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Chelsea will look to ease the pressure on their key midfield duo at some point during upcoming transfer windows.

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Chelsea will reportedly make another central midfielder a priority signing come the end of the 2025/26 campaign to ease the burden on key duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

Enzo Maresca’s side boast one of the best midfield partnerships in the league with both Caicedo and Fernandez world class operators in the centre of the park. However, the Blues are heavily reliant on the two workhorses.

Chelsea have back-ups in the likes of Romeo Lavia but it is the 21-year-old’s poor injury record that is pushing Chelsea to invest once again. Lavia is currently sidelined having picked up an injury in the Champions League against Qarabag last month, with no indication as of yet to when he might return.

Chelsea to prioritise midfield signing come summer 2026

The London outfit did reinforce this summer with Andrey Santos back from his loan at Strasbourg while Dario Essugo arrived from Sporting Lisbon. Santos and Essugo are both promising options but not players who offer the same experience and reliability as Fernandez and Caicedo.

While The Athletic reports that any significant Chelsea investment into another senior midfielder will wait until the summer, the Blues could do worse than pouncing on a player who looks set to be on the move in January. That’s Al-Hilal man and former Wolves player Ruben Neves.

The Portugal international moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 but Football Insider reports that the player could move back to the Premier League for £15 million in January. Al-Hilal paid £47 million to sign Neves from Wolves but, with the midfielder's contract up this summer, he could be available for a fraction of that.

Chelsea should move for £15 million ex Wolves man

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both named as potential suitors for Neves and Chelsea should join the queue in making an enquiry. While Neves isn’t a name to bring the excitement of Cole Palmer, Willian Estevao or Geovany Quenda, he could be an important player.

The former Wolves man has 177 Premier League appearances to his name with 21 goals. Chelsea are a team who are more and more reliant on youth but those defensive midfield positions need to be held by reliable performers to allow rising stars to excel.

Neves has all the hallmarks of a player who could step in for Caicedo and Fernandez. Importantly, he stays off the treatment table too. The midfielder is in his prime at 28 years old and has played over 3,600 minutes in each of the previous two campaigns.

With Chelsea youthful and having been criticised for discipline, Neves’ commanding presence could be a real boost. Speaking about Neves while at Wolves in 2021, former manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “What I see is a player that is very important for us. He is a fantastic player. He’s a player that is one of the captains of the team. He’s been at Wolves for four seasons now. A lot of that he has sustained his level of performance and become a better player than when he arrived very young.

“Playing in the Championship was very different to his own reality. This is what I see in Ruben. Now he is one of the senior players in the squad who has responsibilities and he is able and capable to do much better than he did before. The talent, determination and work-ethic is there.”

Any move for Neves would have to come in January with a Saudi exit imminent but, for a bargain £15 million, this could be a shrewd piece of business for Chelsea and get a summer 2026 recruitment priority sorted ahead of time.

In other news, 'Even Today': John Terry names one Chelsea moment that still keeps him awake at night.

Thomas Frank had reportedly been considering a recall for a Tottenham Hotspur youngster impressing in the Bundesliga.

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Tottenham Hotspur centre back Luka Vuskovic continues to impress on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV and his form has led to talks of a potential recall to London once the January transfer window opens.

The 18-year-old featured as part of Thomas Frank’s pre-season squad and turned heads, in particular with a 45 minute performance against League One side Reading, when he found himself on the scoresheet. Vuskovic only arrived at Spurs this summer with the club having agreed a deal with Hajduk Split in September 2023.

The centre-back is tipped to go on and become one of the continent’s top centre-backs and is certainly living up to that reputation in Germany. Vuskovic has nailed down a place in the Hamburger starting XI with two goals to his name.

Luka Vuskovic continues to take Bundesliga by ‘storm’

The Bundesliga website credits the defender for being ‘key’ to the side’s defensive improvements and that Vuskovic has taken the Bundesliga by ‘storm’. The player won back-to-back Rookie of the Month awards in September and October and is labelled a ‘monster in the air’.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender has even earned praise from rival managers with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač complimenting his compatriot. Kovač said: “He’s a huge talent – that was already clear during his youth days at Hajduk Split.

