Football FanCast

Conor Gallagher hailed a “top” Tottenham team-mate and backed him to get even better after he starred in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City.

Spurs agree deadline day deal for James Wilson

Tottenham spent most of deadline day tussling with Arsenal over a deal for Hearts striker James Wilson.

The 18-year-old forward became the surprise name dominating deadline day chatter after both Arsenal and Spurs battled it out for his signature in the final hours before the 7pm cutoff.

Wilson burst onto the scene last season, bagging six goals for Hearts, and Arsenal appeared to hold the early advantage after talks over the weekend, but Spurs nicked in at the death to complete the hijack.

Gallagher heaps praise on Simons after City fightback

And with one youngster arriving, Gallagher has heaped praise on another rising talent in North London.

Spurs looked down and out after a dismal first-half display in N17, but Xavi Simons' wonderful outside-of-the-boot pass set up Dominic Solanke’s controversial first goal before Gallagher crossed for Solanke to score a sensational backheel in the 70th minute.

It caused Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to erupt and even though a late curled effort by Xavi Simons was tipped over to deny the home team a winner, it was the latest strong display from the Netherlands playmaker after a mixed start to life in north London following his £51.8million signing in August.

And fellow new arrival Gallagher believes the club have a real star on their hands.

“Yeah, brilliant player. He’s one of those guys that you want in your team,” the England international reflected.

“He works so hard and he just wants to win. He has a lot of passion to give and obviously a lot of quality as well, so he’s only going to get better and yeah, he’s top.

“That’s why you want him in your team, he wants to get on the ball, he’ll run forward, he’ll create chances, score and yeah, he’s great.”

Spurs boss Frank was equally complimentary of Xavi, who had 88 touches and five shots during an all-action display.

Frank added: “I think Xavi was exceptional. He’s a very good footballer, but he’s probably an even bigger winner and fighter.

“The way he fights with the team is exceptional and how he’s part of driving the team forward I think is very impressive.”

Tottenham’s fightback prevented another home defeat and even though they are unbeaten in four, they have won only two of their last 15 Premier League matches.

Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Djed Spence have also joined the injured list during the past week but Porro could return for the visit of Arsenal in three weeks and Van de Ven will aim to be back at Manchester United on Saturday.

“Micky, we hope, is back for Man United and Djed is hopefully not too long,” Frank revealed.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window has not exactly gone to plan in the way they may have wanted, arguably not actually strengthening in any positions they needed to.

The marquee addition for Thomas Frank’s side was former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. He joined the club from Atletico Madrid, though he is perhaps not the progressive midfielder they currently lack in the squad.

They were also strongly linked with Andy Robertson, but that deal fell through. The only other addition Spurs made was talented Brazilian left-back Souza, who is a signing for the present and future.

Why Spurs fans can get excited about Souza

There is certainly not a lack of depth in Frank’s squad at left-back. Destiny Udogie is arguably seen as the first choice, with Ben Davies, who is out for some time with injury, and Djed Spence, also options. Yet, Souza adds to the depth on that side and is a signing for the future.

We are yet to see the Santos academy graduate in that famous white shirt. He was on the bench against Manchester City this weekend in the 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but was not called upon by his manager.

He played 38 times at senior level for Santos, having a key role in 2025 before his move to North London. He made some good contributions going forward, too, with one goal and four assists in those appearances.

There is certainly a lot to like about Souza, with the 19-year-old already showing some standout attributes. Scout Ben Mattinson praised him for the fact that he “defends in wide channels well” and explained he is “technical on the ball.”

The ex-Santos star is an exciting player, but there is another youngster on the books who could be an even bigger talent.

Spurs have already signed a better talent than Souza

The central defensive stocks at Spurs are perhaps a little thinner on the ground than Frank would like. Mickey van de Ven and Cristian Romero are first choice, with Kevin Danso a more than apt understudy.

However, it has not been an easy ride at the club for Radu Dragusin, who was notably poor against Man City on Sunday. Now, Spurs might have someone who can leapfrog him in the pecking order. It will surely not be long before we see Luka Vuskovic donning a white shirt.

Described by Spurs analyst Seb Martin as a “freak of a talent,” he has shone on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga this season. The 18-year-old has played so well that he is now an established member of Croatia’s national team.

He’s been a constant figure at the heart of the defence for the German side, playing 17 times in the top flight. He’s played 90 minutes in every single game, chipping in with four goals, including a stunning effort in December.

