Football FanCast

Tottenham are preparing for a crucial January window with the club hierarchy reportedly willing to back under-fire manager Thomas Frank with significant spending.

The Sun reports that Spurs could invest up to £150 million next month as they look to address clear weaknesses in both attacking and defensive areas following a disappointing first half of the campaign.

The north London club currently languish 14th in the Premier League after suffering five defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.

Frank finds himself under mounting pressure after the club's failure to build on the promising foundations laid during his first few months in charge, with supporters increasingly frustrated by the lack of consistency and identity in performances.

Wide attackers have emerged as the primary focus for recruitment chiefs ahead of January, with Spurs desperate to add pace, creativity and goal threat from the flanks to complement their existing options.

Antoine Semenyo was Tottenham's top target for the upcoming window following his impressive performances for Bournemouth this season, with the Ghana international combining explosive pace with impressive output in the final third.

However, landing the 25-year-old has been far from straightforward given strong competition from Man City, who are understood to be in pole position to sign Semenyo and trigger his £65 million release clause.

Spurs now find themselves forced to 'rethink' their entire transfer strategy for January following Semenyo's apparent preference for joining City rather than moving to north London, according to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham make 'fresh explorations' for Man City winger Savinho

The outlet and journalist Dean Jones have a fresh transfer update surrounding the Lilywhites' plans today, detailing their Semenyo alternatives as Frank chases a quality left-winger.

The club recently touched base about Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but early indications suggest they will not have much chance of signing the highly-rated Turkish winger either as he eyes a new contract in Turin.

Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande have also been identified as ambitious transfer targets, though these moves are more realistically planned for the summer of 2026 rather than next month.

As per Jones, Tottenham have now made 'fresh explorations' around whether Savinho, who was chased during the summer, remains genuinely interested in departing Eastlands despite his recent contract extension.

The 21-year-old impressed during his time in France with Troyes and subsequently at Girona, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs before ultimately choosing to join Pep Guardiola's squad.

Savinho penned a new deal at City last summer despite indications that he 'fancied' a move to Spurs, but he has struggled significantly to tie down a regular starting role in Guardiola's loaded attacking lineup.

The Brazilian's limited opportunities have raised questions about whether he made the correct decision to extend, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming next year.

This situation could potentially open a door for Tottenham to revive their interest if the player becomes frustrated with his peripheral role.

However, before Spurs attempt to formally test the water with any offers for the 'incredible' City forward, they want to understand precisely how keen he would be on making the switch to north London.

Intermediaries are now expected to uncover what the future holds in the player's mind, with Tottenham looking to bring in a standout attacking talent to bolster Frank's squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have work to do now that Christmas is done and dusted, with Thomas Frank's side languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League just before the season's midpoint.

But this is a new project, and the mistakes of the past have precluded instantaneous success. The Lewis Family recognise this and have given Frank their backing, with investment set to come in 2026.

Spurs have already been knocked back on that front. However, missing out on Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City wouldn't have solved all the Londoners' attacking problems, with the struggles of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke at number nine underscoring the need for a new out-and-out striker.

Spurs seeking Richarlison & Solanke upgrade

Richarlison has been Tottenham's number one pick at centre-forward this season, and though he's scored eight goals across all competitions, the Brazilian continues to ebb and flow.

When he's on his A-game, he's a fun and effective watch, but Richarlison can also flatter to deceive, and do so too consistently.

Solanke, meanwhile, has been absent through injury for most of the campaign, and it would be negligent to heap too much trust in a striker who has yet to prove they can maintain fitness levels for an outfit looking to challenge across multiple fronts.

Spurs might have missed out on Semenyo, but they can now use those put-aside funds to sign a number nine.

Well, Tottenham may look to return to their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, having been reported to have been preparing a bid for the towering talisman earlier in December.

Mateta has been agitating to leave. The France international's contract talks stalled last month, with a number of clubs across Europe interested in snapping him up.

With the 28-year-old such an in-demand commodity, Tottenham chiefs will need to act quickly and perhaps lodge an opening offer when the winter transfer window swings open in less than a week.

Why Mateta is perfect for Spurs

Crystal Palace have become quite the force in the Premier League over the past few years; and in 2025, the Selhurst Park side have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Mateta's destructive attacking performances have been crucial in achieving this.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse has had to work get himself up to this coveted level, but he's undoubtedly grown into a superstar, with his strength and style sure to see him overtake the likes of Richarlison and Solanke right from the get-go if welcomed to Frank's Spurs system.

