Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have often served up some classic, goal-filled contests in Premier League seasons gone by.

Last season saw the Reds trounce Spurs 5-1 on the way to lifting the top-flight title, while those of a North London persuasion will hold an encounter way back in 2017 close to their hearts, as a Harry Kane and Heung Min Son-led effort clinched a 4-1 win over their Saturday evening opponents.

On this occasion, it was a memorable one for Spurs for all the wrong reasons, as two red cards were picked up, and two goals beat Guglielmo Vicario, which resulted in Arne Slot's mini-resurgence continuing on in a 2-1 defeat.

Thomas Frank will have been livid at the full-time whistle with the actions of Xavi Simons, as the underwhelming summer signing picked up an early first-half red card, which helped Liverpool on their way to a confidence-boosting three points. Still, there were other underperformers who let the side down severely.

Main Spurs underperformers vs Liverpool

Indeed, although Simons' rash moment of madness with Virgil Van Dijk did undoubtedly help the visiting Reds, it's not always straightforward playing against ten men.

Unfortunately, though, Spurs did roll over and allow Liverpool to collect the win, as Frank's men in attack consistently lacked any cutting edge, away from Richarlison powering home a consolation strike late on.

In particular, Mohamed Kudus failed to spark into life during his unmemorable 58-minute spell, with just one effort registered at Alisson's goal by the former West Ham United attacker. Moreover, despite only amassing 31 touches of the ball, the hit-and-miss number 20 would still give away possession a high 11 times.

Randal Kolo Muani would have also frustrated Frank when failing to find the back of the net from his four efforts. On top of that, the ex-Brentford boss will have also been left seething by Cristian Romero's dismissal late on, after the South American defender was also caught out for Alexander Isak's opener, after a poor attempted pass forward.

TalkSPORT pundit Alex Crook would even label Romero as an "absolute liability" at the end, with the 27-year-old no doubt fearful he would have been axed by his manager, anyway, if the red card never happened.

But, there is one underperformer that hasn't been mentioned yet, who really dropped their performance levels against Slot's visitors, with it going down as his worst game of the season, so far, under Frank.

The Spurs star who had his worst game under Frank

Nobody donning Spurs white come the end of the 2-1 loss could trudge off with their heads held high, away from Richarlison, potentially, who injected some energy into proceedings late on.

Lucas Bergvall certainly wouldn't have been proud of his efforts, as the midfielder - who was hailed as a "class above the rest" earlier in the month against Newcastle United by one Spurs podcast host - faded into the background the more the game went on, with his situation on the pitch not helped whatsoever by Simons' rash dismissal.

Having amassed two shots at the Newcastle goal, alongside completing all 100% of his dribbles, Bergvall managed to be a driving force through the middle that helped Spurs on their way to a share of the points on Tyneside.

In stark contrast, up against Slot's rejuvenated men, the young Swede largely receded into his shell when the going got tough, with zero tackles won, zero successful dribbles completed, and only 15 accurate passes registered. To make matters worse, he also failed to hit a single effort at Alisson's goal, leading to his manager substituting him off on the 71st minute mark.

It's an alarming drop off for a star once hailed as being "like Modric" by The Athletic's JJ Bull for his classy calmness on the ball, with it looking unlikely throughout that Bergvall was going to add to his promising three-goal contributions in the Premier League this season so far.

This off-performance could well see the 19-year-old be dropped for some of the matches to follow in the congested winter fixture list, as it was his worst performance of the campaign in comparison to the rest of his performances that led to him earning the aforementioned praise.

It will be intriguing to see what the next Spurs lineup looks like ahead of tricky contests to follow against Crystal Palace and Brentford, with the already under-pressure Frank needing to get his team selections spot on to save his skin.

It was an evening to forget for Tottenham and Thomas Frank, who ended their defeat to Liverpool with nine men as Spurs continue their poor run of form.

The match remained goalless through a tense opening period before Xavi Simons first saw red after catching Virgil van Dijk on the back of the calf with a reckless challenge.

The Dutchman's dismissal left Spurs to battle with 10 men for over an hour as Liverpool seized control of proceedings.

Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the 56th minute after winning the ball inside the Spurs half and setting the move off, feeding off Cristian Romero's failed pass up field.

