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Tottenham Hotspur could be involved in a transfer merry-go-round with a Serie A club as they and their London rivals have set their sights on a striker who has found the back of the net four times this season.

Richarlison has blown hot and cold for Spurs at the start of the season, while Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke have been sidelined with injuries.

This has led to suggestions that Tottenham are looking to add a number nine to their squad during the January transfer window.

A week ago, it was reported that Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives had offered the striker to Tottenham, and a new update has now revealed what the Lilywhites are thinking about a move for the Juventus striker.

Tottenham are competing with London rivals for Dusan Vlahovic

According to a report in Quotidiano Sportivo, even though Vlahovic has scored four times for the Bianconeri this season, his future remains up in the air.

The centre-forward is no closer to signing a new contract at the Turin club, and with his contract running out next summer, his agent has been working hard to find his client a new home.

The outlet says that Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have both tested the waters over a move for Vlahovic ahead of the January window. There is hope at Juventus that a Premier League club could submit a bid for the Serbian when the transfer window reopens.

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Vlahovic could replace Randal Kolo Muani at Spurs

Quotidiano Sportivo suggest that the 25-year-old striker is being viewed as a potential replacement for Randal Kolo Muani by Tottenham.

It is pointed out that the North London side does not have the option to sign the Frenchman permanently, and it is asserted that the PSG man is still interested in a permanent switch to Juve, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the Serie A club.

The latest news coming out of an EFL club could hand a lifeline to Tottenham academy starlet Jamie Donley, who has struggled for game time at the start of the season.

Some Tottenham youngsters have been setting the stage alight in their loan spells at the start of the season, none more so than Luka Vuskovic, who is posting mind-blowing numbers at Hamburg so far.

However, other Spurs youngsters have not had the expected impact away on loan, with perhaps the biggest disappointment being the situation of Jamie Donley at Stoke City.

After Donley’s incredible exploits on loan at Leyton Orient last term, Tottenham fans were eagerly waiting to see how the attacking midfielder would do in the Championship, but things have not gone according to plan so far for the 20-year-old at the Bet365 Stadium.

Has the luck just turned for Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley?

Donley has not started a single Championship game for Stoke so far this season, having seen just 49 minutes of league football so far.

However, Potter’s boss Mark Robins may soon have to hand the Tottenham youngster a run of matches after the latest injury development.

Stoke’s main number ten, Bae Jun-ho, who has started nine Championship games so far this season, is now out with a dislocated shoulder.

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This could potentially hand Donley a chance to impress over the coming weeks and show Robins what he can do.

Donley can take inspiration from last season

It is worth remembering that the Spurs academy graduate did not have the best of starts to his loan spell with the Os last season.

Donley never looked back after he broke into the team, and the youngster will believe that he can do the same at Stoke.

It may only be October 2025, but Tottenham already have one piece of transfer business planned for the 2026 summer window.

Just as expected, Joao Palhinha has hit the ground running since his loan switch from Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Palhinha is currently leading the Premier League for tackles per 90 minutes, which will not come as a surprise to anyone who watched him during his Fulham days.

Reports over recent days have suggested that Tottenham are expected to take up the £26m option to sign Palhinha permanently, and now, a reputed source from Germany has provided an update.

Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha is unlikely to return to Bayern Munich

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now become the latest to confirm that the Lilywhites are open to triggering the £22m-£26m option to buy the Portugal international.

Plettenberg explains that Thomas Frank has a very good relationship with the midfielder, who now appears unlikely to return to the Allianz Arena.

The journalist adds that while talks over a permanent move have not been held between the two clubs yet, the player is happy at his new surroundings and the deal is moving towards a ‘positive trend’.

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Could Spurs begin Palhinha talks earlier than expected?

Palhinha has admitted that he is now going through a ‘happy phase’ at Tottenham, and is enjoying football again as he feels the trust of the manager.