“He made a good move to Tottenham, and now he’s at HSV alongside his brother. With his quality, he can already contribute to the team at a young age. Sooner or later, he will surely become an important part of the Croatian national team.”

Tottenham Hotspur Vuskovic recall stance emerges

It’s been somewhat painful for Spurs to see their player thriving abroad given Frank’s struggles defensively this season. The London outfit have shipped 23 goals in the league this season with only one clean sheet in the league since the start of November.

Cristian Romero’s needless red card against Liverpool was the latest defensive blow for Frank and there had been talk of recalling Vuskovic to help add stability over the back end of the season. However, The Athletic’s Bundesliga correspondent Seb Stafford-Bloor does not believe that Spurs will do that.

It’s believed that the Premier League club continue to monitor their player’s progress but are happy with the work he is doing in Germany. In October, the prospect of a recall was discussed by Hamburger chief Claus Costa.

Costa said: "They're closely monitoring the player, which shows how they assess Luka. Tottenham isn't interested in weakening us or ruining the loan. I believe Tottenham also knows how good the situation here is for Luka. That's why I hope we never get into a situation where we have to think about anything else."

In other news, Tottenham sign ex Chelsea man, Barcelona player and Premier League striker in dream January transfer XI.

Oliver Glasner needs new Crystal Palace recruits and the club must be realistic to get business done in January.

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that the club must recruit new players in January if they are to be able to compete over the back end of the season.

The Austrian is currently set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the campaign with no new deal agreed but, should the club show support by splashing the cash next month, Glasner’s outlook may change.

There are several key areas for the club to prioritise recruitment but the number one is an injection of creativity. Glasner has been outspoken about the loss of vision and electricity up front since Eberechi Eze joined London rivals Arsenal.

Crystal Palace face competition for £35 million Tottenham Hotspur transfer

There’s been no shortage of rumours linking players with a move to Selhurst Park. Last week, a £35 million move for Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson was touted as a likely outcome.

The Welshman is struggling for a place in the starting XI under Thomas Frank after the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham in the summer. With Spurs also wanting to spend, a space could be freed up by allowing Johnson to leave.

However, Crystal Palace are not alone in monitoring Johnson. AFC Bournemouth, who are set to lose Antoine Semenyo thanks to his £60 million release clause, have been linked and so too have Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have made themselves outside title contenders but are looking for a new wide player. The Midlands outfit have Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho on loan at the moment but those two players have struggled for impact under Unai Emery and could see their loan stays cut short.

It’s fair to suggest that Crystal Palace could find themselves third in queue for the Johnson deal in the New Year. Aston Villa offer the chance of a title race and Champions League football while Bournemouth hold a bargaining power given that Spurs are interested in Semenyo.

Aston Villa ‘flop’ could enjoy Selhurst Park rebirth

The Eagles cannot afford to become embroiled in a transfer saga, only to lose and once again fail to recruit. A more level-headed approach is needed and Crystal Palace could do worse than looking at one of those Villa stars set for departure in Sancho.

The 25-year-old is still on the books at Manchester United but faces no way into Ruben Amorim’s side. The forward has played just 127 minutes in the top flight this season and the Red Devils would surely look to loan Sancho back out should he return in January.

The former Borussia Dortmund man may have flopped at Villa Park but does have the credentials to slot into Oliver Glasner’s side well. He picked up five goals and 10 assists across all competitions on loan at Chelsea last season, helping the team to a Europa Conference League win and scoring in the final.

Speaking after that win over Real Betis in the final, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Sancho and said: “We are going to sit with the club and decide what happens for next year. If we finish fourth it is also because of Jadon, if we win tonight it is also because of Jadon.”

There’s certainly a player in Jadon Sancho and one who could thrive with regular minutes and the confidence of being a bigger fish in a smaller pond at Crystal Palace. A swift move to offer the winger a fresh loan move could be a more fruitful use of time than what appears to be a complicated Johnson pursuit.

In other news, Liam Rosenior has already told Crystal Palace stance on Premier League job.

Thomas Frank is hoping for new arrivals this January to help him find consistency at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Tottenham Hotspur have just one fixture left to play before the January transfer window swings open with the north London outfit expected to invest in the market.