Looking at his underlying numbers, you can see exactly why Vuskovic is so highly rated. He has won an average of 7.74 duels and made 8.53 clearances per 90 minutes this term. Those numbers place him in the top 6% and 11% of Bundesliga defenders.

It is hard to see a way back for Dragusin once Vuskovic returns from his loan. He has had limited minutes and injury issues, and given the Croatian's talent, it is impossible not to see him falling down the pecking order.

It is certainly exciting that the Lilywhites will soon have the teenager at their disposal again. In Vuskovic and Souza, they have defensive quality depth for the future, but you could certainly make the case that the centre-back is the best talent at the club.

Tottenham are set to sign a record-breaking forward who's now agreed to join Thomas Frank's side on deadline day, according to a new report.

Spurs are wrapping up a hectic deadline day after already bringing in two signings earlier this month to bolster Frank's injury-ravaged squad.

The Lilywhites splashed £34 million on midfielder Conor Gallagher after Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. They also nabbed Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos, with the teenager signing a contract until 2031.

The comeback against Man City showed glimpses of hope for Frank, who has been heavily criticised by the fanbase this season after an underwhelming domestic campaign.

Dominic Solanke bagged a stunning brace against the Sky Blues, including an outrageous scorpion kick, to rescue a point after being 2-0 down at halftime.

That being said, with so many players out injured, supporters were hoping for a bit more on deadline day.

To their dismay, Tottenham have spent most of today tussling with Arsenal over a deal for Hearts striker James Wilson on loan.

The 18-year-old forward has become the surprise name dominating deadline day chatter after both Arsenal and Spurs battled it out for his signature in the final hours before the 7pm cutoff.

Wilson burst onto the scene last season at Tynecastle, bagging six goals for Hearts including a dramatic equaliser in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian.

But this campaign has been frustrating—he's made just one Scottish Premiership start under boss Derek McInnes, falling down the pecking order behind four or five senior strikers.

The Arsenal talks centred around a potential loan move for Wilson to join their Under-21 setup, giving the youngster regular minutes after his limited opportunities in Scotland.

The Gunners were looking at academy reinforcements following Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Marseille, but talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs has now dropped the bombshell that Wilson is set to join Tottenham instead after agreeing terms.

Tottenham "set to sign" James Wilson from Hearts

Arsenal appeared to hold the early advantage after yesterday's talks, but Spurs have nicked in at the death to complete the hijack.

Jacobs reports that Wilson has agreed to join Tottenham, with Frank's side poised to complete a deal for the teenager.

The key difference? Sky Sports confirmed Tottenham's proposal will likely include an option to buy clause, giving Hearts and Wilson much more security about his long-term future.

Arsenal were apparently only willing to offer the teenager a trial period rather than committing to a guaranteed loan with purchase rights attached.

Wilson made history last March when he became Scotland's youngest-ever male international, debuting against Greece in the Nations League aged just 18 years, 17 days old — breaking a record that stood since the 19th century.

He's represented his country at every youth level and already racked up 45 senior appearances for Hearts despite his tender age.

Former Hearts boss Neil Critchley previously described Wilson as "incredible" during their time together at Tynecastle, praising the youngster's work ethic and natural finishing ability.

The striker has shown flashes of genuine quality when given chances, but McInnes has preferred more experienced options this season.

It now remains to be seen whether the young Scot can battle his way into the Tottenham first team long-term, but the signs are pretty good.

Tottenham have been given a reply after making a late approach to sign one ex-Chelsea forward, according to a deadline day report.

Spurs' frantic deadline day scramble for attacking reinforcements is proving a nightmare as boss Thomas Frank desperately hunts for bodies before the 7pm cutoff.

The Lilywhites remain active in the market after Sunday's thrilling 2-2 comeback against Man City, where Dominic Solanke bagged a stunning brace including an outrageous scorpion kick.

Frank also confirmed after the match that Spurs will keep pushing for signings.

The problem is massive — 11 senior players are currently injured and Spurs are running out of options fast.

Solanke rolled his ankle against City on Sunday, raising fresh fitness concerns about their main striker. Mohammed Kudus won't be back until April after his injury setback, leaving the attack dangerously thin.

Spurs have already done fairly decent business this month.

They splashed £34 million on Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid to replace the injured Rodrigo Bentancur, and brought in Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos for £13 million.

Selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35 million kept their net spend level too, but injuries have forced Frank into panic mode.

With Dane Scarlett shipped off to Hibs on loan, only Randal Kolo Muani offers backup to Solanke, and the Frenchman hasn't scored a single Premier League goal since arriving.

Juventus have been pushing hard to take him back on loan, but it would be outrageous for Spurs to let him leave now.

Reports suggest former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has been offered to Spurs today by his agents. The Colombian desperately wants a Premier League return after flopping at Fenerbahçe on loan, managing just five goals in 21 matches. Al-Nassr paid Villa £71 million for him last January, but things haven't worked out.

His representatives have contacted the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United too, but as things stand, nobody's properly committed yet. Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg are also lurking if an English move proves off the table.

There are last-gasp opportunities for Spurs, with the north Londoners also making a last-gasp approach for ex-Chelsea forward Angelo Gabriel.

Tottenham get reply after making Angelo Gabriel approach

Here's the real kicker, though.

Journalist Eduardo Burgos has dropped a bombshell that Tottenham made last-gasp enquiries about Al-Nassr's Angelo in the dying days of the window.

The 21-year-old Brazilian winger joined the Saudi club from Chelsea for around £19 million back in September 2024 after barely getting a sniff at Stamford Bridge.

Burgos made it crystal clear though: Angelo won't be leaving today.

Al-Nassr view him as a summer option to leave rather than a January departure, completely blocking any chance of a loan switch to north London before the imminent deadline.

The Saudi club reckon he needs more time to settle and aren't entertaining offers regardless of how keen Spurs might be.

It's a proper gut punch for Frank considering Angelo's talent. He became the youngest Copa Libertadores scorer ever at 16 whilst tearing it up at Santos, with Jacek Kulig calling him a 'crazy' player with 'crazy potential'.

With hours ticking away, Spurs' deadline day is turning into a disaster.

Tottenham Hotspur have been among the busier Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and young left-back Souza from Santos in Brazil.

Thomas Frank's tenure so far would tell you that Spurs have needed to bring in reinforcements, and with the frontline struggling and weakened by Mohammed Kudus' hamstring injury picked up in January, it's understandable that technical director Johan Lange is looking to pull off a last-minute move.

Dominic Solanke has had a big impact since returning to the fold after injury last month, but an ankle scare after his goalscoring performance against Manchester City has accentuated the

As far as fitness goes, the Three Lions man is unreliable, and Tottenham could benefit from a contrasting attacking profile.

Spurs lining up last-gasp signing

Tottenham need some support up top. While Solanke gives Frank's system the focal presence it requires, he indeed left the pitch on Sunday with pain in his ankle, and the alternatives at number nine haven't proved themself prolific enough to lead the line and lead the club back to the ascendancy.

Any number of targets have been earmarked by ENIC Group this month, but there's one who remains a candidate in the final hours.

According to The Independent, Tottenham are exploring a move for Al Nassr striker Jhon Duran in the dying embers of the winter transfer market, buoyed by LOSC Lille's failed attempt to sign the Colombian.

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have also shown interest in the 22-year-old in the lead-up to the deadline, but Spurs' position in the Champions League could hold sway in the race.

The proposed framing of the transfer remains uncertain. It was only one year ago, after all, that Al Nassr paid Aston Villa a staggering £64m sum to take Duran from the Premier League as he was establishing himself as an elite prospect.

But Tottenham's interest is genuine, and so is their need for a mercurial and deadly star to give Frank's frontline a new dimension.

Why Spurs want Jhon Duran

Described as a "true monster" for his powerful and potent attacking performances, Duran is one of the most dangerous strikers in the business, and he would bring something wholly different to Tottenham if signed today.

Duran joined Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in an £18m deal in January 2023, and fast forward to the present, he's led a storied career that has taken him not just from the United States to Birmingham, England, but to Saudi Arabia and now Turkey too.

He only played 1,214 minutes of football in the Premier League for Emery's outfit, but in that timeframe, he scored 12 goals, equating to

a goal every 101 minutes.

That's some statistic for a young forward who was making his very first foray into European football at any level, and though a move to Al-Nassr, and subsequently Fenerbahce on loan, has stunted his blistering growth, Duran remains one of the game's great mavericks of modern times.

Duran would need to quickly reestablish himself in the English game. Two shots were all Solanke needed to notch a brace against Pep Guardiola's side, vastly outperforming his xG.

