Football FanCast

After joining Tottenham Hotspur as a 15-year-old, very few people would have heard of Harry Kane, but nearly two decades on, he’s now one of the most talked-about talismen in world football.

He emerged through the youth system in North London, before nailing down his place in the first team squad and subsequently breaking a whole host of long-standing club records.

There’s no doubt that the most impressive is his tally of 280 goals for the Lilywhites - a figure that makes him the highest goalscorer in the club’s 143-year history.

However, he’s since moved to Bayern Munich and carried over his incredible record to Germany, netting 103 goals in his 106 outings across all competitions after his £82m transfer in 2023.

Everyone knows Kane for his remarkable efforts in front of goal in the present day, but many aren’t aware of his tremendous rise as a youngster, which has led him to his world-class status.

Harry Kane’s youth record at Tottenham

Unlike a lot of footballers in the present day, Kane’s journey to stardom was not a straightforward one, with numerous bumps and transitions appearing throughout his journey to professional success.

He once played for bitter rivals Arsenal as a youngster, but was released by the Gunners for being “too chubby” - but he was given a golden opportunity to further his career by Spurs at 15.

His rise was rapid for the Lilywhites, earning a scholarship just a year after his arrival - a feat that is often unheard of given the sheer competition for a career in professional football.

However, his success was all the more remarkable considering he transitioned into a centre-forward from his original central midfield role, but such a decision would prove to be an immediate success.

Tangible success was seen as a result in his first year at U18 level, as Kane netted a phenomenal return of 18 goals in just 22 outings, which in turn led to his first appearance in a first-team matchday squad in 2009/10.

There’s been no looking back for the England international since, but who will be the next player to make a name for themselves out of the Lilywhites’ impressive academy setup?

The player who could be the next Kane for Spurs

After the return of Fabio Paratici at Spurs this week, it would be a surprise to no one if the Italian tried to delve into the market to land a new talisman in the months ahead.

Richarlison has shown early glimpses of promise over recent months, scoring three times in the Premier League, but he’s struggled to meet the expectations demanded on him by Thomas Frank in recent weeks.

The Brazilian is now without a goal in his last four outings, with fellow striker Dominic Solanke also unable to make the desired effect due to his constant struggles with his ankle.

The aforementioned duo have cost the club upwards of £115m combined, but ultimately have failed to deliver the goods on a constant basis - with Paratici needing to rectify such business.

He could easily save the club millions in the years ahead should he put trust and faith in academy star Ashiah Haughton-Sinclair, with the teenager a player with a huge future in North London.

At just 14, it may appear as though he will have to wait a while for his first-team opportunity, but there’s no reason why he can’t force himself into the reckoning, given his staggering record.

It’s been claimed that the teenager has already racked up over 400 goals at various academy levels, with his name now one of the biggest talking points behind the scenes in North London.

He’s been featuring above his age group for the last few seasons, with Haughton-Sinclair often featuring for the U15 and U16 sides during the early months of 2025/26.

Last season alone, he netted 65 goals, but he’s continued his incredible goalscoring feats this time around, already finding the back of the net on 30 separate occasions.

He’s also laid on ten assists for his teenage teammates, taking his tally to 40 combined goal contributions - a simply remarkable feat given it’s only October.

As a result of his tremendous form, Haughton-Sinclair was recently named in the England U15 squad, capping off what has been a sensational few months for the youngster.

There’s little denying that he has a long way to go before making his mark in the professional game, but he’s already been handed a scholarship two years ahead of schedule, which highlights the faith shown in him by the club.

Should he continue on his current development path, there’s no reason why he can’t be the next big star to emerge out of the Lilywhites academy and potentially reach the levels achieved by Kane.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has led his side through an excellent run of form on paper since he replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer, but the Dane still has a few weak areas he needs to address with the help of co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici.

Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange appointed as Tottenham transfer duo

On Wednesday, the Lilywhites finally announced Paratici's long-awaited return to N17 as an official employee, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham electing to follow through on the Italian's appointment after Daniel Levy's departure briefly threatened the move.

