TheHardTackle.com

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.

Tottenham initiate move to sign Jeremy Monga

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham initiate move to sign Jeremy Monga - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing 16-year-old English wonderkid Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur will face competition from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United for Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old has done quite well for Leicester City, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for the Premier League clubs.

It will be interesting to see if any of the four clubs decide to make a move for him in the coming months. The player is yet to sign a professional contract with Leicester City, and the Foxes will be worried about losing him. He is a tremendous prospect with a bright future, and they cannot afford to lose a player like him.

On the other hand, Tottenham are looking to build a team for the future, and it is no surprise that they are keen on the talented young attacker. Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to add more depth in the wide areas as well. The 16-year-old would be a long-term investment for them, and he could develop into a key player for the club.

Liverpool and Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the country, and the opportunity to join them will be quite exciting for the 16-year-old English attacker. It would be a huge step up in his career. It will be interesting to see if the player is prepared to join them.

Monga needs to join the right team

Jeremy Monga should look to join a club where he will get ample first-team opportunities. Sitting on the bench at a big club will be detrimental to his growth. The Premier League clubs certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and convincing the player will not be difficult for them either. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen may push for Barcelona exit if Tottenham make move

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Marc-Andre ter Stegen may push for Barcelona exit if Tottenham make move - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Marc-Andre ter Stegen wants to remain with Barcelona beyond the winter transfer window but is open to joining Tottenham Hotspur amid his links with Manchester United.

According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the winter transfer window. So, the 33-year-old Barcelona shot-stopper has emerged as a target for the North London club.

The veteran goalkeeper has also been a target for Manchester United in recent weeks, with the Red Devils submitting an enquiry for a move. However, the report has revealed that ter Stegen is open to joining Tottenham, although he wants to remain with Barcelona beyond the winter transfer window.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has reached a crossroads in his career ahead of the winter transfer window. The veteran goalkeeper has been a polarising figure since joining Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal worth €12 million in July 2014. The veteran shot-stopper’s inconsistencies have frustrated Barcelona fans, although he has enjoyed phases of being a top-class shot-stopper.

The 33-year-old has made over 400 appearances thus far for Barcelona while keeping 175 clean sheets and conceding 416 goals. However, while the German international recently became the club captain, he faces an uncertain future after Joan Garcia became Barcelona’s first-choice shot-stopper. Meanwhile, he remains a hot property in the market, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Intermediaries reportedly offered Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Manchester United in the summer transfer window. However, the Red Devils’ interest in the veteran goalkeeper is surprising, even though recent updates have suggested that they want to sign a goalkeeper in the winter transfer window. With ter Stegen in the twilight of his career and struggling for consistency, pursuing him is not sensible.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, Guglielmo Vicario faces an uncertain future at the North London club amid his links with Inter Milan. With Antonin Kinsky struggling to win over Thomas Frank, Tottenham will aim to sign a goalkeeper next year. However, ter Stegen will only be a short-term solution for the Lilywhites.

The latest update has revealed that the 33-year-old German international wants to remain with Barcelona beyond the winter transfer window. However, he is open to joining Tottenham if the Lilywhites launch a bid to sign him. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.

Tottenham eyeing Mauricio Pochettino as Thomas Frank replacement

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham eyeing Mauricio Pochettino as Thomas Frank replacement - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for their former manager, 53-year-old USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Thomas Frank is under a lot of pressure after a disappointing few weeks, and the former Brentford manager could be shown the door. According to a report by Caught Offside, Tottenham are considering a move for 53-year-old Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino has managed clubs like Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea in the Premier League. The USMNT boss has extensive experience and he could prove to be an interesting acquisition. However, it will be quite surprising if Tottenham decide to sack Frank in the coming weeks. He deserves more time and patience.

Spurs should be patient with Thomas Frank

Tottenham finished close to the relegation zone last season, and it will not be a quick fix for them. The Lilywhites need to be patient with Frank and allow him the time to turn things around. The former Brentford manager should at least stick around until the end of the season. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Tottenham have signed quality players in recent windows, but there are still gaps in the squad that need plugging. They will need to improve to compete at a high level. It remains to be seen whether the club hierarchy is willing to allow Frank to bring quality players in January as well.

Tottenham will be aiming for UEFA Champions League qualification this season. It remains to be seen whether they can improve during the second half of the season and turn things around. There is no doubt that they have quality players at their disposal.

The North Londoners should be performing better than they have in recent weeks. Even though the manager will shoulder most of the blame, the players will have to take responsibility as well. Frank has previously shown his quality at Brentford, and there is no doubt that he is a good manager.

Real Madrid eyeing cut-price Yang Min-hyeok move

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Real Madrid eyeing cut-price Yang Min-hyeok move - TheHardTackle.com
Description

Real Madrid are keen on Tottenham winger Yang Min-hyeok, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth, with a €7 million move planned.

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are targeting a move for Yang Min-hyeok ahead of future windows, as a €7 million move is being planned. The 19-year-old winger is owned by Tottenham and currently plays for Portsmouth on loan, and a sale could be on the cards if the conditions are met.

Real Madrid are known for their high-profile signings, and they will continue with the policy of bringing in top-notch star players. They are aware of some of the situations in their team with regard to the future of Vinicius Junior, among others, but are eager to find a resolution to the Brazilian winger’s situation.

However, Los Blancos are also focused on bringing young talents for their youth sides, and they have been actively pursuing targets in that regard. Recently, they promoted Gonzalo Garcia to the first team, and the Spanish forward is actively being given ample opportunities by Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid are now looking at Yang Min-hyeok, the 19-year-old winger who is owned by Tottenham. The young attacker is not being given an opportunity in North London, but he is seen as someone who could develop into a big performer in the future.

Currently, Yang is playing with Portsmouth on loan and has a modest return for his efforts in the Championship. Real Madrid are keen to bring the 19-year-old winger as a big option for their Castilla side, as they believe he is not ready for the first team plans just yet.

What are Real Madrid offering for Yang Min-hyeok?

Real Madrid are willing to bring the 19-year-old winger to their Castilla side, and they are ready to put forward a €7 million offer. The proposal will consist of €5 million in fixed fee and a further €2 million in add-ons, although Tottenham’s willingness to offload at that price remains unclear.

The report states, Spurs might be open to the idea of a sale for the right conditions, although the story fails to make it clear how much they would want. As for the player, it will be a challenging situation going from the Championship to Real Madrid, albeit to their Castilla side, but he might want to explore this opportunity if it arrives.