Richarlison has been comparatively prolific this year, but he's been known to drift in and out of purple patches, and Tottenham need someone more reliable.

Solanke, moreover, has scarcely featured, suffering from wretched misfortune on the fitness front since completing an initial £55m move from Bournemouth to the club in 2024.

Mateta is big and strong and fast, with a natural nose for goals that makes him the perfect forward to cement themselves as the spearhead of Frank's system and feed off those around him.

Very different players, but the desire to sign Semenyo underlines Tottenham's desire for more offensive directness, and Semenyo would add that to the ranks, sharper and more consistent than Richarlison. In regard to Solanke, the best ability is availability, is it not?

Mateta is the very epitome of hard graft, having picked himself up from the wayside in the English top flight and become one of the most consistent goalscorers in the division.

Indeed, since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the France international has only been outscored by a select few elite marksmen: Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins.

Truly, this is "one of the best strikers in the Premier League", as has been claimed by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Tottenham must not pass up the opportunity to sign him, thus adding a new first-choice striker to Frank's fold.

Tottenham Hotspur have now launched contact to sign an attacking target ahead of arch-rivals Arsenal, according to reports.

The Lilywhites have it all to do in the January transfer window. Thomas Frank is yet to win over the fans, both thanks to results and thanks to his more pragmatic style at times. The transfer window provides the Dane with the perfect opportunity to turn a corner before it's too late, however.

They need an attacking addition, first and foremost. Although Dominic Solanke is still fighting to make his first appearance under Frank, there's no guarantee that he will be the one to solve Spurs' problems.

The same can be said about Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, who have scored two goals and eight goals respectively so far this season.

So, the solution could lie in the transfer market and potentially in Germany following recent reports that they're chasing Yan Diomande. The young winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, breaking out and becoming a key target for several sides.

If Spurs are to finally replace Heung-min Son's impact, then signing a winger who's scored seven goals and created another four in all competitions would certainly go a long way.

Add Kenan Yildiz onto that and Frank's attack suddenly looks far more promising. According to TuttoJuve, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham have now made contact to sign Yildiz ahead of Arsenal in 2026.

The North London rivals are reportedly in a tug-of-war to sign the Juventus star, but Tottenham will be hoping that their contact puts them ahead of Arsenal.

Yildiz would ignite Tottenham's frontline

The 20-year-old is reportedly causing Juventus quite the dilemma with his wage demands of over £5m a season. Arsenal and Tottenham, however, would reportedly have no issue paying the versatile winger that asking price.

Given his ability to play as both a winger and a No.10, the 20-year-old could be the player to finally spark Spurs' attack into life, especially next to summer signing Xavi Simons. The Dutchman is beginning to show signs of his best, but his red card against Liverpool was undoubtedly a setback.

The numbers do the talking for Yildiz. Even as Juventus have struggled to rediscover their best form from years of old, he has been an impressive standout.

With nine goal involvements to his name in Serie A this season, the Turkish attacker is more than ready to make his mark elsewhere and has certainly justified a wage rise.

Whether Spurs can fend off interest from Arsenal is the big question. The last thing they need is to watch a key target join their rivals yet again.

David Ornstein has shared a new update on Tottenham's interest in Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

Frank warns Spurs players ahead of Palace

Tottenham players had Christmas Day off before Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Spurs have endured a difficult start under the former Bournemouth boss and are 14th in the Premier League table after a run of five defeats in eight matches in all competitions, and the manager insisted his players must be "grown up" over the festive period.

“This week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week. If it was not Christmas, it was still done the same,” Frank revealed.

“So, we have two days leading to the game, day off, two days. So Tuesday and Wednesday, then off on 25th and then two days. Then it’s perfectly fit the Christmas family schedule, which is very good.

“And I’m a big believer of being a top professional and that’s something I believe the players are and should be. Some need to be guided more than others, but also they are grown-up individuals.

“If I need to hold their hand the whole time, we have a bigger problem in my opinion.”

Spurs are facing an uphill battle to secure a top five spot and Champions League qualification for next season, and have scored the least goals of any 'big six' side this season.

Dominic Solanke has suffered with injury problems while neither of Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison have made the number nine berth their own, with the club expected to seek attacking reinforcements in January.

Ornstein shared an update on the future of Bournemouth star Semenyo in his Boxing Day report for The Athletic, revealing Man City are in the driver's seat but Spurs did make a considerable offer to the player.