The transfer chief, who played a major role in the signings of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, among others, joins forces with Lange as the pair tackle Spurs' recruitment drive together.

“I firmly believe we are building something special here at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am looking forward to working with Fabio as part of our new men’s football structure," Lange said after Paratici's reappointment in North London.

“We have a talented group of staff and players here at the Club, and we can look forward with confidence and positivity.”

This significant change in the boardroom comes almost immediately after the Lewis family pumped £100 million of new capital into the club last week, with Tottenham clearly building the foundations for what they hope will be a successful era post-Levy.

In the build up to January, Lange and Paratici, who had been working as a consultant for months prior to his official return, have already been tipped to bolster a few key areas of the squad.

Tottenham are believed to be targeting a new centre-back and winger, after failing to sign Savinho in the summer, with a prolific striker also on the agenda amid reports that they've held discussions over Juventus star Dušan Vlahović.

Spurs were admirers of the Serbia international during Paratici's last spell at N17 in his previous managing director role (Sky Sports), and the 53-year-old's ties to Juve could potentially reopen that door.

Meanwhile, there are some concerns from critics over goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who's come under fire recently for a lack of command in his area when dealing with crosses.

This nearly resulted in Joe Rodon scoring for Leeds in their last match before the international break, but it is worth noting that Vicario also pulled off a string of excellent saves at Elland Road.

Antonin Kinsky drops off in Tottenham training amid Vicario concerns

When asked if Spurs should be looking at an alternative goalkeeper in January, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel moved to defend the Italian in a Q&A — whilst also making an intriguing claim about Antonin Kinsky and an alleged drop-off behind-the-scenes.

"I think Vicario is an excellent modern day goalkeeper," Mokbel said.

"I get your point for sure, there have been moments when he's appeared susceptible in his own area – particularly when his area is congested. But as a shot-stopper he is very good and he is comfortable in possession, which is a key component for goalkeepers in today's game.

"I don't believe a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham anytime soon. With regards to Kinsky – he made a very promising start to life at Spurs when he arrived in January. He played regularly under then manager Ange Postecoglou because Vicario was a long-term injury absentee.

"But I've been told that his performances dropped off, even in training, once Vicario moved closer to fitness. That certainly raised an alarm for the previous coaching team."

The 22-year-old is still very much in his infancy when it comes to goalkeeping years, and Vicario's comeback unfortunately spelled the end of his brief run in the team.

Starting for Spurs regularly after his £12.5 million move from Slavia Prague last January was a very exciting time for the Czech ace. Taking that into account, Vicario's emerging presence would've undoubtedly demotivated him — knowing that a return to the bench was imminent.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been blessed by countless attacking talents over the years, many of whom have handed the supporters memories to last a lifetime.

Whilst he failed to claim any silverware in North London, striker Harry Kane will arguably go down as one of the best ever players to represent the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old posted an incredible tally of 280 goals during his decade in the first-team squad, often being the go-to player in terms of producing the goods within attacking areas.

His subsequent tally saw him overtake Jimmy Greaves in the club’s history books, becoming the Lilywhites’ all-time leading scorer in the league and all competitions.

However, his departure in 2023 has left a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, with Thomas Frank yet to find a suitable successor during the early months of his tenure.

What Frank has made of Richarlison in 2025/26

With Dominic Solanke’s injury issues coming back to bite him in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign, new boss Frank has had to rely upon Richarlison to provide the goods in the final third.

The Brazilian looked set to depart to join Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, but the Dane’s arrival seemingly gave the forward a new lease of life in North London.

He netted twice on the opening day against Burnley, also scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion - but has come under fire in recent weeks amid his lack of impact.

The 28-year-old has now failed to score in any of his last four outings for the Lilywhites, which has led to criticism from the fanbase over his long-term future at the club.

However, Frank himself has previously spoken about Richarlison’s impact, offering a glowing review of the forward and praising him for his form since taking the reins.

In a recent interview, the Dane stated: “Right now he’s my starting nine, he’s scored some fantastic goals. He is a very good player, and I’m very happy with him.”

