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Tottenham Hotspur have appointed a new director of football operations to join the massive restructuring process at the Premier League club

Tottenham Hotspur have made a new appointment in a key position inside the club with the arrival of Carlos Raphael Moersen as director of football operations.

As part of a huge year of change at the north London outfit, Moersen, known as 'Rafi', has been lured away from the City Football Group, where he spent more than a decade within their large organisation across the world. He will become the second person hired from the City Group in recent months with Dan Lewindon coming in next month to replace Adam Brett as the north London club's new performance director.

Tottenham had also taken former chief football officer Scott Munn from the City Group in 2023 before placing him on gardening leave last year.

Moersen's arrival comes just a day after Spurs announced that one of their sporting directors, Fabio Paratici, would be returning home to Italy to join Fiorentina after his winter window due to a change in personal circumstances.

So exactly who is Moersen, what has he been doing within the City Football Group, who will he report to at Tottenham and will he be replacing Paratici?

What's Moersen's background?

Moersen studied at the George Washington University School of Business for four years before completing a master's degree at the University of Valencia, where his thesis was focused on the expansion of Major League Soccer.

At the same time as completing his initial degree he was employed at MLS side DC United, where he worked his way up from being a sales intern to an account executive with a focus on international sales.

After founding a consultancy firm that specialised in connecting professional and youth clubs in the USA, he was snapped by the City Group and initially worked within New York City Football Club.

Then came the switch to Manchester City, where he worked for four years, eventually becoming their senior sales strategy and development manager before stepping up to the wider group in 2020 to take charge of more focused football affairs, being handed the title in 2024 of director of football transactions.

His role included negotiating contracts with current and prospective City players and now he has negotiated his own move to Tottenham.

When will he officially start at Spurs?

Moersen is currently on gardening leave from the City Football Group, and will join Tottenham in the coming months, in time to be prepared for the summer transfer window.

What will his job entail at Tottenham?

Moersen will lead the north London club's football administration, player care and liaison, as well as training ground operations, and will also join the organisation's executive leadership team. With his experience in contract negotiations it would seem likely that he will take on that role at Spurs.

A key part of his role will also be overseeing women’s football, where we will look to continue their upward curve at both senior and youth levels.

Spurs are hoping that Moersen will add new experience and expertise to their staff as a highly-regarded talent in the industry, having been key in City's core team planning and executing as well as player trading within City Football Group.

Is he replacing Paratici?

In a word, no. Moersen is not a replacement for Paratici as this new role was originally drawn up and announced when the Italian initially returned for his brief stint alongside Johan Lange. He was meant to work with Paratici rather than instead of him.

Moersen will be a core part of the team, working very closely with those in the sporting director role. If anything Moersen will be taking on some elements of the departing Rebecca Caplehorn's position as head of administration and football governance as she will be leaving the club after this transfer window following more than a decade within its walls. Part of her remit was contracts which would future indicate that could be part of Moersen's new job.

Will Paratici be replaced?

The expectation currently is that Tottenham will look to replace Paratici within the organisation, either with someone in a similar title or a new one, after previously making it clear that the modern version of a sporting director's remit is too wide now for just one person.

Who will Moersen report to?

The new man will report to Johan Lange when he arrives before the summer on all things to do with men's football and for women’s football matters Moersen will report to Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

What has been said about him?

Lange said: "We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the club in the newly-created role of director of football operations. He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.

"His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success."

Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen as their director of football operations. It follows the official departure of Fabio Paratici at the end of January being announced, though it has been clarified Moersen will be taking up a new role within the club.

A statement from the club read: "Tottenham Hotspur is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen as director of football operations, a newly-created role as part of the club's approach to build a modern, high-performance football structure to drive long-term success.

"Known as Rafi, he joins from City Football Group, where he spent more than a decade in senior roles across their global football model, most recently playing a central role in player transactions as director of football transactions.

"Rafi's appointment is part of a sustained focus on strengthening the foundations that support performance on the pitch, which include the appointment of Dan Lewindon, as performance director - who will join us next month, and increased investment in our academy to enhance the pipeline of talent ready for first-team men's football.

"Rafi will lead our football administration, player care, and training ground operations, and join the club's executive leadership team. A key part of his role will, also, be overseeing women's football, where we will continue to drive a renewed focus and ambition for Tottenham Hotspur Women."

In the statement announcing his arrival, sporting director Johan Lange has been quoted stating: "We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the club in the newly-created role of director of football operations.

