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Spurs should start squad reset with blockbuster £88m Liverpool sale

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Tottenham should consider a squad reset ahead of next season, and a big sale should spark it.

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Tottenham should consider making two major deals to reset the balance of their squad. Spurs are in the midst of another forgettable Premier League campaign, currently in 14th place and not looking particularly likely to qualify for Europe.

European qualification is not out of the question, with Tottenham only six points off seventh place, but given their form currently, six points looks too big a gap to make up.

Thomas Frank will be desperate to turn things around over the coming weeks, and he might have to if he wants to keep his job amid building pressure. It could be the second straight season Spurs finish outside the European spots if Frank doesn’t turn it around, with Ange Postecoglou also failing domestically with this team last season.

But when different managers get the same results, big questions need to be asked about the group of players. There is no doubting that Spurs need a culture reset, and Frank is supposed to be enacting that, but it may take significant departures to actually pull it off.

Ultimately, a quicker path to a culture reset could be to replace players than try to change those players, and there could be a good opportunity to do that this season.

Spurs could cash in and reset

Micky van de Ven is not the problem at Tottenham, let’s get that straight. He is one of the best players on this team and one of the most hard-working players to boot. But the Dutchman does carry huge value in the transfer market, and therefore the opportunity to cash in on the defender should not be ignored.

According to reports this week, Liverpool are now showing interest in van de Ven as they look to replace Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract this summer. Spurs have a reported asking price of £88million for their star defender, and that’s a price tag they could stick to when selling to a Premier League rival.

That big money could then be used towards various new signings, and van de Ven could be replaced by signing the outgoing Konate from Liverpool for free this summer, albeit with a big wage being demanded.

That’s a unique opportunity to raise huge money towards a squad reset and replace the outgoing player with another very good player without spending anything on transfer fees. Losing van de Ven would be a gut-punch, no doubt, and Konate is a different type of centre-back, but no squad reset is easy.

This could be a case of taking a step back to take a number of steps forward, and that may well be necessary. What Spurs are doing currently just isn’t working, and however they go about it, they seem to come back to the same place.

There needs to be a radical move, significant change and a bold statement. Spurs fans have seen enough from a big chunk of this squad - and that’s not to say everyone must go, that’s not realistic - but a handful of key departures and a changing of the guard when it comes to the core of this squad may be the club’s best chance of achieving significant progress.

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Liverpool preparing £78m offer for Spurs star

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The problems keep mounting up for Tottenham Hotspur, as a key player is linked with a move away

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Things have continued to get worse before they get better at Tottenham Hotspur, as a mixed start to the season for the Lilywhites reached a new low with Premier League defeat at home to relegation-threatened West Ham United on Saturday.

Many fans and pundits alike believe that should be the final straw for Thomas Frank, who is reportedly seeing his position come under ‘consideration’ following the devastating defeat, which leaves Spurs 14th in the league table and with a crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund to come on Tuesday.

Potential replacements for the Dane have already begun to be speculated, particularly amidst the outburst made by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner on Saturday regarding the club’s decision to sell Marc Guehi the day before a match.

Spurs will hope to avoid high-profile departures of their own as reports of the champions preparing a move for a key Lilywhites man continue to emerge.

Liverpool prepare stunning swoop for Micky van de Ven

Reports by Fichajes state that Liverpool are ‘preparing’ a massive bid worth a reported €90million (£78m) for Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, whom they view as the ‘perfect’ replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.

This is not the first time that reports have emerged of the Reds targeting Van de Ven, who has stood out in a poor Spurs side over recent seasons and has also previously been targeted for a future transfer by Real Madrid.

Reporting suggests that it is unlikely anything goes ahead regarding the future of Van de Ven until at least the summer, but Liverpool’s interest is thought to be genuine and unlikely to go away easily. Arne Slot’s side have struggled in defence this season and lack an obvious long-term heir to Van Dijk, who turns 35 this year. Fellow Netherlands international Van de Ven is said to be the ‘chosen one’ and stands out for his speed, anticipation skills and clean ball distribution, in addition to his versatility and ability to play at left-back as well as centre-back.

