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Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Tottenham vying for Kevin Schade

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Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing 24-year-old German winger Kevin Schade from fellow Premier League club Brentford.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Kevin Schade. The three Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their offensive units by signing a wide attacker this year. So, the 24-year-old Brentford winger has emerged as a target for them, with the West London club valuing him at €50-60 million.

How has Kevin Schade fared at Brentford?

Kevin Schade has established himself as one of the best young wingers in the Premier League since joining Brentford from SC Freiburg. The West London club initially signed the Potsdam native on loan in January 2023 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has made considerable progress in the last three years, becoming a mainstay in the final third for Brentford. The German international has been solid thus far in the 2025/26 season, chipping in with six goals and three assists in 21 Premier League outings. Meanwhile, Schade’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

A man in demand

Aston Villa will dip into the market for a versatile attacker in the two transfer windows this year, as Unai Emery wants more firepower in the final third. The Villans have been over-dependent on Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, and they have set their sights on several players, including Ferran Torres. However, Schade is also a viable target for Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Kevin Schade is understandable. The Lilywhites are scouring the market for a versatile wide attacker, as they have yet to fill Son Heung-min’s void since he moved to MLS. Several candidates have thus emerged on Tottenham’s wishlist, with Schade also a viable target.

As for Newcastle United, Anthony Elanga has failed to make his mark since joining the Tyneside outfit from Nottingham Forest. So, Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the final third, and Schade is an option worth considering. However, Brentford will not consider a sale in the winter transfer window.

While the Bees have slapped a price tag worth €50-60 million on Schade, they will only entertain offers for him in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 24-year-old German international.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa: Preview and Prediction

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Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in North London for the FA Cup third round on Saturday, looking to secure a win and progress to the next phase.

It has been a disappointing season for Tottenham so far, and they have not won in their last five matches across all competitions ahead of the FA Cup third-round clash vs Aston Villa this weekend. Spurs have struggled in the Premier League, and they will look to do well in the cup competitions now.

A club of their stature is expected to fight for trophies, and the FA Cup is their best opportunity to win silverware this season. It will be interesting to see whether Thomas Frank’s charges can step up their performance at home and grind out a victory here.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in impressive form. The Villans are unbeaten in five of the last six matches in all competitions, and they are third in the Premier League table. They will look to do well in the cup competitions as well.

The away side will look to exploit Tottenham’s vulnerabilities and grind out a victory away from home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Tottenham Hotspur

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. Dominic Solanke is sidelined with an ankle problem. Destiny Udogie is struggling with a knock.

Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Lucas Bergvall has an undisclosed injury, and Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur have a thigh problem.

Tottenham Hotspur will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Aston Villa, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out defensively and contribute in the final third as well. Meanwhile, Kevin Danso will start alongside Micky van de Ven in the central defensive partnership.

As for the midfield unit, Joao Palhinha will add defensive cover and physicality alongside Archie Gray. They will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Xavi Simons will start in the attacking midfield role and look to link the midfield to the attack.

Wilson Odobert and Richarlison will add pace, flair, and unpredictability from the flanks. Finally, Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line for Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa on Saturday.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Gray; Odobert, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Aston Villa

Tyrone Mings is out with a hamstring injury, while Ross Barkley is recovering from a knee issue. Amadou Onana has a thigh injury, and Evan Guessand is away on AFCON duty. Additionally, Emiliano Martinez will likely miss out due to a minor issue.

Aston Villa will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Tottenham Hotspur, with Marco Bizot in goal. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne will start as the full-backs. They will look to keep things tight at the back. Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa will start alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn will provide defensive cover and drive the midfield. Morgan Rogers will be deployed in the attacking midfield role, looking to link the midfield to the attack.

Donyell Malen and Emiliano Buendia will start on the flanks. They will look to create goalscoring opportunities and add unpredictability in the final third. Finally, Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, McGinn; Malen, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Key Stats

Aston Villa have picked up four wins from their last six matches against Tottenham. Spurs have lost two of their last three FA Cup ties against Aston Villa, going out against the Villans in the fourth round last season. The last team to eliminate Spurs from the FA Cup in consecutive seasons were Manchester United in 2007-08/2008-09.

Tottenham have picked up one win from their last six matches in all competitions.

Aston Villa have picked up four wins from their last six matches in all competitions.