Despite the praise, rumours have also been swirling around his future, potentially seeing him move to the MLS to join Orlando City in the upcoming transfer window.

There’s no denying that the hierarchy will be targeting reinforcements in such an area in the distant future, but they could save themselves millions by unleashing one player within their ranks.

The Spurs star who could be a Harry Kane regen

Whoever fills the void for Spurs in the centre-forward position will have huge expectations placed upon them, mainly due to the impact produced by Kane.

Losing a world-class level talent is always going to provide a near-impossible task of replacing him, as seen by the Lilywhites’ attempts in recent years since his departure.

Given Solanke’s recent issues with fitness and Richarlison’s inability to provide the goods on a consistent basis, a solution desperately needs to be found if the manager is to be a success in the role.

However, the £110m spending spree this summer may have a bearing on the levels of funds available next year, with the manager needing to consider utilising Will Lankshear.

The 20-year-old is a product of the Lilywhites’ academy, just like Kane, but the similarities go deeper than just his route to becoming a professional.

He was sent on his first loan spell last campaign, subsequently joining West Brom in January, but was unable to make the desired impact after failing to find the net in his 11 outings.

Kane suffered a similar fate back in 2010/11, with the Englishman struggling to set the world alight during his first loan spell at Leyton Orient in League One.

However, Lankshear has seemingly impressed in England’s second tier so far this season, already netting three times in his nine outings for Oxford United.

Such form has seen the forward be labelled a “Harry Kane regen” by one analyst, further highlighting the huge potential he possesses at present.

There’s no disputing that Lankshear will need to make a huge jump between starring for Oxford and the Lilywhites, but it’s something that Kane managed to do upon his break into the squad.

Such a move won’t be the supporters’ main one, but it’s a cost-effective one that could certainly make the club millions should he reach the levels achieved by his compatriot.

As for Richarlison, if the youngster manages to cement his place within the first team ranks, it could certainly spell the end for him in North London despite the manager’s hefty recent praise.

Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in attacking areas, as seen by their deal to land Roberto Soldado back in 2013.

The Spaniard cost the hierarchy a whopping £26m from LaLiga side Valencia, a deal that was a then club record during the tenure of former chairman Daniel Levy.

However, such a move was a disaster for all parties involved with the deal, with the forward only scoring 16 times in his 76 appearances for the Lilywhites across all competitions.

As a result of his dismal stint in North London, he would depart after just two years, subsequently leaving at a loss of £16m and moving back to his homeland to join Villarreal.

Despite the failure of the deal to land Soldado, it hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from making numerous other big-money moves to help improve their Premier League standing.

The failures of Richarlison at Tottenham

Back in the summer of 2022, Spurs once again spent big on a new centre forward, with Brazilian international Richarlison joining in a deal worth £50m from Everton.

Given the amount spent on his signature, the move generates huge excitement amongst the fanbase, but it’s safe to say the transfer hasn’t lived up to expectations.

The 28-year-old has racked up 101 appearances for the Lilywhites since his move, but he’s only scored on 23 occasions - averaging a goal every five games at present.

He’s also been given the nod by new boss Thomas Frank in recent months, but has failed to repay the faith shown in him by Dane with his recent performances.

Throughout his last two outings against Bodo Glimt and Wolves, he only managed 30 combined touches, subsequently registering the fewest amount of touches of any player on the pitch in both contests.

He was strongly linked with a summer transfer to join Galatasaray during the recent window, but stayed put in North London, but such a decision could be one they regret.

However, despite his lack of impact in recent times, one other player has also struggled to live up to the huge expectations that he arrived in North London with.

The Spurs star who was compared to Kane

Harry Kane is a player who massively captured the hearts of the fanbase at Spurs, and understandably s,o given his tremendous goalscoring exploits in North London.

The Englishman netted a staggering 280 goals during his decade in the Lilywhites first-team, with such a record making him the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

However, his goalscoring exploits were unable to catapult the club to any tangible success, with the hierarchy subsequently allowing him to depart and join Bayern Munich to further his career.