Tottenham naturally have ‘no intention’ of selling their prize asset and have the 24-year-old tied down on a long-term contract until 2029, though an earth-shattering bid could change the scenario. The player may reportedly ‘welcome’ a change of scenery and may ultimately be more open to a move if Spurs fail to qualify for Europe this season. Reports continue that this move ‘could define the summer’.

What Frank said after West Ham defeat

Frank said following defeat against the Hammers, as problems begin to mount up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: "It feels like we've seen this before, like at Bournemouth when we do very well second half, get the equaliser and push for the winner, having chances and opportunities, but not getting over the line. Then we are stretched in the last moments of the game and lose 2-1.

"It's not a nice feeling [being booed off the pitch], but I understand the frustration. We are losing to a big London rival, there is nothing worse. We couldn't win at home, which we worked very hard to try to do that. Hopefully they [the fans] can see the effort from the boys, they are working very hard. We did everything in the second half.

"I am feeling the backing from everyone, everyone wants the same thing - long term success. We are doing a lot of things right behind the scenes, but we are not getting the results which is crucial."

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Spurs have chance to appoint ‘incredible’ manager after stunning rant

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Thomas Frank is under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur after a series of poor results

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Patience is running thin at Tottenham Hotspur and there is unlikely to be much longer remaining at the club for Thomas Frank if things remain as they are, following a shock 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham United on Saturday.

To be defeated by one of Spurs’ biggest local rivals is bad enough, for it to happen in north London with West Ham sat in the relegation zone and deep in trouble is an entirely different predicament. Some may argue that it is a sackable offence in itself, but Frank remains in employment at present despite ‘sacked in the morning’ chants from his own fans.

However, reports from The Independent state that the Spurs hierarchy are ‘considering Frank’s future’ and debating whether to give him the match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Spurs still in with a shout of qualifying for the top eight.

Should they ultimately decide to part ways with Frank, an ideal candidate may have emerged following some stunning developments elsewhere over the weekend.

Oliver Glasner could become Spurs managerial target after Crystal Palace rant

Across in south London, things were also beginning to heat up on Saturday as Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner launched a scathing attack on the club and its hierarchy following reports that Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City this month.

Glasner’s words that he had been “abandoned” by the club fuelled speculation that he may not see out the season at Selhurst Park, having already confirmed to the media on Friday that he will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

The Austrian told reporters following Palace’s 2-1 defeat at Sunderland: "I think the players gave everything they could. We made no substitutions, look at the bench, there are just kids there. We feel like we're being abandoned completely. Selling our captain one day before a game - there is no understanding for this. We are preparing and then yesterday [Friday], I get told that our captain will be sold, but why not next week? At least he can play this game and then next week, other players are coming back. It makes me really upset.

"If your heart gets ripped out twice a year, with [Eberechi] Eze one day before a game in the summer and your captain one day before a game - I've just got no understanding. I've been in football for 30 years and never experienced this, not once. Now it happens twice in six or seven months. That's just where we are now. We're playing for weeks now with just 12 or 13 players in our squad. Some players have played their 35th game now.

"No team would do this. Other teams, the players play and then the next day, they're leaving and we are selling the day before?"

When asked if he will see the season out, Glasner responded: "I don't know. I always have a huge appreciation for this group of players. I completely trust them. Their character is exceptional and we will stick together and turn around. I will never step back because these players deserve Oliver Glasner as their manager and leader and this is what I will do. Sometimes it would help if we had a little bit of support."

Spurs could have chance to secure ‘incredible’ Glasner as next boss

When a manager launches such a public rant towards the hierarchy of his club – just look at Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim as recent examples – it is rare that they live to fight in the job for much longer. Often, it is almost viewed as a cry out to be sacked.

Glasner’s position in having won Crystal Palace the FA Cup and Community Shield may give him a different type of leeway, but that is only if he even wants to stay at the club until the end of the season. There is every chance that he walks out, or club and manager mutually decide to part ways.

Should Glasner soon become available, Spurs could be granted a golden opportunity to make him their next boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With Champions League football and the resources to make the transfers he wants, Glasner would look to transform Spurs just in the same way he did at Palace.