"Tottenham tried again, proposing a highly competitive salary, only for Semenyo to politely decline their advances and that resulted in City and United then emerging as the leading contenders."

The Ghana international's ability to play in multiple attacking positions and both score and create goals with either foot has made him a sought after commodity amongst the top flight's biggest sides.

"He's an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player," City boss Pep Guardiola said earlier this season.

"His energy, his confidence, his movement - unbelievable. He doesn't stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen.

"He's improving every game. Players like him make this league special - always hungry, always brave."

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of building on their Europa League triumph were evident during the summer transfer window, after the hierarchy spent upwards of £100m in the transfer market.

Thomas Frank was the beneficiary of such spending during his first summer at the helm, after taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was dismissed at the end of 2024/25.

However, the Dane has struggled to make an immediate impact in North London, as seen by the club’s current 14th-placed standing in the Premier League.

The January transfer window presents a fresh opportunity for the manager to improve his squad and get his career back on track after a recent dismal run of form.

Whilst the window is still yet to be open, the manager has already suffered a huge blow, as it appears one player won’t be joining the Lilywhites in the New Year.

Why Spurs are set to miss out on Semenyo in January

Spurs’ issues within the final third have been evident over the last couple of months, as seen by their tally of 26 goals in the Premier League so far this campaign.

Richarlison has only netted seven times in the league to date, but such a tally is the highest of any player in the squad, with no other player managing more than three.

As a result, the Lilywhites have made a move to land Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth over the last couple of days, after his £65m release clause was reported.

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s leading talisman in 2025/26, as seen by his tally of eight goals in his first 16 league appearances.

As a result, the Lilywhites made their interest known in landing the Ghanaian international, with Frank’s side prepared to pay the current asking price when the window opened.

However, in recent days, the player himself has rejected a move to North London, with the player now looking increasingly likely to move to Manchester in the coming weeks.

Missing out on such a quality player will no doubt be a bitter blow to Frank and the hierarchy, but now they face a huge call over what to do next ahead of the window.

The Spurs star who is becoming a homegrown Semenyo

After the news emerged about Semenyo rejecting a move to join Spurs, the hierarchy did act swiftly to try and resurrect a deal to land Manchester City star Savinho once again.

The Lilywhites pushed for a deal in the summer, but the Brazilian winger decided to remain at the Etihad - a decision that now looks to be a mistake a couple of months on.

The 21-year-old has only started four league games under Pep Guardiola, and could fall further down the pecking order should Semenyo move to the Citizens this winter.

However, despite Frank’s efforts to land the youngster, agreeing a fee appears tricky at this stage, which could result in yet another failed pursuit for the club.

As a result, they may be forced to turn to the academy to rely upon fresh blood, which could see Luca Williams-Barnett handed a consistent run of games in the first-team.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder joined the youth setup at U10 level, subsequently spending seven years in the ranks, with the last few months seeing the teenager enjoy a breakthrough.

He’s already made his first-team debut, coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers this campaign, but it’s his numbers in the youth ranks which have caught the eye.

In his 14 appearances across all competitions, Williams-Barnett has already racked up an incredible tally of 22 goal contributions - broken down into 15 goals and seven assists.

His latest outing for the Youth Team came against Slavia Prague at the start of the month, with Williams-Barnett starring and scoring five goals in the 9-1 triumph.

Such numbers are impressive, but they are even more remarkable when realising he’s currently operating four years above his age group when featuring for the U21s.

His performances across various teams in 2025/26 has led to huge praise being directed his way, with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “one of England’s best talents”.

Such a comment was backed up by the player, after he was named in the England U17 squad for the World Cup back in November, where he netted two goals in his four appearances.

At just 17, the club will certainly have to manage the expectations placed upon him, but it’s undeniable that the Lilywhites have a phenomenal young prospect on their hands.

However, if he can break into the senior ranks and continue his excellent form, there’s no reason why he can’t allow the fanbase to forget about missing out on yet another top talent in the form of Semenyo.

Tottenham Hotspur have been at the centre of another frantic - and on more than a few occasions, chaotic - year, but for all the turmoil, they have lifted silverware, winning the Europa League, and are piecing together a project under Thomas Frank's leadership.

Still, Tottenham are stuck in 14th place in the Premier League as the season's midpoint looms. They have lost their past two matches, but only trail fourth-place Chelsea by four points.