Hugo Ekitiké then picked out Florian Wirtz's run, and the German midfielder's pass was rolled perfectly into Isak's path for the striker to slot past Guglielmo Vicario and put the Reds ahead.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Ekitike won a header inside the box and steered the ball into the back of the net, appearing to put the result beyond all doubt for Arne Slot's side, who were enjoying complete dominance against the depleted hosts.

Romero pleaded for a foul against him, but Ekitike was simply more powerful and rose above the 27-year-old for Liverpool's second of the game.

Spurs showed greater resilience than expected though and substitute Richarlison made an immediate impact in the 83rd minute.

The Brazilian jabbed home after Liverpool made a complete mess of clearing a corner to give the home crowd renewed hope late on.

The drama intensified in stoppage time when Romero won a free kick in a dangerous area after being fouled by Ibrahima Konate but then completely lost his composure.

Romero threw a fit after the decision and earned himself a second yellow card to leave Spurs down to nine men for the closing stages.

Liverpool held on despite the late pressure to claim all three points and make it back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since September.

Gary Neville slams Cristian Romero in Tottenham defeat to Liverpool

Speaking on commentary duty, pundit Gary Neville took aim at Romero for his role in the defeat.

Before his calamitious sending off, the Argentine's botched clearance led to Isak's opener for Liverpool after Spurs initially mopped up the danger, which set the wheels in motion for a damning defeat.

Watching the replay back on Sky Sports mid-match, Neville blasted the 'really poor' moment from Spurs' captain, claiming that Romero 'exposed the whole team' with his careless attempt at a punt up field.

What turned out to be a close one in the end and an admirable attempt at a fightback was also another nightmare result for Frank, who faces mounting pressure as Tottenham's terrible run continues.

The Lilywhites have now won just twice in their last nine matches across all competitions, dropping to 13th in the table and seven points off a European place.

Romero and Simons are also now suspended, adding to insult to injury and further depleting Frank's already stretched resources.

Crystal Palace have now discovered how top January target Brennan Johnson really feels about joining them from Tottenham.

Spurs open to Johnson offers with Palace eyeing January move

Johnson's Tottenham career promised so much when he etched his name into club folklore by scoring the Europa League final winner against Man United back in May.

That dramatic goal in Bilbao ended Spurs' agonizing 17-year trophy drought and appeared to cement the Welshman's status as a key player heading into this campaign.

The £47.5million signing from Nottingham Forest struggled initially to nail down a starting berth during his debut season but kicked on spectacularly last term.

He finished as Tottenham's leading Premier League goalscorer with 11 goals while contributing seven assists across 51 appearances in all competitions.

Fast-forward to December, and the picture looks drastically different.

Thomas Frank's arrival as manager has completely altered Johnson's trajectory at Spurs, with the 24-year-old relegated to peripheral status despite his iconic contributions just months earlier.

Johnson has started just six Premier League matches this season with barely 900 minutes of first-team action accumulated across 20 appearances in all competitions.

He's scored only four goals too, with his influence dramatically diminishing under Frank.

Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham over the summer and immediately established himself as Frank's preferred right-wing option, leaving Johnson scrambling for minutes either as backup or shunted to the left where he's looked considerably less effective.

Wilson Odobert has also leapfrogged him in the pecking order, while Dejan Kulusevski's eventual return from injury will further squeeze his opportunities. The writing appears on the wall for Johnson, and Palace are looking to take advantage.

Palace have been closely monitoring the forward with contact already made, according to some reports, with signing a new winger seen as urgent.

Oliver Glasner desperately needs attacking reinforcements amid an unprecedented fixture schedule that also includes Conference League commitments.

Ismaila Sarr's departure for AFCON with Senegal has further exposed Palace's lack of depth in wide areas, making Johnson an increasingly attractive proposition for the Eagles' ambitious manager.

Brennan Johnson's stance on joining Crystal Palace in January

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Palace have been given a boost in pursuit of the former Nottingham Forest star.

Sources confirm Johnson is receptive to the move and eager for consistent minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Wales could still qualify via the play-offs.

Staying in London is also an appealing factor, with the winger unwilling to uproot his family for a move outside the capital.

