Football FanCast

Tottenham submit 'official offer' for £150k-a-week Brazil attacker amid Souza talks

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Tottenham have reportedly submitted an offer to sign a Brazilian playmaker amid their talks for Santos left-back Souza, with the Lilywhites looking to salvage their dwindling campaign.

Spurs' season suffered another devastating blow following last night's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth.

Thomas Frank watched his side take an early lead through Mathys Tel before Bournemouth fought back to go 2-1 ahead by half-time, with goals from Evanilson and Junior Kroupi turning the match on its head.

Spurs appeared to have salvaged a point when João Palhinha scored a magnificent overhead kick to level the score at 2-2. However, Antoine Semenyo then bagged a devastating 95th-minute winner to hand Bournemouth their first victory in 12 Premier League matches.

It was the Ghanaian's perfect sign-off before his high-profile move to Man City, but for Spurs, it was a reminder of their obvious shortcomings.

The result has intensified pressure on Frank considerably, if it wasn't already there.

Spurs entered the campaign with genuine ambitions of silverware and challenging for European qualification, but still find themselves languishing in mid-table following another collapse that saw them concede more vital points.

Away from the pitch, the Lewis family need to showcase how Tottenham's first transfer window post-Daniel Levy can help to transform the club's fortunes.

Progress has been made securing personal terms with 19-year-old Santos defender Souza, though negotiations remain ongoing regarding the transfer fee after Tottenham's opening bid was turned down.

Attacking reinforcements are also a major priority for the Lilywhites, with star winger Mohammed Kudus now expected to be out until after the March international break following his injury against Sunderland.

Frank has also been without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski all season, while summer signing Xavi Simons has failed to justify his £52 million price tag thus far.

Tottenham's need for attacking creativity has been a key theme of their lacklustre performances, and reports suggest they could turn to West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta as a solution.

Tottenham submit 'official offer' for Lucas Paqueta

The Brazil international is out of contract in 2027 and potentially up for grabs this year, especially if West Ham go down, which is looking more and more likely by the week.

Some outlets report that Spurs have held talks over a deal for Paqueta, with a report from South America now backing this up.

Indeed, according to Brazilian outlet Torcida Flamengo, Tottenham have apparently 'emerged as a strong competitor' to sign the £150,000-per-week attacker.

It is also believed that Frank's side have made an 'official offer' to sign Paqueta, worth around £26 million, but Flamengo are very real competitors for his signature as well.

Flamengo are attempting to lure Paquetá back to his homeland, and Torcida report that his current preference is a return to Brazil as things stand.

The midfielder came through Flamengo's academy before moving to Europe, and sources indicate he has a real desire to return to the Gávea and wear the famous red-and-black shirt once again.

While Flamengo are yet to match or better Spurs' offer, they remain confident they can complete the deal despite lacking Tottenham's financial muscle.

The Brazilian giants are working to construct a proposal that satisfies West Ham, while leveraging Paqueta's wish to return home as their primary advantage.

For Tottenham, Paqueta represents exactly the type of creative midfielder capable of unlocking stubborn defences and providing additional quality in attack.

Fabrizio Romano: Player agrees terms to join Tottenham ahead of new bid

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Tottenham's season lurched further into crisis following last night's devastating 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, but they could at least be closing in on a January signing.

The under-fire Thomas Frank watched his side surrender an early lead in humiliating fashion, collapsing defensively during a chaotic encounter that saw the Cherries snatch all three points at the Vitality Stadium.

The result leaves Spurs 14th in the table after 21 matches and seven points off the top four - a dismal return that has intensified pressure on Frank considerably.

The north Londoners entered the campaign with genuine ambitions of challenging for European qualification and silverware, yet find themselves miles off it amid a torrid run of form.

Spurs have now dropped crucial points from winning positions on multiple occasions this season, highlighting systemic issues within the squad that the manager has struggled to address.

As a result, January is expected to be a busy month for Frank's side, with Tottenham believed to be targeting a new forward — especially after Mohammed Kudus' injury which will now keep him out until after the March international break.

They're also after Santos sensation Souza, with talks ongoing all week over a deal for the 19-year-old as Tottenham attempt to push a deal over the line.

Luckily, there's now been a significant development.

