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Tottenham learned the hard way against Arsenal about how far away they are from the top of the Premier League but this signing could help close the gap.

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Thomas Frank learnt the harshest reminder of how far his Tottenham Hotspur team has to go to compete at the top of the table after the chastening defeat to Arsenal.

The current injury list doesn’t help the Spurs boss’ cause, however, a clear recruitment plan is needed to close the gap in the Premier League and to become contenders rather than also rans. A young squad now needs experience and proven talent to help improve performances and an Italian international could be on the market if recent speculation is to be believed.

Spurs should target Federico Chiesa

Spurs have been linked to Antoine Semenyo, however, with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal also interested, competition is fierce and Frank will probably miss out unless they move quicker than the other teams said to be watching the Bournemouth winger. What the German could do with is a versatile forward capable of covering a number of positions and who can score goals and provide assists. In a World Cup season, every player wants to be playing regularly which is why Spurs could target a frustrated Liverpool star.

Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy having found himself on the outside looking in despite Liverpool’s struggles this season. With Arne Slot having signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, Chiesa has found himself further down the pecking order.

The 28-year old has two goals and three assists this season despite only featuring in 366 minutes worth of action. Capable of playing on either flank, as a no.10 or central striker, the 51-times capped international has been urged to leave Anfield by Italy boss Genarro Gattuso to reclaim his place in the squad. Spurs also wanted him back in the summer so he is clearly appreciated in North London.

Fabrizio Romano on when Chiesa could leave Liverpool

Even on loan, Spurs could offer a way out for Chiesa with transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano suggesting that January could be the window in which his time at Liverpool comes to an end. Speaking on his YouTube channel over the weekend, Romano said: “What I can tell you about Chiesa is that the player continues to demonstrate publicly, as do those close to him, that his will is to stay at Liverpool. He wants to play in Liverpool and stay in Liverpool.

“It’s clear that if a month or a month-and-a-half from now – well into January – Chiesa still won’t have found the playing time he’s hoping for, and if Liverpool were to make another signing – a winger like Semenyo who’s a player Liverpool are targeting – in that case we need to be careful about Chiesa.

“I believe Italian clubs will be able to try again during the January window. The door was closed in the summer, by Chiesa and Liverpool, [as] they wanted to continue together.

“Today the door remains closed, but if you ask me what happens on January 20th, based on the circumstances, we should monitor the Chiesa situation in the final days of the window.”

Even if Liverpool don’t sign Semenyo, Spurs should be offering Chiesa a way out at a club where his ability would be appreciated.

Eberechi Eze bagged an emphatic hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

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There were few more eager for this weekend’s north London derby than Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank. The charismatic Spurs boss appeared to be relishing the challenge of his first meeting with the Gunners in his pre-match press conference last week.

There was one particular moment from Frank that made the headlines and set social media talking. Somewhat inevitably, the coach was asked about Arsenal star Eberechi Eze with the midfielder having almost made the move to Spurs this summer.

When questioned whether he thought the club had secured the signing of the England international before the Arsenal move, Frank kept a straight face and said: “Who’s Eze.”

Thomas Frank must regret ‘first aura moment’ after Arsenal defeat

That response prompted an outbreak of laughter from the reporters in the room, catching onto the joke, before Frank added: “Very good player. He plays for Arsenal – a team we want to beat on Sunday."

It took social media no time to latch onto the joke from Frank with one football fan taking to social media platform X to write: “First Thomas Frank aura moment of the season.”

That post was seen by over 75,000 people ahead of the clash on Sunday and it’s no doubt a quote that Frank is living to regret. Eze was the star man as Arsenal romped to victory, scoring a hat-trick in the 4-1 win.

The last player to score a hat-trick in the north London derby was Alan Sunderland, doing so in December 1978. Eze is writing his name in footballing folklore.

Eze was rated a perfect 10/10 by The Standard for his performance. The outlet wrote: “Quite simply, a dream afternoon for the midfielder and boyhood Arsenal fan. A hat-trick in his first ever north London derby. He is only the fourth player in history to achieve that feat.”

