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The half-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the Premier League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Fulham

Guglielmo Vicario – Spurs started this league fixture in the worst possible manner, with Vicario conceding two in the opening five minutes. The first goal took a wicked deflection off Destiny Udogie, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The second, however, was a mess, as Vicario found himself in no man’s land and, instead of booting it into row Z, he opted to play out from the back. A poor decision, and he handed Fulham an early Christmas present. 2.

Pedro Porro – The Spaniard has been nowhere near Chukwueze, who is having a free rein on Tottenham’s right, constantly getting in behind Porro, who is often dragged into midfield. 3.

Kevin Danso – Not the sort of start the Austrian would have wanted, coming into the side in place of the suspended Cristian Romero. There was nothing he could have done about either goal, but he will be scratching his head over his side’s poor defending. 4.

Micky van de Ven – He has already had to bail Tottenham out with a couple of blocks and tackles, as Spurs have looked to be aggressive by playing a high line, forcing Van de Ven to hit the accelerator. He prevented a certain goal when Chukwueze rounded Vicario, but the Dutchman timed his challenge to perfection. 7.5.

Destiny Udogie – No notable contribution so far from the full-back who replaced Djed Spence in the starting eleven today. His biggest involvement was his attempted block that led to Fulham’s opener. 4.

Joao Palhinha – Tottenham conceded another goal from the edge of the box with neither of their pivots anywhere near the shot. Fulham have been able to attack with ease, and Palhinha has to get tighter to Silva’s men. 4.

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Archie Gray – Definitely not the sort of start he would have wanted coming into the side ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur. It was more of the same, and the midfielder was nowhere near Kenny Tete when he let fly from the edge of the Tottenham box. 4.

Lucas Bergvall – The Swede has barely had an impact on proceedings at the top end of the pitch. He has, however, put in a fair few tackles and has looked to play forward passes. 4.

Mohammed Kudus – A bright spark for Tottenham, always positive in attack and always looking to beat his man whenever he has the ball. However, there has been no end product. 5.

Richarlison – Spurs are looking to attack with two forwards, allowing Richarlison to keep his spot up top. The Brazil international, though, has not had a single sniff in this match. 4.

Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has weighed in on what Thomas Frank is expected to achieve at Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank has come under scathing criticism over the last week, with some already writing him off just a few months into his job at Tottenham.

The Spurs head coach has reacted philosophically to the criticism levelled at him, making it clear that it is nothing more than he expected when he took the job.

Frank remains confident that Tottenham will click as an attacking force sooner or later and score a lot of goals.

Keith Wyness claims Thomas Frank needs to achieve top-six finish at Tottenham

The Dane took over a side which finished in 17th place last season, and perhaps he now realises the true breadth of his challenge.

Wyness believes that finishing outside the European places will simply not be tolerated by the Tottenham hierarchy this summer.

When asked what Frank needs to achieve at Spurs, the former Everton chief told Football Insider: “He’s got to improve on last season. I don’t think even a 10th, 11th, or 12th would work for him.

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“I think he’s got to be in the European places and I think Spurs, without a stadium, etc. expect to be achieving at least in the top six or seven. And I think that’s where he’ll be judged on. And he’ll be OK.

“I don’t think they’re going to get rid of him. But still, that’s what I think he’s been set. And they’d expect something of that level. And the resources they’ve got, I mean, it’s quite fair to expect that.”

Wyness believes Frank is the right person for the Spurs job

Reports indicate that the Tottenham board are looking at Frank’s project as a long-term one and are not going to make knee-jerk decisions.

Wyness believes that is the right approach, insisting that the 52-year-old needs time to clean up the mess created at the club over the last few years.

He added about Tottenham: “There’s a lot of history behind that squad, a lot of mistakes at Spurs over the years, and the fans have got to realise it might take a couple of seasons to get this sorted out and move it forward.

