Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are set to lose the player who scored the winner in the Europa League final last year, as Brennan Johnson inches closer towards the exit door.

Crystal Palace are reportedly confident that they will have him in the building for their clash with Newcastle United on Sunday, after they agreed a £35m fee with Spurs for the Wales international.

The £47.5m signing from Nottingham Forest is set to move on from North London after a return of 27 goals in 106 games, as shown in the graphic above, and the most memorable of those 27 strikes has to be his winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Johnson, though, has only managed two goals and no assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank, per Sofascore, which may be why the Danish coach is willing to sanction this departure.

Spurs preparing offer for Premier League attacker

Spurs will need to be in the market for a replacement for the Welsh attacker, with his move to Palace days or hours away from completion, and they are reportedly looking at a Premier League forward.

According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing a fresh offer to bring the Brazil international to North London, after they failed to get a transfer over the line in the summer.

Manchester City rejected their attempts to sign Savinho in the summer in a deal that could have been worth around £69m, but this update states that Spurs hope Antoine Semenyo's rumoured move to The Etihad will convince them to part ways with the Brazilian.

It adds that the left-footed star was keen on a move to Tottenham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which suggests that he would be open to a transfer this month.

Why Savinho would be an upgrade on Johnson for Spurs

If Spurs can get a deal over the line for the City attacker in the coming days or weeks, Frank could have an upgrade on Johnson at his disposal on the right flank.

Savinho does not offer the same threat as a goalscorer, with just five goals since the start of last season (Sofascore), but his all-round play on the flank suggests that he can contribute more to the team's overall performance than Johnson was doing.

The chart above illustrates the gulf in quality between their performances at Premier League level in the 2024/25 campaign, as it shows that the Brazil international is significantly better in possession, particularly as a passer and a creator.

Savinho has registered 13 assists in all competitions since the start of last season, after recording ten in the 2023/24 campaign for Girona, and has the potential to be one of the most creative wide players in the entire division.

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed wing wizard was one of the top creators in the Premier League last term, despite the fact that he only started 21 top-flight matches for the Cityzens.

Savinho has only started four times in the division this season, registering one assist, and Spurs could provide him with an opportunity to play more regular football, to allow his creativity and quality in possession to shine through once again.

Early on last season, the winger "sent (Riccardo) Calafiori for a hotdog", per U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the build up to a beautiful assist for Erling Haaland against Arsenal.

Unfortunately, the clip of Haaland's goal cuts out the part where he skipped past Calafiori by the touchline, but you can see his sublime through ball in the post below.

This shows that he is capable of game-changing moments against top-quality opponents in the Premier League, and he did not only deliver assists against the lesser sides in a dominant City side last season.

Overall, the Brazilian winger's all-round game, creativity, and scope to improve further at the age of 21 suggest that he would arrive as an upgrade on Johnson on the wing for Spurs if they can get a deal over the line this month.

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race to sign an "outstanding" midfielder, and a deal could be done this month if they lodge a convincing proposal.

Spurs move into pole position in race for new midfielder

Thomas Frank has now confirmed he is setting out to make changes to his squad this month, after a mixed start to life in north London, saying: "We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad. We will do that.

"I've said it a few times before that things are important because of different types you can add to a squad.

"The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad."

Brennan Johnson is one of the players who looks like he could be heading for the exit door, with Crystal Palace currently leading the race to sign the forward.

In terms of potential new additions, one position in which Tottenham are particularly keen to strengthen is central midfield, having recently identified AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit as a target.

The Alkmaar youngster is not the only option, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing Spurs are now leading the race to sign a more experienced midfielder, namely Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have now moved ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for the central midfielder, and contact has been made with his representatives, with Bayern potentially open to sanctioning a departure this month if a convincing proposal is made.

A free transfer in the summer could also be a possibility, with the 30-year-old's £218k-a-week contract at the Allianz Arena set to expire at the end of the season.

"Outstanding" Goretzka could be savvy addition to Frank's squad

Lauded as "outstanding" by former Germany teammate Sami Khedira, the Bochum-born maestro is highly experienced at the top level, having made 68 appearances in the Champions League, while he also knows what it takes to win, having lifted six league titles at Bayern.

The Germany international is also very impressive in possession of the ball, and poses an aerial threat, as showcased during his performances over the past year.