Eberechi Eze admits Tottenham Hotspur transfer snub

As Frank watched his Spurs players put in a whimpering performance, he no doubt felt the pain of missing out on the transfer more than ever before. Arsenal paid £67.5 million to sign the player for Crystal Palace just as it appeared Eze would be heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The player himself has opened up on how easily he spurned Spurs interest as he looked to leave Selhurst Park. Last month, he said: “I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them.

“My first [senior] Arsenal game was special. It almost didn’t feel real because it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it’s been in the back of my mind wanting to go back. It felt like the realisation of a dream.”

Frank had been previously prickly when asked about the Eze transfer, insisting that it is something he does not regret. The former Brentford boss had said: “There's been a lot of rumours – and a lot of times where there's nothing in it. There must be someone out there who thinks it's good fun to put the rumours out there.

"There's been a lot of links and will continue to be. To be very general, I don't want any players who don't want to come to the club. If they don't want to come here and wear this fantastic badge, we don't want them here. That's very clear, and I imagine the fans feel exactly the same. That's a key message."

It’s a noble stance but, after Sunday night, it’s clear that the foiled Eze transfer should be one the club does regret.

In other news, 'I Don't Understand': Tottenham legend Les Ferdinand slams referee decision for Arsenal goal.

Thomas Frank will be without captain Cristian Romero when Spurs host Fulham next weekend.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will be licking his wounds following a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of North London rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening, in what was a whimpering performance from his side.

The Gunners completely outclassed their opposition in a one-sided affair, led by a hat-trick from summer signing Eberechi Eze. During the second half, Frank had salt rubbed into the wounds of defeat by one Tottenham Hotspur player.

In a moment that may have gone unnoticed by many, centre-back Cristian Romero was shown a yellow card in the 70th minute. The 27-year-old hadn’t even committed a foul but was booked for dissent, which made the foolish moment even more frustrating.

Cristian Romero suspended for Fulham clash

That booking was Romero’s fifth yellow card of the Premier League season, meaning he will miss out on the match against Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It’s not uncommon for defenders to rack up five yellow cards before the 19th outing of the campaign and Frank will likely have accepted that he would be without Romero - who loves a crunching tackle - for one match.

It’s the nature of the booking in such a big game which warrants wrath from Frank. Romero is the side’s captain and should be leading by example, not losing his head and picking up a suspension that could have been avoided altogether.

Ironically, prior to the season, Frank praised Romero’s ‘behaviour’ on the pitch when naming him captain. He said: “He was very honoured and very happy about it. It’s a big thing and should be to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season.

"I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.”

Thomas Frank must stamp authority at Tottenham Hotspur

Of course, one yellow card won’t change the reputation that Romero has spent seasons earning as a professional but it is an opportunity for Frank to show his authority. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville reacted to the booking on commentary and provided an idea that Frank could perhaps use.

He said on Sky Sports: “Just think about that Romero suspension for dissent. We had many fines at Manchester United when I played, but if we got booked for dissent we got fined 10 per cent of our wages. He wouldn’t accept that.

“You might not think that of Sir Alex Ferguson, he was encouraging people to have a go at referees, but he actually didn’t like it.”

In other news, 'I Don't Understand': Tottenham legend Les Ferdinand slams referee decision for Arsenal goal.

Arsenal could look to secure a major swap deal with Napoli, which would grab headlines in the winter window

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Premier League leaders Arsenal head into this weekend's North London Derby with Tottenham Hotspur knowing that victory would put them 11 points clear of their arch-rivals and maintain the Gunners’ strong early lead at the top of the table.

With Christmas fast approaching, Mikel Arteta will be fully aware of how crucial the next run of matches is for his side.

Not only do they face some of their toughest opponents yet across matches domestically and in Europe, but they may have to do it without some of their most important players – most notably Gabriel, who the Spaniard has confirmed is out for a number of “weeks” with a thigh injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.

The January transfer window is on the horizon and though Arteta will not be able to replace the influence of Gabriel, another key target has emerged amidst competition from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.

Arsenal could secure Napoli swap deal for Scott McTominay

Arsenal have been linked with a blockbuster move for Scott McTominay in recent days, as the Scotsman’s outstanding spell with Napoli continues.