But I’m going to believe that Frank is the right guy. He’s proven it before, and let’s hope he’s given that time to do it.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s scouts travelled across Europe to catch a glimpse of a young centre-forward who is quickly emerging as one of the hottest properties across the continent.

Some outlets have reported that signing a number nine is a priority for Spurs in January, and several strikers across the continents have been linked with a move to N17.

That includes a young Spaniard, who has been prolific at Porto since joining the Portuguese giants 18 months ago.

Tottenham are reportedly big fans of Samu Aghehowa, who has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for his club this season, and has a release clause of €100m (£88m) in his contract.

Tottenham scouted Samu Aghehowa on Thursday

According to A BOLA (as relayed by Sport Witness), scouts from Tottenham Hotspur were at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday to watch Porto play Nice in the Europa League.

The outlet concludes that the Lilywhites were to run the rule on Aghehowa, who netted from the penalty spot as Porto emerged 3-0 winners.

It is claimed that Tottenham have ‘intensified checks’ on the 21-year-old centre-forward over recent months as we edge closer to the January transfer window.

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Spurs battling two London rivals for Aghehowa

Tottenham are not the only Premier League club eyeing the Porto man, with reports indicating that Arsenal could offer competition to Spurs for Aghehowa.

That report was carried by CaughtOffside, who suggested that the Lilywhites were leading their North London rivals in the race for the striker, who is valued at around €90m (£79m).

The latest update on the future of Ivan Toney could significantly influence Tottenham Hotspur’s January transfer plans.

Ahead of the January window, no player has been as heavily linked with a move to Spurs as Toney, possibly because of his relationship with Thomas Frank.

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are the front-runners to land the England international, who is said to be keen on returning to the Premier League.

It was even claimed by one source last week that Toney’s representatives were in talks with Al-Ahli over a January exit compromise, but that has now been rubbished by a journalist.

Ben Jacobs expects Tottenham to fall short in Ivan Toney pursuit

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now taken to social media to pour cold water on the speculation linking the centre-forward with a return to England.

While he confirmed that Premier League clubs had made enquiries about Toney, he revealed that Al-Ahli made it clear that they do not want to let go of their star man.

Jacobs concluded that the former Brentford man is now ‘unlikely’ to leave the Saudi club mid-season.

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Do Spurs need a striker in January?

While Richarlison has been poor for much of this season, he has found his goalscoring boots in the last few matches, while Randal Kolo Muani is getting better with each outing.

Mathys Tel has also shown signs of promise, while Dominic Solanke is now edging closer to a return to action.

Spurs may thus put off signing a number nine until next summer and prioritise a wide-forward in the upcoming transfer window.

Amidst Tottenham’s rumoured interest in Kobbie Mainoo, there has been a big update on the midfielder’s future at Old Trafford, which would encourage Spurs.

While Tottenham are expected to prioritise strengthening their forward line in January, many Spurs fans will feel that the midfield is also in need of reinforcements.

Thomas Frank has not got the balance right in the middle of the park this season, although there were some promising signs when he played Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Archie Gray together against PSG.

It has been rumoured that Frank and Tottenham are also big fans of another energetic young Premier League midfielder: Kobbie Mainoo.

Various sources have claimed that Spurs are set to reignite their interest in Mainoo after failing to get a deal over the line for the midfielder in the summer.

Man United make decision on Tottenham target Kobbie Mainoo

The midfielder’s current deal at Old Trafford runs until 2027, and in an apparent boost to Spurs, journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that United have halted their contract talks with the 20-year-old.

However, the journalist indicates that Ruben Amorim’s side would still be reluctant to let the rumoured Tottenham target leave mid-season.

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When asked about an update on the contract talks with Mainoo, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “I’m sure it’s (handing Mainoo a new contract) something that Man United would definitely be interested in doing.

“They’ve been in talks with Mainoo for a while now over a new contract. Suggestions are now that contract talks have been put on hold because of his uncertain future at Old Trafford.

“We know Mainoo was interested in a move away in the summer window as he knew he wasn’t going to be playing in Ruben Amorim’s side. I don’t think he’s started a Premier League game so far this season.