Tottenham Hotspur have a lot of up-and-coming quality, but it's up to Thomas Frank to put it into practice after an opening half to the 2025/26 campaign that has left plenty to be desired.

Chelsea are the only team in the Premier League to have a younger average age than their north London neighbours, but ENIC Group appear set on strengthening with further rising stars to create a lasting period of success.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mathys Tel have big futures ahead of them, but Spurs are eyeing another rising talent who could surpass them all, and it comes as Brennan Johnson inches toward the exit.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

Crystal Palace have agreed with Tottenham a £35m fee for the transfer of Welsh winger Johnson, who has slumped considerably in Frank's system.

The 24-year-old is a talented player who scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the Europa League final last season. Last year, he posted 18 strikes in all competitions for Ange Postecoglou, but he hardly looks like matching that this year, and probably needs to move after falling to the fringes.

While Johnson has fallen flat after that hefty £47.5m arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2023, it's clear that Tottenham cannot sell themselves short throughout the business months of the campaign, and a replacement is needed, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande earmarked.

As per TEAMtalk, the 19-year-old winger is open to a Premier League move this winter, and though Spurs are circling, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have all registered interest of their own.

Previous reports suggest that it would cost suitors a staggering £87m sum to prise him away from his German club - but then, he is that good.

How Diomande could improve Spurs

Diomande only joined Leipzig from La Liga side Leganes last summer, but he's taken to life in the Bundesliga with ease, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists across 16 appearances.

He's already showing more of a clinical edge than Johnson, and offering more besides.

Hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Bence Bocsak, the Ivory Coast international ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for tackles and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.

He plays with an intensity and aggression that can only serve him well down the line, establishing him as one of the biggest and most coveted names on the global stage.

Spurs already know a thing or two about plucking an up-and-coming sensation from the German scene, with Tel arriving from Bayern Munich last year.

The versatile forward is still working toward superstardom in the Premier League, but his potential is indisputable, and in Diomande, Spurs could not only repeat the trick but sign an even bigger talent.

Not long ago, coach Harry Brook asserted that he will "be worth £100m plus" down the line. Already, Diomande is nearly there, and Tottenham need to put everything into signing him before things get silly.

After all, they would land an instant Johnson upgrade and another Bundesliga prodigy to rival Tel as the Frenchman cuts his teeth down N17.

Tottenham Hotspur have long been regarded as one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League. Daniel Levy was nothing if not a savvy businessman.

However, on-field success left something to be desired, and the incredible Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou last season ended a 17-year wait for silverware, with Brennan Johnson striking the winner against Manchester United in the final.

Football does move at a relentless pace, though, and Johnson is seemingly in the process of packing his bags and leaving N17.

The latest on Brennan Johnson to Palace

Johnson, 24, scored 19 goals in all competitions for Tottenham last season, but he has fallen by the wayside under Thomas Frank's wing, cast to the sidelines and with only two Premier League goals all year.

Given that his underlying data reveals a player struggling to produce any measure of success in creative and athletic metrics, it's surely right that he's shipped on, with Crystal Palace agreeing a healthy £35m fee with the north Londoners for the versatile winger's transfer.

Johnson has yet to give the green light himself, but all the pointers suggest this one will be wrapped up in the early stages of the January transfer window, giving Spurs co-directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici ample time to find a replacement.

Tottenham have already missed out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, but they remain ready to pounce on any opportunities that come their way.

However, there may already be an up-and-comer on the books who has the potential to far outstrip Johnson and become a superstar in the Premier League.

Spurs already have a Johnson upgrade

Make no mistake, Tottenham are going to need to dip into the transfer market for a new wide forward sooner rather than later, but in Mikey Moore, they do already have a prospect who may already offer more than Johnson.

The Welsh winger, after all, ranks among the bottom 5% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions, the bottom 14% for progressive passes and the bottom 4% for successful take-ons 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.

Moore, conversely, is regarded as a robust and energetic winger, capable, like Johnson, across both flanks and able to blend direct and creative firepower with ease. Currently on loan with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, Moore has been cutting his teeth in a tough environment, with the Scottish giants at a low ebb.

He's yet to establish himself as a prolific force on the senior stage, but this loan spell in Scotland will do the tricky winger the world of good, and his efforts for Tottenham's youth set-up underscore his "superstar potential", as has been noted by scout and analyst Ben Mattinson.