The club would recoup a fee in the region of £82m for his signature, but wouldn’t spend such funds in the same window, with Richarlison often leading the line in 2023/24.

Money would be invested in a new talisman the year after, as Dominic Solanke joined Spurs in a club-record £65m deal from fellow top-flight outfit Bournemouth in the summer of 2024.

Like Richarlison, such a move generated huge buzz around the club, especially after he netted 16 times across all competitions during his first season in North London.

Such form led to John Wenham comparing his skillset and assets to those of Kane, but it’s safe to say his career at the club has massively stagnated over the last few months.

Wenham stated during the infancy of Solanke's Spurs career: "He was holding up the ball, pressing from the front and winning free kicks in a way we haven’t seen a Tottenham striker do since Kane."

Solanke has been restricted to just 31 minutes of Premier League action this campaign, with injuries plaguing his progress at the club over the first few weeks of Frank’s tenure.

It’s led to him arguably suffering the same fate as previous big-money addition Soldado, with the Spaniard also scoring frequently in his first year before he struggled to replicate such form the year after.

There is still bags of time for him to get his career with the Lilywhites back on track, but it’s safe to say his time at the club is yet to live up to the expectations many had upon his arrival.

Replacing Kane in the final third was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the gap between the pair is rapidly becoming apparent given their respective spells in recent times.

He will need to rapidly get back to fitness to prove his worth; otherwise, he could certainly suffer the same fate and go down as another big-money flop in North London.

Tottenham have announced that transfer chief Fabio Paratici has returned to N17 on an official basis after months of reports, and he will work alongside Johan Lange as a co-sporting director.

Spurs confirm Fabio Paratici return as new leadership structure revealed

Paratici, who was forced to resign from his previous Spurs post as managing director in 2023 after a worldwide ban from football, has now made a stunning return to North London.

The Italian played a key role in the club's signings of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr and other first-team stars, and has advised the Lilywhites on a consultancy basis for months.

Paratici lent a helping hand to CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Lange and manager Thomas Frank over the summer window, but ex-chairman Daniel Levy's departure threatened to cast doubt on his rumoured return to Spurs as a full-time employee.

Now, those doubts have been quashed, with Paratici officially taking up a sporting director role with Lange as the pair lead Tottenham's recruitment drive in unison.

“I’m delighted to be returning to a Club that I love," Paratici said, via the club's official website.

“I have been working with Johan, Vinai and Thomas as a consultant for a number of months and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full-time. I’m convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the Club and our supporters."

Venkatesham added that the increased demands on sporting directors in today's climate prompted the club to move forward with two experienced chiefs in Lange and Paratici.

“This is an important evolution in how we operate. The remit of a Sporting Director today is vast, and by uniting two exceptional leaders in Johan and Fabio, we’re setting the foundations for sustained success," Venkatesham explained.

“They are both outstanding football minds, with complementary expertise and strong track records. This structure reflects our ambition and our determination to compete at the very highest level to deliver for our supporters.

“Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose."

After Tottenham were also bankrolled with a £100 million cash injection via the Lewis family last week, the January transfer window now looks even more interesting.

Tottenham identify new target in Rangers star Nicolas Raskin

According to TEAMtalk, Lange and Paratici may have already got to work on identifying a new target for midfield — Rangers star Nicolas Raskin.

The Belgium international is cut above the Gers' star man at Ibrox, with the Glasgow giants placing a £20-25 million price tag on his head. A sale at that price would make Raskin their club-record departure, and it is believed Spurs have emerged as the latest contender for his signature.

Tottenham are expressing an interest in Raskin ahead of the January window, and considering he has just under two years remaining on his current contract, the Teddy Bears may well have a decision to make if Paratici and Lange come forward with a suitable bid.

The 24-year-old, who was a handful for James Maddison for Spurs when they met Rangers in the Europa League last season, bagged five goals and 11 assists in nearly 50 appearances across 24/25, despite mostly playing as a defensive anchor.

With Yves Bissouma likely departing in 2026, whether that be in the winter or at the end of the season when his deal expires, Raskin could be a very astute replacement for the Mali international.

