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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made concrete enquiries to sign FC Koln winger Said El Mala, according to SPORT BILD.

Both Premier League clubs have contacted the Bundesliga side to understand their willingness to negotiate, with early indications suggesting that offers in the €30-40 million range are being considered.

The 20-year-old has become one of Germany’s fastest-rising attacking talents, and his emergence has now triggered interest from two clubs actively reshaping their forward lines ahead of 2026.

Man Utd & Spurs Test Koln’s Stance With Early Enquiries

Sources in Germany report that both United and Spurs have formally asked Koln for clarity over El Mala’s availability - a sign that interest has moved beyond scouting and into planning stages. While neither club has submitted a bid yet, the intention to do so is now clear, with both sides informed that a deal could require up to €40m.

For Manchester United, El Mala - described as a 'one in a million' talent - fits the club’s revamped recruitment strategy under INEOS and Ruben Amorim: young, high-ceiling, technically gifted, and physically suited to the pressing system United want to build. With uncertainty around the long-term futures of several attackers and a desire to reduce the squad’s average age, United believe El Mala’s profile could offer both immediate depth and future upside.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are seeking reinforcements to support their evolving front line under Thomas Frank. Spurs remain heavily dependent on Son Heung-min for creativity and final-third output; adding a dynamic dribbler with El Mala’s acceleration and direct style is seen internally as a priority for long-term squad balance.

Koln value the winger highly and will resist early approaches - but sources in Germany note that financial pressure could make a significant offer difficult to ignore.

El Mala’s Rapid Rise Makes Him Major Emerging Talent

Although still early in his professional career, El Mala has grown rapidly in stature this season. His explosiveness in wide areas, ability to beat defenders, and growing confidence in the final third have already earned him a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young wingers.

United and Spurs know they are moving early, anticipating that El Mala’s value will only increase across 2026. Both clubs view him as a long-term investment - though neither is expected to force a move unless Köln show willingness to negotiate.

For now, the Premier League duo have positioned themselves at the front of the queue. The next step depends entirely on whether Köln’s stance softens as the window progresses.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘really interested’ in a January move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The North London side are believed to be among a host of Premier League clubs eyeing the Ghanaian forward and are said to be ‘very aggressive’ in their pursuit.

A target for both Liverpool and Manchester United, Semenyo has yet to signal his preference over a January destination, but Romano says the 25-year-old’s situation is ‘heating up’ with less than two weeks remaining until the market reopens.

Clubs can bypass negotiations with Bournemouth by triggering the forward’s £65m release clause next month.

Tottenham Aiming to Sign Antoine Semenyo

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Tottenham are really interested in Semenyo ahead of January, although a move is far from guaranteed:

“For Semenyo, the situation is really heating up. Tottenham are really interested in Semenyo – it depends on what the player wants to do, but Tottenham have a general interest in Semenyo.

“The situation is really interesting. Many clubs are in the race, Tottenham are very aggressive and very interested in this one, but it depends on the player.”

Semenyo has been exceptional for Bournemouth this term, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 15 league appearances.

The 'world-class' Ghanaian, praised as 'one of the fastest wingers in the Premier League', ranks joint-third for goals scored and joint-10th for assists among all players.

A deal for Semenyo would represent a huge coup for Tottenham, who missed out on signing a number of Premier League stars this summer, including Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs Signings Fail to Impress

Tottenham’s interest in Semenyo is no surprise, considering Thomas Frank’s side have been lacking firepower up front this season.

While Dominic Solanke is still recovering from ankle surgery after suffering the injury in September, the Lilywhites have been heavily reliant on the efforts of Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus.

The duo have combined for 12 of Tottenham’s 25 league goals this season, with Richarlison leading the scoring charts with six goals from 10 starts.

Summer arrivals Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani have been particularly disappointing, with the Dutchman netting just once and providing two assists in 13 league games.

Tottenham Hold Thomas Frank Talks

Thomas Frank is starting to feel the pressure at Tottenham after winning just twice in his last nine Premier League matches.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a significant January decision as Brennan Johnson edges closer to a potential exit, with sources telling TEAMTalk that the winger will be allowed to leave in search of more consistent football.

The £47.5m signing from Nottingham Forest has struggled to establish himself under Thomas Frank, starting just 10 of his 20 appearances this season, and Spurs now accept that a move may benefit all parties. Initially open only to permanent offers, Tottenham have softened their stance and are now willing to sanction a loan - a strategic shift driven by the current market and the growing number of enquiries about the Wales international.

