italian agent George Gardi, as they look to broker a deal for the 28-year-old.

The Mali international was linked with move to the Super Lig side during the summer. At the time we covered reports an offer had been tabled by Galatasaray, but a transfer never materialised.

Gala wanted a loan deal, with a purchase option. Bissouma was also proposed a salary of €3m a season after tax.

Aspor report on the latest developments regarding Galatasaray’s pursuit for Bissouma and he’s now their prime target.

The Super Lig champions are desperate to sign a defensive midfielder before next week’s deadline, with a number of targets. Turkey’s window closes on February 6th.

Earlier in the transfer window, Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte was number one target. However, with the recent changes at Old Trafford, the Uruguay international will remain with the Premier League side.

Transfer talks for Tottenham midfielder

Subsequently, Cimbom are now putting their efforts into signing Bissouma. Aspor claim negotiations are ongoing between the Istanbul giants and the player’s agent.

At this stage there are no reports what they are prepared to offer.

However, it’s unlikely Thomas Frank will want to lose this the Malian in this window. Spurs are currently struggling with injuries, with a number of players missing for tonight’s Champions League tie in Frankfurt.

Bissouma has been ruled out for most of the campaign with a knee injury, but has been involved in Spurs’ last two Premier League games.

If Galatasaray fail to convince Tottenham then they will turn to other Premier League options.

On Tuesday, claims from Italy covered Juventus’ desire to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani in the winter market.

He joined the Premier League side on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Prior to that, the striker had a six-month temporary spell with Juve, managing 10 goals and three assists.

The Serie A side failed to agree fresh terms with PSG to retain Kolo Muani, allowing Spurs to sign him.

He hasn’t enjoyed a good run under Thomas Frank at the north London club. To put it in context, the France international has scored two goals and contributed three assists from 23 matches.

Juventus are thinking about signing the 27-year-old in the winter market and Gianluca Di Marzio covers the latest.

The Old Lady are working on bringing the Tottenham player back to Italy before Monday’s deadline. According to Di Marzio, contact to try and sign the player is ongoing.

The Premier League side will need to give their approval to cut short his loan stay. If that happens, Juve will then have to find an agreement with the Champions League winners.

TuttoMercatoWeb also provide an important update on the Turin club’s ongoing pursuit of Kolo Muani.

Juve want to provide Luciano Spalletti a new striker for the second half of the season and the Frenchman is back on their list.

He could feature against his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, when Tottenham face them in Germany later today. The attacker’s focus may be elsewhere as he’s thinking of leaving Spurs in the coming days.

Juve are seriously considering bringing their former player back to the club. TWM explain Wednesday could be ‘decisive’ for them to sign Kolo Muani.

A ‘three-way meeting’ is scheduled between Spurs, Juventus and PSG. According to the report, this is most likely to be the ‘final meeting’ to determine whether the Turin club can sign him again.

Kolo Muani seeks for a new challenge away from Frank’s side. There will be more updates after today’s decisive meeting.

Leon Goretzka has had a mix in prominence for Bayern Munich since first joining in 2018. Tottenham are now looking at the possibility of bringing him to England in the summer.

The German’s contract in Bavaria runs out in 2026. Considering his stature as a footballer, Goretzka will expect to attract multiple suitors ahead of the summer.

Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo reports about on 30-year-old, who has played 18 Bundesliga games this season.

The report claims that Tottenham have moved first for the midfielder. Spurs see Goretzka as one way to revamp their midfield next season, and add experience to the squad.

A transfer is unlikely to be easy for the London club, as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also interested. It doesn’t end there, as Longo prominently writes about AC Milan’s initial approach.

The Italian giants have made contact with Goretzka’s entourage, having done the same some weeks ago. Rossoneri sporting director Igli Tare is a big admirer of the Germany international. He is looking to replicate the Luka Modric move from last summer and sign Goretzka for free.

