TheHardTackle.com

Inter Milan keen on Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Inter Milan keen on Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Inter Milan are interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario and defender Radu Dragusin.

Vicario has done reasonably well since joining the London club, but he has had his fair share of criticism as well. He can be quite inconsistent, and he has struggled when it comes to dealing with aerial balls. According to a report from Calciomercato, Inter Milan are prepared to provide him with an exit route.

They are looking to bring in a quality goalkeeper, and they believe that the Italian would be ideal for them. It remains to be seen whether they can agree on a deal with Tottenham. The North London club need more quality and depth in the side, and losing the Italian might not be acceptable for them right now. Despite his criticisms, he is the best goalkeeper at the club. They will need to bring in a top-class player before letting him move on.

Meanwhile, the Italian International could be attracted to the idea of returning to his homeland. Inter Milan are one of the biggest clubs in Italy, and the opportunity to join them will be exciting for the player. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Dragusin needs more game time

Meanwhile, Dragusin has struggled for regular gametime since joining Tottenham. The Romanian International has missed several months with an injury, but he has now recovered. It will be interesting to see if he can play regularly in the coming months. The defender is still only 23, and he needs to play every week to fulfil his potential. Sitting on the bench at Tottenham will not benefit him.

Currently, he is the fourth-choice central defender at the club. It would not be a surprise if he is looking to secure a move away from the London club. The move back to Italy could be ideal for him. He played his best football with Genoa in Italy, and he knows the league well. He could make an immediate impact.

Tottenham could offer a new deal to Richarlison

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham could offer a new deal to Richarlison - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur could hand their Brazilian forward Richarlison a surprise new deal.

According to Dean Jones via TEAMtalk, Tottenham could hand Richarlison a new deal, as they decide against letting him leave in the upcoming transfer window. Handing him an extended contract will give them time to assess his future, and also protect his value with his current contract running out in 18 months’ time.

Richarlison made a name for himself at Everton before joining the North London club in the summer of 2022. While they had massive expectations from the Brazilian international, he hasn’t really lived up to them.

While the 28-year-old has showcased his true potential at times, he hasn’t been consistent enough. As a result, his future has often been a big talking point. He has been linked with a move away from the club, amidst interest from Everton as well as Fulham.

However, it appears Spurs have decided against letting him leave mid-season, as they see no benefit in sanctioning a loan move. While they would like to cash in, the club want to recoup a significant portion of their original investment. As a result, renewing his contract could help preserve his value, with just over a year remaining on his current deal next summer.

Jones’ take on Richarlison’s future

While speaking about Richarlison’s future, Jones said: “Tottenham might double down on a stance of not letting Richarlison leave in January, by offering the forward an extended contract,”

“Spurs are expecting interest in the Brazilian striker ahead of the January transfer window, with both Everton and Fulham believed to be among clubs monitoring his situation.

“Richarlison began Saturday’s match against Liverpool on the subs bench but made a significant impact after being introduced, scoring and almost inspiring a comeback.

“The club are on the lookout for new attacking edge but have also considered blocking any departure in January for him.

“At the moment we understand they see no benefit in letting him leave on loan. And a sale would depend on the level of bidding and whether they can sufficiently upgrade him in the squad in the next month.

“If Spurs do decide to keep him on, sources suggest that Tottenham may even look to additionally lengthen his contract.

“Richarlison’s current deal runs until 2027, and any new proposal would be designed to protect his value while also giving the club additional time to assess the future.

“It comes at a time when Tottenham face a test of patience over boss Thomas Frank, but the club are trying to remain positive.”

Thomas Frank did have a bright start at Tottenham, but things haven’t been that great for him in recent months. He is under a lot of pressure and is looking at the winter window as an opportunity to reinforce his squad.

A new deal for Richarlison?

The former Brentford boss seeks more firepower in attack. While they are making plans to bolster the left flank, they have also decided to keep hold of Richarlison for now. With Dominic Solanke struggling with injuries and summer signing Randal Kolo Muani not having the desired impact, the Brazilian has been the preferred choice up top.

Tottenham unwilling to sanction Lucas Bergvall exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham unwilling to sanction Lucas Bergvall exit - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Liverpool have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfield sensation Lucas Bergvall.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham have no intentions of sanctioning the departure of Lucas Bergvall amidst links with Liverpool. The North London club consider him an integral part of their long-term plans, and he is one of the last players they would look to cash in on.

Tottenham beat the likes of Barcelona back in 2024, when they struck a deal with Djurgarden to sign Bergvall for just £8.5 million. The 19-year-old midfielder has only gone from strength to strength since joining the North London club.

He has shown maturity beyond his years and has already established himself as a key figure in the team. He has been involved in 21 matches this term, racking up over 1,000 minutes already. He has started in half of their Premier League games and has featured in the starting XI in four out of their five Champions League outings.