Personal terms are unlikely to prove an obstacle, according to TT insiders familiar with negotiations. Palace are preparing to accelerate their interest when the window opens, with the south Londoners aiming to strike a quick-fire deal.

Spurs could recoup significant portions of their £47.5 million, fee with suggestions that anywhere between £30 million and £40 million might suffice depending on payment terms and add-ons.

Frank appeared to throw cold water on departure speculation ahead of facing Liverpool this weekend, insisting he's happy with Johnson while acknowledging any player not featuring regularly will inevitably assess their options.

Former Palace and Spurs striker Chris Armstrong has sensationally claimed the deal is already done, posting on social media that Johnson will prove shrewd business from the high-flying Eagles.

Whether Armstrong's claims hold water remains to be seen, but momentum is clearly building, and he could be one to watch at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham Hotspur need a talisman. Mohammed Kudus is a fleet-footed winger, adding a dimension to the attack, but he's not of a level with Harry Kane, or Heung-min Son.

Likewise, Xavi Simons has the potential to become a leading man down N17, but he's raw and inexperienced.

Kane hasn't really been replaced since leaving Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023, with Dominic Solanke's injury troubles negating his stature as one of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards. Richarlison is consistent only in his inconsistency.

Tottenham need a talisman, and that looks to be high on ENIC Group and Thomas Frank's agenda going into the January transfer window.

Why Spurs need a Kane-esque signing

Kane's departure was always going to knock Tottenham out of kilter, but perhaps it's being more keenly felt now that Son has left too. There simply isn't enough impetus and bite in the final third, and Frank needs to rectify that swiftly as his side languish in 11th place.

However, Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici have been entrusted with funds this winter, and signings are expected.

None would be more impactful than Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who is being chased by a snapping pack of Premier League giants, Liverpool and Manchester City at the front.

However, TEAMtalk have confirmed that the Lilywhites are ready to offer the Ghana international, 25, a wage bill-shattering salary to convince him to head down N17, having attempted to sign him before being rebuffed during the summer.

Why Semenyo could become Spurs' talisman

Kane scored many goals against many different Premier League opponents. Alan Shearer is the only man to have scored more.

Semenyo is not an out-and-out centre-forward on the same prolific level as the England captain, but he does have a unique and devastating skillset that could hit a new level in Frank's Tottenham team.

This season, the two-sided winger has scored seven goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League, with his consistency leading teammate Justin Kluivert to call him "world-class".

Semenyo's brilliance lies not in his prolific success but in his ceaseless work rate. He just runs and runs and runs. As per Sofascore, the £75k-per-week talent has completed 1.6 dribbles and averaged 6.6 successful duels per game. Analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a "workhorse off the ball", and that's exactly what Spurs need to return to form.

He ranks among the top 6% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for goals and the top 12% for ball recoveries per 90 (via FBref), further underscoring his dynamism.

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

This is not Kudus, zipping this way and that with startling energy, but an economical winger who conserves his energy and unleashes it at an opportune moment.

There is a quiet intelligence to Semenyo that suggests he could step into Kane's boots and lead this group of players.

After all, there's a reason all the finest teams in the division want the dynamic winger, who is only getting better and better with each passing season in the Premier League.

It's not going to be an easy deal to pull off, but Tottenham have the financial structures erected to pull off a marquee mid-season deal, and it really would add to Frank's frontline a Kane-esque star.

Tottenham have reportedly set a surprise price tag for the sale of star defender Micky van de Ven as Real Madrid plan a January move for the defender.

Tottenham set for busy January transfer window

Under-fire boss Thomas Frank has already confirmed the club's intention to be active in recruitment next month, with the race heating up for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Tottenham are reportedly prepared to shatter their wage structure in pursuit of Semenyo when the January window explodes into life.

The Ghanaian's £65 million release clause activates on New Year's Day, and the north London club have emerged as one of the most aggressive suitors for his signature, according to recent reports.

Frank views the 25-year-old winger as absolutely essential to transforming Spurs' stuttering attack, with media sources claiming Tottenham are willing to make Semenyo their highest-paid player to win the race against Liverpool, Man City and Man United.

David Ornstein revealed this week that Spurs maintain genuine interest in the Bournemouth star alongside City's Savinho as alternative options for wide attacking reinforcements.

The club will have funds available if the right profile emerges, with January viewed as an opportunity rather than a luxury, according to credible reports.