Tottenham have progressed from 18 of their last 19 FA Cup third round ties, doing so in the 11 most recent campaigns since a 2-0 loss at Arsenal in 2013/14. Aston Villa have won their last two FA Cup third round ties, having been eliminated at this stage in the seven campaigns before this.

Player to Watch

Morgan Rogers

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The Aston Villa playmaker is our key player to watch out for. The Englishman is in impressive form, and he will look to make a defining impact in the final third. Rogers will look to open up the Tottenham defence with his link-up and creativity. He will also look to score.

Meanwhile, Rogers has been involved in five goals in four appearances against Tottenham in all competitions (3 goals, 2 assists), scoring and assisting in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over the North London outfit in the FA Cup last season.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can keep him quiet. Given the English playmaker’s current form and confidence, they could struggle against him. Aston Villa will hope Rogers can create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.

Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa

Both teams will be desperate for a victory here, and this is likely to be a close contest. Aston Villa are in impressive form, and they will fancy their chances away from home. Meanwhile, Tottenham are under pressure to bounce back strongly.

Both teams are likely to get on the score sheet here, and they will look to play for a victory. An open game is on the cards with Fairview chances. However, Tottenham have greater squad depth and should be able to grind out a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Thomas Frank and his charges.

Tottenham send scouts to watch Mandela Keita

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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita.

According to reports from Guglielmo Trupo, they are interested in the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, and they have sent scouts to watch him in action. It will be interesting to see if they follow it up with an official offer to get the deal done.

They could use more quality and depth in that area of the pitch, and the 23-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and he could develop into a top-class player with the right guidance. Keita will be excited about the possibility of joining the Premier League. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level.

Keita has been linked with West Ham in the past.

Tottenham are competing in the UEFA Champions League, and they managed to win the UEFA Europa League last season. The opportunity to join there will be exciting for any young player. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham follows up on its scouting mission with an official offer to finalise the deal. They have the resources to sign the player, and they should be able to convince the 23-year-old to join as well.

Parma will not be keen on selling Keita

Parma will not want to lose a talented player like him, but they could be under pressure to sell if there is a proposal on the table.

It will be interesting to see what the Belgian decides. If he decides to force a move, the Italian outfit will be under pressure to accept an offer.

Tottenham are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and they need to improve the squad further. Signing a defensive midfielder would be ideal for them. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the necessary additions in the coming ones and bounce back strongly. They have been quite mediocre this season, and they need to improve if they want to finish in the top four.

Bayern Munich make contact for Luka Vuskovic, Tottenham unwilling to sell

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Bayern Munich have made an informal contact with Tottenham over the future of teenage defensive star Luka Vickovic, with the north Londoners uninterested in a sale.

According to Caught Offside, Bayern Munich have set their sights on Croatian teenager Luka Vi=uckovic and have made informal contact with Tottenham. The defender is currently on loan at Hamburger SV, but Spurs are unwilling to sanction a sale and are in a position of power over the teenager’s future.

Luka Viuskovic has caught the imagination of many teams in Germany following some composed performances while on loan at Hamburger SV. The teenager was signed by Tottenham last summer, but they chose to send him out on loan for the whole season to help him gain experience.

While not many expected him to be a main starter at Hamburger SV, the Croatian has started all of the 13 games he has been involved in so far. He missed only one at the start of his spell, when he had just arrived in the summer.

Teams like RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund were told by Tottenham that Vuckovic was not for sale following informal approaches sometime earlier. The same might be the case with Bayern Munich, who have made contact with the north Londoners over the highly-rated defender.

Bayern Munich are keen on Vuskovic, but Spurs have once again reiterated their stance that the player is not for sale. The Bavarians are always on the lookout for the best talents playing in the Bundesliga, and while the Croatian teenager is not technically there for the long haul, they might have considered bringing him on board, which is clear with their line of enquiry.

What are Tottenham’s plans for Luka Vuskovic?

While Spurs barely thought about Vuskovic’s rapid rise in this vein, they are extremely pleased with how their decision to loan him out has panned out. While they have ample cover in their team at the moment, the idea of bringing him back did emerge in reports, although it is not clear whether they intend to recall him.

For now, the highly-rated defender is widely expected to finish the season with Hamburger SV and continue his impressive vein of form for the Bundesliga side. Beyond that, Spurs view Vuskovic to stay put in north London next season, as his deal here until 2030 gives Tottenham immense power in determining his long-term future, as teams like Bayern Munich may have no chance of signing him at the moment.