Liverpool are keen on Bergvall

His impressive rise and consistent performances have caught the attention of Liverpool. The Merseyside club are looking at ways to reinforce their midfield and considers Bergvall an ideal fit for their project.

If reports are to be believed, they have already tabled a £52.5 million offer for the teenager, and Spurs have been considering whether to cash in on him or not.

Spurs won’t sell Bergvall anytime soon

However, the report from TEAMtalk suggests Spurs have no intentions of negotiating his departure. They consider him untouchable and claim that the Reds are preparing an offer or have already lodged one are falling on deaf ears in North London. The player is considered off limits with regard to any transfer in the near future.

Following his impressive rise, Tottenham handed him a new deal at the start of 2025. His contract now runs until 2031, which gives Spurs complete control over his future.

The North London club are quite confident that he will fulfil his potential and could end up becoming one of their mainstays. They are optimistic that he could develop into a £100 million player. While they could eventually look to cash in on him, an exit in the near future is very unlikely. As a result, Liverpool will have to look at other targets.

Tottenham considering January move for Omar Marmoush

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham considering January move for Omar Marmoush - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old Egyptian international Omar Marmoush from Manchester City in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Omar Marmoush is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Manchester City forward has emerged as a target for the North London outfit.

The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners have been keen on signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the winter transfer window. However, the Ghanaian international will unlikely join Tottenham in the coming weeks, as several bigger clubs are pursuing his signature.

How has Omar Marmoush fared at Manchester City?

Omar Marmoush has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £59 million in January 2025. The 26-year-old arrived at the Etihad after an exceptional spell with the Bundesliga club, and he was a rare bright spot in the second half of the 2024/25 season.

However, Marmoush has struggled this term, managing only 389 minutes of game time in 15 appearances across all competitions thus far, chipping in with only one goal and one assist. Meanwhile, the Egyptian attacker’s stock remains high, with Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Omar Marmoush makes sense. The Lilywhites are scouring the market for a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as they have yet to fill Son Heung-min’s void at the club. Additionally, Richarlison’s long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is uncertain.

Several candidates, including Antoine Semenyo, have thus emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar. However, a winter move for the Bournemouth attacker is unlikely, compelling the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners to set their sights on Marmoush.

West Ham United will not sell Jarrod Bowen “for any price”

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
West Ham United will not sell Jarrod Bowen “for any price” - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Jarrod Bowen, as West Ham United won’t sell him for any price.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham United will not be negotiating the departure of Jarrod Bowen in January. The London club’s owner, David Sullivan, has made it clear that they won’t sell their attacking mainstay at ‘any price’ mid-season. It is a massive blow for Tottenham Hotspur, who were looking to sign the 29-year-old to reinforce their attack.

After making a name for himself at Hull City, Bowen made the move to West Ham at the start of 2020. He has only gone from strength to strength over the years and has been amongst the best forwards in the Premier League over the last few seasons.

The English international contributed towards 24 goals last season, and he has carried that form into the new season. The 29-year-old has seven goal contributions so far, and yet again, he has been one of the standout performers for the Hammers.

While his contract runs until the summer of 2030, interest in his signature remains as high as ever. Sullivan has already shunned interest in Bowen on multiple occasions in the past, including last summer. Despite that, clubs are still willing to try their luck in the upcoming transfer window.

West Ham won’t negotiate Bowen’s departure

In the past, the West Ham owner has suggested that he would want in excess of £100 million to even consider his sale. However, it seems he has an even stronger stance with regard to his future this time around. Sullivan has made it clear that Bowen is untouchable for now, and they won’t even think about selling him at any price.

The London club believe letting him go mid-season could significantly hamper their chances of surviving in the English top flight. West Ham’s stance is a massive blow for Tottenham, who have a long-standing interest in the 29-year-old.

The North London club have enquired about him in each of their last four transfer windows. With Thomas Frank keen on having more firepower in the final third, Spurs were considering making a move in January as well. However, they will now have to look at other options after West Ham’s stance has been revealed.

Aston Villa join Tottenham in Marc-Andre ter Stegen race, make approach

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Aston Villa join Tottenham in Marc-Andre ter Stegen race, make approach - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Aston Villa and Tottenham are ready to battle it out for the signature of Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

According to Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be heading to the Premier League in 2026 as Aston Villa and Tottenham are ready to square up against each other for his signature. Since he no longer has a prominent role at the Catalan club, a potential departure looks very likely.

After coming up the ranks at Borussia Monchengladbach and making a name for himself while playing for their first team, ter Stegen made the move to Barcelona in the summer of 2014 in a deal worth €12 million.

The veteran goalkeeper has been their preferred choice in goal for well over a decade, and he has played a big part in all the success they have had. However, he has not been at his best in recent seasons, and the Catalan giants were ready to get him off their books during the last summer window.