Semenyo's release clause carries a time-limited activation period early next month, specifically until January 10, before dropping closer to £50 million next summer — creating intense urgency among competing clubs.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have reportedly accepted his departure is inevitable and are already identifying replacements, including Tottenham's Brennan Johnson.

Right now, Janaury reports at Tottenham centre around their potential deal for Semenyo as Frank's side try to inject some much-needed dynamism and creativity into their forward line.

Their first transfer window post-Daniel Levy carries plenty of intrigue, with the Lewis family undoubtedly keen to make a statement after plenty of boardroom changes in the last few months.

Therefore, this latest report from Spain on van de Ven and Real comes as all the more surprising.

Tottenham set bizarre Micky van de Ven price as Real Madrid circle

According to Spanish media sources, Xabi Alonso's side are plotting a January deal for the Dutchman, who has marked himself out as one of the Lilywhites' most crucial players this season.

Van de Ven's stunning solo goal against FC Copenhagen, which drew comparisons to Son Heung-min's Puskas winner against Burnley in 2019, is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the centre-back's contribution this season.

The 24-year-old has been a key man for both Ange Postecoglou and Frank, but it is now claimed that Spurs have set a £44 million 'asking price' for van de Ven as Real circle this winter.

It's safe to say that, regardless of the Bernabeu being an obvious temptation for any player, this should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Van de Ven is only an ever-present leader for Tottenham, but his contract also doesn't expire until 2029, meaning the club are in a very strong position to demand big money for one of the Premier League's most elite centre-backs.

Spurs are also believed to be readying talks over a new van de Ven contract which would double his salary, even if club legend Glenn Hoddle believes he won't sign it.

"They are looking to sign him now on a long contract," Hoddle told Capital Football recently.

"I don’t think he will sign.

"But he’s still got three years on his contract. I think they will wanna try and keep him because he is a world-class performer and probably the only one that we have who is world-class.

"When I say world-class I mean he’d get into any team, he could go into Man City, Liverpool…you name it Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain… everyone would want him because he’s that good.

"But they need to improve this season there’s no doubt about it… otherwise we will be mid-table."

Even if van de Ven being tempted away is a genuine possibility at some point in the future, if Spurs don't improve, it certainly can't be for just £44 million.

Tottenham have held talks with an in-form star over personal terms and outlined their project to him, with the 'crazy' race for his signature poised to take further shape.

Spurs are staring down the barrel of another wasted campaign unless they act decisively when the January transfer window opens.

Thomas Frank's side sit miles off the pace in the Premier League with their European ambitions also looking increasingly fragile, having won just one of their last seven matches.

The numbers tell a damning story.

Spurs have dropped points in matches they should have controlled and looked painfully short of quality in key areas. Frank inherited a squad with glaring weaknesses, and those deficiencies have been brutally exposed throughout the first half of the season.

Pressure has mounted on the Dane this week after their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend, with the Lilywhites believed to be making contingency plans in the event they need to sack Frank.

The left wing remains a gaping hole in the starting eleven, and Frank has been forced into makeshift solutions week after week. It's cost them goals, points and momentum at crucial moments.

Much has been made of their lack of creativity in the final third, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo being eyed up as a potential solution.

The Ghana international, similar to last season, has stood out as one of the Premier League's most potent attacking threats, and his £65 million release clause has tempted elite clubs across the division.

Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Spurs are all believed to be contending for Semenyo before his clause expires on January 10, with reliable journalist Mark Douglas and his colleague Pete Hall sharing an update today.

Tottenham hold talks with Antoine Semenyo over personal terms

According to Douglas and Hall, in a piece for inews, all four clubs have 'formally' held talks with the 25-year-old about personal terms whilst sharing their overall first-team plans for Semenyo as well.

In what is described as a 'crazy market' race, the English quartet all have a chance, but some more than others.

According to this inews report, United are now seen as the frontrunners for Semenyo, and Spurs are seen as 'outside' contenders with Liverpool and City.

That being said, the north Londoners still aren't ruled out completely, but their odds have just dropped for a reason that isn't entirely disclosed.

The winger has been called 'world-class' for his recent form in England, so much so that his £65m clause is clearly seen as an unmissable opportunity next month.