Tottenham agree personal terms with Souza ahead of new bid

Indeed, Tottenham have now agreed personal terms with Souza ahead of a potential move to north London, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the pursuit, with the player clearly viewing Spurs as an attractive destination to continue his development.

Negotiations remain underway with Santos as Tottenham prepare a new bid, anticipated to arrive soon. Details are still believed to be missing regarding the exact structure and value of the improved proposal, but Romano says Spurs have the full player buy-in at least.

Souza has been dubbed "the new Marcelo" by some in Brazil following his impressive performances for Santos.

The 'outstanding' teenager has established himself as a regular starter despite suffering an ankle injury last season, making 29 total appearances and contributing three goal involvements, all while demonstrating the attacking thrust that modern full-backs require.

The personal terms give Tottenham a crucial advantage in negotiations, with the player onside and eager to make the switch to the Premier League.

The Lilywhites must also be wary of competition for Souza's signature. Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United have all shown interest in the Brazilian, according to reports, so Frank's side may have to act quickly.

Santos promoted Souza through their youth system and reportedly view him as a valuable commodity, capable of commanding a premium price despite his age and relative inexperience at senior level.

Tottenham cannot afford further delays given their current league position and lack of defensive cover. Frank needs reinforcements immediately to help inspire their torrid campaign, and the coming weeks may well prove crucial.

Tottenham now keen on signing "elite" £76k-p/w goalkeeper to replace Vicario

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Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing an "elite" Champions League goalkeeper, who could be brought in as a replacement for Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs eyeing new goalkeeper amid Vicario criticism

Tottenham have been underperforming as a collective this season, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, having won just one of their last five matches, but their goalkeeper has received some particularly heavy criticism.

Following the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last month, Jamie Carragher slammed Vicario for refusing to take responsibility, saying: "Typical Vicario, he’s always blaming someone else. Every time I see him when a goal goes in, he’s throwing his arms at someone else."

Since then, the Italian has gone on to put in some improved performances, keeping clean sheets in two of his last four matches, but Jamie O'Hara remains unconvinced by the goalkeeper.

Interestingly, a report from TEAMtalk has revealed Tottenham have 'growing concerns' about whether the 29-year-old has a long-term future in north London, and they have now started looking at replacements.

The report states Tottenham are now keen on signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who could be allowed to leave the Spanish club this year, despite being highly regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Indeed, the Spanish club may now be willing to sanction Lunin's departure, given that he has found game time hard to come by this season, and youngster Javi Navarro could be utilised as a back-up to Thibaut Courtois.

There could be fierce competition for the Ukrainian's signature, with Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion also named as interested parties, and there is a belief a move to the Premier League would strongly appeal to the £76k-a-week shot-stopper.

Lunin could be "elite" as a first-choice goalkeeper

The 26-year-old has made just two appearances for Madrid in all competitions this season, which came in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, suggesting he may need to leave the European giants for the good of his career.

The Ukraine international being a back-up goalkeeper arguably isn't a great sign, but in fairness, he is playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, and he has impressed at Real Madrid when given the opportunity.

Lauded as "elite" by scout Ben Mattinson, the Madrid ace played a major role in his side reaching the Copa del Rey final last season, keeping a clean sheet and making five saves from inside the box in a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in the semi-final.

The Kharkiv-born goalkeeper has also proven himself in the Champions League, making 13 appearances in Europe's elite competition, including eight en-route to glory in the 2023/24 edition, during which time he received high praise from Carlo Ancelotti.

As such, should Tottenham decide not to persist with Vicario as their first-choice goalkeeper, Lunin could be a solid replacement.

Tottenham now leading race to sign £100m "superstar" from Premier League rivals

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Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the lead in the race for a Premier League forward, whose future is starting to look uncertain...

Spurs want new forward despite encouraging signs vs Sunderland

Although Tottenham were unable to take all three points against Sunderland last time out, drawing 1-1 after Ben Davies' opener was cancelled out by Brian Brobbey's late effort, Thomas Frank believes there were some encouraging signs on display.

Frank said: "There were a lot of positives in the performance. The first half was much more like we want to do.

"I liked our intensity with and without the ball, we created a lot of good situations, but we lacked the decisiveness to finish the game off."