Barcelona even brought in Joan Garcia to take over as the new number. However, Marc-Andre ter Stegen ended up resisting a move away. He then underwent an operation he had been avoiding for a while. He is now back fit and ready to go, but the 33-year-old has already lost his place in the team.

So far, he has only featured in a Copa del Rey fixture for them. While his contract runs until the summer of 2028, the German shot-stopper is surplus to requirements. With the player available for a potential transfer, Aston Villa and Tottenham have showcased interest in the veteran shot-stopper.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Emiliano Martinez was linked with a move away from Aston Villa throughout the summer. While it seemed the South American stopper was on the verge of joining Manchester United, the move didn’t go through as the Red Devils were not willing to meet the Birmingham-based club’s demands.

While the Argentine international has worked his way back into Unai Emery’s team, he could still end up leaving them next summer. As a result, Aston Villa are interested in signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen and have already established a contract with Barcelona. They seek more information about a potential transfer and his fitness.

Manchester United, Tottenham going all out to sign Antoine Semenyo

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Manchester United, Tottenham going all out to sign Antoine Semenyo - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to push on for Antoine Semenyo by battling Liverpool and Manchester City for the Bournemouth attacker’s signature.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Manchester United are ready to go all out for the signature of Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January window. Tottenham Hotspur are also pushing to sign the Bournemouth star, but the Premier League duo faces competition from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

Antoine Semenyo is set to be the big talking point in the coming days leading up to the January window. The Bournemouth star has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, and a £65 million release clause makes things complicated for Bournemouth ahead of the upcoming window.

The clause is set to have a limited time to trigger from January 1 onwards, and interested clubs will have a small window of opportunity to get the player. Manchester United are open to triggering the clause, and they are currently ready to go all out in their efforts to land Semenyo.

The Red Devils were interested in the £65 million-rated attacking target back in the summer before signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Antoine Semenyo’s versatility across the front line makes him a formidable target, as Ruben Amorim wants to add another attacker in the mix.

Manchester City and Liverpool are also in the mix in a big way, with those two clubs widely seen as the front-runners in the chase. Champions League football could be an important element in the race to sign the £65 million-rated attacker, and both of those teams can offer that, while Manchester United cannot.

Tottenham in the race for Antoine Semenyo?

Tottenham are also keen on Semenyo, and as per TEAMtalk, they are also pushing to get a deal in place. Thomas Frank wants a key attacking signing to bolster his ranks, with Spurs ready to make Semenyo the highest-paid star at the club should he choose them instead of other rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Preview and Prediction

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Preview and Prediction - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur will host Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, looking to get their stuttering campaign back on track.

After an impressive start to the season, Tottenham Hotspur are now 11th in the Premier League table, and they have picked up just one win from their last six top-flight matches ahead of the home game vs Liverpool on Saturday.

The North Londoners will be hoping to secure European qualification for next season, and they need to win these games. On the other hand, Liverpool are struggling as well. The Reds have picked up just two wins from their last six Premier League matches.

The reigning Premier League champions are seventh in the top-flight table, and they were expected to fight for the league title. However, Liverpool have an impressive record against Tottenham, but this will be a difficult outing for them. They have multiple injury problems as well.

Both teams will be desperate for a victory here, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Neither side is in impressive form right now, and this is likely to be an evenly matched contest. 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 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 as well. Meanwhile, Pape Mattar Sarr has left the Tottenham squad to participate with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations

Tottenham Hotspur will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Liverpool, 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, Cristian Romero will pair up 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.Xavi Simons will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to link the midfield with the attack.

The Dutchman 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 Liverpool on Saturday.

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

Liverpool

Arne Slot will be without Giovanni Leoni, Wataru End, Joe Gomez, and Cody Gakpo this week. However, there is some good news, as Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) and Dominik Szoboszlai are fit and available to take on Tottenham. Additionally, Conor Bradley has served a suspension.

Liverpool are likely to shape up in a 4-3-1-2 formation vs Tottenham Hotspur, with Alisson Becker in goal. Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out at both ends of the pitch. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate will start alongside Virgil van Dijk in the central defensive partnership.

As for the midfield unit, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai will start in the middle of the park. They will look to control the game from the deep and add defensive cover to the side.

Florian Wirtz will start as the attacking midfielder here. He will look to add goals and creativity to the side. Finally, Alexander Isak will lead the line for Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur alongside Hugo Ekitike on Saturday.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Wirtz; Isak, Ekitike

Key stats

Liverpool are undefeated in 26 of their last 29 matches against Tottenham.

Liverpool have won six of their last eight matches against Tottenham in all competitions.

Four of the last six matches between these two teams have seen both of them get on the scoresheet.

Tottenham are without a win in five of their last six Premier League matches, and Liverpool are without a win in four of their last six Premier League matches.