This has been a difficult transitional period, for sure, but Frank is right in urging patience, with dynamics between the players evident during the nine-man struggle against Liverpool last weekend, resulting in a spirited 2-1 defeat.

Multiple areas need attention, but Tottenham could do with a sharp new attacker, even after being rejected in their long-standing bid to sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.

The latest on Spurs' search for forwards

With Semenyo, 25, honing in on a £65m transfer to Manchester City, Tottenham have had to turn their attention elsewhere. Now, ENIC Group's powers of adaptability will be called into practice.

It is pleasing, nonetheless, that Tottenham's interest has been confirmed as genuine. There is money to spend this winter, and the right signing could help catapult Frank's project up several rungs of the ladder.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have joined Chelsea in keeping a close eye on Juventus superstar Kenan Yildiz, with the 20-year-old's contract talks having stalled in Turin.

Yildiz is a versatile attacking midfielder who has found a home down the left wing this season. He is the real deal and has been appraised at around £88m. Manchester United have also shown an interest in recent weeks but he is described as a 'dream' target for the Lilywhites.

Why Kenan Yildiz would be a dream signing

Yildiz is young, but he's already been picked out as a "generational" Turkish talent by sports writer Cetin Cem Yilmaz. Across all competitions, he has posted six goals and six assists across 22 matches.

This is not a player who is defined by statistics, but even so, the metrics lean in his favour, with Yildiz's performances down the left wing for Juventus this season telling much of his potential to become a superstar.

Indeed, he ranks favourably against Semenyo, whose efforts in the Premier League will indeed land him a move to Man City under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Given his age and the expectation that he will continue to go from strength to strength over the next few years, there's little question that Yildiz would be the better deal to complete for the Lilywhites, who could restore some superstar power to their ranks through the Turkey international's inculcation.

After all, he already ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.

Spurs haven't exactly been slick on the playmaking front this term, and Yildiz would add directness and creative craft to the fold, killing two birds with one stone, lifting the club up and up after an inconsistent few years.

Semenyo is the talk of the town right now, but he's already a more creative talent than Semenyo, and he's on his way to becoming an athletic and combative star besides.

He's exactly what Tottenham need, and would be a transformational signing for Frank's side.

Tottenham Hotspur are enduring another testing, taxing campaign, but Thomas Frank is adamant that his project is coming together, and that without time, Spurs will be stuck in an endless purgatorial cycle.

But improvements are needed, for sure. The 2025 annual Premier League table emphasises Tottenham's struggles, having achieved only 36 points from 36 matches. A point-per-game rate is shocking, and needs to change going forward.

Years of negligent squad planning have Spurs in a tailspin, though the triumph in the Europa League final last season has set the foundation for a potentially prosperous chapter.

Outside help is needed, and Frank has the backing of the board. Any number of positions could be targeted, but the north Londoners clearly need more creativity after a blunt first half of the season.

Spurs targeting attacking signing

Tottenham parted with Heung-min Son last summer, the club legend having done his duty and returned silverware to N17 after a decade of service. Two years earlier, Harry Kane left.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

A talismanic, potent force is needed. Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been on the long-term list, but it looks like he's going to Manchester City. However, with Brennan Johnson edging toward a January move to Crystal Palace, a right-sided forward is needed.

Tottenham have earmarked alternatives, with TEAMtalk revealing that AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche is someone they are exploring, though reservations are harboured over the battle ahead, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain interested.

Valued at £40m, the 23-year-old Akliouche would be a more cost-effective signing than Semenyo, and he might even have more potential than the Premier League's hottest commodity.

Why Akliouche could be a superstar for Spurs

Frenchman Akliouche has been on the fast track to prominence with Monaco over the past several years, instrumental on the right flank for the Ligue 1 this season, posting three goals and five assists.

Akliouche is more of a playmaking winger than someone like Semenyo - and Son for that matter - but this could actually pay dividends for a Spurs side who have lacked clarity and dynamism in the build-up.

As per Sofascore, he has already created seven big chances in the French top flight, and having averaged 5.3 ball recoveries per game, he has the energy and drive to promote Frank's hard-working philosophy too.

With sights set on landing a high-class centre-forward at some stage too, this might be a fantastic signing for Frank's system, with Akliouche boasting a "left foot made of gold", as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

And while he lacks the clinical edge of Son and Semenyo, his athleticism and natural wellspring of creativity do underline his potential to become a superstar in north London.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his "ridiculous" technical quality, and this is exactly the kind of progressive signing that Tottenham need to make to achieve balance and fluency in the final third while maintaining a combativeness that will plug holes over leaky defensive areas.