However, with the manager also bemoaning the fact his side weren't clinical enough, it could be a savvy move to strengthen his attacking options this month, particularly considering Brennan Johnson has already left to join Crystal Palace.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche are among the potential targets, but there have now been reports Spurs could also look to raid one of their London rivals.

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now taken the lead in the race to sign West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen, with the Englishman's future at the London Stadium starting to look uncertain, given that the Hammers are seven points from safety.

Should West Ham be relegated to the Championship, Bowen's departure is almost inevitable, and the north Londoners are interested in securing his signature, as they value the forward's versatility and goal-scoring ability.

If the Irons fail to stay up, the 29-year-old would be willing to listen to offers from elsewhere, and there are indications he could be a fantastic addition to Frank's squad...

"Superstar" Bowen could be ideal signing for Tottenham

As previously mentioned, Tottenham have struggled in front of goal this season, finding the back of the net just three times in their last five Premier League matches.

Consequently, it could be a smart move to bring in a player who has already proven he is capable of delivering in the top flight, and the 20-time England international fits the bill, having been a reliable source of goals and assists over the past six seasons.

Having also been lauded as a "superstar" by writer Paddy Keogh, Bowen clearly has the ability to succeed at a top club, but a deal could be on the expensive side, with a potential fee of £100m being touted.

Solanke 2.0: Spurs lodge enquiry to sign £40m "nuisance" who's up for sale

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One win across their latest five Premier League games has ensured Tottenham Hotspur have failed to capitalise on the chaos surrounding many of their top-flight rivals, with Thomas Frank likely to come under fire himself if results do not start to improve.

A key crux of the issue remains the Dane's often pragmatic approach, with the Lilywhites netting just three goals across those five outings, a far cry from the flawed, yet frenzied attacking play under Ange Postecoglou.

Last season's top scorer, Brennan Johnson, has been sent packing to boot, even with the Wales star having still been the club's third most prolific presence this term across all fronts, alongside Joao Palhinha (4), and behind Micky van de Ven (6) and Richarlison (8).

As that list indicated, Richarlison aside, Frank simply hasn't got enough out of his forward line, while the continued absence of Dominic Solanke has hardly helped matters either.

In need then of further firepower, Spurs look to be making their move...

Spurs make enquiry over signing the new Solanke

It was only 18 months ago that Spurs dished out a club-record £65m fee to prise Solanke from Bournemouth, with the Englishman selected to be the belated replacement for Bayern-bound Harry Kane.

Seen just three times in action so far this term, however, the 28-year-old has sparked a real need for a genuine rival or replacement, with Porto's Samu Aghehowa believed to be on Frank's radar.

Away from the in-form Spaniard, TEAMtalk has also reported that Spurs are among the clubs in the mix of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the Premier League's bottom club ready to cash in on the Norwegian this month.

As per the report, enquiries have been made by Nottingham Forest, although the north Londoners, alongside Everton, Crystal Palace and Fulham, appear to have done the same, with the quartet all said to be being 'kept informed' regarding his situation.

The 25-year-old was close to heading to Newcastle United over the summer, for a figure approaching £60m, although he could now be worth closer to £40m, as Wolves look to rake in almost double what they paid for him.

Why Strand Larsen could be another Solanke

It's been a solid, albeit largely frustrating tale for Spurs' leading man of late, with Solanke having scored 16 times in 48 games across all fronts, a record of a goal every three games.

Just nine of those came in the Premier League, however, with the one-time Chelsea and Liverpool forward failing to hit the heights of his 19-goal league haul the year prior for the Cherries - the standout season of his career to date.

There may be concerns that Spurs have snapped up something of a one-season wonder, considering the England international has scored just 38 goals in 163 top-flight games, with there a fear of a similar scenario occurring with regard to Strand Larsen.

Indeed, the Norwegian striker did dazzle for the Old Gold in 2024/25, after netting 14 league goals to steer the club to safety, although he has since scored just once in the league this time around, hence Wolves' willingness to sell.

Looking further back, like Solanke, the towering marksman hasn't exactly been prolific at his previous clubs, scoring just 18 in 74 games for Celta Vigo, while chalking up 27 in 71 for Groningen.

Spurs may well have been spoiled by the remarkably reliable heroics of Harry Kane, but after such high standards, they can't expect any form of mediocrity or inconsistency.