The former Man United midfielder signed for the Serie A giants last summer for £25m but has seen his profile rise exponentially since then. The 28-year-old has won the Scudetto, the Serie A MVP and even earned a Ballon d’Or nomination during the last six months alone.

If the influential midfielder had not received enough praise already, he has now become somewhat of a national hero after his bicycle kick sent Scotland on the way to their first World Cup in 27 years on Tuesday night. While such an honour will no doubt have been bestowed upon Steve Clarke’s side to a man, the impact of McTominay and his stunning goal on the night will not be forgotten.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Arsenal and some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are intent on bringing McTominay back to England. Napoli are reported to be demanding a fee of €70m (£61m) for their star man, but the Gunners could have a trump card to play in negotiations.

McTominay and Mikel Merino swap deal could be stunning answer

Arsenal have a wealth of attacking options at the disposal of Arteta and if McTominay were to join his talented squad at the Emirates, the Gunners could offer Napoli Mikel Merino in return as part of a deal for the Scotsman.

Merino has been a reliable member of Arteta’s squad since the Spaniard signed for £31.6m from Real Sociedad in 2024, scoring 12 goals for the club and being utilised in a range of different positions. But the 29-year-old could see his game-time limited if McTominay were to arrive in north London.

One of Merino’s main strengths for Arsenal has been his ability to arrive in the box and score important goals when needed, often starting in a makeshift striker role when Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have been absent. He has become so good at the role that he even began playing in a similar position for Spain at times during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

McTominay possesses many of the same qualities as Merino, potentially to an even higher standard at present, and could be viewed as an upgrade to carry out the very same utility role as the Spaniard. It would, therefore, make a lot of sense to include the former Newcastle United man as part of a deal for the Scotsman, particularly in a World Cup year with Merino hoping to play a key role for the reigning European champions.

Napoli may well demand a player-plus-cash deal if Arsenal were to offer Merino as part of a transfer for McTominay, in a move which could work out in the best interests of all parties.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have a whole host of injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s showdown

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The North London Derby returns on Sunday afternoon (16:30 GMT) and both Arsenal and Tottenham will have a series of injury issues to resolve before the two arch-rivals face off at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal remain four points clear at the top of the table ahead of the clash, while Spurs are down in fifth place but have made great strides under new head coach Thomas Frank so far this campaign.

The Lilywhites have not won away at Arsenal since 2010, though, and their recent record against the Gunners does not make for pleasant reading as they hope to get one over on their high-flying neighbours.

As many as 18 players could miss the encounter, with major absentees on both sides in addition to a series of fitness doubts for both managers to resolve over the coming days. We could therefore see much-changed starting XIs when the two north London rivals take to the field at the Emirates.

Arsenal injury news as Gabriel out while long list of doubts for Arteta

Arsenal’s highest-profile injury worry ahead of the match has undoubtedly been Gabriel, who injured his thigh while away on international duty with Brazil and has now been confirmed as out for a number of “weeks” by Mikel Arteta. Whether he will be back before Christmas is currently unknown, but the Gunners’ colossus at the back will be a major miss.

With Gabriel the only Arsenal player confirmed to be out, Arteta will be sweating on the returns of no less than eight players who are currently a doubt for Sunday.

All of Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli were targeting a return after the international break and while Arteta confirmed the quintet are doing well in their recoveries in his press conference on Friday, he did not expand on which players are set to be available for selection from the group.

In addition, Arteta praised Gabriel Jesus as his recovery from an ACL injury comes towards a close, with the Brazilian training with the first team “for the last almost two weeks”. Whether Sunday comes too soon for him remains to be seen, but a place amongst the substitutes may not be out of the question.

Meanwhile, in-form full-back duo Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber both picked up knocks during the international break and currently remain doubts for the weekend, though neither is believed to have a serious injury and both will hope to start.

Tottenham injury news amidst several absentees for visitors

Spurs were given a massive boost during Frank’s latest press conference when the Dane revealed that Randal Kolo Muani, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall are all fit and “available” following recent injury concerns.

Mohammed Kudus is also expected to return after missing the last two matches, but remains a doubt for now. Ben Davies, Archie Gray and Kota Takai are also doubts, having trained with the team but may not quite be ready for involvement at the weekend.