Crystal Palace in transfer tussle to sign Radu Dragusin

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Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old Romanian international Radu Dragusin from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter transfer window.

According to an update by Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale, Radu Dragusin is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Tottenham centre-back has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.

However, the 2024/25 FA Cup are not alone in the race to sign the Bucharest native, as AS Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, and Nottingham Forest are also keen on landing him from Tottenham in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, the Lilywhites are open to sanctioning a loan exit for Dragusin, provided it comes with a purchase option worth €30 million.

How has Radu Dragusin fared at Tottenham?

Radu Dragusin has hit a brick wall since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Genoa in a deal in €30 million worth January 2024. The young centre-back moved to the North London club rated as one of the best young prospects in Serie A. However, he has struggled to become a regular for the North London club. Additionally, a long-term knee injury kept the 23-year-old in the treatment room for most of 2025.

Dragusin has managed only 37 appearances thus far for Tottenham, amassing 2,604 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, the Romanian defender’s stock remains high, as several well-known clubs are keen on securing his services in the winter transfer window. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the coming weeks.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Radu Dragusin is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window as they prepare for life after Marc Guehi. While the English international will leave after the 2025/26 season ends, Crystal Palace can do with more resources for the second half of the ongoing campaign.

Several candidates, including Youri Baas, have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Dragusin also a viable target. However, the 2024/25 FA Cup winners are not alone in the battle for the Tottenham defender’s signature.

Tottenham want to learn of Savinho stance before launching move

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Tottenham Hotspur will aim to learn Savinho’s stance over a possible move in the winter transfer window before approaching Manchester City with a bid.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Savinho is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Manchester City whizkid has emerged as a target again for the North London club.

Tottenham also wanted to sign the young winger in the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. So, to cover their tracks this time, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners will ascertain the player’s stance on a possible January move before approaching Manchester City with a bid.

How has Savinho fared at Manchester City?

Savinho has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Troyes in a deal worth €40 million in July 2024. The 21-year-old winger’s creative output was impressive in his debut season, as he scored three goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances last term. However, the youngster’s stock has fallen in the 2025/26 campaign.

The Brazilian winger has managed only 964 minutes of game time across 21 appearances in all competitions this term. Meanwhile, the player’s stock remains high, with Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Will Tottenham return with a bid in January?

Tottenham Hotspur’s continued interest in Savinho is understandable. The Lilywhites have been combing the market for a wide attacker after parting ways with Son Heung-min in the summer transfer window. Additionally, Richarlison faces an uncertain future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after enduring a topsy-turvy ride throughout his stint with the North London club.

Several candidates have thus emerged on Tottenham’s radar, with the North London club mulling over bids for Antoine Semenyo, Maghnes Akliouche, and Yan Diomande. However, moves for Akliouche and Diomande will not materialise in the winter transfer window, while Semenyo has picked Manchester City as his next destination.

Semenyo’s impending move has motivated Tottenham to pursue Savinho in the winter transfer window. However, the North London outfit will first ascertain the player’s stance on a possible January move before approaching Manchester City with a bid. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 21-year-old Brazilian international.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and Prediction

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Crystal Palace will host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday, looking to bounce back from their disappointing run of form.

Crystal Palace are without a win in the last four matches in all competitions, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the game vs Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening.

The hosts have a good team and a quality manager, and the home fans will demand a strong reaction from the players. It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace can bounce back strongly and pick up all three points. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur are in poor form as well.

Spurs have picked up just one from their last six Premier League matches, and they have lost four times in that period. They are struggling with a lack of confidence and momentum. It remains to be seen whether they can bounce back here.

This will be a difficult outing for them away from home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides, who will be desperate to clinch all three points.

Team News & Tactics

Crystal Palace

Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad have been ruled out due to their long-term knee injuries. Ismaila Sarr is at AFCON, and Daichi Kamada (hamstring) and Daniel Munoz (knee) are both out. Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner has been sweating over the fitness of Chris Richards and Eddie Nketiah, with the duo facing late fitness tests to determine their availability.

Crystal Palace will shape up in a 3-4-2-1 formation vs Tottenham Hotspur, with Dean Henderson taking his spot in goal. In the back three, Marc Guehi will start alongside Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards.

Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell will feature as the wing-backs. They will look to protect the central defenders and hit the opposition on the break. As for the midfield unit, Will Hughes and Adam Wharton will add defensive cover and control in the middle of the park.

Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino will start as the attacking midfielders, and they will look to create opportunities for their teammates. Finally, Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line for Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Guehi, Lacroix, Richards; Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Nketiah, Pino; Mateta

Tottenham Hotspur

James Maddison and Yves Bissouma are unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. Dejan Kulusevski is also sidelined with a knee problem. Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are struggling with knocks. Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons are suspended after being sent off against Liverpool last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Crystal Palace, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out defensively and contribute in the final third as well. Meanwhile, Kevin Danso will start alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Joao Palhinha will add defensive cover and physicality to the side alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. They will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Lucas Bergvall will reprise the attacking midfield role, and he will look to link the midfield with the attack.

The Swede will look to open up opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net. Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison will add pace, flair, and unpredictability from the flanks. Finally, Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Key Stats

Tottenham have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.

Tottenham have lost four of their last six Premier League matches.

Crystal Palace have lost three of their last six Premier League matches.

Crystal Palace did the Premier League double over Tottenham last season, as many victories as they’d managed in their previous 22 against Spurs (D3 L17). 15 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two teams.

When facing opponents starting the day above them in the table, Tottenham have only won one of their last 19 London derbies away from home in the Premier League (D6 L12), with that lone victory coming against Brentford in February this year (2-0).

Player to Watch

Jean-Philippe Mateta

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The Crystal Palace striker is our key player to watch out for, and he could make a big difference for the home team in the final third. The Frenchman will look to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates.

Tottenham have looked vulnerable at the back in recent weeks, and the French attacker could cause all sorts of problems for them. Mateta’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the play could add a new dimension to the Crystal Palace attack.

Meanwhile, Mateta has scored 23 goals across his last 31 Premier League starts at Selhurst Park, while he scored the game’s only goal in the corresponding fixture last season: a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace in October 2024. Tottenham will need to keep him quiet if they want to get something out of this game.

Prediction

Crystal Palace 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

This will be a difficult game for Tottenham, and given their current form, they will need to raise their performance levels massively to get something out of this contest. Crystal Palace are struggling as well, and they will look to bounce back. This is a golden opportunity for them to set things right at home.

Tottenham are in poor form, and Crystal Palace have the quality to take advantage of their vulnerability. Both teams will be playing for a victory here, and this is likely to be a close game. However, Crystal Palace have the quality to pick up a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Oliver Glasner and his charges.

Arsenal, Tottenham ponder €40 million move for Aleksandar Stankovic

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Arsenal and Tottenham are considering making offers in the region of €40 million for Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, with Inter Milan holding all the cards.

According to Inter Live, Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in signing Aleksandar Stankovic in the future, although Inter Milan hold all the cards in deciding the Serb’s future. Currently, the North London giants are ready to fork out €40 million for the Club Brugge star, but the Nerazzurri are yet to decide on the outcome.

Aleksandar Stankovic came into the spotlight recently when Arsenal took on Club Brugge, with the midfielder putting in an impressive display in the loss. The 20-year-old midfielder, the son of former Inter Milan star Dejan Stankovic, has already shown he has a big future in the game, as Inter Milan holds all the cards to his future.

Inter Milan sold him to Club Brugge in the summer for a reported €10 million fee, but hold a buy-back clause for 2026 and 2027. Next summer, the clause will be worth a reported €23 million, which will increase to €26 million in 2027, with the Nerazzurri tipped to bring him back to the club next summer.

Inter Milan manager Christian Chivu knows Aleksandar Stankovic all too well from their time together in the Inter Milan youth setup. The Serie A giants view him as a future of their midfield, but there is pressure growing from elsewhere as Arsenal and Tottenham are showing big interest.

Arsenal have been interested in Stankovic of late, as Mikel Arteta continues to look for a young midfield option to join the team. The profile of the 20-year-old midfielder fits well into what the Gunners want, although they face complications due to Inter Milan’s presence in any deal.

Arsenal, Tottenham are readying offers, but will Inter Milan sell?

Tottenham are also interested alongside their North London rivals Arsenal, with the duo now ready to launch a €40 million offer to test the waters. The sum may be seen as something that allows the Nerazzurri to make a profit should they exercise their buy-back clause on Stankovic, but they are not ready to sell.