Thomas Frank takes his side to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, looking to bounce back from defeats to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The former Brentford boss has struggled for consistency so far at Spurs but new arrivals in January could change that.

LondonWorld looks at the current transfer rumours circling around Tottenham Hotspur to see how the side could line up, if current rumours come true.

Tottenham transfer XI if rumours come true

Goalkeeper - Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Defenders - Pedro Porro, Alessandro Bastoni, Cristian Romero, Djed Spence

Guglielmo Vicario appeared to have nailed down the first choice goalkeeping spot at the start of the season but has become somewhat error-prone between the sticks for Thomas Frank. That’s led to reports of transfer interest in a new goalkeeper come January.

TeamTALK report that Spurs could rival Chelsea and West Ham in a move for Barcelona man Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Catalan giants attempted to offload the 33-year-old this summer having brought in Joan Garcia but nothing came of those attempts. The goalkeeper has been with Barcelona since 2014 and played 423 times for the side, but has just one appearance this term having struggled with a back injury.

Spurs are expected to focus their January transfer exploits in attacking positions but could have to fend off interest in Micky Van de Ven from Real Madrid. Spanish media continue to carry reports of a potential January swoop from the Galacticos with Fichajes claiming that the London outfit could move for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as a replacement - a move to the Premier League is set to appeal to the defender.

Spurs linked with ex Chelsea star and Man City forward

Defensive midfielders - Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur

Attacking midfielders - Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Antoine Semenyo

Former Chelsea and Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in recent windows and talkSPORT claim that the midfielder is a ‘feasible mid-season signing’. Manchester United are named as frontrunners but Fichajes namechecked Spurs as suitors last week too.

It seems just a matter of where, not if, AFC Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo moves in January thanks to his £60 million release clause. Liverpool and Manchester City are both linked with the forward, who has eight Premier League goals this term. Spurs are thought to be outside contenders to convince the 25-year-old, but Cherries interest in Brennan Johnson could leave Frank with a trick up his sleeve.

Strikers - Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush only signed for Manchester City 12 months ago but is already finding minutes hard to come by given the form of Erling Haaland. TEAMtalk report that Spurs could strike a loan-to-buy deal with Pep Guardiola’s side, even if the manager is keen to keep Marmoush at the Etihad Stadium.

In other news, Tottenham set £26m asking price for player they need to cut ties with amid Serie A 'interest'.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham stars are reportedly being targeted by Crystal Palace in January.

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has not hesitated to speak his mind about the club’s need to invest in the January window to ensure they do not lose momentum over the back end of the campaign.

Speaking earlier this month, the Austrian said: “We started to talk about this [transfer plans] weeks ago. If we start now, it is too late. Everything is already on track, and it's just to get the deals done. We know this, the club knows this, the board knows this.”

On Christmas Day, LondonWorld looks at how the Eagles could line up come the end of January if the current rumours prove true over the coming weeks.

Crystal Palace transfer XI if rumours true

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Defenders: Tyrick Mitchell, Max Kilman, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Sacha Boey

Dean Henderson has successfully held off the threat of Walter Benitez following the latter’s move to Selhurst Park from PSV. There will, of course, be plenty of transfer speculation over the future of Marc Guehi in the New Year.

The centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and expected to stay, but Sky Sports suggested on Monday that the Eagles could be tempted to take a transfer fee should a suitable offer come in. Football Insider report that Crystal Palace could swoop for West Ham man Max Kilman with the London rivals looking to change their squad.

Daniel Munoz has suffered a knee injury which will require surgery and has prompted Crystal Palace to look at strengthening in that area. The Standard believe Bayern Munich man Sacha Boey could be targeted.

Crystal Palace linked with in-demand £35 million Spurs forward

Defensive Midfielders: Will Hughes, Adam Wharton

Attacking Midfielders: Ismaila Sarr, Brennan Johnson

Striker: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Adam Wharton continues to be linked with Manchester United but suggestions are that any potential transfer won’t happen until the summer, which is good news for the Eagles. Will Hughes continues to be a reliable option next to him.