Solanke, unfortunately, is drifting into that type of territory, and on the evidence of his form at Molineux this season, so could Strand Larsen, with the pair having even been deemed statistically and stylistically similar players in the Premier League in 2024/25, as per FBref.

Of course, as he did show last term, the Scandinavian star can be a real "nuisance" for top-flight opposition, as noted by the great Alan Shearer, but can Spurs really afford another expensive gamble?

Frank and co only have to look to the summer to see how spending big on a striker doesn't translate to instant rewards, be it Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, with it perhaps just as important to enhance the creative supply line behind the attacking unit.

Indeed, for all Spurs' centre-forward woes, maybe now is not the time to panic in the window - they can't afford Solanke 2.0.

Tottenham ready double-your-money offer for player who's keen to join Frank

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Tottenham are readying a double-your-money offer to sign a player who's apparently keen to join Thomas Frank's side, according to a fresh update.

Thomas Frank eyeing January deals amid Spurs pressure

Spurs are currently on a torrid run of form, having won just three of their last 11 matches in all competitions, and are also having to deal with a real injury crisis in certain areas.

To add to their woes in that regard, star winger Mohammed Kudus, who has been their arguable best attacking player this term, is set to miss several matches after picking up an injury against Sunderland.

A new forward was already reportedly high on Frank's list of January priorities after selling last season's top scorer Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for around £35 million, but this fresh Kudus blow will now bring it even more to the forefront.

The Lilywhites have already seen an offer rejected by Antoine Semenyo, who has instead chosen to join Premier League heavyweights Man City, so it is back to the drawing board for Spurs as they pursue fresh attacking options.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are yet to return from their serious injuries too, and in the meantime, Frank has been left desperately short of numbers further forward.

Left-back Destiny Udogie has also missed their last seven matches due to a hamstring injury, meaning Tottenham have been forced to turn to veteran Ben Davies and Djed Spence to cover the Italian.

As such, it is believed that they are eyeing a January move for Souza as potential cover in that area of the pitch.

According to reports this week, the north Londoners are poised to submit a new and improved bid for the Santos left-back after seeing their initial £8.5 million offer rejected.

Now, as per a fresh update from journalist Eduardo Burgos this evening, Spurs have been given encouragement in their pursuit of the Brazilian.

Souza keen to join Tottenham as Spurs ready double-your-money offer

Taking to X, Burgos reports that Souza is keen on the idea of joining Tottenham for various reasons, like the sporting project on offer and the opportunity to live in London.

He also reveals that Spurs' second bid for the teenager will be worth nearly 'double' their initial offer, with 'busy days' expected as Frank's side try to get him over the line.

Souza, who made 29 appearances for Santos last season, bagging a goal and two assists from full-back, is very highly-rated amid reports that AC Milan and BlueCo are also pondering a move for him.

However, as things stand, it is Spurs who are in pole position to sign the Brazilian Serie A talent this month, and he could be their first arrival of the winter.

Kudus upgrade: Spurs now intensifying plans to sign £50m "magician"

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To Dare Is To Do. Tottenham Hotspur supporters are strict adherents to this way of football, and so they are at odds with Thomas Frank, given his pragmatic tactical identity.

Though it's been another frustrating campaign for Spurs, it's worth remembering that the 2024/25 campaign, for all the struggle, ended with a flourish after Manchester United were beaten in the Europa League final.

There has been something of a clamour for a new centre-forward, with all of Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke all struggling in different ways, but it is a dearth of creativity that is the true crux of Frank's struggle, and ENIC Group are consequently prepared to invest in a playmaker this month.

Spurs lining up playmaker in January

Brennan Johnson's sale to Crystal Palace had been in the works for a while, but Mohammed Kudus picked up a hamstring injury during Tottenham's recent draw against Sunderland, thus putting a spanner in the works.

The Ghanaian winger has been one of the brighter sparks down N17 this season, having joined from West Ham United for £55m during the summer. His haul of five assists places him fifth in the Premier League playmaking charts.

But Kudus is not a natural ball-playing creative, and that's why the Lilywhites have identified an exciting new attacking midfielder.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs representatives have made checks on AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, who has a price tag of £50m and is also being chased by Manchester City, Newcastle United and a host of further European suitors.