Even though his stint with Rangers has been testing at times, Gers podcaster has praised the "outrageously good" prospect for showing no fear and displaying evident technical quality.

And his fleet-footedness has even led to comparisons with one lightning-quick former Spurs star, with Spurs writer James Harris remarking that Moore could "bring back the old Aaron Lennon" to north London.

Lennon didn't score much, but he was a ferocious player in his heyday, so dangerous down the wings.

Given that Moore established himself in Postecoglou's squad last season, featuring 21 times for the seniors and scoring his first senior goal in the Europa League, Frank could be onto a winner with this one, returning to London next summer with the experience to match the innate talent, ensuring Johnson is quickly forgotten.

Remarkably, Tottenham Hotspur have finished 2025 with the knowledge that a win at Brentford on New Year's Day will propel Thomas Frank's side onto the edge of the ascendancy, two points away from fifth-place Chelsea.

This is curious to note. Spurs' league form has been abject for much of the annual year, and this season, only twice have the Londoners won on home soil.

But it says something of Tottenham's resilience and togetherness, and the fact that Frank now has a wonderful chance to use the financial backing that is coming his way and make impactful improvements in the January transfer window, with forwards being eyed.

Spurs looking to sign forwards in January

Change is afoot down N17, with ENIC Group having already agreed a £35m fee with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Welsh winger Brennan Johnson.

Though Johnson has flattered to deceive this season, starting only three times in the Premier League since August, he is still a talented and prolific winger. In May, he snatched the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

A replacement must be signed, even with the Lilywhites in need of a centre-midfielder too.

And, according to Sport BILD, via Sport Witness, Tottenham and the Red Devils have been in direct contact with the agents of Said El Mala, who is enjoying a goal-laden breakout year in the Bundesliga with FC Köln.

The 19-year-old is a right-footed, left-sided winger, thus fitting the profile Spurs want. However, his employers know they are onto a winner, and have responded to interest by demanding at least £35m.

That gives him the same valuation as Palace-bound Johnson.

Why El Mala is a big Johnson upgrade

Football's wheeler-dealing transfer scene rarely allows for smooth and straightforward business, but Johnson is closing on a move to Selhurst Park with minimal complications - though he must agree to the move himself - and that could pave the way for El Mala in a like-for-like switch.

The teenager is worth pursuing, in any case. This season, he has scored six goals in the Bundesliga, assisting two more. He has featured 15 times, starting six of those matches, and last year, he was on loan with Viktoria Köln in the third tier of German football.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him for having a "huge future ahead", already proving he has the physicality and tenacity to match his natural ability and eye for a goal. Sofascore show that he has won 3.4 duels on average per league outing this term.

Clearly, El Mala would mark an upgrade on this current version of Johnson, whose sharpness in the final third has been overwhelmed and discarded following some dismal underlying metrics, such as his accuracy and intent on the ball, losing 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League.

As you can see below, El Mala is already outstripping the 24-year-old across numerous statistics, and while he has yet to make the jump over to the unforgiving English scene, his clinical edge, creativity and energy all point toward an exciting future.

The difference in ball-carrying success is astronomical - especially when considering successful take-ons, a good marker for fleetness and technical control. Johnson is an able dribbler, but he doesn't apply his skills anywhere near consistently enough.

In fact, El Mala's success in this regard has seen data analyst Spencer Mossman describe him as "the most direct winger in Europe", someone who could replace Johnson and produce more goods.

Spurs need a left-sided forward, especially after selling Heung-min Son to LAFC during the summer. El Mala could be the perfect addition, one for the future and one who could surpass Johnson from the get-go.

People close to a 'genuine talent' have reportedly admitted that Tottenham want to sign him, with the player also in huge demand across Europe.

Tottenham set for cash windfall amid Brennan Johnson sale

The big news coming out of Spurs in the last 48 hours is winger Brennan Johnson's imminent departure, which comes just over two years after his £47.5 million switch from Nottingham Forest.

Johnson, who finished 24/25 as the Lilywhites' top goalscorer in all competitions with 18, also scored the Europa League-final winning goal against Man United in May to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Fast-forward to now, and the Wales international is closing in on an exit with Crystal Palace already agreeing a £35 million fee for Johnson prior to January.