Ismaila Sarr is away at the Africa Cup of Nations but should return to the XI when back in the UK. Adding new creativity behind Jean-Philippe Mateta is a priority for Oliver Glasner and it’s been widely reported that Tottenham Hotspur man Brennan Johnson is a top target. Crystal Palace will face competition from AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa and even Championship side Ipswich Town.

In other news, Premier League supercomputer predicts bad news for Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle United.

Why Chelsea could be in pole position to secure one of the biggest deals of the January transfer window

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Chelsea have reportedly decided against a move to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo amid strong competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, defending Premier League champions Liverpool and title contenders Manchester City.

Sky Sports reported that the Blues had made an enquiry about signing the Ghana international in the winter window, while Mail Sport had gone a step further by claiming that the club have made a shock bid to land the 25-year-old, with the same report suggesting that Chelsea intended to blow all competition out of the water.

However, David Ornstein of The Athletic since claimed that the Blues had decided against a move for the Bournemouth man. But the Blues should not yet rule themselves out of the running.

Semenyo is currently one of the most coveted talents in English football, with his stock rising to unprecedented heights this season in particular after his exceptional start for Bournemouth. The winger scored 11 league goals and registered three assists for an impressive Cherries team that flirted with European qualification for large chunks of last season, but he’s already on track to eclipse those numbers this term after finding the net eight times in 16 matches while also contributing three assists.

The former Bristol City wonderkid is in the top 10 players for shot-creating actions and sits in the top five for successful take-ons leading to a shot at goal. He’s been wanted by the Premier League’s elite for a number of months but was persuaded to extend his stay at Bournemouth over the summer with a new contract following a mass exodus which saw Milos Kerkez, Dean Hujsen and Illia Zabarnyi all leave the Vitality Stadium.

However, Semenyo’s new contract notably included a £65m release clause which comes into effect next month - meaning it’s almost inevitable that he leaves south coast of England either next month or in the upcoming summer window based on the number of clubs vying for his signature.

How would Semenyo fit in at Chelsea?

Chelsea typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which sees talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer play in the No.10 position behind either centre forward Joao Pedro or summer signing Liam Delap when everyone is fit.

Enzo Maresca’s men normally play with two wingers. Pedro Neto is the first choice on the right-wing on current form after registering five goals and three assists this season. Meanwhile, the left-wing position is slightly less straightforward with Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and occasionally youngster Tyrique George all being used in that area. Brazilian youngster Estevao also provides cover on the right-wing and has shown promise in flashes, including a stunning goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Semenyo would naturally compete for one of these wide positions if he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but the beauty of signing him would be that he can play both positions with equal potency. For example, this season alone, he’s started right-winger on five occasions and a left-winger in 12 instances.

The year before he played 17 times on the right and 16 times on the left - highlighting a real sense of versatility which would give Maresca’s team plenty of tactical flexibility in the run-up to matches along with the ability to mix things up midway through a match if things aren’t going to plan.

Semenyo at this point of his career is more accomplished than some of Chelsea’s options while he’d instantly enhance the team with a further injection of flair, pace, skill and an ability to produce moments of magic out of nothing. For £65m he’d likely present good value for money, especially when considering that the currently suspended Mykhailo Mudryk, who had only previously played in Ukraine, cost the club £62m potentially rising to £89m in add-ons when he came in from Shakhtar Donetsk nearly three years ago.

Why Chelsea are likely to have the advantage in the race to sign Semenyo

Semenyo is almost certain to leave the Vitality Stadium after a stellar 18 months in the Premier League. He has a lot of attractive options on the table but crucially is from west London and has an affiliation with Chelsea whose approach is likely to have an impact on his decision-making process.

In a recent appearance on the Away Days YouTube channel, he even admits that Didier Drogba was one of his favourite players growing up, suggesting that he could have grown up a Chelsea fan. He explains: “I loved Didier Drogba growing up. I always wanted to be just like him. So quick so strong. Dro was my idol. He was number one. He just suits the way I play. Left foot, right-foot, can head the ball. I don’t know if I can head the ball but yeah he’s number one for me.”

The Athletic previously explained that Chelsea’s interest in Semenyo is long-standing. They had enquired about the winger in the summer and while they enquired again for January, they have decided against a move.