Player to Watch

Hugo Ekitike

Embed from Getty Images

The Liverpool striker has been excellent since joining the club, and he is our key player to watch out for. Liverpool will depend on him to deliver in the final third. Ekitike will look to link up with his teammates and open up opportunities in the final third and find the back of the net as well.

Liverpool might need to outscore Tottenham to win this game. They have been quite vulnerable defensively, and the French international will play a key role for them. So, it is no wonder that Ekitike is one of our FPL captaincy candidates for Gameweek 17. It will be interesting to see if he can produce a defining performance and get his team across the line.

Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Liverpool

Neither side will want to end up with a defeat here, and this is going to be a close contest. Both teams are under a lot of pressure. Tottenham and Liverpool have been vulnerable defensively, and this is likely to be an open contest with plenty of chances on offer.

Both teams are likely to get on the scoresheet, and a high-scoring game is likely. However, it will be difficult to separate the two teams on current form. They are likely to cancel each other out. A goal-scoring draw is very likely.

Tottenham discussing James Trafford move

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham discussing James Trafford move - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are in discussion to bring James Trafford to North London as questions over Guglielmo Vicario continue to persist.

According to TEAMtalk, Guglielmo Vicario’s position as Tottenham’s undisputed No.1 is under severe threat, as the club are targeting a move for James Trafford. The Manchester City deputy goalkeeper is reportedly available in the market following the complications since his move to the Etihad, as Spurs have reportedly held discussions to explore a move.

Guglielmo Vicario continues to frustrate the Tottenham fans with his timid displays this season, which have resulted in many critical errors. The Italian keeper has led errors resulting in goals against his side, which continues to cast a doubt over Spurs’ ability to challenge for a top-four place.

Tottenham had already considered upgrading over Vicario next year, and they might accelerate their plans in January if the keeper continues to put in timid performances. There is talk of signing a new keeper in the January window, although much will depend on the availability of their key targets.

James Trafford is being considered a replacement for Vicario, as the Manchester City backup stopper is seemingly made available in the January window. The former Burnley star rejoined Manchester City this summer in a £27 million deal, and for a brief period, he looked to be their next No.1 following the departure of Ederson Moraes.

However, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma a few weeks later, which has since led to the Italian international usurp the No.1 spot. Trafford is already considering an exit in January as he aspires to be a part of the England squad for the World Cup next year, but it may be difficult to achieve that if he does not play.

Tottenham in James Trafford discussions?

Tottenham are not the only team for the £27 million Manchester City backup player, as Newcastle United are among those keen. However, with the Magpies looking stacked in the keeper department, it would make sense for Trafford to sign for a team where he has clear-cut opportunities to play regularly.

Spurs could be that, as the North Londoners are reportedly in discussions over a move. The report states that Manchester City might be open to a loan deal with a buy obligation at the end of it, as Spurs might be open to agreeing on such a formula. Hence, it remains to be seen whether a move for James Trafford is realistically possible, as it would make sense for Thomas Frank’s side in a big way.

Tottenham open to January loan exit for Brennan Johnson

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham open to January loan exit for Brennan Johnson - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur will be open to sanctioning a loan exit for 24-year-old Welsh international Brennan Johnson in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are keen on signing Brennan Johnson. The two Premier League clubs are eager to reinforce their offensive unit by signing a versatile wide attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Tottenham Hotspur winger has emerged as a target for them.

The latest update has boosted the prospects of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, as the Lilywhites are ready to part ways with the Welshman in the winter transfer window. Tottenham will also be willing to accept a loan deal, and they have identified Antoine Semenyo and Yan Diomande as potential replacements.

How has Brennan Johnson fared at Tottenham?

Brennan Johnson has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Nottingham Forest in September 2023. A native of Nottingham, the 24-year-old spent his formative years in England and graduated from the youth division at the Midlands club after joining them as an eight-year-old.

The Welsh international has been in and out of the starting lineup at Tottenham, and his stock has fallen in the 2025/26 season. Johnson has managed only 875 minutes of game time across 20 appearances this term while chipping in with four goals. However, the player’s stock remains high, as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Aston Villa’s interest in Brennan Johnson is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as Unai Emery wants more firepower in the final third. With Ollie Watkins not at his best this season, Aston Villa can do with more productivity from the flanks. So, Johnson is a viable target for Aston Villa.

As for Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze has left a gaping hole in the offensive unit since joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window. While Yeremy Pino has been impressive in the first half of the 2025/26 season, Oliver Glasner can do with more firepower in the final third. So, Johnson is an option worth considering for Crystal Palace.

The latest update has revealed that the Lilywhites are ready to part ways with the 24-year-old Welsh international in the winter transfer window. Tottenham will also be willing to accept a loan deal, and they have identified Antoine Semenyo and Yan Diomande as potential replacements. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Johnson.