Spurs remain without five players who will be out for the derby, including long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin, the latter of whom returned to friendly action over the break. Yves Bissouma is also expected to remain on the sidelines, while Dominic Solanke is not yet ready for a return to action, as confirmed by Frank.

"Dom is not ready yet,” said Frank. “I think he also had an article recently where he spoke about it. So we are very, as I said, the same.

“Very aware that when we put him out there, we want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that no setback going forward. So I'm comfortable he will soon be ready, but I will not put a timeframe on it."

Tottenham Hotspur predicted starting line-up ahead of the North London Derby

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This weekend is the big one for Tottenham Hotspur, as Thomas Frank’s side visit the Emirates for the first North London Derby against arch-rivals Arsenal of the Dane’s reign at the club.

Spurs come into the match eight points behind their closest neighbours, but the Lilywhites’ away form will give them encouragement as Frank’s side are unbeaten away from home in the league so far this season. With Arsenal also unbeaten at home, one of those records could be set to fall on Sunday afternoon (16:30 GMT). The Gunners have a series of injury concerns for the match.

The importance of the occasion is not lost on Frank, who said in his press conference earlier this week: "I always say the next game is the most important game, I always have said that, but I’m very, very, very aware there’s two games in a year that’s even more important and this is the first of them. We’re ready, we’re up for it, we’re looking forward to it and we’ll do everything we can to win."

Tottenham predicted starting XI ahead of Arsenal derby clash

The starting XI which Frank picks for the derby will be heavily dependent on who he has available for the clash, with several first-team stars believed to be nearing a return to action.

The Dane revealed some very promising news in his press conference on Friday when he stated that all of Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani are “available” for selection after taking part in training despite recent injury concerns. While the situation surrounding Mohammed Kudus’ availability has not been confirmed, there remains optimism that the Ghanaian will be fit to return after two matches on the sidelines.

With that in mind, Spurs are likely to name an unchanged back five with no new injury concerns to report, and the likes of Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario on top form prior to the international break. It is in midfield and attacking areas where Frank will have significant selection dilemmas.

Predicted Spurs attack for North London Derby

With both Sarr and Bergvall back available for selection in midfield, Frank might ultimately choose between the pair and start one of the young midfielders alongside Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur for the intense atmosphere of the derby. The all-action Sarr could get the nod to retain his place in the XI, but this could be at the expense of Xavi Simons, who has been inconsistent throughout his time in north London thus far.

Frank has at times opted for a 4-3-3 for tough away games in order to be more difficult to break down in midfield, and this could be the case on Sunday against their high-flying neighbours. Simons will hope to start in his first North London Derby, but might have to settle for a role making an impact off the substitutes’ bench.

In the attack, Frank will have a decision to make regarding the match fitness of Ghana international Kudus. But considering the impact the former West Ham United man has made since his move to the north of the capital, the Spurs head coach will hope to start the influential Kudus if he is passed fit. In attack, Kolo Muani will be back in contention while Dominic Solanke remains out for the time being.

Kolo Muani has started the last three matches but is yet to score for his new club, while Richarlison will be pushing to return to his more regular starting spot through the centre - having scored what Spurs thought was a dramatic late winner after starting from a wide position against Manchester United last time out. Wilson Odobert could also get the nod, after making an impact as a half-time substitute in the 2-2 draw.

Tottenham Hotspur could secure a top target with a major swap deal in January

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Tottenham Hotspur are no doubt beginning to compile a list of key transfer targets, as the Lilywhites head into the January transfer window looking to make a charge for Champions League qualification in Thomas Frank’s first campaign at the club.

Spurs have made a strong start to the season both on the domestic and European front, but there are still further levels to be reached if their home form in particular is polished, which could spell danger for rivals if the north London outfit can resolve this issue.

Head coach Frank has made a positive impact thus far at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has seen new signings such as Mohammed Kudus step up, whilst the likes of Micky van de Ven have reached even higher levels for the Europa League winners.

Despite this, winter arrivals are a possibility and one in-demand star is reportedly wanted at Spurs, which could open the door for a stunning swap deal in January.