The aim is clear: protect Johnson’s long-term value while giving him the platform to rebuild confidence before revisiting a permanent transfer in the summer. Early interest has already surfaced from Crystal Palace, but more clubs are entering the conversation as January approaches.

Spurs Ready to Green-Light Exit as Market Clarity Emerges

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Spurs are now “happy to consider a temporary deal” after realising that reclaiming their full £47.5m outlay in January is unlikely. Several Premier League sides have checked in on Johnson’s situation, but Tottenham’s asking price is seen as too steep for a mid-season move. A loan now appears the most realistic pathway, with Spurs hoping a strong second half of the season elsewhere boosts his transfer value.

Crystal Palace made the earliest approach, viewing Johnson as potential short-term cover for Ismaila Sarr while he is away at AFCON. However, competition is increasing. TEAMtalk report that Bournemouth have also entered the race, seeing Johnson as a potential replacement if one of their key attacking players - notably Antoine Semenyo - departs in January. Aston Villa are monitoring developments as well, and opportunities abroad are not being ruled out.

£125,000-a-week star Johnson is understood to be open to leaving the club next month, with sources describing him as “prepared to move for regular football” given his limited role under Frank. That stance is only expected to strengthen as interest intensifies.

Loan Move Seen as Best Path for Spurs and Player

While Tottenham are unlikely to commit to a permanent sale unless a major bid arrives, a loan is considered the best solution for both club and player. It gives Johnson the chance to re-establish himself as a starter in the Premier League while allowing Spurs to reassess the situation in the summer when the market stabilises and Thomas Frank begins shaping his long-term squad.

With multiple clubs now exploring a deal, Johnson is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing attacking opportunities available in January - and Tottenham’s change of strategy ensures the race for his signature is only just beginning.

Fabio Paratici is ‘crazy’ about signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni for Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports in Italy.

The 53-year-old executive returned to the North London club in October as joint sporting director and is believed to be anticipating a busy first transfer window in January.

While Tottenham could return for Manchester City ace Savinho next month, they are also admirers of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, along with other Premier League clubs.

However, as reports in Italy suggest, Tottenham are also on the lookout for defenders, with Bastoni identified as a dream signing for Paratici.

Paratici Wants Alessandro Bastoni at Spurs

According to FcInterNews, several top European clubs have Bastoni on their radar ahead of the market reopening in January, including Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham.

However, it appears that neither of the two English clubs have so far managed to convince the Italy international, as Bastoni has rejected advances from both London clubs.

The central defender, who is under a £200,000-per-week contract until June 2028, is also said to be uninterested in a move to the Saudi Pro League, where both Al Hilal and Al Qadisiah have made enquiries.

Instead, Bastoni is claimed to be open to extending his stay at Inter, with talks over a new contract likely to begin in the coming months.

The 26-year-old is reportedly looking to strengthen his status as a leader and symbol of the club, which he joined back in 2017, and is not considering any other options amid interest from Spurs.

Bastoni has emerged as one of the best defenders in the world over the past few seasons, helping Inter win two Serie A titles in 2021 and 2024 and reach two Champions League finals in 2023 and 2025.

Thomas Frank Under Pressure

Tottenham have endured a difficult first half of the season under Thomas Frank, winning just six of their 16 Premier League games.

The Lilywhites suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday that has only intensified pressure on the Danish tactician.

According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Frank is now subject to internal talks at Spurs, who are looking for a quick improvement in results after taking just two wins from their last nine league games.

Frank only joined the North London side in July, replacing sacked Ange Postecoglou on a three-year deal.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is hoping to be fit enough to face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, as James Pearce provides an injury update on the squad.

Szoboszlai hobbled off against Brighton last weekend, and considering he's been one of Liverpool's standout players this season, it was a worrying blow for Arne Slot. The Hungarian midfielder has stepped up as others have struggled, and his versatility and ability to perform wherever he plays have been a huge boost for the Reds.

Liverpool have started to pick up results over the last few weeks and are currently unbeaten in five games. There have been a couple of disappointing draws during that period, but they've won their last two matches without conceding a goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai Hopes to be Fit for Liverpool

The Athletic's Pearce has now provided a Liverpool injury update ahead of their trip to Tottenham in the Premier League at the weekend. Szoboszlai is hoping to be fit for the journey to London, but Joe Gomez looks set to miss out due to a hamstring problem.