Some sources have claimed over recent weeks that Spurs could start talks with Bayern over a deal for Palhinha in January rather than wait until the end of his loan spell in the summer to activate his clause.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has identified a Premier League midfielder who will make a great coach or manager when he eventually hangs up his boots.

Frank has a reputation for being meticulous when it comes to tactical details, and one can already see the big change in how Tottenham Hotspur are set up this season.

The Spurs players have admitted that they now know exactly what to do in and out of possession, which perhaps was not always the case last season under Ange Postecoglou.

It is thus interesting to hear the Tottenham boss’ take on which player he expects to be a future manager, and he did not pick one of his players.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank backs Man City star to become a future manager

We know that Ben Davies is working on his coaching badges, with the experienced Spurs defender having his sights set on getting into coaching when he hangs up his boots.

However, Frank believes that midfielders would be ideally suited to getting into management due to their understanding of the game, with the Dane picking Man City star Rodri as someone who could have success as a coach.

When asked which Premier League player would make the best future manager, the Tottenham boss told Sports Bible: “That was a very tricky, very tricky question, yeah. It needs to be a midfielder, I think, because normally it’s those who most normally become managers. I will name Rodri from [Man] City.

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“Clever midfielder, so maybe he’ll be a coach or manager one day. Yeah, I think he’s intelligent on the pitch. I think he’s also quite intelligent in the press, so yeah, if he wants to go into that circus.”

Frank would not recommend going into coaching

The Tottenham boss has now been a coach for nearly two decades since starting with the Danish youth sides and knows what it takes to work his way up to the top of the game.

However, Frank is not quick to recommend management as a career for players when they hang up their boots.

Ahead of Tottenham’s clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, we take a closer look at how Spurs fare after the international break and how their record compares with other Premier League sides.

With their win over Leeds United, Tottenham won for the first time leading into an international break in nearly two years.

Over 30 Spurs players have been involved in a cumulative 46 matches across the international break, and they will return to Hotspur Way over the next few days.

Spurs fans will be encouraged by how the Lilywhites have fared historically following a break.

How Tottenham’s post-international break record compares to Premier League rivals

Squawka have now analysed the records of each Premier League side following an international break for the last five years.

Since October of 2020, Tottenham Hotspur boast the fourth-best record across the division in the match immediately following a break.

In that time, of the 19 matches they have played, the North Londoners have won 10, drawn four and lost five, scoring 39 goals in those games while conceding 25.

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Aston Villa represent formidable opponents for Spurs

What will worry Spurs fans is that Squawka reveal that Aston Villa boast the third-best record across the same five-year period.

The Midlands side have won 11 of the 19 matches they have played following a break, drawing three and losing five.

After a difficult start to the season, Unai Emery’s men found form before the international break. They have won their last four matches across all competitions and are unbeaten across their last five.

Tottenham are well stocked in attack, but one young striker’s training session alongside Harry Kane during the international break has sparked plenty of reaction among fans.

Tottenham Hotspur have a fair few attackers of good quality in their starting XI, with Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel all capable of leading the line as number nines.

Richarlison, however, has been the man up front for most of this season, and while the Brazil international has delivered moments of brilliance, his inconsistency has often been a source of frustration for supporters.

Muani and Solanke remain sidelined with injuries, while Mathys Tel opened his account for the season in Tottenham’s last league fixture against Leeds United.

Dane Scarlett trains with Harry Kane as Tottenham fans react

Dane Scarlett remains a striker option for Thomas Frank, but the young forward has recently found himself featuring mostly for Tottenham’s academy sides, having been unable to break into the first-team squad.

Scarlett is undoubtedly a player with huge potential, and during the October international break, the England youth international joined the senior national team for a morning training session at Tottenham’s base.

Spurs fans have been quick to react, with many sharing similar thoughts about Scarlett and Harry Kane, who he trained alongside once again.

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One supporter said: “I will always and forever like this player.” Another commented: “Clearly a talented kid, we just cannot make it work seemingly.”