"He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.

"His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”

The Lilywhites have been expected to appoint Moersen for a number of weeks with it another arrival from the City Group after Scott Munn's switch a number of years ago.

Tottenham will be hoping for this move to be much better than Munn's as he departed quite early into his tenure which had been heavily delayed.

However, like Munn, Moersen is not expected to take up his new duties immediately, but he will report to Lange upon his official arrival next month.

With it clarified to be a new role, he is not the replacement for Paratici - with the Italian's position also created by the club for him to work alongside Lange.

Moersen had been part of the City Group for the past five years with previous stints at Manchester City directly, New York City FC and DC United.

He graduated from the University of Valencia in 2015 with a masters degree in company strategy. His thesis was based on the MLS and possible expansion.

Thomas Frank's first recruit of the January transfer window must hit the ground running to improve Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes, and some people think he has what it takes.

England star Conor Gallagher has touched down at Tottenham in a £35million deal, heralding the start of Thomas Frank's January transfer window as the club seek urgent improvements - and some fans in the football.london comments section are clear Gallagher will be useful addition that will have a positive impact further up the pitch.

Gallagher is back in the Premier League around 18 months after his departure from Chelsea, arriving from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in a deal worth in the region of £34.7million (€40million). He impressed during his loan spell with Crystal Palace, but has found opportunities hard to come by under Diego Simeone, and he will be looking for regular playing time to boost his chances of being picked for England at the World Cup this year.

His homegrown squad status will be especially useful after the departure of Brennan Johnson - with Spurs having fended off interest from Aston Villa for his signature. Speaking about Gallagher's qualities, manager Frank said: "Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch."

Some fans are all-for the signing. On our Facebook page, reader Stu Abbott says: "Great signing, exactly what we need to play alongside [Joao] Palhinha and Xavi [Simons]! Definitely an upgrade on [Rodrigo] Bentancur."

Commenter Bill Knowles writes: "I agree, think this is an astute buy. Will work well with our creative Xavi Simons."

THFC4Tim says: "There have been some grumbles about bringing in an ex-Chelsea player, but look back to the time we also had a former Gooner in our ranks. There were many a raised eyebrow when [Emmanuel] Adebayor joined. But he proved to be a very astute signing. So let's not pass any judgement on Gallagher until we seen what he can do on the pitch. He also helps with the homegrown numbers, which is an added bonus."

Footiefan123 adds: "At last, a proven signing. Conor can be the leader we desperately need and drive us forward with commitment and energy. Let's hope the club follow up with more experienced signings as promised."

Not everyone is as positive on Gallagher, though, as Narsil writes: "We need a marquee signing and, although he's competent enough, he's not it. A 20-goal-per-season striker and couple of pacy, creative, advanced midfielders are required. Plus, of course, a manager who can mould the team together."

Thomfire says: "We need to get bodies into the box in support of Xavi and create space and options. I didn't see him at Atletico doing that so I am not sure Conor is that person... I will happily be proven wrong."

Deans Mark-Jenny writes: "Good signing. Ange [Postecoglou] tried to get him to Spurs also, but with Frank's style of play I don't think we will get the best version of Conor. Hope I'm wrong, but I think he's more suited to attacking pressing football."

Eltel99 says: "Was never a big fan, but when I watched Conor he was so young at Palace. Now as a maturing player - with still a few more years to develop - I think he will be a good signing. Probably most Spurs fans think we need some real dangerous forwards - [Brighton winger, Kaoru] Mitoma would fit the bill! Tammy Abraham or Ivan Toney, wages most probably count us out!"

Tottenham Hotspur prised Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth nearly £35m, arriving as Thomas Frank's first signing of the January transfer window

James Maddison has already told Thomas Frank what to expect from Conor Gallagher. The Tottenham Hotspur boss could give the former Atletico Madrid midfielder his debut when the Lilywhites lock horns with West Ham this weekend.

Frank will only have a couple of days to work with Gallagher on the training pitches at Hotspur Way before hosting the Hammers on Saturday afternoon. While the Dane may be reluctant to throw the England international into the deep end and start him, he may have no choice.

Lucas Bergvall suffered a knock during Tottenham's defeat to Bournemouth last week, and he was forced to come off. Frank claimed that the 19-year-old midfielder would be assessed ahead of the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, but he didn't even make the squad.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 28-year-old midfielder recently underwent surgery on a hamstring injury, which he sustained at the Vitality Stadium, and will soon begin a rehabilitation programme.