Several of their rivals including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been strongly linked - the Stamford Bridge club should not be so quick to rule themselves out of the running.

Oliver Glasner has been handed a team selection dilemma ahead of upcoming London derbies against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham look likely to face a Crystal Palace side without key centre-back Chris Richards after the defender was stretchered off against Arsenal.

The Eagles fell to defeat at the hands of the Gunners but made it dramatic, levelling in injury time and taking the tie to penalties. It was eventually Maxence Lacroix, who had scored an own goal to put Arsenal ahead, who saw his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Richards, who has started every Premier League game so far this season and only not completed the 90 minutes on one occasion, was carried off after 74 minutes at the Emirates Stadium in worrying scenes.

The 25-year-old joined Crystal Palace from Bayern Munich for €12 million in 2022 and has been praised for his improvement under Oliver Glasner. The Eagles have conceded just 19 goals in the league so far this term, fewer than Liverpool and Manchester United, who both sit above them in the division.

Crystal Palace star stretchered off against Arsenal

Speaking about Richards in October, Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah praised his teammate. He said: “Someone who I’ll probably give a big shout-out to, I think, who through this run has been fantastic is Chris Richards. I think his consistency levels have been amazing.

“Every game he’s always there, he’s always fighting, he’s always winning his duels. I think he’s had a really good run in the team and he’s been, as with the other players, pivotal to the success that we’ve had.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham set to face Eagles side without Chris Richards

With a squad already stretched given their involvement in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup, as well as in the Premier League, the absence of Richards comes as a big blow for Crystal Palace. A firm timeline on any lay-off remains to be known, but the need of a stretcher is not a good sign for the USA international.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, reporter John Murray said: “There's a lot of blood on the top of Richards' foot. It looks like a serious cut. How has that happened?

“The lower part of his sock is white hence why we can see the considerable blood coming through. This is another blow for Palace, who can scarcely afford it.”

Upcoming opponents Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham will now prepare to face a makeshift Eagles back five. Glasner turned to Nathaniel Clyne from the bench against Arsenal, who could fill in again at centre-back in the coming weeks.

Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon before then welcoming Fulham to south London on New Year’s Day.

In other news, Oliver Glasner makes 'weak' Crystal Palace admission ahead of Arsenal cup clash.

Thomas Frank is expected to be backed by the Tottenham Hotspur board in the January transfer.

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Tottenham Hotspur put in a head-turning performance against Liverpool on Saturday evening but reckless errors from Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero cost Thomas Frank’s side the chance of salvaging a point.

The former Brentford boss is set to be backed in the January transfer window in a bid to iron out the inconsistencies that remain in his side. Added firepower will be a number one priority given the endless injuries to Dominic Solanke and lack of form from Randal Kolo Muani.

TEAMtalk report that Spurs could look to a Premier League rival for added flair up top and make an ambitious move for Manchester City man Omar Marmoush. The 26-year-old only arrived at the Etihad Stadium 12 months ago but had already become a bit-part player.

Spurs linked with move for Manchester City forward

Marmoush has only played 206 minutes in the Premier League but, despite claims that Pep Guardiola is reluctant to lose the player, a loan move with an obligation to buy is touted. The forward would bring versatility to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The player bagged seven goals in 16 Premier League appearances having signed for Manchester City for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025. Speaking about Marmoush in October, Guardiola underlined his importance to the squad and said: “I’m happy for Omar because strikers need goals and for his confidence it will be important, but he’s been injured a long time and of course can play in the position from Erling. Erling is important, but of course we know we need them both and having [Omar] back is so nice.”

Meanwhile, transfer specialist Graeme Bailey reports that Ajax starlet Mika Godts is ‘on the radar’ of Spurs ahead of January as an alternative should the club fail in the pursuit of other targets.

Tottenham interest in ‘next Eden Hazard’

The 20-year-old Belgian is reportedly regularly compared to Chelsea legend Eden Hazard as he continues to turn heads with his development. Godts has seven goals and six assists in just 13 starts for Ajax so far this term.