Crystal Palace are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of a former Real Madrid player, who "never puts a foot wrong."

Palace keen on new centre-back with Guehi set for exit

Marc Guehi was hardly short of suitors before the international break, with the centre-back's move to Liverpool falling through on deadline day, but the Englishman has once again put himself in the shop window courtesy of his performance against Wales.

The Three Lions haven't conceded a single goal in World Cup qualifying, with Guehi helping his side continue their fantastic defensive record against Wales last week, while also assisting England's opening two goals.

The 25-year-old has remained a consummate professional, having not downed tools in order to force through a move, but it appears as though an exit is inevitable, given that the Palace captain was left very unhappy with his move to Anfield breaking down.

Consequently, Crystal Palace have now started looking at potential replacements for the defender, and they have now joined the race for Lazio defender Mario Gila, who is also being targeted by Tottenham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states all the aforementioned Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Gila, who could command a huge transfer fee.

The Italian club are only willing to listen to offers in the region of €45m - €50m (£39m - £43m), which is regarded as an affordable fee for Spurs, but would be a club-record signing for Palace, eclipsing the £32m spent on Christian Benteke back in 2016.

Gila could be exciting replacement for Guehi

Of course, no Crystal Palace fan will want their FA Cup-winning captain to leave, but given that he has shown no interest in signing a new contract, it is wise to start thinking about potential replacements.

Moreover, the Lazio defender could be an exciting option, given that he is experienced in Europe, having featured in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League with Lazio.

The ex-Real Madrid man has also received plaudits from Lazio sporting director Igli Tare, who seemed to suggest he is destined for the top level, saying: "He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn't surprise me if Real wanted him back."

As such, it would be a real coup if Palace were able to sign Gila, but the capture of Yeremy Pino in the summer showed that Selhurst Park is now becoming an attractive destination for top players.

Many years later, English football will look back fondly at Ange Postecoglou. The Australian tactician ended Tottenham Hotspur's agonising search for silverware, after all.

But Postecoglou's tenure was anything but smooth sailing, and though Thomas Frank's style of play has withdrawn some of the electric attacking play that 'Ange-ball' injected in north London, with the 7.4 xG (expected goals) total thus far showing plenty to be desired on that front.

Still, it's hard to argue that the moves made in the transfer market weren't positive. Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £55m is a fantastic piece of business, and he is proving his worth on the pitch.

Xavi Simons is probably the summer showpiece, even if he hasn't quite clicked into gear yet. The Dutch playmaker is capable both centrally and out wide, with his right-footed preference lending itself to a place on the left flank when needed.

That left-hand side is an area Frank will hope to work on, having sold legendary skipper Heung-min Son to LAFC for £20m in August.

In spite of this, Spurs didn't see fit to purchase Timo Werner on a permanent basis, with the German's two-year loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ending rather meekly.

Timo Werner's time at Spurs

Tottenham signed former Chelsea striker Werner on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2024, with Postecoglou in need of an extra dimension in attack. It was a divisive move, but one which proved shrewd enough, Werner scoring twice and laying on four assists across ten Premier League starts in 2023/24.

Fleet-footed and slippery down the left channel, Werner did his job, creating 1.2 chances per game and earning praise from Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson for his "lightning-quick" pace.

The first phase of this Tottenham duology was a decent enough effort, but as with so many unnecessary sequels, Werner's second season down N17 saw him flatter to deceive, anonymous throughout the second phase of the season after offering very little initially.

Savvy operators, Spurs initially had an option to buy Werner for £15m at the end of the 2023/24 season, but instead engineered an extension of that loan stay. Under the new agreement, an £8.5m purchase option was inserted.

Was this a good move? In hindsight, Tottenham fans would say that it was not. Last December, the 29-year-old was hauled off at half-time against Rangers in the Europa League, and Ange said post-match that the forward's performance "wasn't acceptable", with his body language and application leaving much to be desired.

Wrapping up his time in north London with a return of three goals and seven assists across 41 matches in all competitions, it's hard to brand Werner as anything other than a failure, having contributed little during the early stage of the European campaign, when he did actually earn some minutes.