Thankfully for Slot, Gomez's injury doesn't appear to be too serious, but his injury record has been a worry for Liverpool over the last few years. The Reds have a lack of options in the middle of defence, so an injury to either Ibrahima Konate or Virgil Van Dijk could force Slot to deploy a midfielder at the back, as he's done previously.

Szoboszlai Liverpool's Most Reliable Performer This Season

It's been a disappointing season for Liverpool, with many of their stars underperforming. Mohamed Salah is among those to come under immense scrutiny, while Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have struggled to adapt to life at Anfield since their big-money summer transfer window moves.

Szoboszali is one who has stepped up to the plate, and he's managed to start every single Premier League game so far this season. Only Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk have also started all 16 matches, which shows Szoboszlai's importance to Slot's side. Losing him this weekend would be a crucial blow, as they prepare to face a Tottenham side who will be desperate to turn things around.

Tottenham can get one over on Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United in the January transfer window by swooping to sign Antoine Semenyo.

The Bournemouth forward has been in incredible form this season, scoring 11 goals so far and laying on three assists. Only Erling Haaland and Brentford's Igor Thiago have scored more goals than him, while there are only nine players with more assists to their name currently.

He is going to be one of the most talked about players in the January transfer window, not just because of his impressive performances, but because of the price tag around his neck.

Antoine Semenyo Release Clause Comes With A Catch

Semenyo will not come cheap, but he does have a release clause that will pique a number of clubs' interest.

The 25-year-old, who has remained in England after Ghana's failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 21 years, is wanted by the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Spurs, GIVEMESPORT understands, in January.

According to David Ornstein, Spurs could also move again for Man City's Savinho if they can't get a deal done for Semenyo, though.

Semenyo has a release clause in his current Cherries contract that allows him to leave the club in January for £65million. However, there is a catch in that clubs can only activate that release clause in the first two weeks of the window.

That means work will need to be done quickly if any of the top teams want to sign the frontman mid-season.

How Tottenham Can Complete a Deal

Spurs have been hit and miss under Thomas Frank so far this season, with the former Brentford manager struggling to find the perfect formula for his team.

As a result, his position is under threat, even at this early stage of his time at the club, having only replaced Ange Postecoglou at the helm in the summer.

One of those high on the list to replace him, if he is sacked, is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard has worked wonders with the Cherries, employing the sort of free-flowing attacking football that has become synonymous with Spurs. And if Spurs were to cut their losses on Frank and employ Iraola, it could kill two birds with one stone and help them beat their rivals to the signing of Semenyo.

When all others appeared to be leaving the south coast club last summer - see Milos Kerkez, Illya Zabarnyi and Deak Huijsen - Semenyo stayed and signed a new contract, with that release clause inserted.

Iraola was key to that decision. Semenyo said: "There was a lot of interest and back-and-fourth with the club [over a potential transfer]. But I knew in my head that the manager's got something up his sleeve this year. How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we've bought in as well.

“He’s unbelievable [Iraola] honestly," Semenyo told Jamie Redknapp."As everyone embedded into what his playing style was, it’s just been unbelievable. It’s just relentless and I think everyone’s into it.”

Can Spurs Afford Semenyo?

Tottenham have only spent £65million on a single player once - coincidentally doing so when paying Bournemouth that much for Dominic Solanke.

That £65million was all in, with an initial £55million up front and the other £10million in add-ons. That would make Semenyo the Lilywhites' record signing if he were to make the move to the white side of north London.

Tottenham do have the capability to splash the cash though. Owners ENIC promised a £100million investment in the team earlier this year, which was no wholly for the January transfer window but could be used by Thomas Frank to improve the squad.

Signing Semenyo would be a huge statement of intent, particularly given the teams who have also registered an interest in him.

What Has Been Said About Semenyo And His Future?

Given all the speculation, Semenyo has been focused on his work with Bournemouth when asked about his future this season.

“I try to stay present as much as I can,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “You see the news all the time, I see it as well. I’m not oblivious but I try to stay focused. I don’t think about it too much.

“I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens.”