Ultimately, Tottenham need to make a series of signings to return to the ascendancy, but by landing Akliouche, a winger with the potential to make the fans forget all about Semenyo, they would be taking a strong step in the right direction.

Tottenham Hotspur are now among the clubs most keen on signing a "spectacular" Champions League forward, but it could take a huge bid to tempt his club into a sale.

Spurs eyeing new forward with Semenyo set to join Man City

Tottenham are looking to sign a new forward in the upcoming transfer window, with AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo being identified as a target, but it now appears as though the Ghanaian could be heading to a rival Premier League club.

Indeed, Manchester City have seemingly won the race for Semenyo, as a move to the Etihad Stadium would provide him with the platform to compete for major trophies.

Consequently, Spurs will presumably have to move on to alternative targets, and it was recently revealed that Man City ace Savinho has now emerged as a serious option.

However, the Lilywhites are also considering options from further afield, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they are now among the clubs most keen on signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, alongside Chelsea, while Arsenal have also expressed an interest.

Yildiz is Tottenham's 'dream' attacking target, having emerged as one of football’s 'most exciting breakout talents', but it could take a huge bid to tempt the Italian club into sanctioning a sale, with a £88m price tag recently being touted.

The report also provides an update on the Turk's future at Juventus, with it stating the Serie A side's new sporting director, Marco Ottolini, is expected to open talks over a new contract, and there is an awareness the 20-year-old would prefer to remain in Turin.

"Spectacular" Yildiz could be solid Semenyo alternative

It is disappointing that Tottenham have seemingly missed out on Semenyo, as the Ghana international has already proven himself in England, scoring eight goals in 16 Premier League outings this term, while also providing three assists.

However, the Juventus star has proven that he could be a solid alternative, having put in some top performances this season, weighing in with five goals and four assists in 15 Serie A matches.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also waxed lyrical about the Germany-born starlet, lauding him for his ability to make "spectacular solo runs", which have been on display since making his breakthrough at Juventus.

Tottenham Hotspur look as though they will be active once again this winter, that’s despite splashing over £100m on new additions during the summer.

Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both made the move to North London during the summer window, but have both had to bide their time to make a positive impact under Thomas Frank.

The pair have been able to net just three Premier League goals between them to date, undoubtedly contributing to the currently lowly standing in England’s top-flight.

Undoubtedly, the pair will need time to settle into the plans of the Dane, but ultimately, the 52-year-old will want added reinforcements to save his job after the worrying start.

As a result, the hierarchy have been exploring potential options ahead of the January window, which could lead to numerous moves for multiple top-level attackers.

Spurs want move for top-level Premier League talent

Antoine Semenyo has been the name on every Spurs fan’s lips over the last couple of months, but it appears the Ghanaian international won’t be joining Frank’s side this January.

He was seen as one of the Lilywhites’ main targets ahead of the winter window, but the player himself has said he wouldn’t be keen on a switch to North London.

Manchester United and Manchester City now both look set to battle it out for his signature, which could help the Lilywhites in the pursuit of their latest target this winter.

After chasing his signature in the summer transfer window, Frank’s men look set to ignite their interest in landing City star Savinho after attempting to land the Brazilian during the off-season.

According to TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old could be allowed to depart the Etihad this window, especially if a move for Semenyo materialises over the next couple of weeks.

Reporter Dean Jones told the publication: "They want new attacking edge but they know they also need a back-up list of options. Savinho is one player who is part of that. The feeling is he might be more attainable than the others, but the problem will be finding a price-point that is agreeable to Manchester City."

Amid claims in the summer that he could cost around £69m, it was suggested that the player was actually 'keen' on heading to north London, so watch this space.

Why Savinho would be the perfect Semenyo alternative

Missing out on key targets has been a recurring theme for Spurs over the last couple of months, with the summer window one that was full of failed additions.

Morgan Gibbs-White was seen as the club’s number one for the attacking midfield position, but they missed out on his signature after he penned a new deal at the City Ground.

Eberechi Eze was a player who was pursued after the Forest star agreed his new deal, but unfortunately for the Lilywhites, they also missed out on his signature.

He subsequently joined North London rivals Arsenal for a reported £60m fee and scored a hat-trick for Mikel Arteta’s men in the triumph at the Emirates back in November.

The fans will be hoping the same doesn’t happen this window, with any potential move for Savinho finally getting completed and avoiding letting another player slip through their grasp.