And, of course, Maddison remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. So, with a few big names out of action, Gallagher could very well play a key role this weekend.

Looking back at previous comments by former Leicester City ace, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. During an appearance in the official England YouTube channel, Maddison heaped praise on Gallagher.

"He’s a good all-rounder. He’s quite physical, he’s good, decent pace, decent dribbling," said the Spurs midfielder. Singing from the same hymn sheet, Jude Bellingham added: "So all-round isn't he, so all-round."

Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons were delighted to welcome Gallagher to Spurs. The duo both 'liked' the club's post on Instagram, announcing the former Chelsea ace's arrival.

Guglielmo Vicario was also one of just over a million people that liked an update on the transfer saga on Instagram.

Upon signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at Tottenham, Gallagher claimed that he's ready to get stuck in. He said: "I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.

"I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the Club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch. I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together."

Meanwhile, Frank said: "Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad. He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.

"Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.

"I’m excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team."

Conor Gallagher wants to write his name in the Tottenham Hotspur history books

Conor Gallagher will wear the number 22 shirt for Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites signed the former Chelsea ace from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £34.7million (€40million), arriving as Thomas Frank's first signing of the January transfer window.

On Sunday, football.london reported that Tottenham had entered the race to sign Gallagher. Spurs stepped up their search for a new midfielder after it was confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur would miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

The Lilywhites managed to fend off strong interest from Aston Villa, who wanted to sign the England international on loan with an option to buy. Unai Emery's side never struck a formal agreement with the Spanish giants, rolling out the red carpet for Tottenham to wrap up a deal.

Gallagher, who's signed a five-and-a-half year contract, had attracted interest from elsewhere, but they too were reluctant to fork out a lump sum this month. football.london understands that Spurs' willingness to buy the Englishman outright was key to edging their rivals in the race.

He could make his debut this weekend when the Lilywhites lock horns with West Ham. Gallagher will wear the number 22 shirt, previously worn by Brennan Johnson, who left Tottenham to join Crystal Palace earlier this month.

The 24-year-old forward etched his name, and the jersey, into the club's history book last season, scoring the only goal in Spurs' win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final. The number 22 shirt was also previously donned by Robbie Keane (2002/03).

Nacer Chadli (2014/15 to 2015/16), Gylfi Sigurdsson (2012/13 to 13/14), Vedran Corluka (2008/09 to 11/12), and Tom Huddlestone (2005/06 to 07/08) had memorable moments in the jersey too.

Gallagher wants to write his name in the history books. In an interview with club media, he said: "I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.

"I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the Club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch. I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together."

Meanwhile, Frank said: "Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad. He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.

"Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.

"I’m excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team."

Conor Gallagher has completed his £34.7million move to Tottenham and in doing so has returned to the Premier League

Conor Gallagher has claimed it was a 'very easy' decision to join Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has signed a long-term contract with the Lilywhites, had also attracted interest from Aston Villa.

It's understood that Thomas Frank and Gallagher had a chat on the phone as the Spurs boss attempted to persuade the midfielder to return to London.

At the time, Aston Villa also wanted to sign the former Chelsea favourite and were in talks with Atletico Madrid in an attempt to sign the player in an initial loan move this month with an option to make it permanent in the summer.

But following the news that Rodrigo Bentancur is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Spurs stepped up their chase to sign Gallagher on Monday and eventually agreed a £34.7million deal with Atletico.

The England international has now completed his move and signed a long-term contract with the north London club. He has now explained his reasons behind the move.

In an interview with club media, Gallagher said: "I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club. I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the Club felt the same.

"It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch. I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together."

Meanwhile, Frank said: "Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad. He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.

"Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.

"I’m excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team."

As revealed by football.london on Sunday, Atletico Madrid were prioritising selling the midfielder permanently this month rather than a loan with an option or obligation to buy in the summer.

Spurs' decision to commit to an immediate purchase has been instrumental in helping them beat Villa in the race for the midfield maestro's signature.

While other clubs showed interest, they were hesitant to commit to a permanent deal this month, preferring instead a loan-to-buy option.

The acquisition of Gallagher by Spurs is a significant setback for Villa, especially given Unai Emery's current shortage of midfield options due to injuries to Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley.

