Football FanCast

It would be a strange year if Tottenham Hotspur made their way through an uneventful campaign. Though, while a lot has been going on down N17 this year, few of the Spurs faithful would say it's been enjoyable.

After that last-gasp defeat at Bournemouth last time out, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has tumbled into deeper waters after replacing title-winning manager Ange Postecoglou last summer. That's been exacerbated by the unfortunate Arsenal-branded cup incident at the Vitality Stadium.

There's plenty of time to bounce back, but Spurs need to use the January transfer window effectively if they wish to stop the rot and turn things around.

Already, ENIC family have moved to add an upcoming talent to the ranks following the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

Spurs set up January signings

Confirmed: Tottenham have an agreement sealed with Brazilian club Santos for the transfer of 19-year-old left-back Souza. Formalities stand between the Londoners and their new prospect, who will provide cover for the injury-prone Destiny Udogie.

That's one chunk of the left side sorted, then, but after the sale of club legend Heung-min Son last year (and now the departure of Johnson), landing a left winger is also a priority.

And, in keeping with the Lilywhites' push to sign up-and-comers, Said Suleiman has been added to the shortlist, according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti.

Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are thought to have the lead, both also locked in talks with Suleiman's Slovak employers, AS Trenčín.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest Nigerian talents in the world.

Why Spurs are pushing to sign Suleiman

Suleiman, a three-cap Nigeria U20 international, is an electric left winger with mighty strength and a natural sharpness in front of goal. Across all competitions this season, he has scored three goals and supplied four assists.

Said to have produced "one of the best ball-carrying/dribbling numbers in world football last year" by analyst Marcus Bring, you can see why Tottenham - and top German clubs - are invested.

His prolific potential suggests he could replace Johnson down that left flank, and strong underlying aspects further strengthen his chances.

Also described as "one of the best wingers playing outside Europe's top five leagues" by journalist Bence Bocsak, there's no question that Suleiman has what it takes to be a star in the Premier League, and Spurs' record of promoting and developing talented youngsters may well swing the odds in their favour, albeit with Leverkusen and Leipzig both skilled in that department themselves.

He's raw, but there's a lot of potential there. Were Suleiman to sign this winter, it's possible he wouldn't become an instant hit, but rather, spend some time learning the craft, perhaps popping out on loan for the latter half of the campaign, or across the 2026/27 season.

While the gap between the Slovakian top flight and the English Premier League is a gaping chasm, Suleiman's start to life on the outer rim of Europe's football scene can only be viewed through a positive lens, and his ability to be combative and win many duels each game would help build a strong partnership with Souza behind him.

The Brazilian, also 19, is "very versatile", and he "defends well and attacks well", as per South American football expert Tim Vickery. Moreover, he has enjoyed a taste of elite quality ahead of him in the shape of Neymar Jr., his teammate throughout 2025.

Suleiman is hardly on a level with one of the great wingers of this generation, but his fleet footwork and blistering speed would be traits well-worn by the Brazilian record scorer, and in this, Souza might feel he has something to work with over the coming years down N17.

This could be a duo for the ages down the line, both athletic and powerful and creative on the ball. Though fans rightly demand progress in the short-term, aligning with planning for the future, these can only be seen as promising moves for a club determined to build a project of lasting success.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £13m deal for their first signing of the January transfer window and the player is now set to fly to London having been pulled out of his club's fixture this weekend.

Frank targeting FA Cup success as Spurs plan new signings

Thomas Frank has promised to go “full strength” when Tottenham host Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round and knows a long run in the competition can save their season.

“Full strength. Yeah, all in. Because we want to win it, both the game and the tournament if possible, but it’s one game at a time. We’re facing a very good Villa team. We know that, but we’ll go all in to try to win.

“I’m very, very aware that a cup run will be fantastic. The FA Cup is the biggest cup and most historic cup tournament, not only in the UK and England, but also in the world.

“So we will do everything we can to win that game tomorrow and then progress to the next round and to install belief. That’s the only thing we’re thinking about.”

And while the former Brentford boss is trying to change the fan sentiment following boos from the away end at Bournemouth, the club are dong everything they can to help him, targeting a couple of new signings this month.

First, they are eyeing a replacement for the departed Brennan Johnson, with names like Omar Marmoush and Kevin Schade mentioned as potential options.

Spurs also want to strengthen in defence, and have now agreed a deal for Santos defender Souza.

Souza pulled from Santos squad with defender travelling to join Spurs

Indeed, according to reliable Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, via Sport Witness, the left-back has been pulled from Santos' squad for their opening match of the season against Novorizontino on Saturday.

His agents requested the club withdraw him from the game to avoid an injury which would scupper the deal, and he's now 'set to fly and complete his move to Tottenham'.

While the deal isn't 100 per cent complete yet, the report states there 'shouldn’t be an issue' as the Lilywhites close in on their first signing of the winter window,

Tottenham Hotspur have a number of players heading towards the exit door as Thomas Frank faces a small overhaul of his squad in the January transfer window.