“For United, on their part, they don’t really want to lose Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s why they blocked the move in the summer window and obviously I think they’d be reluctant to let him go in January as well because United want to be competing in that top four, if they can.”

Spurs face competition from Serie A giants for Mainoo

It has been claimed over the last few weeks that Mainoo is keen to leave Old Trafford in search of regular game time, given that a spot in England’s World Cup squad is up for grabs next summer.

Tottenham face plenty of competition from around Europe for the Man United man, and one Serie A club are now seemingly stepping up their interest.

Tottenham Hotspur have just been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of a former Premier League midfielder.

There has been much debate among Spurs fans about the Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur pairing at the base of their midfield and whether it is effective enough creatively.

It has been suggested that the Lilywhites could look to improve that area of the pitch in January, with reports indicating that Tottenham are seriously considering making a move for Conor Gallagher.

Spurs are expected to face competition from Man United for Gallagher in January, but the Lilywhites have just heard some good news about the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid willing to sell Tottenham target Conor Gallagher on a discount

Until a few weeks ago, it was reported that Spurs would have to pay €60m (£52.3m) to land Gallagher in January.

However, a new report in Estadio Deportivo has claimed that the La Liga club have softened their stance on the 25-year-old.

Amidst the midfielder’s desire to return to the English shores, it is suggested that Atletico are willing to sell him for just €50m (£26.2m) in January.

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The outlet says that the Red Devils are keen on landing Gallagher and have already launched an enquiry over his availability.

Gallagher is not happy at Atletico Madrid

Just a few days ago, Gallagher admitted that he is not satisfied with the minutes he is getting at Atletico, and that he wants to play more.

Those comments would have undoubtedly been clocked by the likes of Spurs and Man United amidst their interest in the Chelsea academy graduate.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a Belgian starlet, but they face plenty of competition for his signature in January.

Reports indicate that Spurs are prioritising signing established players who would improve their starting eleven.

However, the club’s signing of Mathys Tel and Kota Takai in the summer was evidence that the Lilywhites are also on the lookout for the best young talent across the world.

A few days ago, TEAMtalk revealed that Tottenham have set their sights on Anderlecht starlet Nathan De Cat, who has won many admirers since breaking into the Belgian club’s first-team.

Tottenham face competition from two Premier League clubs for Nathan De Cat

A new update in La Derniere Heure has now backed up the Lilywhites’ interest in the 17-year-old midfielder.

De Cat has been a regular for the Jupiler Pro League side this season, making 20 appearances so far, and the Anderlecht academy product’s performances have been noted by scouts around Europe.

It is revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are not alone in their admiration of the teenager, with Aston Villa and Brighton ready to challenge the North London side for the youngster’s signature in January.

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All three English clubs are ‘keeping tabs’ on De Cat as we edge closer to the transfer window.

What is Anderlecht’s transfer stance on Spurs target De Cat?

La Derniere Heure say that the interest in the midfielder is not consigned to the Premier League, with Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, also in the mix.

Anderlecht do not want to let De Cat leave and are hoping to hang onto him until 2027, but that may not be possible, given the growing interest in his services.

The outlet says that while the Belgian club want €35m (£30.6m) for the youngster, a fee of around €20m-€25m (£17.5m-£21.8m) would be more realistic.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to try their luck again to sign a Premier League attacker in January after failing with a big offer for him in the summer.

Reports continue to suggest that Spurs are expected to prioritise strengthening their attack in January, with the Lilywhites willing to spend big to do so.

It has now been suggested that the North London club could go back in for a 21-year-old winger, just a few months after their interest in the player was turned down.

According to some sources, Tottenham tried until summer transfer deadline day to strike a deal for Savinho, but Man City refused to budge on their stance.

Man City’s resolve to keep Savinho could be tested again by Tottenham

It has now been revealed by TEAMtalk that Tottenham Hotspur were willing to pay £70m for the Brazilian in the summer.