Inter Milan will either keep Stankovic for the long-term future, or demand a significant fee that exceeds the €40 million reported in the story. Either way, the Nerazzurri are to win in the situation with the 20-year-old midfielder, as selling or keeping him will ensure there is plenty of promise for the midfielder in the future.

Tottenham open to loan exit for Radu Dragusin amid Serie A links

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Tottenham Hotspur will be open to sanctioning a loan exit for 23-year-old Romanian international Radu Dragusin in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Radu Dragusin is the subject of interest from AS Roma. The Serie A giants are eager to reinforce their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Tottenham centre-back has emerged as a target for Giallorossi.

The Lilywhites are open to sanctioning a loan exit for the young defender in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, AS Roma will not be alone in the race to sign the Bucharest native, as another report by Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that Juventus would be open to the possibility of re-signing him in the coming weeks.

How has Radu Dragusin fared at Tottenham?

Radu Dragusin has endured a frustrating spell since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Genoa in a deal in €25 million worth January 2024. The promising centre-back was among the best young prospects in Serie A when he left Genoa, but he has struggled to become a regular for the North London club. Additionally, a long-term knee injury kept the 23-year-old in the treatment room for most of 2025.

Dragusin has managed only 37 appearances thus far for Tottenham, amassing 2,604 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, the Romanian defender’s stock remains high, and a return to Serie A may be on the cards. AS Roma and Juventus are among the prospective suitors vying for the young defender’s signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Serie A return on the horizon?

AS Roma’s interest in Radu Dragusin makes sense. While Gian Piero Gasperini has several centre-backs in his squad, he wants more options for the central defensive unit to sustain the challenge of competing for the Serie A title after losing Evan Ndicka for a few weeks due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Several candidates, including Axel Disasi, have thus emerged on AS Roma’s radar, with Dragusin also a viable target.

As for Juventus, the Serie A giants are in a spot of bother over Gleison Bremer’s long-term future amid his links with several Premier League bigwigs, including Tottenham Hotspur. Even if Bremer remains at the Allianz Stadium, Luciano Spalletti wants better centre-backs in his squad. So, Dragusin is an option worth considering for Tottenham.

Apart from AS Roma and Juventus, Fiorentina may also chase Dragusin’s signature in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, Tottenham will be open to sanctioning a loan exit for the 23-year-old Romanian international, thus boosting his suitors’ prospects.

Galatasaray in transfer tussle to sign Ruben Neves

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Galatasaray will rival Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign 28-year-old Portuguese international Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal.

According to a report by Turkish outlet Sabah, Ruben Neves is the subject of interest from Galatasaray. Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing the Al-Hilal midfielder. Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League giants are demanding around €25 million to part ways with the Portuguese international in the winter transfer window.

How has Ruben Neves fared in the Saudi Pro League?

Ruben Neves has been one of the best players in the Saudi Pro League since completing a shock move to Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2023. The 28-year-old has been exceptional for the club, winning nearly half a dozen trophies, including the Saudi Pro League.

The Portuguese international has made over 100 appearances for Al-Hilal thus far while chipping in with 14 goals and 25 assists. Meanwhile, Neves’s exploits for the Saudi Pro League club have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Galatasaray, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

A man in demand

Galatasaray will dip into the market for a midfielder next year, as Okan Buruk wants more options in the middle of the park for the second half of the 2025/26 season. Additionally, Gabriel Sara faces an uncertain future at the Turkish club amid his links with Leeds United. Neves has thus emerged as a viable target for Galatasaray.

As for Newcastle United, the Magpies will dip into the market for a midfielder next year amid uncertainties surrounding Joelinton’s long-term future. Additionally, Joe Willock is expected to leave Newcastle United in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Ruben Neves makes sense. Casemiro is on the wrong side of 30, while Manuel Ugarte has failed to make their mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, Yves Bissouma has no future at the North London club, as repeated disciplinary violations have irked the club’s head coach, Thomas Frank. So, a winter departure is on the cards for the Malian international, with Neves emerging as a viable candidate to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will demand around €25 million to part ways with the 28-year-old Portuguese international. With Neves entering the final seven months of his contract, it will be interesting to see if Galatasaray, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are ready to pay €25 million to secure his services.