A third added: “Should have got an EFL loan move this summer, he is a brilliant talent getting wasted at Spurs U21s.” A fourth said: “There is something quite poetic about this picture. We can only hope Dane goes on to be the player we dream he can be.”

Another added: “But will not be given the chance with our first team… ridiculous.” One more opined: “He deserves a chance over Richarlison.”

Another fan stated: “Ever since that goal in the Europa League, Dane has just been left in the dungeon at Spurs, I do not know why we do not use him more often in cup games and stuff,” while one more added: “He deserves a proper chance, four or five games starting in a row.”

Dane Scarlett is surely facing another Spurs loan spell

Scarlett has often struggled to make a lasting impression when sent out on loan, and last season was another example, as he was recalled early from his spell at Oxford United.

The young Englishman has scored just 10 goals in 74 appearances away from Tottenham, having featured for Portsmouth, Oxford United and Ipswich Town while on loan.

Frank has not yet handed Scarlett a first-team opportunity this season, although he has been named on the bench in two of Spurs’ Champions League ties.

With Tottenham’s attacking depth and the 21-year-old currently playing for the Under-21s, it is difficult to see how Scarlett breaks into the senior side this season. A loan move in January could once again be on the cards.

Tottenham may have found an unexpected advantage within their defensive ranks, as one centre-back proves his versatility.

Cristian Romero is regarded as one of the best defenders in world football by many of his peers, but the Argentine centre-back is not the only one with immense quality at the back for Spurs.

Defensive partner Micky van de Ven is equally a top centre-back and one of the most composed in the Premier League, and it is no surprise Tottenham already boast one of the strongest defensive records this season.

Keeping their defensive stalwarts fit will be Tottenham’s main priority, but van de Ven is adding another feather to his cap while on international break, showing versatility that could prove valuable for Thomas Frank later in the campaign.

Micky van de Ven earns solid ratings for Netherlands vs Finland

Van de Ven is primarily a centre-back for Tottenham, but with the Netherlands, he has been deployed as a left-back under Ronald Koeman.

He recently earned solid ratings from the Dutch media following a strong performance in the Netherlands’ 4-0 victory over Finland.

VoetbalPrimeur rated his display 6/10, noting how he played within himself but remained defensively sharp, writing: “Not a particularly impressive performance from Van de Ven, who abandoned his trademark rushes. Defensively, his speed rarely gets him into trouble. Fortunately, there’s no speed camera in the Johan Cruijff Arena.”

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Meanwhile, Football Oranje handed him a 6.5 and remarked: “Strong but unremarkable performance again from the left back, who was comfortable throughout.”

Van de Ven’s versatility could benefit Tottenham

Van de Ven is known for his immense pace, which often helps him recover quickly and deal with defensive threats.

However, his injury record could make it difficult for Tottenham to deploy him as an overlapping full-back who frequently joins the attack and defence, as that role could risk aggravating his hamstring issues.

Even so, van de Ven could provide a solution to Thomas Frank’s full-back depth concerns. Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie currently vie for the left-back spot, while Pedro Porro is unchallenged on the right.

Spurs are set to get back to Premier League action this weekend, as they welcome Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs will be hoping to make it two league wins on the bounce, following their narrow but deserved 2-1 victory over Leeds United just before the international break.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be chasing a third consecutive league win, after a sluggish start to the season that saw them collect only three points from their opening five league fixtures.

Despite their recent upturn, Unai Emery’s side could be facing an untimely setback ahead of their trip to north London.

Ollie Watkins injury casts doubt over Tottenham involvement

Tottenham Hotspur could very much have been handed a major injury boost, with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins nursing a knock following a nasty-looking collision with the goalpost while attempting to get on the end of a cross.

According to The Athletic, Watkins has been forced to withdraw from the England camp due to the injury and has since returned to Aston Villa for assessment.

The 29-year-old picked up the knock during England’s 3-0 win over Wales on Thursday and was substituted just before half-time, despite having grabbed a goal earlier in the game.

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After the match, Watkins told reporters, “I’m fine,” yet he was seen limping through the mix zone rather gingerly and did not appear entirely comfortable.