Tottenham scouts have been in attendance at some of Akliouche's games of late, and club-to-club talks were held last summer, so the groundwork has been completed if the Londoners now want to push and get the deal done.

Why Akliouche would be perfect for Spurs

Akliouche, 23, has become an increasingly important presence for Monaco in recent years, scoring 19 goals and supplying 22 assists across 119 senior appearances since graduating from their famed youth academy.

This season, he has scored three goals and supplied five assists from 23 fixtures in all competitions, with his artistry on the ball leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as a "magician" who has a "left foot made of gold".

He is not blessed with Kudus' electric pace, but the five-cap Les Bleus star has showcased his technicality and athleticism in the Champions League this season, ranking among the top 10% of positional peers for progressive passes and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, he has created seven big chances from only 15 starts in Ligue 1 this season, thus underscoring a level of flair on the ball that could help lift Tottenham away from their playmaking rut.

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

While Tottenham chiefs may want to sign a snappier winger after Johnson's departure - and Kudus' injury - this might be an opportunity that is too good to pass, with his particular skillset seemingly fit to dovetail into the system and instantly provide relief in the club's attacking play.

Kudus is a fantastic player, almost one-of-a-kind in his ability to dart past opponents and wreak havoc in and around the danger area.

But he's not a natural playmaker, and that's why Akliouche could prove an upgrade on him down the right, given the glaring deficiencies down N17 right now.

Akliouche is still at the start of a promising career, and having established himself as a future superstar in his homeland, Tottenham should take a punt and add to Frank's squad the kind of creative talent who could make a real, lasting difference.

Tottenham now in contact to sign "phenomenal" £40m Premier League forward

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Tottenham Hotspur are now being kept informed about a "phenomenal" Premier League forward, with his club open to a sale during the current window.

Spurs keen on new striker amid attacking woes

Tottenham were booed off after the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Sunday, which means they now sit 13th in the Premier League table, and it is no surprise, considering another lacklustre attacking display was offered up.

Spurs once again failed to create a significant number of good opportunities, recording an xG of just 1.18 throughout the match, just days after putting in a disappointing display against Brentford, which former midfielder Jamie O'Hara criticised.

Something clearly needs to change, with Thomas Frank either needing to implement a more attractive brand of football, or to strengthen his squad in the current transfer window.

The Lilywhites have already set out to sign a new winger, identifying the likes of AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as potential targets, and they are also looking at bringing in a new centre-forward.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Tottenham are one of a number of clubs to have enquired about Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen, and they are now being kept informed about the striker's situation.

Wolves are now willing to sanction Strand Larsen's departure for a fee of £40m this month - £20m less than their previous price tag - given that his value is likely to drop further at the end of the season, with Rob Edwards' side almost certain to be relegated from the top flight.

Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham are also being notified about the Norwegian, alongside Newcastle United, so there could be widespread competition for his signature.

"Phenomenal" Strand Larsen needs fresh start

The Old Gold have amassed just six points all season in the Premier League, and their striker has failed to make an impact, having only found the back of the net on one occasion.

However, the 24-time Norway international has proven he is capable of delivering in the top flight, netting a very respectable 14 goals in 35 games to help fire Wolves to safety in the 2024-25 campaign.

With his side staring down the barrel of relegation, the centre-forward needs a fresh start, and his goal record indicates he would be able to kick on elsewhere, while Vitor Pereira also dubbed his former striker "phenomenal" earlier this year.

That said, it would be a gamble to sign Strand Larsen, considering his current form, and Richarlison has impressed at times this season, netting seven Premier League goals.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs make "incredible" £28m talent a new top target

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The pressure's never far away when you are Tottenham Hotspur manager, and Thomas Frank is undoubtedly feeling the heat as he leads his team into the New Year.

Spurs scored a critical win on the road at Crystal Palace to see off 2025, but home form hasn't been good enough all year, and something needs to give.

The January transfer window has opened up new opportunities for Frank, who has been given financial backing by ENIC Group. Multiple positions need tweaking, but the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace underlines the need for a new winger.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison both sidelined with injuries this season, Tottenham's attacking flanks have left plenty to be desired. Mohammed Kudus was brought in this summer, but the loss of Heung-min Son and his talismanic presence has been keenly felt.