Dubbed “absolutely incredible” by Gary O’Neil in September for the journey on which he has brought the Eagles, Glasner has built a reputation which has seen him speculated as primed for one of the biggest jobs in European football in 2026. Spurs would be smart to seal his appointment as Frank’s successor while they have the chance.

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Thomas Frank Tottenham sack update fans will love after shock home defeat against West Ham

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Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure at Tottenham Hotspur after a 2-1 home loss against West Ham

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank saw more of the club’s fans turn against him on Saturday after a shock 2-1 home defeat against West Ham United.

Spurs went 1-0 down to Crysencio Summerville’s 15th-minute strike but got back in the game just after the hour mark through Cristian Romero. However, Callum Wilson - who has been linked with leaving West Ham this month - netting a 93rd minute winner for the Hammers.

The home fans chanted “sacked in the morning” as they made their feelings clear on the former Brentford boss, who is now under serious pressure.

Speaking about those chants, Frank said in his post-match press conference: "I've probably had better times, it's probably not the best time of course, but I understand, I'm the man in charge. So, the blame will go to me.

“That's fair, no problem in that sense. As long as they are backing the players, doing everything they can, to support them and drive them forward, that's what we do, and we will keep going forward.”

Spurs have now just won once in eight games in all competitions and have slipped to 14th in the Premier League.

Asked if he deserved more time, Frank responded: "If you're not winning enough, we know you will not get enough support from the fans, but when we're winning, it will change, when we start winning again. Which we will do.

“I'm not in doubt of that. I think also you can look a little bit at the performances. Let's say the Bournemouth and the Villa and this game here, if the players stop running, or stop doing anything, or not working hard, and we are not the team that's closest to winning, then you can say okay. I think the team is working very hard. And I still think, and I know it sounds a little bit crazy, that we are close to something very good, than further away.

“I think you all saw the game today, we could easily have won this one 2-1. I think it's no excuses, but also the reason we're a little bit down to the bare bones with players, and we also need some of the offensive players to score a goal or two. All that is difficult for me to do like that and click with a finger, but I can promise that I'm sitting here, giving everything, every single day. I feel the trust from everyone and there's only one way, we need to keep going."

Jonathan Northcroft, Chief Football Correspondent at The Times, has claimed that Frank’s future at the club is now “in the balance” following their loss to the Hammers. If Spurs did opt to sack Frank, it is unclear who they could move for.

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Next Tottenham Manager Odds: Ex Chelsea and Man Utd bosses could replace Thomas Frank

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank faces a fight to keep his job in North London with a painful 2-1 defeat to struggling West Ham the latest blow for the boss.

The Hammers picked up a first Premier League win since early November at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an injury time goal from Callum Wilson securing a big three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. The result leaves Spurs 14th in the division after 22 matches this season.

Frank also saw his men dumped out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa in front of a home crowd last weekend as a dire run of form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continues. The club board has been patient with the former Brentford manager but frustration from supporters continues to grow.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live following the defeat to West Ham, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock said: “They've had enough. They've been supporting their team today, flags, banners, they want a change.

“I don't think it's just in the hierarchy of the club but also in the managerial position of Thomas Frank. There was huge, huge pressure on both of these managers today. It looks like Nuno's come out on top.”

LondonWorld looks at the latest odds to see who the frontrunners are, should Frank be given the boot at Spurs. There are familiar faces in the top 10, including a former Tottenham Hotspur manager, as well as recently departed Premier League bosses.

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Tottenham medical department facing their biggest test after £35m deal

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Tottenham Hotspur’s latest transfer deal will put their medical department firmly to the test

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Tottenham Hotspur approached this January transfer window in the knowledge that Thomas Frank’s squad needed strengthening if the north London outfit are to have the best possible chance of achieving their aims this season.

What those aims now are in the Premier League is somewhat unclear, after a disappointing winter period which has left the Europa League winners down in the increasingly-familiar territory of the bottom seven of the league table.

In the Champions League, they have won three matches from six and are just a point and three places outside of the top eight, which automatically qualify for the knockout stages. Doing just that will no doubt be amongst the Lilywhites’ main targets for the remainder of the season.

On the transfer front, Spurs sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m and fairly quickly spent the entirety of that transfer kitty on securing former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher for the same price. While the 25-year-old looks an astute buy on paper, he could yet provide Spurs with an unexpected test.