Tottenham handed potential boost as Randal Kolo Muani nears return

Watkins has now scored two goals in his last four appearances for club and country, and his potential absence would undoubtedly be a major blow for Villa ahead of Sunday’s clash.

While Unai Emery may be sweating on his star striker’s fitness, Tottenham have been handed a timely boost of their own, with Randal Kolo Muani stepping up his recovery from a dead leg.

Muani, who has featured for only 13 minutes since joining Spurs, was recently involved in a behind-closed-doors match against Championship side Watford, where he played 45 minutes as he continues to build sharpness.

Tottenham Hotspur have now taken extra measures to avoid a club-versus-country row after Cristian Romero made complaints last season.

The October international break is now nearing its end, with a few players set to play their final games for their countries in the coming days.

As such, focus is soon to turn back to club competition, and for Tottenham Hotspur, a home league fixture against Aston Villa is up next.

It is now understood that Tottenham are doing what they can to give themselves the best possible chance against Unai Emery’s Villa this weekend.

Tottenham cover Cristian Romero’s private flight from Argentina

The Telegraph is now reporting that Spurs have avoided the threat of a club-versus-country backlash over captain Cristian Romero after paying for him to return from international duty with Argentina on a private charter flight.

Romero is with the World Cup winners and is set to play his final game for Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Given the long journey from South America to the UK, Tottenham have decided to split the cost of a private charter for their defensive stalwart, particularly as he faces a lengthy trip back to north London.

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Romero was vocal last season when Tottenham refused to organise a swift return from his break ahead of their clash with Arsenal, with a belief that the club’s decision handed the Gunners an advantage as they brought their own players back early.

However, Spurs have now looked to avoid any such accusations this time around, with Emiliano Martinez of Villa also set to make a long journey back.

Romero key for Tottenham as Villa find form

Romero, Tottenham’s captain, is set to play a crucial role for Thomas Frank’s side and will be a key figure when they take on a Villa team who are beginning to find some rhythm.

Unai Emery’s men picked up just three points from a possible fifteen in their opening five league fixtures, but they have since turned a new leaf, claiming six in their last two.

Spurs will want to build on their recent win against Leeds United before the break, and as such, they will need their top players to return in the best possible condition.

The international break has delivered some notable moments both on and off the pitch and an incident involving a Tottenham Hotspur player has definitely been the craziest.

A lot of Tottenham Hotspur players have been involved during the international break, including those from the home nations. Djed Spence made his first England start during a 3-0 victory over Wales, in a match which was far less enjoyable for Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh duo were in action again on Monday night as Wales hosted Belgium in World Cup qualifying. Former Spurs defender Joe Rodon opened the scoring for the hosts, but in the end, it was the Belgians who left Cardiff with all three points.

To make things worse, Davies was forced off the field after 72 minutes due to an injury. It is not yet known how long he will be out for.

Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson involved in strange rat incident

Davies and Johnson will be frustrated to have suffered a setback in their World Cup qualification bid, but there was one moment during the game which almost overshadowed the result.

The referee paused the match during the 66th minute because a rat entered the pitch. It was Johnson who chased it off in order to allow the match to resume.

There were plenty of twists and turns after the bizarre incident, as Belgium took a two-goal lead before Wales pulled one back in the 89th minute. However, Belgium extended their lead again almost immediately and claimed a 4-2 victory.

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Wales badly miss Spurs legend

Wales are struggling at the moment and one look at their squad tells you everything you need to know. Johnson has never been a nailed-on starter since joining Spurs, while Davies is yet to make an appearance for the club this season.

However, both are important players to Wales, who lack the quality they once possessed. Spurs legend Gareth Bale is certainly missed. The retired winger quit international football after the last World Cup and Wales lack a player with his star quality.

The Welsh team now sit third in their group, trailing North Macedonia in second by three points. However, they do have a game in hand, so there is still some hope that Davies and Johnson will compete at next year’s World Cup.