For the north London outfit, it's a morale-boosting signing as they look to bounce back from a dismal winter period. They have managed just two wins in 12 Premier League games, leaving them languishing in 14th place.

Gallagher had found regular first-team action hard to come by under Diego Simeone this season, making just four starts in LaLiga, but has now completed his return to England.

With a fresh start for the midfielder, he's keen to impress Thomas Tuchel and secure his place in England's World Cup squad this summer.

Before his move from Chelsea to Atletico in the summer of 2024, Gallagher enjoyed a successful stint in the Premier League, making a name for himself during an outstanding loan period at Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 season.

He returned to Stamford Bridge as a crucial first-team player and even wore the captain's armband for the Blues before being nudged towards the exit in a £33m move to Spain.

He has made 136 Premier League appearances, having also had a loan spell at West Brom prior to his standout season at Palace, and has netted 18 goals and provided 13 assists.

At 25 years old, he still has much to contribute and will bring a wealth of experience to a team in need of a significant lift.

The FA have charged Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa with misconduct following their clash in the FA Cup third round. Morgan Rogers fired Unai Emery's side to a 2-1 victory on Saturday, dumping the Lilywhites out of the competition.

Upon the final whistle, Ollie Watkins celebrated the win in front of the travelling Villa fans, sparking a fiery reaction from Joao Palhinha. The Tottenham midfielder pushed the opposition striker, and he was quickly confronted by Morgan Rogers and Lamare Bogarde.

Players and staff from either side stormed onto the scene, igniting a mass brawl. An official statement from a spokesperson at the FA reads: "Tottenham Hotspur FC and Aston Villa FC have been charged with misconduct following their FA Cup match on Saturday 10 January.

"It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way after the final whistle. Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC have until Friday 16 January to provide a response."

Speaking to reporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the game, Thomas Frank accused Watkins of provoking Palhinha. The Dane said: "I don’t think so. I guess you have seen the situation through?

"I just saw it to be sure I saw what I saw. Of course, it’s all about keeping a cool head. The players gave everything, everything out there, (but) losing a tight game, season not going perfect and I think Ollie is very provoking.

"The way he is going down to celebrate in front of the Villa fans, and he is walking into Joao, he can just easily walk around. I think everyone that has been in a competitive nature, that is difficult and can trigger things."

On whether Spurs have a discipline problem, Frank claimed that his players are just eager to return to winning ways after three games without a victory. The Tottenham boss said: "I think it's like you need to play with passion.

"And when you play with passion, then sometimes you play to the line. And sometimes a little bit borderline. So, I see players with big passion that want to do very well for the club. And I think that's very important. And of course, you also need cool heads."

Spurs have only won three of their last 10 games across all competitions, and Frank is under pressure to turn things around. On how he plans to get the fans back onside, the Dane said: "We all know there's only one way to have everyone happy.

"That is performing consistently and winning enough games. That's the only way. And we could see, second half especially, the energy, how they feed off each other, the players and the fans.

"It was a fantastic experience to be in the middle of it. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that fantastic comeback, which sometimes kicks start a momentum. And that's what we are working very hard to do.

"But I think the fans, the way they backed the team and pushed them forward, second half was very, very good. I still think it's, first and foremost, us. First and foremost, us.

"We need to perform, and then they can feed off the energy. But of course, we also need them in tough times, which they are there. They're travelling in big numbers to away games, and they are backing us. So that's a two-way (solution)."

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Tottenham's joint sporting director Fabio Paratici is to leave the club and join Fiorentina following the end of the January transfer window. Paratici only returned to Spurs in October after he left in 2023 due to allegations of false accounting at former club Juventus.

The Italian subsequently received a 30-month ban imposed by FIFA but worked as a consultant for the North London club before he officially rejoined earlier this season. But Paratici will depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again next month, after he expressed a desire to move back to his native country.

“We have agreed that Fabio will return to Italy following the conclusion of the January transfer window, in line with his wish to move back home,” Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed.

“We thank Fabio for his contribution to the Club and wish him well for the future. Our management structure is designed to be resilient to personnel changes, and it will be business as usual moving forward."

Addressing his exit, Paratici said: “I want to thank Vinai and the Board of Tottenham Hotspur for accommodating my desire to return to Italy and join Fiorentina.

“I have loved my time at the club, however this opportunity, together with the need to be based in my homeland, has led me to this decision.