Why Gallagher signing will provide Spurs with a unique test

Ask any Tottenham fan what the greatest cause of their problems over the last three seasons has been, the majority will likely come up with one overriding answer: injuries. They have had a lot of them.

In 2024/25, as per stats relayed by GiveMeSport, Spurs had 41 injuries which caused a player to miss at least one game, with players missing a combined total of 1,553 days overall – second out of all Premier League sides to Brighton & Hove Albion in both metrics.

Star defender Micky van de Ven spent an extended period on the sidelines both last term and the season before, while playmaker James Maddison suffered an ankle injury the very same day Van de Ven injured his hamstring, in a chaotic 4-1 home defeat against Chelsea on 6 November 2023, and is now out for the season with an ACL tear. Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke have both spent practically the entirety of this campaign on the treatment table, with the latter only returning to action just last week. The club currently have six high-profile players out in all.

But how does this relate to the signing of Gallagher? Well, the England midfielder has not suffered a long-term injury in his career. In fact, according to stats by Transfermarkt, Gallagher has not missed a single match through injury in his entire seven-season career to date. He once spent five days ill in March 2024, but did not miss a single game for that reason or for any other injury. A quite remarkable statistic, which Spurs and their medical team will hope not to see come to an end on their watch.

£35m signing could provide Spurs’ medical team with their biggest challenge yet

It can be argued that Spurs’ signing of Gallagher provides the Lilywhites’ medical team with their greatest test yet. A genuine test of their competency to keep a famously injury-free player away from their packed treatment room.

That is not to say that it is the fault of the club if Gallagher were to pick up an unfortunate injury. Anything can happen on the pitch at any given time. However, if he were to become as injury prone as the likes of Solanke, for example, then serious questions may need to be asked behind the scenes.

Spurs are signing a player whose reliability is one of his core strengths. Both in terms of his all-action performances on the pitch, but also equally importantly in his ability to remain consistently fit for his side. If they are able to manage him correctly, this quality of Gallagher’s could prove extremely useful to his new club.

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Tottenham 'keen' on £87m winger but could face Man Utd competition

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Tottenham Hotspur may look to the transfer window to improve Thomas Frank’s squad this month

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Tottenham Hotspur have had a challenging first half of the season and Thomas Frank’s side find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table with 21 matches played.

The Lilywhites are out of both cup competitions, and the Danish head coach may know that a run in the Champions League knockout stages is his best opportunity to get fans onside amidst mounting criticism of the former Brentford boss.

The January transfer window could prove crucial to turning their season around and Frank previously confirmed that his side will be looking to strengthen this month ahead of the spring run-in.

Spurs’ first signing of the window was announced on Wednesday afternoon, in the shape of former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. While it can be argued the move for the ex-Blues star was a controversial one, the England international will look to make an impact on the Spurs midfield in the absence of the injured Rodrigo Bentancur. Further signings could be yet to come.

Spurs ‘keen’ on Man Utd target Diomande

According to reports on Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre, Tottenham are one of several clubs ‘keen’ on RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.

The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene this season, bagging a Bundesliga hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in December to draw international headlines. The former Leganes winger is believed to have a release clause of €100million (£87m), though previous reports have indicated that a deal could be done for lower than this fee.

Reporting from Sky Sports states that Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich are all interested in Diomande alongside Spurs, with United’s interest set to ‘accelerate’ if other clubs make a move. All of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have also previously been linked.

Diomande was called up to his first AFCON this winter and scored in Ivory Coast’s 3-0 last 16 victory over Burkina Faso. The reigning 2024 champions were then knocked out 3-2 by Egypt in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Diomande could be perfect remedy to Frank’s attacking dilemma

Spurs are currently in need of attacking options following the recent sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m and subsequent long-term injury to Mohammed Kudus, and Diomande would certainly fit the bill. He is capable of playing on both wings and has featured from both sides almost equally for Leipzig this season, in his first campaign for the club after signing for £17m in the summer.

His record of seven goals and four assists for the German outfit has caught the eye of several big clubs on the continent and Spurs are believed to be amongst those who are looking to secure his signature, be it now or next summer.