The winger joined Genk in 2023 as a 17-year-old and then moved to Ajax for a reported €1 million in January 2023. Bailey adds that Spurs have had scouts watching Godts in his last two Ajax matches - a 2-0 win over Feyenoord and a 2-2 draw at NEC.

Ajax are keen to keep hold of Godts but any serious Premier League bid would put transfer chiefs in a tricky position and Spurs are desperate to bring in a new left-sided winger. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Rodrygo have also been touted but the Ajax man could be an easier deal to broker.

In other news, Tottenham now tracking Antoine Semenyo alternative as manager admits the player could leave.

Tottenham are being linked with a winger who has been impressing in France.

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Tottenham are now said to be eyeing an alternative attacker after reportedly dropping out of the race to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. Spurs are expected to invest in their attack this summer, with Thomas Frank in need of another dangerous player amid some disappointing displays at the top end of the pitch.

Dominic Solanke has not managed to stay fit, while Randal Kolo Muani and Brennan Johnson have struggled to show consistent good form. Frank has come under some pressure of late, and the weekend’s defeat to Liverpool won’t have helped, but there is a feeling that this Tottenham squad lacks a danger man who can scare opponents.

It was reportedly hoped that Semenyo could become that player, with the Cherries star currently the third leading scorer in the Premier League. But Fabrizio Romano has reported that Spurs have dropped out of the race, with other clubs more likely to pull off the signing.

Tottenham could now pivot elsewhere, and according to TeamTalk, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is now a target for January. The 23-year-old winger has provided three goals and five assists across all competitions this season and he is already valued at 45million euros by Transfermarkt.

Manchester City have also been linked with the winger, and that could be a win-win for Tottenham, who could end up with Akliouche themselves, or if City sign him, it could open the door to the North London side signing Savinho.

Manager admits Aliouche could leave

In the meantime, Monaco boss Sébastien Pocognoli has said he cannot guarantee the winger stays at Monaco in January. He said: "I count on everyone during the second half of the season. But Maghnes is free to make his decision. Decisions concerning his future are his own."

He added; "Did I ask the management to close the door? No. I am happy with my squad and will work with what I have when the window closes. I always adapt. I have done that since I arrived."

Spurs would have to pay a premium to land the winger, given his age and the fact Monaco have him tied down until 2028, while the reported interest of other clubs certainly won’t help. There will also be questions about signing a winger who hasn’t been particularly productive in the way of goal contributions, and his age and lack of Premier League experience makes the signing a gamble.

Spurs could arguably do with a ready-made and proven attacker at this stage, and Frank may well demand one given he may not have the time to wait around for a young player to find his feet in the Premier League.

Tottenham could be about to lose one of their key staff members ahead of the January transfer window.

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Tottenham could be about to lose sporting director Fabio Paratici just months after reinstating him to his role. The Italian was banned by FIFA for 30 months, leading to his resignation from his Spurs role.

The ban was related to financial irregularities from his time at Juventus, with the Italian club found guilty of false accounting and docked 10 points at the time.

Paratici agreed to a plea deal that saw him and other former Juve chiefs dodge an 18-month prison sentence, but he was banned from football for 30 months by FIFA, leading to his resignation. Paratici did not have to admit guilt as part of the plea deal.

In October, after serving his ban, Paratici was reinstated by Tottenham, appointed as joint-sporting director across Johan Lange.

He said at the time: “I'm delighted to be returning to a club that I love. I have been working with Johan, Vinai [Venkatesham] and Thomas [Frank] as a consultant for a number of months and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full time.

"I'm convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the club and our supporters."

Paratici could now leave the club

Despite those kind words for the club, it seems Paratici may not stick around to repay Tottenham’s faith in his abilities. According to reports in Italy, the Italian could be about to leave the club to join Fiorentina.

Firenze Viola report that Paratici has agreed to become the new sporting chief at Fiorentina and that he is already working to establish a staff to join him. They speculate that Leonardo Gabbanini and Lorenzo Giani are in the running to join the current Spurs chief at the Serie A club.

The loss of Paratici would be a very disappointing one for Spurs, given they have only just welcomed back the Italian, showing plenty of faith to bring him back after his ban. It would also spark some concern ahead of the January transfer window, when the North London club are expected to make at least one pricey signing.