However, the south Londoners still aren't alone in the race, with Everton, Sunderland and Bournemouth all making calls to Spurs and considering moves of their own.

“Brennan Johnson has to decide whether he wants to go to Crystal Palace or wait for other opportunities," Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel.

“It is my understanding that Bournemouth are ready to pay the transfer fee, and there are also Sunderland and Everton calling in the last 24 hours. So now Brennan Johnson has to decide what he wants to do in terms of technical project, in terms of contract, in terms of city - he’s based in London, obviously.”

As the race for Johnson heats up, Thomas Frank and co are making recruitment plans of their own as we fast approach 2026.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TEAMtalk, one man on their radar is AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit.

Tottenham want to sign Kees Smit amid Frenkie de Jong comparison

The 19-year-old has taken Dutch football by storm and is already drawing lofty comparisons, with an unnamed Premier League scout telling TT that he's the Netherlands' answer to Adam Wharton and possibly a new Frenkie de Jong.

Bailey also says that people close to Smit's camp have confirmed that every big club in England is after the teenager, including Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle.

With Tottenham targeting Smit for 2026, the mystery scout has also called him a 'genuine talent' and one of Dutch football's most exciting prospects who 'everyone will be talking about'.

“He is a very clever footballer," the scout said.

"Many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.

“He is a genuine talent, when you think of an Adam Wharton in England – this is the Dutch version of that. He is probably the best Dutch midfield prospect since Frenkie De Jong, and he hasn’t done bad, has he?

“He really is superb and is someone everyone will be talking about this summer.”

The Eredivisie starlet, according to TEAMtalk, could cost as much as £65 million — ironically a similar fee to de Jong's Barcelona transfer in 2019.

If not that high, it is believed a minimum £52 million would be required to convince AZ to part with their rising star next year.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has certainly had problems at centre-forward this season. The Lilywhites have not been at their best in attack very often under their new manager, having only scored 27 times in the Premier League this term.

Their options at number nine have not been in the best form, which has certainly not helped. Richarlison is their top goalscorer this term with seven, with Mathys Tel, the other option up front to have scored.

Despite his talent, Randall Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has yet to score.

Dominic Solanke has also been missing for much of the season, but Spurs might hope his return will improve their fortunes.

Why Solanke’s return can help Spurs

Life under Frank has not really got going yet for Spurs’ number 19, Solanke.

He picked up a serious ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has been out injured since, having made just two appearances in the new campaign.

It is frustrating because the former Bournemouth man, who cost Spurs £65m including add-ons, would have been desperate to build on his 2024/25 form.

His debut campaign in North London saw him bag 16 goals and assist eight in 45 games in all competitions.

The three-cap England star will certainly add a new level of dynamism to the Lilywhites' attack.

He is an excellent penalty box number nine, with good movement in the area and instinct to pounce on any loose balls, as this goal shows.

That is certainly a different profile to the ones which Frank’s side have up front now.

Richarlison has his merits in the penalty area, but he and Kolo Muani are players who both operate well with space to run into.

Solanke’s return will be a massive boost, but if he struggles to rediscover his best form at Spurs, they can always turn to a young star to solve their centre-forward issues.

Spurs youngster who can soon rival Solanke

There are certainly some talented youngsters in the Lilywhites academy. Mikey Moore has shone at first-team level in the past, and Archie Gray recently scored his first professional goal after locking down a spot in the midfield.

Next up could be 18-year-old centre-forward Mason Melia. Described as the “Irish Harry Kane” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is set to move to the club in January after signing from St Patrick's Athletic for just £3.2m including add-ons.

It has been a quick rise to the top for the striker, who hails from Newtownmountkennedy in Ireland. He made his debut at just 15 years of age and has since gone on to develop a reputation as a clinical striker.

When you consider that, it is easy to see where the comparison to Spurs legend Kane comes from. In 35 Irish top-flight games this season, he's found the back of the net on 13 occasions and has chipped in with four assists.

Some of his underlying numbers from the 2025 season in a St Pat’s shirt show just how good he can be. For example, Melia is averaging 0.5 goals and 1.4 shots on target per 90 minutes this calendar year.

Described as an “instinctive” number nine by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager is brilliant at scoring all types of goals.

He has great movement in the box, but can also strike a ball from range with great success.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Melia already has an impressive goal catalogue and has built up a brilliant pedigree outside of that.