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

In this, Solanke produced a performance that mimicked the best attributes Duran possesses, but the consistency with which the powerful South American channelled such traits suggests he could leap past Solanke and indeed produce the clinical and duel-heavy performances that his counterpart is beginning to showcase under Frank's wing.

He's still so young. Solanke was 21 when he left a fringe role at Liverpool to grow into his skin on the south coast with Bournemouth, and it would be several years yet before he produced the kind of displays that caught Spurs' attention. Duran is already a budding superstar, “pure theatre” in the final third, as remarked by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell.

Duran's devastating impact, with such speed and strength at the heart of his skillset, could see him become the main man for Frank's Tottenham, for he scored seven goals from only four starts in the Premier League last season, before moving to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, and were he to pick up where he left off, he would surely warrant a place in Tottenham's first team.

Frank seems open to striking partnerships, having fielded Randal Kolo Muani alongside the 28-year-old Solanke at the weekend, so there's a potentially ruthless duo to be found there, but Duran surely has the potential to far outstrip the England international down the line, and he could hold the key to unlocking the attacking sparkle that has sadly been missing down N17 this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign a "fantastic" player in a last-gasp move, and they could hijack Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Spurs not done in the transfer market

As we approach the final few hours of the winter transfer window, Tottenham are by no means finished, and they are still keen on strengthening in a number of key areas, having been dealing with an injury crisis over the past few weeks.

Spurs are eager to improve their wide options, and they are now exploring a move for Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby, while Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is also still of interest, with some late phone calls being made.

Despite Dominic Solanke putting in some impressive performances since returning from injury, bagging a brace in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, the Lilywhites also remain keen on bringing in a new striker.

Earlier today, it was revealed the north Londoners were presented with an opportunity to sign former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce from Al-Nassr, but they have also set their sights on a more inexperienced centre-forward.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who has now taken to X to reveal Tottenham have joined the race to sign Hearts striker James Wilson on loan initially, with the deal including an option to buy.

Arsenal are also keen on signing Wilson, having held talks over a deal for the centre-forward earlier today, but Spurs could hijack their north London rivals for the 18-year-old, who is being targeted for the U21 side, rather than the first-team squad.

"Fantastic" Wilson could be future star

The teenager has already been capped for Scotland, which is a very encouraging sign, and he has impressed for Hearts when given the opportunity, netting eight goals in 21 starts for the league leaders.

After scoring a late equaliser in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian last season, the starlet also received plaudits from former manager Neil Critchley, who said: "Fantastic, but that’s him, he’s a goal scorer, a goal poacher.

"That’s what goal scorers do. They just arrive in the right position at the right time, and they find a way of hitting the back of the net. I’ve been really impressed with James since I’ve come in. Good kid, always smiling, breath of fresh air."

As such, Wilson could be a future star, but given that he is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Hearts, it may be a while before the Scot is capable of dislodging the likes of Solanke and Richarlison in the Tottenham starting XI.

Tottenham have made a late phone call over a deal to bring in a new defender this month, Sky Sports revealed live on their deadline day coverage.

Injury hit Spurs fight back against City

A rip-roaring second-half from a depleted Tottenham side saw them fight back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and boost fierce rivals Arsenal’s title bid.

City looked set to cruise to another victory after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo put Pep Guardiola’s men in control.

Spurs had been booed off at half-time, but a controversial 53rd-minute own-goal by Marc Guehi gave Thomas Frank’s misfiring team a lifeline before Dominic Solanke’s sensational back heel levelled the scores after 73 minutes.

There was still time for either team to find a winner, but the spoils were shared and Manchester City are now six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

It was a timely comeback for under-fire Frank, who has struggled to win over the Spurs fanbase and although this made it only two wins in 15 league fixtures, it prevented another defeat at home.

The Lilywhites are scouring the market for defensive additions as their backline continues to be depleted by injuries, and Sky Sports have confirmed they've made a late attempt to sign a Premier League star on deadline day.

Tottenham make final phone call for Robertson

Speaking live on Sky's deadline day special, their reporter outside Tottenham's training ground revealed they have made one last attempt to sign Liverpool star Andy Robertson.

"Our information was that a check call has gone in just to see if Liverpool’s position has changed as to the availability of Andy Robertson, but that's a no."