“Spurs is a club that is very close to my heart. It has great people working for it, who are as passionate about the project as I am and want to bring sustained success. I have no doubt that they will achieve that and I will be watching closely from Italy.”

News of Paratici’s departure comes as Tottenham close in on the signing of Conor Gallagher.

As reported by football.london on Sunday, Spurs are desperate for reinforcements before the January window slams shut but whether Thomas Frank is in charge to integrate new signings remains to be seen.

A fee in the region of 40million euros (£34.7m) is set to clinch Gallagher’s return back to England after a mixed spell in Spain.

The former Crystal Palace loanee has made 77 appearances for Atletico during the past 18 months and scored seven times but never fully nailed down a starting berth in Diego Simeone’s side.

Thomas Frank, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future in north London following the defeat by Aston Villa in the FA Cup third-round last weekend.

Conor Gallagher has told Thomas Frank what his best position is ahead of a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur

Conor Gallagher has already told Thomas Frank his best position ahead of a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. The Atletico Madrid ace emerged as a target over the weekend, and now the Lilywhites look set to secure his signature.

On Sunday, football.london reported that Spurs had entered the race to sign Gallagher. The Lilywhites stepped up their search for a new midfielder after it was confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur would miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

It's understood that Tottenham and Atletico agreed a deal worth around €40million (£34.7million) for the England international, fending off strong interest from Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side, who wanted to sign Gallagher on loan with an option to buy, never struck a formal agreement with the Spanish giants.

The 25-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract in north London, with personal terms not thought to be an issue. football.london understands that Spurs' willingness to buy Gallagher outright was key to edging their Premier League rivals in the race.

The Chelsea academy graduate had attracted interest from elsewhere, but they were reluctant to fork out such a hefty fee this month. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will wrap up a deal ahead of the weekend.

So long as Spurs officially register Gallagher by Friday midday, he'll be eligible to make his debut at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon. Frank will already have an idea of where he plans to play the Englishman, which will likely be in a pivot alongside Joao Palhinha or Archie Gray.

However, Gallagher has previously suggested that he feels better suited to a role further up the field. Speaking to club media at Stamford Bridge in June 2022, the former Chelsea ace said: "I feel like runs into the box I’m good at, and I can win the ball back well and press well.

"I like to score goals, and I want to score more. I can be more aware on the ball in deeper areas and have a better vision sometimes. There’s loads of things, and I could go on for ages, but I’m very determined to work hard and improve as a footballer still."

A month or so later, this time in an interview with The Guardian, Gallagher was a little more open-minded. He said: "I’m quite versatile as well. Anywhere in midfield, I feel like I should be comfortable."

Then, shortly after joining Atletico from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Gallagher spoke to The Athletic. The former Blue acknowledged his role as a combative midfielder, rather than one that will pulls the strings and dictate play.

During his welcome ceremony at the Metropolitano, Gallagher was introduced to supporters as a 'pitbull' who would bring 'new lungs' to the side. On his new nickname, he said: "I think that was something Atletico made up.

"Some people in England call me a dog, because of how I play on the pitch. Sometimes I just run after every ball, like a dog does in the park. It kind of stuck. (Atletico) took it from there. I don’t mind. I take it as a compliment."

It's time for the latest episode of our podcast Talking Tottenham with our Spurs correspondents Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor

Tottenham are starting to put the wheels in motion for their January transfer window in the hope of turning around Thomas Frank's fortunes.

Conor Gallagher underwent his medical on Tuesday ahead of the 25-year-old England international midfielder sealing a £34.7million move from Atletico Madrid. Then up next for the north London club is 19-year-old left-back Souza, who is expected to land in the UK on Wednesday afternoon for the Brazilian to tie up the formalities of his £13million switch from Santos on Thursday, while he must also await his work permit.

Spurs have already been busy with outgoings, with Brennan Johnson departing for Crystal Palace in a £35million deal, along with loans galore.

With injuries hitting Frank's squad now, losing both Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus until April and a return date still not fixed for Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs are light in attack following Johnson's departure.

Spurs have held a long-time interest in Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and were forced to watch the 23-year-old, who mainly plays on the right but can also play centrally, tear them apart in the Champions League earlier this season. football.london reported on Monday that the Ligue 1 club are believed to be looking at new signings in the France international's position in preparation in case he does depart anywhere this month or in the summer.

That could put things in motion for Tottenham to make their move for the talented attacker, although they would face plenty of competition from top sides across Europe.