Spurs are having issues up front, and if Solanke’s return does not have the impact they would hope, it could be the 18-year-old’s chance to make a real name for himself.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to complete some business in the January transfer window. Despite beating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the weekend, they remain in the bottom half of the Premier League, 11th at the season's midpoint.

There is much work for Thomas Frank to do, many holes to be plugged, but Tottenham are building something atop the foundation of last season's Europa League win, and a well-utilised winter market could help accelerate the manager's vision.

The Lewis family are going to back the boss. Funds have been provided; expect a fresh face or two.

There's no question that Tottenham need a new centre-midfielder, but there has been movement on the Brennan Johnson front, so landing a new wide-attacking recruit could be first on the club's co-sporting directors' list of priorities.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

On the overtures of the New Year, it has emerged that Tottenham have agreed a deal in principle with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Johnson, worth £35m.

Johnson has played a sporadic role this season, with his creative and physical metrics leaving much to be desired. Only at the end of last season did the Wales international score the winning goal in the Europa League final, his 19th of the season, but football moves quickly.

So quickly, in fact, that the north Londoners have already earmarked a replacement, with the Daily Mail revealing that Spurs are interested in AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

Akliouche, 23, has been excellent for his French employers since graduating from their much-lauded academy, and at £40m, he would be more affordable for Tottenham than someone like Bournemouth's £65m-rated winger Antoine Semenyo, who is headed for Manchester City.

Why Akliouche would be a Johnson upgrade

Akliouche has become one of the most important members of Monaco's senior squad, featuring 22 times in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and supplying five assists.

But this is not a player who is defined by data. He is elegant and fleet-footed, dangerous out wide or from a central midfield berth. As per Sofascore, he has created seven big chances from only 14 league appearances in 2025/26, his athleticism underscored by an average of 5.3 ball recoveries per game.

A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.

Data isn't everything, but as the statistics will tell you below, Akliouche is a strong playmaker and he likes to dribble forward with the ball himself, albeit leaving something to be desired when in front of goal and striking at the keeper.

Johnson might have a firm advantage on the goalscoring front, but he's turning out to be something of a one-trick pony, otherwise offering very little.

Given that a lack of spark and creativity has been among Tottenham's most damaging flaws this season, the decision to have shipped him out is understandable, especially now that Akliouche is in ENIC Group's sights.

A veritable artist on the ball, talent scout Jacek Kulig has actually remarked that Akliouche has "a left foot made of gold", with pinpoint, inventive passing showcased each time he takes to the field.

This is a versatile winger of "ridiculous" technical quality, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, and though he's not a shoot-first kind of wideman, Tottenham have struggled on the playmaking front, and he would be perfect.

A left foot made of gold, and a skillset tailor-made for Frank's Tottenham team. The shoe could very well fit.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has confirmed his side will be active in January after agreeing a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace to sell Brennan Johnson, with the Wales international now poised to make a decision on his immediate future.

The north London club are already lining up potential replacements as they prepare for the Europa League hero's departure, with multiple targets identified to fill the void left by last season's top scorer.

Frank reiterated in a press conference today that Spurs will be on the hunt for new signings in January, following Monday's breakthrough in negotiations with Palace.

“We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad. We will do that," Frank told reporters.

“I've said it a few times before that things are important because of different types you can add to a squad.

“The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad.”

Johnson has struggled for regular football under the Dane, despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions last term, including the winner in the Europa League final against Man United that ended the club's 17-year trophy drought.

Palace have emerged as frontrunners to land the 24-year-old after striking terms with Tottenham, though Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland could also make a late move (Fabrizio Romano).

The Cherries in particular are ready to match Palace's offer as they desperately seek a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is on the verge of joining Man City.

Johnson has started just six Premier League matches this season after Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham and immediately established himself as Frank's preferred right-wing option.

Now, with the Welshman close to departing N17, Frank's side are weighing up possible heirs.

One of them could be RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, who has enjoyed a stellar 2025/2026 thus far after emerging as one of the Bundesliga's standout talents.

Yan Diomande's camp tempted to join Tottenham after talks

BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reported today that Diomande is on Spurs' list of potential Johnson replacements, with TEAMtalk now sharing a further update.