"He is incredible, he shows it every game now," teammate Justin Kluivert, speaking to Sky Sports, said of Semenyo.

"He is just world-class. We are glad to have him and that is why I said we have a good team. He is the one that scores goals for us and we appreciate that. He's doing an amazing job."

Semenyo's clause was due to drop to around £55 million in the summer, though United, City, Liverpool and Spurs are now forced to contend for him now as they all vie for his signature.

If Tottenham miss out on the former Bristol City star, they do have alternatives for the left-wing.

Tottenham Hotspur's spineless defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend was a mess.

Thomas Frank has since been entrusted by the Lewis Family with the responsibility of turning things around, but it's hard to see that Spurs have made headway after dismissing Ange Postecoglou at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

That being said, Frank has what it takes to lift this project off the ground, having exceeded expectations in west London with Brentford. He is steadfast in his belief that he will make discernible progress soon.

The Danish coach needs time, but, more importantly, he needs results, and he must navigate through a number of obstacles down N17.

The biggest problems facing Frank at Spurs

Frank was visibly incensed as his Tottenham team trudged off after defeat at Nottingham Forest. After all, it was a display littered with issues.

The likes of Pedro Porro have been abject all year. The Spanish right-back is a creative expert, but he's struggling to bring it all together, so flimsy and, it looks at times, disinterested.

Sofascore record that Spurs lost 57% of their aerial challenges against the Tricky Trees; moreover, only three of 19 attempted crosses found their target.

It's not just a struggle to implement Frank's vision. Individual errors are costing Tottenham dearly too. There are deep-rooted problems for the Lilywhites boss to wrestle with, but mistakes make up some of the biggest creases, and they need to be ironed out.

Perhaps this means certain members of the squad need to be evicted. We've seen before the hindrances that error-prone players can have, even against their natural talent, and Frank may have landed his own version of Serge Aurier in that regard.

Spurs' new version of Serge Aurier

Aurier spent four years in north London with Tottenham, enjoying highs and lows under Mauricio Pochettino and then Jose Mourinho's wing.

An athletic and creative right-back, Aurier arrived from PSG for a hefty £23m fee, and while he boasted a suitable athletic and technical profile for the Premier League, the Ivorian defender was culpable of many "ridiculous and rash" decisions, making many an "elementary mistake", as had been said by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Talented but guilty of error-strewn displays? Tottenham may have their new version between the sticks, with Guglielmo Vicario having played an epicentral role in his side's mistake-filled performances this season.

Vicario, 29, is into his third campaign in north London after joining from Empoli for an initial £17m fee, and while has saved 70.6% of the shots he has faced in the Premier League this term, putting him seventh in the standings for that metric, he has also blundered on several occasions, drawing the ire of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and many Spurs supporters besides.

Also branded "embarrassing" and "in a tough spot" by former Premier League forward Nigel Reo-Coker after blundering against Forest, Vicario's job is not at risk yet, but he's ostensibly entered the beginning of his prime as a shot-stopper and needs to be producing more convincing displays.

He was at fault both times as Callum Hudson-Odoi worked his way onto the scoresheet, and it's hardly as if that dour defeat stands as an outlier.

In fact, the Italy international has made a sum total of 11 direct errors since moving to the Premier League, including a woeful return of six from just 24 appearances last year.

Aurier had his uses in a Tottenham shirt, but his strengths did not outweigh the weaknesses that bogged Spurs down after that post-Champions League decline.

Now, Vicario is proving himself to be the new version, and if Frank is serious about making sustained headway, it might be that the shot-stopper needs to be cut loose down the line.

Tottenham Hotspur knew they had to improve in the Premier League after the 2024/25 campaign. Regression would have led to relegation, with Ange Postecoglou's side labouring to a lowly 17th-place finish.

In the years to come, the Ange era will be remembered fondly, a time of free-flowing, entertaining football that culminated in silverware, ending an interminable wait for a trophy.

But rose-tinted glasses obscure the startling defensive issues that the Londoners were plagued with, and there were many problems that prompted the Australian tactician's dismissal.

Now, Thomas Frank is trying to put Spurs' issues to rights, but it's clear that he needs some help from afar to restore the Londoners' one-time defensive steeliness.