Team-mate Justin Kluivert described him as "world-class" earlier this season, while former Tottenham star Chris Waddle sent a message to his old club in October when he declared Semenyo the "best winger in the Premier League right now".

Semenyo's future will be one to watch in January - if only for the first two weeks of the window - as a number of clubs do battle to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure with the north London club after an inconsistent season, and it's time for them to try and poach Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham's latest defeat against Nottingham Forest, which saw Spurs concede three without reply, has seen the pressure mount further on Danish manager Frank. Spurs now sit in 11th place in the Premier League table, and although Frank doesn't appear to be under threat of being sacked imminently, he's going to have to turn things around.

Tottenham supporters are starting to turn on the manager, which is never a good sign, and the underlying data isn't in favour of the capital club. Spurs are now preparing to face Liverpool at the weekend with Frank remaining in the dugout, but he might not be there too much longer.

Tottenham Must Hire Oliver Glasner ASAP

Although Tottenham don't appear to be at breaking point with Frank at the moment, it could be time for them to make a move to appoint Crystal Palace manager Glasner, as if they don't do it now, they might be beaten to his signature. The Austrian manager has attracted interest from a host of clubs, and with his contract situation unresolved, Spurs need to make a move as soon as possible.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of the sides who are monitoring Glasner ahead of a potential move if they sack Frank. GIVEMESPORT sources have claimed that Palace are assessing potential replacements for Glasner, who is reluctant to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park as it stands.

With speculation surrounding the future of Glasner at Palace, Spurs should be looking to replace Frank with him before they are beaten by another club in the race.

Glasner an Upgrade on Thomas Frank

What Glasner, described as 'world-class' by Sky Sports, has achieved in such a short space of time with Palace can't be underestimated, delivering two trophies to a side who were so starved of silverware. Frank is a top manager in his own right, but he's had minimal success in terms of trophies when it comes to the highest level.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure with the north London club after an inconsistent season, and it's time for them to try and poach Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham's latest defeat against Nottingham Forest, which saw Spurs concede three without reply, has seen the pressure mount further on Danish manager Frank. Spurs now sit in 11th place in the Premier League table, and although Frank doesn't appear to be under threat of being sacked imminently, he's going to have to turn things around.

Tottenham supporters are starting to turn on the manager, which is never a good sign, and the underlying data isn't in favour of the capital club. Spurs are now preparing to face Liverpool at the weekend with Frank remaining in the dugout, but he might not be there too much longer.

Tottenham Must Hire Oliver Glasner ASAP

Although Tottenham don't appear to be at breaking point with Frank at the moment, it could be time for them to make a move to appoint Crystal Palace manager Glasner, as if they don't do it now, they might be beaten to his signature. The Austrian manager has attracted interest from a host of clubs, and with his contract situation unresolved, Spurs need to make a move as soon as possible.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of the sides who are monitoring Glasner ahead of a potential move if they sack Frank. GIVEMESPORT sources have claimed that Palace are assessing potential replacements for Glasner, who is reluctant to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park as it stands.

With speculation surrounding the future of Glasner at Palace, Spurs should be looking to replace Frank with him before they are beaten by another club in the race.

Glasner an Upgrade on Thomas Frank

What Glasner, described as 'world-class' by Sky Sports, has achieved in such a short space of time with Palace can't be underestimated, delivering two trophies to a side who were so starved of silverware. Frank is a top manager in his own right, but he's had minimal success in terms of trophies when it comes to the highest level.

Micky van de Ven has opened up on life at Tottenham Hotspur under former manager Ange Postecoglou, revealing how he treated defensive work behind the scenes. The Australian manager brought an exciting brand of football to north London, and ended the club's 17-year trophy drought, but was widely criticised for neglecting other parts of the game, which saw the club's Premier League form plummet.

In his second season with Spurs, Postecoglou finished 17th in the league, conceding 65 goals, having scored 64. Despite that poor domestic form, he managed to deliver on his promise of winning a trophy, as Tottenham beat Manchester United 2-1 in the 2025 Europa League final.

With that European cup the primary goal, star defenders Van de Ven and Cristian Romero were rested in the Premier League towards the back end of the season. The Dutch defender has now revealed what went down behind the scenes at Tottenham as the club aimed to end their trophy drought.