Tottenham players who could leave in January

Tottenham sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in one of the biggest early moves of the transfer window as Frank and Johan Lange look to rescue a season which is in serious danger of petering out before winter is over.

The Lilywhites have been linked with a move for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush as a possible replacement for the Wales star, and an another attacker is likely needed this month, especially if Mathys Tel follows amid links to Galatasaray.

There could also be an overhaul in defence however, with doubts surrounding the futures of both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who has long been linked with a move to one of La Liga's big clubs and added fuel to the fire when he appeared to blast the club's hierarchy on social media following the defeat to Bournemouth.

"At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now.

"They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies." - via Cristian Romero's Instagram

They aren't the only defenders with question marks surrounding their futures either, and a report from Italy has revealed talks for Radu Dragusin to leave North London have advanced this week.

Dragusin exit advancing with agent in Roma talks

Indeed, according to Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Dragusin's move to Roma has "gained momentum in recent hours" and his agent has held talks with the Serie A outfit.

Managed by former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian side would prefer a straight loan move, which is currently holding the deal up as Spurs would prefer a permanent sale.

The likely solution is a temporary deal with some form of manadatory purchase option, meaning Dragusin has likely played his last game in Tottenham colours.

Shifting the Romania international's wages off the books will provide space for Lange to bring a new face in this month, and given the centre-back has only played once in the Premier League this season, totalling just five minutes of playing time, he won't be a big loss to Frank's squad depth.

The January window is already a week old, and Tottenham Hotspur need to get moving, with the Lilywhites in danger of ending the month weaker than they started it.

Having already sold last season's top scorer, Brennan Johnson, to Crystal Palace on a £35m deal, the north London side have since lost starting right-winger, Mohammed Kudus, to injury, disrupting an attacking unit that has already been without Dominic Solanke for much of the campaign.

There remains an exciting core of young talent at N17, namely Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, although that trio no doubt needs to be built around, with the club still finding their footing in the post-Harry Kane and Son Heung-min era.

A squad in need of reinforcement could get just that if recent reports are to be believed, however, with Thomas Frank's side potentially closing in on a first deal of the window for another rising star.

£13m sensation now wants to join Spurs after bid

With Frank and co currently residing in 14th in the Premier League table, it's fair to say that additions are a necessity this month, with the loss of Johnson only heightening the need to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.

That search has reportedly led ENIC to look at Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the £40m-rated Norwegian believed to be up for sale, after scoring just one league goal all season.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Spurs also appear keen to bolster the backline, with competition needed at left-back, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing the latest on their pursuit of Santos teenager, Souza.

As per Romano, the Lilywhites have agreed the structure of a €15m (£13m) deal for the teenage full-back, after previously seeing an £8m offer rebuffed by the Brazilian outfit.

The transfer insider notes that personal terms with the player have already been agreed and that Spurs are now actually "closing in on a deal" to sign the player.

The player himself, meanwhile, is said to be 'keen' to make the move, if the two parties can reach an agreement.

Why Souza could be Spurs' next Bergvall

There remains real excitement surrounding the likes of Gray and Simons, although these weren't exactly unknown quantities prior to their moves in 2024 and 2025, respectively, a fact reflected in their £40m and £52m price tags.

In Souza, Spurs could well be repeating the success of landing the aforementioned Bergvall instead, with the Swedish star arriving as a teenage talent from Djurgarden for a minimal fee of just £8.5m.

That relative bargain deal looks like a particularly astute one, even with the 19-year-old having yet to nail down a regular starting role to date, with the midfield sensation already earning comparisons to the likes of Luka Modric in north London.

That deal for the Scandinavian talent saw Spurs fend off rival interest from the likes of Manchester United, with the same seemingly set to be true with Souza, with the Brazilian also courting attention from the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea's BlueCo owners.

A player for the long-term, like Bergvall, the left-back could also make an immediate impact in English football if handed the chance, having been described as an "absolute gem" of a player by scout Antonio Mango.

"Energetic, aggressive and tenacious", in the view of Mango, the promising defender has already made 38 made senior appearances for his current side, racking up five goal involvements in that time.

For comparison, Bergvall had only made 59 total senior appearances back in Sweden, before making his move last summer, with Spurs' relative gamble having seemingly paid off.

As already stated, the six-cap Swede isn't a genuine first-choice talent just yet, but he's shown more than glimpses to date, registering ten goals and assists in total at N17, from 69 outings.

The beauty of such a relatively low-cost deal is that Spurs can afford him the time to develop and progress without the scrutiny of a lofty price tag, with that likely to be a similar story if Souza is to join Frank's ranks this month.

While at the top end of the pitch, in particular, the north Londoners might be in need of more ready-made solutions to slot in and strengthen the side, there is no harm in also looking to the future with another exciting, Bergvall-esque deal too.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.