Whilst Semenyo would still likely remain as many of the fans’ first choice for the role, the Brazilian has all the tools to be the perfect alternative in the winter window.

His stats from the Premier League this campaign showcase his impressive form under Pep Guardiola, with the youngster potentially being an excellent pick up for Frank’s men.

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “exceptional” by one analyst, has only registered one assist in the league to date, but it’s his underlying figures that showcase his talent in 2025/26.

He’s completed 1.4 dribbles and 37 passes per 90, with both tallies putting him in the top 15% of all attackers in the division - showcasing the threat he carries in possession.

The 21-year-old has also averaged 8.1 touches in the opposition box per 90, whilst winning 1.9 fouls per 90 - further highlighting the talent he offers in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as 1.1 shots on target and a 24% cross success rate, demonstrate his final product in the final third, which could make him the perfect answer to the current attacking issues.

Semenyo looks to be the latest player to slip through the Spurs net, but the hierarchy must ensure that same doesn’t happen with Savinho in the upcoming window.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the City sensation would cost this winter, but it’s evident that he would be the perfect alternative after missing out on the Ghanaian’s signature.

It is promising to see that Thomas Frank has the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur board, who are ready to back their struggling manager in the transfer market this January.

Clearly, investment is needed. Spurs are 14th in the Premier League table, which is progress after last year's flirtation with the drop zone, but still so far beneath the expected standard down N17.

But while Tottenham need to make signings - especially in wide attacking positions - they have been buffeted by a winter hailstorm when regarding Antoine Semenyo, with Sky Sports revealing they have ended their interest in the Bournemouth winger as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all intensify their intrigue.

Son Heung-min aside, Tottenham have often found their wingers to have flattered to deceive in recent years. They need to get it right now, especially if long-term interest in Semenyo is to come to nought.

How Spurs can react to missing out on Semenyo

There's no question that Semenyo is a top talent. He has scored eight goals and supplied three more in the Premier League this season, with such power and dynamism in his performances.

However, Tottenham might have their own version already in Mikey Moore, who is out on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. The 18-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with a low centre of gravity and a strong core.

However, Tottenham need to continue repurposing their flanks. There are too many planks of driftwood about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this has been a recurring theme for a while.

Take Erik Lamela, for example. The old Lilywhites winger joined from Roma for about £26m in 2013, a part of that influx of players who replaced Gareth Bale when the Welshman went to Real Madrid for a world-record fee. He had natural talent, but he largely flattered to deceive, scoring only 17 times in the Premier League across 177 appearances. Only twice did he record more than two goals in any single league campaign.

Signing Lamela after Bale left for Los Blancos is a blundered spin of events that could be attributed to the current situation, should Tottenham fail to land the right target.

However, whoever the north Londoners bring in, they may want to cash in on another flop who actually makes the Argentine look like a good signing.

Spurs must sell "frightening" winger

As the January transfer window looms large, Tottenham have compiled a list of targets to strengthen Frank's squad. Semenyo is joined by the likes of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo in being on the radar, as per TEAMtalk.

These would be expensive deals to strike, so Spurs might want to place emphasis on shipping Brennan Johnson out, with the £100k-per-week winger having fallen by the wayside this season.

Johnson, 23, scored 19 goals across all competitions last season, including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United, but his general play leaves plenty to be desired. Simply, Tottenham need to be ruthless and ensure he leaves next month to underline their ambitions.

The Wales international is a wanted man, with Crystal Palace pushing to complete a loan move when the January market swings open.

A prolific wide forward, Johnson simply doesn't offer enough, and this is inhibiting a Spurs side struggling for creativity and fluidity through the thirds.

Indeed, Johnson might be praised for his "frightening pace" by the likes of content creator HLTCO, but he doesn't utilise his weaponry in an effective way.

FBref data further underlines Johnson's deficiencies, with it revealed that the Wales international ranks among the bottom 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions (1.25) completed per 90.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

You can see why Frank is reluctant to give him regular minutes in the Premier League. Johnson has a natural goalscoring sense, but he flattered to deceive when looking at his wider gameplay.

Lamela, on the other hand, did offer something when welcomed to the field, with his Puskas-winning goal in the North London Derby a case in point. Club legend Ossie Ardiles even believed that the retired 33-year-old was "more skilled than Bale" when in his heyday.

If Tottenham are to kick on, they need to make sure Johnson, a player offering extremely little, less than Lamela, is shipped on.