Micky van de Ven Opens Up On Defensive Work Under Ange

Speaking in a recent interview with Gary Nevile on The Overlap, Van de Ven revealed that he took it upon himself, with Romero, to ask Postecoglou to change his tactics, as they were clearly too frail at the back. He began:

“At one point, we just walked up to the gaffer and said that we need to change some things and play more defensive sometimes. We played away at Frankfurt and were 1-0 up, and we can’t keep attacking, we just need to come back and have a low block and make sure we get the three points."

Despite not seeming to have an obvious plan B, or being willing to come up with one by himself, Postecoglou did accept that a change needed to happen. However, he left the responsibility to Van de Ven and Romero. The defender explained:

“We sat with him and he agreed with us on some things and he told us that he expected us two guys to sort this on the pitch – to make sure that this is something everybody knows and to speak to everybody on the pitch."

At this point, Neville looked quite stunned by this tactical plan. Confirming what he had heard, the former Manchester United man replied: "So he gave you the responsibility to bring people deep? So your fullbacks maybe back in line with you, maybe [tell them to] not go forward as much?"

"Yeah, exactly," Van de Ven answered. "Of course, in team meetings he said we're going to change some things sometimes in different situations in the game.

“And then he just said to me and Cuti [Romero] personally that we need to make sure the other guys listen to us, that we have a reputation in the team and everyone respects us, so make sure the guys follow what we say on the pitch. So, Cuti and I were just screaming at everyone.”

Fans Divided Over Postecoglou's Management at Spurs

This hands-off approach to coaching has caused a bit of a stir online after the quotes emerged. Some have been critical of Postecoglou for not coming up with his own defensive plan, and simply leaving it to his centre-back pairing to sort out the flaws.

One fan on social media called the club's former manager an "utterly clueless grifter." While others used it as a chance to suggest the players deserve more credit for the trophy win, with one putting: "This confirms that the players were ignoring Ange’s reckless, gung-ho tactics towards the end of the EL run and that is what got us over the line."

Another added: "So Cuti and VDV won us the Europa, not Ange." A final fan wrote: "Classic Ange, give the responsibility elsewhere."

That said, some fans were more balanced with their response. One said: "Empowered them, but should've been the one to enforce the plan for them to execute it."

Another seemed to suggest that Postecoglou was perfectly within his rights to give the defenders that duty, "Sounds like a good man management, giving two leaders some responsibility."

A final fan pointed out: "I mean, he gave them an instruction and they did it. Asking your senior defenders to take charge of a situation isn’t a sign of bad management."

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in January after failing to secure his signature in the summer, David Ornstein has claimed.

Spurs are likely to be in the market for reinforcements in the January transfer window after a disappointing start to the season. Thomas Frank's side are struggling in the Premier League, sitting in the bottom half, and the winter window is an opportunity for the board to back Frank in the market once again.

It was a fairly busy window for Spurs in the summer, with mixed results in terms of the impact of some of their signings so far. Xavi Simons is the standout in terms of struggling to adapt to life in north London, but the Dutch international is still young and has plenty of time to fulfil his potential.

David Ornstein: Tottenham Could Move for Savinho

According to The Athletic's Ornstein, Tottenham could make a move to sign Savinho again in January. The respected reporter hints that it could come to fruition in the winter, while Antoine Semenyo is another target for the north London outfit.

"They'll also have the opportunity to improve the squad in the January transfer window. There will be money available if the right profile comes to them, and if it will improve the team in their eyes. They like Antoine Semenyo, for example, if it's not going to be him, maybe some other players in that wide attacking position, which is something they looked at last summer with Savinho from Manchester City. It didn't come to fruition. Maybe it will in January, and they'll hope that Thomas Frank can bring the results over time."

GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed during the summer transfer window that Man City winger Savinho was open to joining Tottenham, but Pep Guardiola's side were adamant that he was not for sale. The Brazilian, described as 'elite', then signed a new contract until 2031, but he's struggled to make an impact this season for City.

Semenyo or Savinho?

Semenyo would appear to be the more achievable in terms of on a club-to-club level, due to the Bournemouth winger having a release clause. However, the tricky winger will have plenty of suitors in January and beyond, so it will be difficult for Spurs to win the race to secure his signature.

Savinho has struggled this season, making just four starts in the Premier League under Guardiola. Semenyo has undoubtedly had the better campaign, but Spurs could have a free run at trying to sign Savinho, with the Brazilian star having less interest from other clubs.