Spurs' plans to improve their defence

Tottenham are ready to spend this winter. ENIC Group are backing the struggling manager, who has said that his side "will definitely be in the market" over the next six weeks.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are two of the most talented centre-halves in Europe, but there's no question Spurs's defensive system isn't working, with errors commonplace and connectivity at a low ebb.

Van de Ven, for example, has only won 47% of his duels in the Premier League this term, as per Sofascore, which simply isn't good enough. Ben Davies and Kevin Danso both leave something to be desired, and an elite defender would go down a treat.

Well, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are ready to rival Chelsea and Barcelona for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, who has established himself as one of Europe's standout defenders in recent years. Spurs director Fabio Paratici is said to be driving the Lilywhite bid.

The Italian won't come cheap. In fact, Inter are desperate to hold onto their prized player, pricing him at a lofty £87m.

Why Bastoni would be an upgrade at Spurs

Bastoni, 26, would be a startingly good signing for a Tottenham side lacking several key cogs to slot into the system. A stern and commanding defender, he is also one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the business, capable of a "masterclass" in passing forward, as per reporter Carlo Garganese.

Indeed, this is one of the finest centre-backs in the world, and he has even been hailed as being "as good as Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba" by football pundit Nieve Petruzziello. The left-footed defender is pacy and athletic, and he has been utilised in a hybrid role that sees him darting up the channel, perhaps underscoring a Van de Ven-esque quality that could see him rival the Dutchman for a berth in Frank's set-up.

Sofascore record that he has also averaged 5.2 successful duels and 2.2 tackles per Serie A match this season, combative and aggressive.

In this, he could emulate Romero, perhaps even proving himself to be the best since the Argentine was added to the ranks from Atalanta in 2021.

As you can see from the table above, Bastoni operates with far more mobility and dynamism than Tottenham's skipper, who is among the most monstrous and athletic defenders in the game.

This underscores the kind of player Spurs would add to their mix, not only bringing in an elite goal protector but someone who can create and progress play. There's no question that Frank's system has struggled in the build-up, and Bastoni could help change the narrative.

If Tottenham can add to their ranks a defender who can not only emulate Romero but rival the likes of Arsenal star Saliba for a reputation as the standout defender in the Premier League, it could be the perfect to lift this new era off the ground.

Tottenham plan to spend in January, and it's hard to imagine there's a better use of £87m than snapping up a superstar in Bastoni.

It hasn't been the prettiest campaign for Tottenham Hotspur, and Thomas Frank has work to do if he is to convince the Lilywhite supporters of his capacity to lead this team through a sustained period of success.

The conquering of the Europa League last season might have been used as a springboard, but Tottenham have reverted to type, 11th in the Premier League and lacking the attacking sparkle fans expect. This was painfully clear last weekend, during the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

To Dare Is To Do, but Spurs are not being brave enough, and their instability is becoming a big problem. It will be Frank's undoing if he fails to mount a convincing assault against the Premier League's elite, challenging in the Champions League and FA Cup too.

Defensively, issues linger from the Ange Postecoglou era. Tottenham have been blunted in attack too. But it's perhaps the midfield which is epicentral to the lack of control and creativity and craftsmanship.

Spurs' plans to fix their midfield

Tottenham's midfield ranks have left plenty to be desired this season. Frank will feel hard done by given James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have been absent since the summer due to injury, but the decision to persist with Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha isn't providing the desired results.

Palhinha, a loan arrival from Bayern Munich, has added some punch to the centre of the park, but he's not exactly a progressive midfielder on the ball. Bentancur, beside him, struggles to serve as a neat counterpoint, with the Uruguayan's struggles in recent years even leading analyst Raj Chohan to describe him as a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”.

Clearly, Spurs need an upgrade, and they could find one in Leon Goetzka, who fancies trying his hand at something new after a lifetime of football in his German homeland.

That's according to Spanish sources, who claim that Goretzka is seeking a fresh start after being consigned to a reduced part in Vincent Kompany's project.

Tottenham are understood to be among the best-placed teams to complete a deal, with Premier League rivals like Nottingham Forest and West Ham United also ready to submit formal offers this winter.

Last summer, Manchester United's interest led to Bayern relatiation, placing a £34m on the 30-year-old. ENIC Group will hope that figure has since diminished.