Understandable interest in midfielder, and Tottenham competition

Manchester United were linked in 2021, and West Ham in 2023, however, there’s not been much Premier League action for Leon Goretzka.

The midfielder would be interested in a move to the San Siro and this was communicated during recent contact. For Max Allegri’s side, this is the first attempt to possibly bring him to Italy in the summer.

Competition for Tottenham and Milan is likely to be ‘ruthless’ as Barcelona and Atletico have enquired as well.

This is perhaps an attempt from Goretzka’s entourage to possibly sound out multiple clubs. It will help the player find the best possible destination when he finally departs Bayern in the summer.

Frank Arnesen has given his backing to his compatriot Thomas Frank, being question on the situation due to his past as Tottenham Hotspur’s sporting director.

The manager has come in for scrutiny given Tottenham’s poor domestic form, leading to questions over his future with the Premier League club.

Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, Arnesen was asked about if he believes Frank’s future with Tottenham could be coming to an end.

Arnesen wanted to encourage patience, explaining there’s likely other factors such as the board giving him support or injuries to key players.

He went on to say there needs to be patience at the club after only appointing Frank during the summer.

When asked if the Tottenham manager will see out the season, Arnesen said: “I can only say that I hope so. I admire him. But he has to win the games. That’s how it is, and he knows it.”

“It’s a tough world, but that’s what they’re paid for. From there, it’s up to the management. It’s about how the top of the club is. Are they ice-cold? Can they see if he’s still in control of the changing room? Are the players slowly getting better? It could also be that there are four or five injured players and therefore lose all the games.

“Of course, management does not bother to listen to this, but it is just to say that there can be many things in play. That’s why I always say: Make sure you have patience,” explained the Dane.

Situation builds due to Tottenham’s poor domestic form

Tottenham currently lie 14th in the Premier League table, following a run of five games without a victory. During that period the North London club have picked up just three points.

Subsequently, there has been speculation the Danish coach could be replaced, but the former Brentford boss has delivered results in the Champions League.

Following their victory over PSV last week, Spurs are in a strong position to make the knockout stages of the competition. Tottenham travel to Frankfurt on Wednesday night knowing a victory will secure one of the automatic qualify spots.

On Monday, Tuttomercatoweb reported AC Milan have come forward for Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin.

Milan made initial contact with the London club, who had earlier responded to AS Roma’s advances with a demand for a permanent transfer or at least a guarantee of one in the summer. TMW stated Spurs’ stance could soften, with Tottenham moving towards an initial loan with the conditional obligation to buy.

The Rossoneri, in the meantime, were considering a loan with an option, with Roma possibly fading as an option for the defender.

The centre-back’s situation finds prominent mention in today’s Corriere dello Sport.

Despite having mainly reported on Roma and Dragusin, the newspaper moves to Milan pushing for the Tottenham player.

Milan are now exploring the possibility of signing the Romanian. There is belief he could play effectively in Max Allegri’s back three system and won’t cost too much.

Sporting director Igli Tare intends to offer Tottenham an initial loan with an option to buy. This is to delay the payment of the permanent fee until a time Milan have more guarantees about a spot in the Champions League.

There is belief that Spurs’ stance over Dragusin’s situation hasn’t changed at all.

Tottenham want an obligation to buy in the loan or a permanent deal. For Milan, there is another issue… assurances about the Romania international’s fitness.

Tottenham player would face prolonged medical

Dragusin returned to full fitness after a serious ACL injury some weeks ago. Allegri wants a player who can make an immediate impact and there is doubt whether Dragusin can do that.

Therefore, even if Spurs were to agree to how Milan want a transfer structured this week, that wouldn’t be that. Milan have a prolonged medical planned for the defender, as they seek to assure themselves over his fitness.

That’s even on the basis of an initial loan, such is their desire for a plug and play option.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush on their agenda for the winter market.

On January 7th, Win Win from Egypt reported interest from Spurs and Unai Emery’s side. The Premier League duo were set to intensify negotiations to sign the Manchester City player.

