Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have followed West Ham United in showing interest in US Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel.

Two months ago, Gazzetta dello Sport reported Lecce rejected West Ham’s €18m bid for the centre-back and requested €25m. On January 3rd, Lecce president Sticchi Damiani said he would like to keep Gabriel.

The president’s admission and the Serie A side rejecting West Ham’s bid hasn’t put off Thomas Frank’s side or Newcastle United. Italian journalist Rudy Galetti took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover a short report on the Portuguese defender.

According to him, Tottenham and Eddie Howe’s side appreciate the 21-year-old. The two English clubs will keep a close watch on him in the coming months.

Recent claims had also mentioned AFC Bournemouth and Brentford interest. Galetti claims Crystal Palace and Everton recently made contact over a possible move.

Gabriel’s agents may be at work, with more clubs being added on a weekly basis. Tottenham and Newcastle United are now dragged into the mix, and the hype has moved up a notch.

That said, interest would make sense considering the current situations with centre-backs at the two clubs.

Tottenham and Newcastle United may find Tiago Gabriel useful

Newcastle’s Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles are currently out due to injuries. This leaves Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw as the only fit centre-backs.

Meanwhile, AS Roma are keen on signing Tottenham’s Radu Drăgușin in this window. His agent has been waiting for Spurs’ final approval, however, that hasn’t arrived yet.

Tiago Gabriel arrived at Lecce late in the January 2025. He cost the Serie A club around €1m and was something of a gamble.

That gamble has quickly paid off, and would have presented a huge profit even at West Ham’s offer level. The defender arrived from Estrela Amadora, having joined them after spending multiple years in the famed Sporting CP youth system.

He’s represented by CAA Base, who have multiple high-profile clients at Tottenham, subsequently Spurs may have an advantage.

Tottenham Hotspur have been working on a move for Santos’ Souza in this winter market.

Thomas Frank’s side need additions in the winter market, as well as numbers in the squad. Tottenham have had a torrid time with injuries this season.

Richarlison was the latest to be lost, having to go in the first half against Aston Villa. At the weekend, it was also confirmed in Uruguay that Rodrigo Bentancur has torn his hamstring and could be out for around three months if surgery is the decision.

Therefore, to lift the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a few arrivals in the coming weeks would surely be welcome by Spurs fans.

Tottenham rush to complete transfer

The Premier League side made advances to close the Souza operation towards the end of last week. The 19-year-old wasn’t in the Santis squad for the 2-1 win over Novorizontino on Saturday. His camp has asked he not be considered so that any injury drama was avoided.

After the match, Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda said Souza’s move to Tottenham is on track.

On Sunday, journalist Venê Casagrande reported the Brazilian club had made a last-ditch effort to keep him by offering an improved contract. He snubbed it in favour of the move to Tottenham.

AS journalist Eduardo Burgos has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the latest.

He claims Thomas Frank’s side have reached a ‘full agreement’ with Santos, after the two clubs finalised the operation for €15m plus bonuses on Sunday.

Souza is flying to England

The Europa League winners initially offered €10m, which was rejected by the Brazilian club. They returned with an improved bid of €15m and this convinced Santos.

With an agreement in place between Tottenham and Santos, the journalist claims Souza will travel to England on Monday. He’ll carry out medical examinations and other transfer formalities to complete his move to Spurs.

According to Burgos, the Brazilian youngster will sign a contract until 2031 with Spurs.

With Souza’s move to Tottenham already agreed, attention in Brazil has shifted to the final days of the left-back at Santos.

Reports now focus on how the exit unfolded behind the scenes, including farewells, failed renewal talks and the lasting impression of his departure.

Journalist Venê Casagrande reports that Santos made a last attempt to keep the 19-year-old by offering a significant salary increase. The proposal aimed to change the player’s mind.

Souza’s representatives rejected it, however, as they believe joining Tottenham is the best choice at this stage of his career. According to Casagrande, the final deal should reach €16m.

Despite the refusal, the report stresses that Souza and his agents hold strong respect for Santos. The deciding factor was the sporting project presented by Thomas Frank’s Tottenham, which ultimately outweighed the financial effort made by the Brazilian club.

Farewells and a Tottenham deal already sealed

Further details came from local outlet Diário do Peixe. The outlet reports that Souza has already said goodbye to staff members at the training centre. He is also expected to return to the club’s stadium this weekend to say farewell teammates before travelling.

Santos have agreed to sell the left-back for €15m. The club owned 75% of the player’s economic rights, while the remaining share belongs to Souza himself. The report adds that the player did not give up any of the amounts due to him under the agreement.

With the deal effectively sealed, Santos also presented a contract renewal. Souza’s camp interpreted the move as an attempt to shape the public narrative around his exit to Tottenham.

Final chapter after a rapid rise

Souza leaves Santos after cementing himself as a first-choice left-back. The report says his performances drew interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as clubs from other European leagues in previous windows.