The 90-cap Scotland defender is out of contract in the summer, so Spurs' repeated attempts this month suggest they will be front of the queue for his signature come the end of the season.

The Liverpool defender makes £160,000-a-week at Anfield, which would place him among Tottenham's highest earners.

Frank has been forced to use Djed Spence at left-back for much of the season, but the 25 year-old is more comfortable on the right.

Tottenham Hotspur dug deep to recover from a two-goal deficit against Manchester City, and maybe Thomas Frank has just learned that his side have got some character that has been buried for the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Danish coach was delighted to watch January recruit Conor Gallagher put in a confident and industrious performance in the centre of the park, spearheading that second-half charge.

Sure, Spurs failed to win, keeping them in 14th place in the Premier League, but this could be a platform from which the club can build over the business months, competing in the knockout rounds of the Champions League while recovering form on the domestic front.

The tide may be turning, just a touch. If Frank hopes to establish tenure-saving form, however, he will be hoping to welcome another fresh face before the looming transfer deadline this evening.

Spurs lining up D-day deal

Gallagher showed against Manchester City that Spurs's transfer chiefs know how to spot a good deal, and with Xavi Simons and Joao Palhinha also starring, perhaps this post-Daniel Levy world may be an auspicious one.

If Tottenham could round off this window with a well-placed attacking move to refresh a frontline that has undeniably gone stale, Frank might just have what he needs to fashion success over the next few months, pushing his side toward more respectable ground in the Premier League.

ENIC Group are on the case. According to The Independent, a deadline-day deal for Moussa Diaby is in the pipeline down N17, with the Al Ittihad winger having emerged as a target earlier this week. It's alleged that they are now exploring what it would take to bring him to Tottenham in the dying hours of the window.

Diaby ebbed and flowed in a Villa shirt, but he showed off a lot of quality on the whole, instrumental in Unai Emery's successful journey into the Champions League.

Why Diaby could be perfect for Spurs

Aston Villa signed Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £52m fee in July 2023, but he only lasted a season in the Premier League before being picked up by Saudi suitors.

The France international's time in the affluent Gulf division may be coming to a close, and Tottenham could hit the jackpot by bringing him back to the big time.

Given his Die Werkself roots, he might prove to be the club's new version of Heung-min Son, sharing the pace and directness that the club legend brought to the table, invariably, in his prime.

Son probably made the right decision to call time on his Lilywhites career last summer, especially after he crowned his journey with the Europa League title, but there's no question Frank has lacked someone of his presence this term.

Diaby could be that player, with a fleet-footed running style and a proven track record of scoring goals and providing assists. For Al Ittihad, he has registered 28 assists across only 54 appearances.

Comparing the two, it's clear that they share something of a tactical likeness, but while Son was a winger on the decline, Diaby remains in his physical and athletic prime and could bring a more energetic flavour to the outfit while channelling a level of potency in and around the final third that has been lacking this year.

Indeed, hailed for his "deadly" instincts in the final third by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diaby is still only 26, and his experience in the Premier League and hunger to return to European competition could see him prove a shrewd signing for Spurs.

Given his Bundesliga roots at Bayer Leverkusen, he could even end up succeeding Son in north London, with the South Korean something of a 'deadly' forward himself.

Tottenham Hotspur picked up a hard-earned point against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening, but Thomas Frank's hopes of leading the Lilywhites into European competition next season continue to dwindle.

It was telling that when Antoine Semenyo converted after the break to make it 2-0, the feeling around N17 was one of resignation, the groans chorusing out in a well-known song. Few foresaw the comeback.

But Spurs did come back, and there is life yet inside this squad, who might be down but are certainly not out, straight through to the last 16 in the Champions League and only five points away from the Premier League's top eight, 14th though they are.

Dominic Solanke is providing Spurs with a focal point up front, but with it nearly two months since three Premier League points were secured on home soil, there's no question that more defensive stability is needed.

Spurs submit bid for new centre-back

There is a strange dichotomy between the calibre of Tottenham's defensive talent and the lowly position they find themselves in, with the backline porous and shaky on the regular.

Injuries have not helped, but Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have struggled even as they stand proud as Spurs' best players.

Tottenham need a new centre-back to bolster their backline. As Radu Dragusin returned from a long-term layoff against Manchester City, he left something to be desired, and given that reports have linked the 23-year-old with a move to Serie A side Roma this month, ENIC Group may want to get their wallets out.