The player remains focused on his own game, despite all the hype. “I’m trying to stay concentrated and listen to the coaching staff and to play my own game. People can see everything is going well, so I'm not gonna stop,” he said in an interview with GOAL. "My friends try to send it to me, but I try to stay focused and calm.

“For me, it was going to take like, two or three years. I’m working hard as well, and I'm happy, like everything happens so quickly, and I hope to keep going until the season ends,” he said.

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Tottenham vs West Ham early injury news as 8 ruled out and 3 doubts

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All the early injury news surrounding Tottenham and West Ham as they prepare to face off in the Premier League.

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Tottenham and West Ham return to Premier League action on Saturday in a London derby. Spurs have been in poor form of late, leaving Thomas Frank under serious pressure, with the North London club currently in the bottom half of the Premier League.

It’s a similar story at West Ham, albeit it to a worse degree. The Hammers are currently in the relegation zone and seven points from safety following their defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest before the FA Cup weekend. Here we round up all the early injury news surrounding both teams heading into this one.

El hadji Malick Diouf - Out (International)

Diouf will not be available due to his participation at the African Cup of Nations.

Lucas Paquetá - Doubt

Paquetá has been struggling with a back injury and will be assessed.

Mateus Fernandez - Doubt

Fernandez will be assessed after picking up a knock.

Konstantinos Mavropanos - Out

Mavropanos will almost certainly miss this one. Santo said last weekend: “It was a neck injury, we are assessing it now, he's in pain, and he will need a couple of days to settle down. Hopefully, he's going to be OK.”

Lukasz Fabianski - Out

Fabianski remains out with a back injury.

Richarlison - Doubt

Richarlison is very likely to miss out after suffering a hamstring injury last week, but we can’t rule him out until Frank does.

Rodrigo Bentancur - Out

Bentancur has undergone surgery on his right hamstring and he will be absent until at least after the March international break.

Mohammed Kudus - Out

Kudus has now been ruled out for months with a hamstring issue. Frank has confirmed: “Mohammed, unfortunately, is a bigger one to the tendon in the quad. That is one where we expect him back after the March international break.”

Pape Matar Sarr - Out (International)

Sarr has jetted off for the African Cup of Nations.

Dejan Kulusevski - Out

Frank has said: “We know it is a complicated injury. If there is one person who can accelerate that [recovery], it is Dejan. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee. He had an injection to help that ten days ago. We will know in 3-4 weeks if that has settled. And when it has settled, hopefully, he will be on the grass and from there, we will see what is happening.”

James Maddison - Out

Maddison is out for much - if not all - of the season with a knee injury. Frank said in December: “It's very early stages. It's still a long-term injury, so it's good to see him out there, but very early stages. There's no specific time frame. It will be a long time, unfortunately, before he's available.”

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Spurs could snatch another Villa 'target' as 'impressive' star offered

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Tottenham are now being linked with another reported Aston Villa target as they look to bolster their front line.

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Tottenham are now being linked with another player Aston Villa are said to be showing an interest in. Spurs beat Villa to the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, with the former Chelsea star arriving at Tottenham Hotspur Way for a fee of £34million.

It was an important get for Spurs, who have been hit with a few key injuries of late, with Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur now out until at least after the next international break.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski remains out, and there is fresh concern over Richarlison, who has a fresh hamstring issue, the extent of which is not clear. Tottenham need to make more signings, with attacking recruits vital if they want to make a run for Europe, now five points behind Manchester United in seventh.

One possible attacking signing is Manchester City star Omar Marmoush, who has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola for much of this season. Marmoush was the star of last season for City, arriving in the winter and scoring seven times in just 16 Premier League appearances.

But after City spent to bolster their squad in the summer, Marmoush has been limited to just 10 Premier League outings this season, starting only twice. Marmoush is now being tipped to go out on loan this month, with a big decision likely awaiting him when he returns from the African Cup of Nations, where he is representing Egypt.

According to reports in Turkiye, Marmoush has been offered to Galatasaray, while there is also interest from Tottenham and Villa. Haber Sarikirmizi has made the claim that the player’s agent has offered him to the Turkish giants. Elsewhere, journalist Cagatay Celik has added: “George Gardi has proposed Manchester City’s Egyptian footballer Omar Marmoush to Galatasaray. Aston Villa and Tottenham are interested in Marmoush, whose priority is to stay in England. The Egyptian footballer is only considering leaving Manchester City on loan”.