The Turkish press then backed up Tottenham and Aston Villa interest in the forward. Last week, Fotomaç reported of Fenerbahçe joining the race to take Marmoush away from Manchester City.

At the weekend, we covered claims from Turkey that Galatasaray are in the mix. Sabah reported Pep Guardiola’s side had approved a €30m exit.

A fresh report from Win Win provides the latest on the Egypt international’s plans for his immediate future.

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are the clubs that have shown interest. Despite recent claims of a potential Etihad exit, the 26-year-old is going to disappoint these clubs.

Win Win makes it clear it’s their own update and they’ve obtained this information from a ‘well-informed’ source’.

‘There is no chance of Marmoush leaving Manchester City’ before the window closes on Monday. This may come as a blow for Tottenham, Aston Villa and the two Turkish clubs.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt man is determined to finish this season at Manchester City.

Although recent claims explained Guardiola giving his approval, Win Win claim that is not the case. The Citizens also aim to have him at the manager’s disposal beyond this window as Marmoush enjoys the manager’s trust.

Tottenham Hotspur are open to selling Alejo Véliz to Bahia – or likely anyone – in the winter market.

Earlier this month, claims from Brazil and Argentina reported Tottenham have accepted the Brazilian club’s €8.6m bid. The move hasn’t gone through yet because of the striker, who is currently on loan at Rosario Central.

Thomas Frank’s side had a recall clause in January. However, this is no longer valid after he played 1,430 minutes from 17 matches. Spurs will need the 22-year-old and Rosario Central’s approval to terminate his loan deal.

Earlier claims indicated Tottenham can cut short his stay by paying compensation to the Argentine club.

At the weekend, claims from Argentina insisted he wants to finish the season with Rosario Central. This came as a huge relief to them. They also reported Bahia will return for the Tottenham owned player after the World Cup.

Argentine journalist Germán García Grova took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report a fresh twist in this case.

He claims the Brazilian club haven’t given up on signing the attacker in this window.

Bahia continue to insist on securing his services after reaching an agreement with Tottenham. ‘Everything us agreed’ with Spurs.

Tottenham and Bahia in last ditch attempt

Grova reports Bahia have made a formal offer to Rosario Central to terminate his loan stay immediately.

The journalist covered this late on Sunday and said the ‘offer expires tomorrow’, meaning Monday. This is clearly their last-ditch attempt.

He makes no mention of the fee proposed by Bahia, a club owned by the City Football Group, who also own Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently ‘holding back’ on letting Radu Dragusin leave, despite him wanting to depart this month.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport. They report that Dragusin has ‘expressed’ a desire to return to Serie A this month. Roma are keen to sign him, but Tottenham are keeping them at arm’s length.

They cover the defender today, explaining that Dragusin has been busy as he’s just gotten married. He and his partner, Ioana, were wedded in a civil ceremony in Bucharest today.

That comes at a crucial time in his career. He’s just overcome a long injury lay-off and is keen to get back to action. That seems unlikely at Tottenham, and so an exit could be on the cards.

Roma want him, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini asking the club to prioritise the signing of a centre-back. The Romanian is in pole position and ‘would be happy to accept. The problem is Tottenham, who are ‘holding back’.

Belief Tottenham will accept €20m

According to Correire dello Sport, Spurs now value the defender at €20m despite his recent injury absence. They will also only sell him permanently and are refusing to consider other transfer options at the moment. That, it seems, has led to a transfer stalemate for now.

That tallies with recent reports stating that Tottenham had hit pause on the exit as they wanted better offers to arrive. It also matches with his agent’s recent comments.

Florin Manea is not opposed to public statements about Dragusin and insisted that he was waiting for Tottenham to approve Roma before getting the deal sorted. He, though, had the price at €25m.

Roma may be more encouraged to pay that figure in the coming days, or at least commit to do so during the summer. Mario Hermoso, one of their starting central defenders, getting injured has made the issue something of an emergency.

Maybe the drop to €20m can help.