Perhaps they already have. According to Spanish sources, Tottenham have submitted a bid for Barcelona centre-half Ronald Araujo, with La Blaugrana said to be analysing the €35m (£30m) package.

The 26-year-old is not having his best season in Spain, but he's long been regarded as one of the most talented defenders in the world, and a change of scenery could help reignite his career.

A separate report outlines late Tottenham interest in Al-Nassr's Jhon Duran, who is struggling on loan at Fenerbahce. A resolution regarding the young striker, so mercurial and dangerous, will be reached in the coming hours, but Lange and co are fast on Araujo's case too.

Why Spurs should sign Araujo

Dragusin blundered against Manchester City: it was his errant clearance that was intercepted and redirected toward Antoine Semenyo, who scored.

That's the latest in a long line of errors that are inhibiting Frank's side this season, and a freshening-up of the defensive ranks could end up paying dividends for a side who are punching well below their weight class once again in the Premier League.

Thus, it's clear why a concerted effort is being placed on landing Araujo, adding an elite centre-back to the ranks. Should Spurs pull this one off, it's hard to see Dragusin fashioning a key role in the Londoners' plans, especially when considering the rumours already surfacing this month.

Barca boss Hansi Flick has described him as a "leader" and "one of the best in the world" before, and despite being hindered by injuries and personal problems, has the potential to become the leading man in Frank's backline.

A man for the big moments, he might benefit from a move away from Camp Nou, where the toxicity levels have been rising after his struggles there.

Also regarded as an “athletic monster”, Araujo has the quality and frame to rival the likes of Van de Ven and prove a massive upgrade on Dragusin, who struggled to impress even before he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League last season.

The Romanian defender returned against Manchester City and was afforded little time to scrape away the rust as City ran rampant before the break. He should have closed down Rayan Cherki for the away side's opener as well as ceding possession for City's second.

While Araujo hasn't been in the best of form this season, he is clearly unsettled in Catalonia and could return to his strongest form by moving to Tottenham and playing alongside some of the most robust and talented defenders in England.

He will bounce back, for sure, and Spurs are in the process of ensuring it happens in a Lilywhites shirt.

Dragusin did well against Pep Guardiola's title-chasing side, all things considered. He kept Erling Haaland quiet and, in that, he made amends after a shaky first half.

But Araujo is quite simply cut from finer cloth, and if Tottenham want to rise from their plight, they must sign top talents to finally return to form and sustain it.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been offered the chance to sign a "special" striker in a deadline-busting move, and he is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Spurs offered chance to sign striker despite Solanke's form

Dominic Solanke has been able to make a major impact since returning from a long injury lay-off, scoring against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, before going on to score a brace against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Solanke rescued a point for Spurs against Pep Guardiola's side, after bagging two goals in the second half, with Jamie Carragher going on to say: "It's great for Solanke. And also, it's probably great for Thomas Frank, because he's looking at that thinking and saying to his board, and maybe his own supporters, 'I've been without a lot of top players this season."

Indeed, it is fantastic that Solanke is back amongst the goals, and fortunately, the striker has made it clear he hasn't suffered another injury setback, after being withdrawn late on, saying: "I’ll be good, I just rolled my ankle a little bit, but I’ll be fine."

As such, the Lilywhites may not need to bring in another centre-forward before tonight's 7pm transfer deadline, but they have now been offered the chance to sign Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Turkish side are open to letting Duran leave, and his agents are working to secure him a move, with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United also being approached.

The former Aston Villa striker, who cost Al-Nassr £71m, wants to return to the Premier League, and Tottenham have now been offered the chance to sign him for a second time, with contact also being made last week.

"Special" Duran is Premier League proven

The Colombian certainly impressed former manager Unai Emery during his previous stint in the Premier League, with the Spaniard saying after a 3-3 draw against Liverpool: "Jhon Duran is a special player. We have to try and help him. He is a good guy, and he needs a team behind him. He is getting our demands better. He was very clinical and today was important for him."

Despite often being utilised as a substitute, the Medellin-born marksman was a fairly reliable source of goals for Villa across one-and-a-half seasons in the Premier League.

That said, the ex-Villa star hasn't been particularly impressive in Turkey, netting five goals in 21 games for Fenerbahce, and Tottenham probably don't need to bring in another striker, given that Solanke has hit the ground running since returning from injury.