According to their sources, Tottenham have held 'very advanced' discussions with Diomande's entourage over a potential January transfer as the north London club prepares to lose Johnson.

The 19-year-old is 'firmly' on Frank's radar to bolster his attacking options amid Johnson's imminent departure, and they've also scouted him extensively.

What's more, it is believed that Diomande's camp view Spurs as an 'attractive destination' thanks to the playing time on offer.

The teenager has made an immediate impression in Germany since arriving from Spanish side Leganes last summer.

Diomande has registered seven goals and four assists across all competitions this season, earning widespread recognition as one of the German top flight's most exciting prospects.

His current involvement at AFCON with the Ivory Coast could delay any potential transfer though, with the winger unlikely to be available until mid-January at the earliest if his nation progresses deep into the tournament.

Leipzig have placed a massive valuation on the forward too, with reports suggesting a fee of around £87 million would be required to secure his services.

"He's a left-winger with outstanding speed, can dribble, is very athletic and can finish," Leipzig director Marcel Schafer told the press earlier this year.

"He also never gives up the ball and works for the team. Despite all the excitement, we should give Yan enough time to settle into life in Leipzig and the Bundesliga."

Ole Werner's side are under no immediate financial pressure to sell either, having negotiated lucrative sales last summer, and Diomande remains contracted until 2030 with no release clause inserted into his deal.

Competition for the winger's signature remains fierce across Europe.

Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Barcelona have all expressed interest in recent weeks, with multiple clubs dispatching scouts to monitor his performances as well as Spurs.

Diomande's turning heads, and it appears almost every top side in the land is weighing up a move beyond the new year.

The transfer window has not opened yet, but Tottenham Hotspur are already looking to get business done early on.

Rumours have been flying around recently regarding Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson, who seems like he could be set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.

A recent report from David Ornstein suggests that the Lilywhites have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of the winger.

The esteemed journalist said the two London rivals have agreed a £35m deal for the Welshman, which could set into motion a flurry of incomings in North London.

Already, they have been linked with a new winter addition.

Spurs target new attacking star

With money for Johnson potentially coming into the club, it certainly seems as though Thomas Frank will have room to upgrade his attack. It seems like a deal for Antoine Semenyo is now completely off the table.

But, Spurs may yet recruit from within the Premier League. According to a report from the Mail, the Lilywhites are one of the sides thought to be ‘admirers’ of Manchester City attacker Oscar Bobb, who could be on the move this winter.

However, this will not be a straightforward deal for Frank’s side to complete. Spurs are set to be rivalled by another London rival, Fulham and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, for his signature.

Newcastle United, who have also been linked with a move for Bobb this winter, were quoted a fee of £20m, so it is safe to assume Spurs would have to pay a similar fee.

Why Bobb would be a good signing

Although Bobb’s career has certainly had its ups and downs, there is no doubting his talent. He’s struggled with injuries and getting into the City team ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, but at his best, he is “one of the best wingers in football,” according to BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan.

This term has not been easy for the 22-year-old. Bobb has only played 15 times across all competitions, racking up 739 minutes in that time.

He has managed to get an assist, though, in the first game of the season, in which City beat Wolves 4-0.

Don’t let the fact that the Norwegian international has played so little this term fool you. It is worth remembering that he is competing with Foden and Rayan Cherki for a spot in the side. However, he oozes technical class, as this goal away to Newcastle a few years ago shows.

In the summer, Spurs were close to signing Eberechi Eze before he moved to arch-rivals Arsenal. Well, now they are in for Bobb, it is certainly a deal that has a similar feeling.

Frank clearly wants a more technical player, able to play out wide or in the pockets, to add to his attack.

Eze has done well for the Gunners, so it might sting Spurs fans, given they missed out on him. The England international has five goals and four assists in 24 games.

That included a hat-trick in the North London Derby

Interestingly, the pair are deemed to be statistically similar players in the Premier League, according to FBref, with the numbers showing why the signings are alike.

For example, the City star 1.92 key passes and 3.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Eze’s 0.73 key passes and 2.18 progressive carries each game.

It is clear to see that Frank wants a player of this profile in his squad. A versatile attacker who can play outside or in the middle, thriving when dribbling in small spaces and creating chances in the final third.

Bobb certainly ticks those boxes, and can offer an exciting new dimension to the Spurs squad that can help take them to the next level.