Tottenham’s approach, however, proved decisive. The final days in Brazil underline a departure shaped by timing, planning and a clear sense that the next step was already defined.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered another defeat at home on Saturday. Thomas Frank’s side exited the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa, losing 2-1.

Wilson Odobert managed to pull one back for Spurs and whilst that got the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium more in gear, it didn’t produce enough to push Frank’s side to an equaliser.

Richarlison, who again been subject to transfer rumours recently, left the pitch with a hamstring injury in the first half. The mood around Spurs hasn’t improved and the injuries continue to pile up at the Premier League club.

If ever there was a need for a boost, and some optimism for the future then it’s now.

Tottenham will hope that comes in the form of expected arrival João Victor de Souza Menezes. Almost always referred to as simply Souza, the 19-year-old is on the verge of joining from Santos.

Spurs initially offered €10m for the fullback, which was rejected by Santos. They then returned with €15m, enough to convince the Brazilian club to part ways.

Santos played their season opener on Saturday against Novorizontino. The youngster’s camp had requested he not be considered for the match so as to avoid any last minute issues ahead of his move to Tottenham.

Manager speaks about Tottenham transfer

Without Souza, Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side won 2-1 and after the match the manager was asked about the transfer to Spurs.

Quoted by Brazil’s UOL, he said: “I don’t know if it’s completely settled. There are several factors. Souza has grown a lot in recent months. He’s experienced some tough moments and responded well. There’s a context, family, club, the player’s future.

“We have to respect that, listen to all sides and see what’s best. What’s best for Santos, and without forgetting that he’s a player who was born here. I don’t know if it’s finalised, but it’s on track for him to become another Santos player in the world of football.”

Many in Brazil believe Souza is ready to play at a good level in Europe and he could therefore be an option for Thomas Frank in the second half of the season.

Tottenham are 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups. Things are better in the Champions League, and it’s that and qualifying for Europe which will now be priorities.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonín Kinský has ended up Wolverhampton Wanderers’ agenda for the winter market.

That’s according to inFotbal.cz, who report Wolves have held talks with Tottenham over a loan move for the 22-year-old.

José Sá started the season as Wolves’ No.1 and lost his place to Sam Johnstone in September. The latter played 11 consecutive league matches before Sá took over again last month.

Wolves have the second worst [conceded 41 goals] defensive record in the Premier League behind West Ham. To improve that, they’ve considered signing the Spurs player.

Informal talks have been held with Tottenham, but Wolves have put everything on pause due to their league position. There’s a tendency to already look to the summer, unless something improves quickly.

Rob Edwards’ side are bottom of the table, trailing 17th placed Nottingham Forest by 14 points.

SC Freiburg have also contacted Kinský’s agent over a move this month, but the negotiations are unlikely to move forward.

Kinský is currently the No.2 for Thomas Frank behind Guglielmo Vicario and Tottenham are reluctant to let the former leave midway through the season.

If Spurs were to sanction a move, they’ll only do it if the interested party covers his full salary. According to inFotbal.cz, Freiburg have refused to accept this condition.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Radu Drăgușin has attracted interest from Fiorentina and AS Roma.

Three days ago, Corriere dello Sport reported the centre-back isn’t keen on joining La Viola in the winter market.

On Thursday, claims from Italy explained Roma have returned to the picture. Gazzetta dello Sport reported yesterday that they received an approval from the Tottenham player.

Gianluca Di Marzio picks up on that and reports the 23-year-old is ‘pushing’ to join Roma this month.

Roma made advances by sending an offer to Thomas Frank’s side to sign the defender on loan with an option to buy, without mentioning the figure.

The Romania international’s stance has allowed the Giallorossi to continue to push for an agreement with Spurs.

Drăgușin’s agent spoke to Rai Sport and LaViola.it have relayed his comments. He says the north London club are yet to give the green light to his transfer to the Italian capital club.

“I’m waiting for Tottenham to say yes to Roma before getting to the heart of the matter,” he said.

“There are a couple of offers for him, but Italy is special for Radu. He’s done very well in Serie A. He’s a gladiator, and gladiators thrive in Rome.

“Fiorentina? With all due respect, that wouldn’t be the right path for him. He costs €25m.”

Roma and the former Genoa man are now waiting for Tottenham’s final decision.

Barcelona have accepted defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of Santos’ Souza, according to Sport.

Barcelona sporting director Deco had identified the left-back as a target for next season. The now consider him ‘lost’ as Tottenham have made advances to sign the 19-year-old.

On Friday, ESPN Brasil reported Tottenham have agreed a €15m fee with Santos after their €10m bid was rejected. They are sorting bureaucratic details before completing the player’s signing.