Aggravating the quandary, Johnson hasn't kicked on after scoring 18 goals last season, including the winner in the Europa League final.

That could now change, with co-directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici having earmarked an exciting transfer target whose ceiling reaches higher than Johnson's.

As per TEAMtalk, Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis has been added to the shortlist as a new top target, having ticked all the boxes in the scouting and analytical departments.

Tzolis, 23, was appraised at around £28m during the summer transfer window, when Palace registered interest. Now, the Eagles are out of the equation, and Spurs have a real shot at an exciting attacking talent.

Why Tzolis would be a Johnson upgrade

Tzolis has been "an incredible signing" for Club Brugge, having scored 15 goals and supplied 11 assists across all competitions this season. Last year, he notched 37 goal involvements in all competitions.

Naturally prolific and exciting to watch, "absolutely exceptional" since leaving Dusseldorf in the second tier of German football and developing his skillset in Belgium with Brugge, as has been recently stated by journalist Antonio Mango.

He's not only prolific in front of goal but pacy and electric too, willing to dart forward and into the danger area, then striking on goal or influencing play with fleet footwork and clever passes.

Stunning creative flair suggests he would be exactly what Frank needs at Tottenham, with an average of 2.8 key passes per Pro League match this term, as per Sofascore.

When looking at how he scrubs up against Johnson across all competitions over the past 12 months, it's clear that Spurs would land a more expansive talent.

Tzolis has long been regarded as an elite talent, but he's ebbed and flowed through his fledgling years. However, that's the life of a much-touted prospect, recognised and championed for their quality and expected, unfairly, to channel that talent week in and week out.

Now, though, the one-time Norwich City prospect is coming into his own and establishing himself as one of the most exciting wide forwards currently playing outside Europe's top five leagues. The best is yet to come.

Johnson will always be fondly remembered for his title-winning goal in Bilbao, but we can't deny that he's been out of sorts throughout the campaign.

His overall play has left something to be desired throughout his time in north London, and in Tzolis, Frank may land the requisite upgrade to pump more dynamism and range into Spurs' attacking build-up system.

Tottenham now pushing to sign "ridiculous" £50m+ Yan Diomande alternative

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Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing to sign a "ridiculous" new forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

Spurs eyeing new forward as Frank sets out to be more attacking

Speaking after the recent 0-0 draw against Brentford, Thomas Frank made it clear that he plans to play a more expansive brand of football in the future, but the present injury situation makes it difficult.

The Spurs boss said: "I think what will 100% happen is that we will score a lot of goals and be much more dominant in a lot of games, but in the current situation with a lot of players out, it makes it more tricky with a lot of games.

"We want us to be free-flowing. I think, a couple of things I want to reinforce positively is the last two away performances. To stand on the foundation we are building was very strong against Crystal Palace and Brentford."

Ultimately, the Lilywhites haven't been good enough during Frank's tenure to date, having suffered disappointing defeats against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Fulham over the past month or so.

As such, the manager must take his fair share of criticism, but the players are also culpable, and it is clear the manager wants to improve his personnel, with an enquiry recently being lodged over a deal for RB Leipzig's Diomande.

However, Tottenham are also looking at alternatives to the Ivory Coast international, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are now pushing to sign AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche.

A deal for the forward would be on the expensive side, as the French club are expected to hold out for over £50m, but interest from Spurs persists, having made checks on Akliouche during his side's 3-1 defeat against Lyon on Saturday.

The north Londoners are looking to make a game-changing attacking signing, and there is plenty of evidence the Monaco star could be a solid addition to Frank's forward line.

"Ridiculous" Akliouche could tear it up at Spurs

Lauded as "ridiculous" by scout Ben Mattinson, the 23-year-old has been a key player for Monaco over the past three seasons, regularly contributing with goals and assists in Ligue 1.

Having impressed at club level, the winger has now been capped five times by France, and manager Didier Deschamps praised him back in November, saying: "Even if there are lots of attacking players and lots of absentees, he has moved up a notch to be more decisive."

Akliouche is a good age to be a long-term success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and having established himself as a key player for Monaco, while also impressing for France, the right-winger could be capable of immediately pushing for Mohammed Kudus' starting spot.