Why Leron Goretzka would be perfect for Spurs' midfield

Goretzka has enjoyed a glittering career with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, winning the Champions League and so many Bundesliga titles since joining on a free transfer in 2018 after his contract with Schalke expired.

A powerful and commanding centre-midfielder, Goretzka's prospective success down N17 in the Premier League would come at either Palhinha or Bentancur's expense.

Looking at how he contrasts with ex-teammate Palhinha for example, underscores the kind of upgrade Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici would strike.

He is a midfield powerhouse, and his energy and ferocity have seen him said to be "like a madman" on the field by former teammate Sami Khedira, who then hailed his countryman as a "machine" of a player.

He doesn't churn out the same calibre of defensive actions as someone like Palhinha - who does? - but Goretzka is a more complete and balanced player. He would raise the level of Spurs' wider system, trumping Bentancur in that regard.

Indeed, across 11 Bundesliga starts this season, the experienced midfielder has won 57% of his ground duels. He could actually partner Palhinha in the Spurs centre, striking a much-needed defend-attack balance. Control. It's very important in the Premier League, and Goretzka would instil it.

With an intense work rate and a tenacity that cannot be taught, Goretzka would be a credit to Tottenham's midfield. He would certainly work his way into the starting line-up at the expense of strugglers like Palhinha and Bentancur.

Tottenham need more dynamism in midfield, and Goretzka has the experience and the technical skillset to create a central system that could see Frank's vision realised over the second half of the season and indeed the next few years.

The race for Antoine Semenyo is seriously heating up ahead of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are firmly involved.

Spurs 'aggressively' pursuing Semenyo prior to January

Tottenham have significantly accelerated their pursuit of Semenyo, positioning themselves as the most aggressive suitors right now, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The north London club are also reportedly prepared to obliterate their existing wage structure by offering the 25-year-old a contract that would make him Tottenham's highest-paid player - a dramatic financial commitment reflecting Thomas Frank's desperation for attacking reinforcements.

Semenyo becomes available via a £65 million release clause, starting on January 1, though it's only active during a limited early-window period before dropping to £50 million next summer.

Tottenham's readiness to trigger the higher valuation immediately signals their intent, following a damp run of form that has left them languishing in mid-table.

Frank's side have collected only one victory from their last seven Premier League fixtures, with last Sunday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest exposing severe attacking deficiencies.

The Ghanian would come as a dynamic, versatile forward option that Frank desperately needs, capable of operating across multiple attacking positions while providing the pace and directness currently absent from Tottenham's struggling frontline.

However, Tottenham face formidable competition for his signature.

Man City, Liverpool and Man United are also believed to be contending for Semenyo next month, and City can guarantee both Champions League football and a title challenge.

If the Lilywhites are beaten to the punch for Semenyo, Spurs are being urged to consider another 'magic' forward behind-the-scenes.

Club scouts urging Tottenham to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche

As per TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Monaco winger Maghnes Akilouche is that man.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham have identified Monaco winger Akliouche as a compelling alternative to Semenyo should they fail to secure their top target next month.

Club scouts have recommended the 23-year-old to Tottenham as a January signing, having tracked him extensively, including his goalless Champions League appearance against Spurs earlier this season.

Sources indicate Akliouche remains firmly on Tottenham's transfer shortlist as Frank continues searching for solutions to his glaring left-wing void.

The Monaco star represents a significantly cheaper option than Semenyo, with expectations he would cost approximately £40 million compared to Bournemouth's £65 million release clause.

Akliouche's profile ticks numerous boxes for Frank's struggling attack. TT say he is renowned for possessing "magic skills," and the versatile forward has impressed throughout 2025 with Monaco.

He's attracted parallel interest from PSG too, who are also contemplating a pursuit after being left 'impressed' by Akliouche this year.

This isn't the first time that Spurs have been linked with the player, either.

Before they struck a deal for Xavi Simons, Tottenham were considering a summer move for Akliouche after they missed out on a deal for Eberechi Eze, following Arsenal's infamous hijack.

He can play in the number 10 role, on the left and on the right-hand side - so Frank would have a very versatile attacking option at his disposal.

Frank's side appear to have kept a firm watch on the Frenchman since then, and he could now come back into play this winter.