Sport claim Santos have to pay €2.3m to Barcelona over a dispute related to Neymar’s transfer to the Camp Nou in 2013. That’s been dragging on for years, with a decision in favour of the Catalan club. Subsequently, there’s been hope the amount can be used to provide a discount.

The La Liga winners have collected positive reports about the youngster, who has been aware of Barcelona’s interest. They were hoping to use the €2.3m to lower the price for Souza in the summer.

Bayern Munich also interested in player set to join Tottenham

Bayern Munich have also a scout to Brazil to follow the defender, and unnamed Italian clubs contacted him. Tottenham have accelerated to sign the player in the winter market.

After an initial off around €10m was rejected, Spurs returned. This time, they put forward around €15m, which was acceptable to Santos.

The Brazilian club are only due 75% of the transfer fee. That isn’t unusual in the country, with agents, families, and sometimes random business people owning a chunk.

Souza is ‘on the verge of signing’ for Spurs and is ‘one step away’ from a switch to England. Only paperwork needs to be finalised, to enable the youngster to fly to England and go through the formalities.

Not the first time Barcelona have lost out to Spurs

Therefore, Barcelona’s chances of acquiring the Brazilian’s signature has now ‘vanished’. In other words, the Catalan club have accepted defeat over losing Souza to Tottenham.

Fabio Paratici’s impending arrival from Tottenham and the beauty of Florence wasn’t enough to tempt Radu Dragusin. Multiple reports this week have made it clear the Spurs defender isn’t enthused by a switch to La Viola this month.

Fiorentina find themselves in the Serie A relegation zone, with the very real danger they could drop into the abyss. Paratici is the man trying to oversee a rescue, but Spurs have delayed his move.

Dragusin won’t be arriving either, having turned them down.

AS Roma, who are fifth in Serie A and not entirely out of the transfer battle, appeared for Dragusin on Thursday. Things are moving rather more fluidly on this one.

Friday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport stated the transfer ‘gained momentum in recent hours’.

There was one issue. Tottenham wanted a permanent exit and Roma were only keen on a loan, perhaps with a summer option.

As Sport Witness explained this morning: ‘Roma would prefer a low cost loan, with perhaps an option to buy in the summer. They’d likely have to meet somewhere in the middle with Tottenham for the 23-year-old.

‘A loan with a compulsory purchase clause based on certain conditions could be the way forward. That’s what Roma were considering for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.’

It would appear that’s the way things have gone in recent hours.

Filippo Biafora, of Rome newspaper Il Tempo, reports ‘the deal under discussion is a loan with an obligation to buy subject to conditions’.

In addition, ‘Dragusin has given his approval’, negotiations are hot and there’ll be further contacts in the coming hours.

No finance details have been shared at this point. That may be where things slow down a little.

Barcelona have Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven in their defensive target list.

That’s according to Sport, who report the La Liga winners aim to improve their defence and have identified a few targets.

This includes Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

Bastoni is the main target, but Barca are unwilling to pay €80m for him and are looking at other options.

Van de Ven gets a mention. There’s a ‘dark horse’ in the list and it’s the Tottenham player, who can also operate as a left-back.

The Catalan newspaper claims the 24-year-old is one of Tottenham’s best players and is on the rise. His [versatility and] profile fit what Barcelona are looking for in the market.

Sport state the Netherlands international ‘desperately wants to leave’ Spurs after this season and would clearly favour a move to Barcelona.

For now, Van de Ven isn’t the main target for the Blaugrana. If he ends up becoming that, Barca have to negotiate with the north London club. It wouldn’t be easy, considering the Dutchman has a contract until 2029.

In October 2024, former Barcelona scout Bojan Krkić Sr. said he urged them to sign Van de Ven. His advice wasn’t considered in the past while Barca have identified him as a target for this year.

There’s belief that if Tottenham did sell then they’d prefer a move outside the Premier League.

On Thursday, Gianluca di Marzio reported AS Roma have made initial contact for Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin.

They were believed to be pushing, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini desperate for new signings.

Di Marzio later provided an update, explaining that a formal initial loan offer is being considered for the Tottenham player.

Today’s Gazzetta dello Sport has an update on the defender, who has played only once since returning from a serious knee injury.

The newspaper state Roma have indeed made initial contact with Spurs. It was more than just an enquiry and the move has ‘gained momentum in recent hours’.

The Italian side have also had concrete contact with Dragusin’s agent, and progress is being made.

The only problem Roma face is meeting Tottenham’s demands. Thomas Frank’s side would prefer to let him depart permanently and are hesitant to sanction a straightforward loan.

The newspaper also mentions interest from Fiorentina, but the player isn’t keen on La Viola.

Roma would prefer a low cost loan, with perhaps an option to buy in the summer. They’d likely have to meet somewhere in the middle with Tottenham for the 23-year-old.

A loan with a compulsory purchase clause based on certain conditions could be the way forward. That’s what Roma were considering for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.