The outlet says that some sources close to Man City were left surprised that the club failed to accept that fee for the player in the summer.

It is pointed out that Savinho’s performances have been inconsistent this season, and the winger is struggling to get regular game time at the Etihad Stadium.

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With Tottenham still keeping an eye on the player’s situation, there is a feeling at the Etihad Stadium that their resolve could be tested again.

Spurs’ belief in Savinho has not waned

While the left-footed wide-man has come under criticism for his performances this season, Tottenham’s belief in him has not waned, according to TEAMtalk.

The outlet says that despite Savinho’s struggles at the Etihad, Thomas Frank’s men still believe he would have been a strong addition to their squad.

A former Tottenham Hotspur official has said that Thomas Frank is set to be disappointed by the North London club’s January business.

Over the past few months, we have heard plenty of noise in the media about Tottenham’s ambitious January plans.

Spurs’ owners, ENIC, injected equity of £100m into the club, which is expected to be put to use in the upcoming transfer window.

Some sources have said that Tottenham want to make ambitious moves in January to signal their ambition, but a former Spurs employee doubts whether that will happen.

Tottenham expected to block Thomas Frank’s demands

Former Spurs scout Mick Brown has now revealed that the Dane wants major changes to be made to his squad in January.

However, he explained that while the Lilywhites will do some business, they are not willing to back their head coach with big funds amidst doubts regarding his style of play.

Brown told Football Insider: “Thomas Frank would like to make major changes to his squad. There are a few positions at Tottenham where the options they’ve got available are not quite good enough for where they want to be long-term.

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“Plus, with any new manager, he’s going to want players who suit the way he wants to play. I think he’ll be swimming against the tide in that regard, though, I don’t think they’re making any plans to spend big at the moment.

“I’m sure they’ll do some business in key positions, but if he’s hoping for ins and outs all over the pitch, he’ll be waiting a long time before that happens.

“Especially when you consider he will want to bring players in for this more defensive and pragmatic system he plays, which there are already doubts about. So it would come as a surprise to me if they decided overhauling the squad was the best way to go, even if that’s what the manager is looking to do.”

Frank wants to strengthen four positions in January

It was reported by Flashscore a few days ago that Frank wants to add a forward, a left-sided centre-back, a midfielder and a goalkeeper to his Spurs squad in January.

However, the outlet explained that it would be unrealistic to expect all four positions to be strengthened in January.

Tottenham’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo looks to be getting increasingly complicated as the interest in the winger’s services continues to grow.

It is now an open secret that Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract, which, as expected, has led to a dramatic rise in the number of clubs queuing up to land him.

This has posed a big problem for Tottenham, who had previously identified the Bournemouth man as their top target.

Over recent days, we have heard that Spurs are fearful of losing out to Liverpool in the race for Semenyo, with the Reds keen on taking the 25-year-old to Anfield.

Man City are also extremely keen on Tottenham target Antoine Semenyo

A new report in talkSPORT has now revealed that the Ghana international’s release clause is active in the first half of the January window, and it is not just Liverpool and Spurs battling it out for his signature.

The report claims that Man City are very much in the running to land Semenyo and are expected to have a big say on his future.

Pep Guardiola is said to be a big admirer of the Cherries star and believes that he will improve his side’s attack.

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The Man City boss is concerned that his team are over-reliant on Erling Haaland for their goals and could thus greenlight a move for Semenyo.

Another Premier League club have a ‘secret weapon’ in Semenyo race

While facing competition from Man City and Liverpool makes the deal hard enough for Tottenham, it has emerged over recent days that another Premier League side may also have an advantage over the Lilywhites in the race for the winger.

According to an update from TEAMtalk, Man United have a ‘secret weapon’ in their pursuit of Semenyo, and have stepped up their interest in the Bournemouth man.

That secret weapon is Cherries’ technical director Simon Francis, who is a lifelong United fan and is set to pitch Old Trafford’s vision to the player.