Tottenham and Bournemouth swap deal could secure Antoine Semenyo

As previously reported, Spurs are one of five top Premier League clubs interested in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who has set the division alight at times so far this season and will be available for a release clause of just £65million in January.

Spurs previously made contact over a move for the 25-year-old in the summer but saw their advances rebuffed, as the player opted to sign a new deal which included the soon-active release clause. The competition will be even fiercer this time for the Ghanaian, and so Spurs could decide to use a trump card of their own in order to jump ahead of rivals such as Arsenal and Liverpool in the queue.

This could come in the shape of former Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, who has been out injured since August and has been touted for an exit amidst the belief that he is not a key part of Frank’s plans. Solanke signed for Spurs for £65m in summer 2024 and remains the Cherries’ record sale at present, but could prove a difference-maker in his former club’s European ambitions of their own if he were to return to the south coast.

Semenyo and Solanke swap deal could see Spurs sign difference-maker

Semenyo could soon end up playing in N17 if Solanke is used as part of a deal to help Spurs get ahead of the competition. The 28-year-old scored 77 times in 216 appearances for the Cherries, including 19 Premier League goals in his final season in 2023/24, which saw him eclipse 20 in all competitions.

Evanilson has been out injured for the majority of the season so far and while Eli Junior Kroupi has made a strong start to life in England, Solanke may be viewed as a more prolific option than both and could score the goals necessary to fire Bournemouth into Europe - particularly if they are forced to part ways with Semenyo in January. It goes without saying that Spurs would also be signing a player capable of changing their season.

A return to his former club might appear a backwards step for Solanke but considering the huge steps forward the Cherries have made since his departure, it could prove a very smart move if he hopes to get himself back into the England set-up.

While it would be difficult to justify Solanke’s transfer value being the same as it was 12 months ago after his injury problems, his inclusion in a swap deal plus a smaller transfer fee could provide Bournemouth with an incentive to pick the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Semenyo’s next destination if multiple big clubs come calling.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with a star who is hitting headlines across Europe

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Just days away from the North London Derby on Sunday, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a battle off the pitch to secure the signing of a man who is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand players.

The two north London rivals take to the field on Sunday at the Emirates (16:30 GMT) and will both look to secure a victory which would be huge for their respective targets this season. The Gunners aim to keep up their four-point lead at the top of the table with Manchester City breathing down their necks, whilst a top-five finish would be massive for Thomas Frank’s Spurs and the Lilywhites will hope to close the gap on their local neighbours with victory.

With the January window fast approaching, both clubs will have the opportunity to reassess their star-studded squads and make any adjustments which could ultimately make the difference come the end of the season.

Arsenal and Tottenham told ‘astronomical’ terms of Scott McTominay transfer

Both north London clubs have joined the growing list of potential suitors for Napoli’s Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay as per TEAMtalk, as Premier League clubs consider bringing the 28-year-old back to England in 2026 after an extremely successful year in Naples.

It is stated that only a ‘perfect’ proposal will be able to secure a return to England for the former Manchester United midfielder, who departed for Napoli for £25m last summer after 22 years on the books at Old Trafford. His new levels reached since then have been astounding, as McTominay scored a series of crucial goals on the way to winning the Scudetto and Serie A’s MVP for 2024/25.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and even a ‘nostalgic’ United have reportedly ‘sounded out’ his camp, with the belief existing that the ‘allure of England’s frenetic pace’ remains for the former Premier League star. But an ‘astronomical’ bid would be required, with anything below €80m (£70.5m) set to be ‘laughed out of the boardroom’.

‘Must be right project’ - terms of McTominay return considered

A source close to McTominay told TEAMtalk: “Scott’s heart still beats for the Premier League. But it has to be right – the right club, the right project, the right role. He’s not chasing a paycheque; he’s building a legacy.”

“We’re building something special here,” a source from within Napoli added. “Scott’s thriving – why would they disrupt that?”

McTominay’s stocks rose even more as he struck home a stunning bicycle kick in the era-defining match which saw Scotland qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 on Tuesday night, as Denmark were beaten 4-2 at Hampden Park. He already has 17 goals to his name for Napoli in just over 12 months, and is becoming a key man for both club and country.