Spurs could be a more logical choice

Tottenham could be the most logical choice if Marmoush does become available this month. City already know what the forward can do abroad, but they will likely want him to develop into a Premier League regular, and regular football in this country is a faster path to achieving that.

In terms of interest from Villa, the West Midlands club are potentially direct rivals for City, currently just goal difference below Pep Guardiola’s men, so that’s not a deal City are likely to sanction. Spurs will want to compete for European football, but they are not likely to be a threat to City, and that could make a deal realistic.

Marmoush is usually used as a striker but can also operate out wide, which will suit Spurs as they look to create competition in the striker roles, given the poor form of Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, while they also need options out wide amid injuries.

Guardiola on Marmoush

Speaking about Marmoush’s impact last season, Guardiola said: "Marmoush's numbers are truly impressive; he arrived mid-season at a time when we were not doing well. Sometimes when you come in and everything is going well, it's easy to adapt, but coming in when the team is not playing well is a significant achievement. When the team loves to possess the ball, he runs and understands the intensity of the game."

Guardiola has also spoken about the importance of Marmoush this season, but Erlin Haaland has been the first choice for much of the campaign.

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West Ham star 'rejected' Tottenham & Chelsea and only wants one move

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West Ham United have seen a big-name player linked with an exit - but he has rejected their London rivals

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West Ham United are staring a first Premier League relegation since 2010/11 in the face and Nuno Espirito Santo will know that his side must improve this January – both on and off the pitch – if they are to boost their chances of survival.

The current gap between the Hammers and safety is seven points after back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest dealt the east London side with an almighty blow to start the new year.

The January transfer window has offered the opportunity for Nuno to bring in the players he wants and a £45 million double striker swoop for Taty Castellanos and Pablo was quickly finalised in the early days of the window. Argentine frontman Castellanos scored on his West Ham debut in FA Cup success over Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers and will know that similar exploits will be required from him in the league.

A latest update surrounding the transfer situation of Lucas Paqueta has emerged, amidst speculation of an exit for the Hammers midfielder in recent days.

Paqueta ‘rejected’ Tottenham and Chelsea and only wants Flamengo move

Transfer News Live report on X that Paqueta has ‘rejected’ approaches from a trio of Premier League giants in recent weeks, as speculation surrounding his future at West Ham continues. London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have both been rejected by the midfielder as per the report, while Aston Villa have also seen an approach knocked back.

The player is said to ‘only’ want a move back to Flamengo in Brazil, which is stated to be the one sole club for whom he will leave West Ham – amidst claims that ‘he wants to go back home’.

Reporting from TEAMtalk continues that the 28-year-old has agreed ‘personal terms in principle’ with Flamengo and is insistent on moving back to his homeland, with lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League also firmly rebuffed by the player and his representatives. West Ham owner David Sullivan is said to be ‘frustrated’ at Paqueta’s stance, knowing that the club would be able to obtain a higher transfer fee from a Premier League rival.

Paqueta to Flamengo latest amid failed £30m bid

Paqueta’s prospective return to Flamengo may not be a simple one, though, as recent reports from The Athletic confirm that the Brazilian giants have lodged a €35m (£30.3m) bid for their former player but seen it rejected by West Ham.

TEAMtalk state that Sullivan wants a deal starting at £42.5m, with further costs ‘likely to take any deal beyond £50m’ if they are to part ways with Paqueta, whom they signed from Lyon for £51m in 2022 to make him their record signing to this day.

Flamengo are unlikely to lodge a bid which matches this fee and this could create a complicated situation over the coming months, amidst claims that Paqueta is contemplating ‘strike action’ in order to force through the surprise move.

Reporting continues that West Ham are reluctant to lose one of their most talented players mid-way through their relegation battle so Flamengo may need to wait until March to seal a deal – as their transfer window remains open until then and West Ham will likely have a clearer picture regarding their likelihood of staying up, and the impact which selling Paqueta could have on this. The transfer saga will be one to watch out for in the coming weeks and, potentially, months.

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