Whether he could recreate this form back in the Premier League is a tantalising prospect, and leading clubs from the top flight will no doubt try their luck when the January transfer window comes around, if Napoli’s ‘astronomical’ demands can be matched.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bolster their striking options within the next six to 12 months

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly “zeroed in” on FC Porto star Samu Aghehowa as they search for a new striker but a January move may prove difficult.

Spurs are in the market for a new striker and have been linked with former Brentford star Ivan Toney who is currently playing his football in Saudi Arabia. The forward may be tempted back to England as he eyes a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

He is currently on a whopping £400,000-per-week in the Middle East and would be required to take a significant pay-cut in order to move back to the Premier League. Spurs’ rivals Everton have also been linked with the ex-Bees ace.

A report from TEAMtalk claims that Aghehowa is now Spurs key target as “the club view him as the ideal profile for Thomas Frank’s evolving system at N17.”

Toney is still named as a “serious option” for Spurs but Aghehowa is the player they “truly covet”. The 21-year-old joined Porto in the summer of 2024 and has since made 59 appearances for the Portuguese club. He has scored 36 goals and provided four assists in that time.

A January move is branded unlikely, however, with Porto set to demand at least £70.5m for the striker and club president Andre Villas-Boas is said to have insisted that no price will be considered during the winter window.

A source told TEAMtalk: “Samu is the dream. January is a nightmare. Summer 2026 feels far more viable for a move.”

Aghehowa very nearly joined Chelsea in 2024 after a £35m deal had been agreed with Atletico Madrid but the Spanish international failed a medical at Stamford Bridge and the deal collapsed. He would later join Porto for around just £12m - a significant reduction on what Chelsea had been willing to pay.

He is now worth nearly seven times as much as Porto paid for him around 15 months ago. Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest but Spurs are “showing the strongest interest” in getting a deal done.

The Spurs loan star beat all of Thomas Frank’s first team players to be named in the European Team of the Season so far.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic has been named in a European Team of the Season so far as he enjoys a head-turning loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV.

The 18-year-old arrived at Spurs this summer having agreed a deal to join the club for £12 million two years prior. Vuskovic was involved in Thomas Frank’s pre-season preparations and looked the real deal, showing his defensive and attacking capabilities against League One outfit Reading, but was ultimately loaned out for the season.

It was unlikely that the teenager would oust either Micky Van de Ven or Cristian Romero from the starting XI and he was sent to Hamburger to develop for the campaign. Vuskovic has made nine appearances on loan so far, scoring once against Heidenheim.

Tottenham Hotspur loan star named in Team of the Season so far

The defender’s performances have been assured and WhoScored have named Vuskovic in their Team of the Season so far across Europe’s top five leagues. The centre-back partners Arsenal star Gabriel in the XI, which also features huge names including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

Vuskovic’s average performance rating so far this season is rated at a 7.38, which is even higher than that of Gabriel, despite the Gunners man’s dominance in the Premier League so far this term.

It’s an impressive accolade for Vuskovic and one that comes as German outlet BILD claim that Borussia Dortmund could be eyeing a possible transfer for the player. It’s added that Spurs aren’t interested in a sale with it still thought that Vuskovic has a big future in north London.

Spurs in contact with Luka Vuskovic

Speaking recently while on international duty, the teenager admitted that he is still in close talks with Tottenham Hotspur as the club monitors his progress. He said: “I’m happy with everything at HSV. My grades are good, even above expectations. My teammates are great, everyone supports me and I have no bad words or criticism. I just need to keep going.

“Tottenham? I hear from them, they follow me. They are a good club when it comes to developing young players. I don’t know when I will be back.”

Vuskovic was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in September and his performances earned him a call-up to the senior Croatia side. Speaking about the Spurs man, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said: “A huge talent, he plays excellently in the Bundesliga, and that’s why he got a chance in the senior national team. I think he should be with us to feel the atmosphere and what awaits him. With him, Croatia secures its centre-back for the next 10-15 years.”

In other news, 'He Was Brilliant': Tottenham star bounces back from 'lacklustre' 5/10 Man Utd performance in Wales romp.