Even with three assists from only four Premier League starts in 2024/25 (18 league appearances all told), Werner's underlying performances did little to suggest he was up to scratch, with Sofascore recording he won just 1.2 ground duels per game, missing two big chances and taking a paucity of shots.

There are fears, even with all the good that is being done under Frank's guidance this season, that Tottenham have repeated an unwanted trick and signed their next version of the German flop.

Spurs' new version of Werner

On transfer deadline day, when Tottenham beat off competition across the continent to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, it was regarded as a coup for a dynamic and dangerous forward.

The 26-year-old is contracted to the English outfit on a season-long loan deal with no option or obligation to buy.

Hailed as a "superstar" by German legend Lothar Matthaus, the £150k-per-week forward has hit highs and lows in recent years, but he impressed with Juventus last season and was the subject of interest from Spurs only in January, holding talks to sign him but ultimately missing out.

However, injuries have not been kind to the Les Bleus star across the opening months of the season, with the Champions League win over Villarreal the extent of his time on the field so far. Only 13 minutes of action is what he played.

His career has been somewhat up and down, but Kolo Muani undoubtedly has the talent and potential to succeed in the Premier League, though, aged 26, it's important that he makes a convincing start to life at Tottenham when he does return from his current setback.

If not, the high-salary, injury-prone ace might find himself entering some conversations that liken him to Werner, whose Champions League triumph with Chelsea and prolific returns during his first spell with Leipzig led him to be regarded as an elite talent.

Kolo Muani, too, has enjoyed his most fruitful returns in Germany, hitting 23 goals and 17 assists across the 2022/23 campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt before earning a £73m transfer to the French capital, where the wheels stopped spinning.

Looking across the past 12 months, though, there's little question that Kolo Muani has the talent to bring it all together. However, much more is needed. And the need at Tottenham for him to do just that is becoming quite significant as Richarlison and Dominic Solanke toil.

Final judgement will, of course, be reserved until the Frenchman has ample Premier League experience under his belt, but there's little question that he has started off on the wrong footing.

His only saving grace is that Frank's frontline have struggled for quality so far this season, and if he can rekindle the fitness and form that saw him hit such heights on loan with Juventus last term, Kolo Muani may be able to avoid falling toward a reputation as Tottenham's next version of Werner.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank could be backed with further signings in January, coming after the Lewis family bankrolled the Lilywhites with a £100 million capital injection last week.

Lewis family make Tottenham statement with £100m windfall

This extra funding will be used for the 'day-to-day' running of Spurs, according to reports, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington now poised to decide how this cash will be spent.

Frank and technical director Johan Lange will also have a say, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, with the two Danes and Tottenham's new-look boardroom finalising their financial requirements for on-pitch success.

This follows an intriguing claim from Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol last month, who reported all the way back then that ENIC were intending to pump money into the club, and these funds could be used on new transfers or to heighten their wage budget.

With January around the corner, there is every reason to believe that a portion of his new capital could be used to attack the transfer market, and there are a few key areas of the squad that need addressing.

It is believed that Tottenham still want a centre-back and another winger, after failing to sign Savinho and another defender in the summer window. Meanwhile, there are multiple reports now surfacing that Spurs are keen to sign a new number nine as well.

Dominic Solanke hasn't featured since Tottenham's 2-0 win away to Man City in August, and hasn't played more than 20 minutes in any of his three appearances so far this term as the England international continues his comeback from minor ankle surgery.

Richarlison, meanwhile, is a cause for concern amid some criticism surrounding his lack of consistency, with Mathys Tel given the starting nod against Leeds United and opening the scoring in place of the Brazilian.

Frank has made a solid start to life in the Spurs dugout, after ex-chair Daniel Levy handed him a lucrative three-year contract which made him the Premier League's joint-third highest paid manager, but the Dane arguably needs a reliable goalscorer up top.

Randal Kolo Muani can play as a centre-forward, but he's only on a straight loan, which is highly uncharacteristic for Spurs, as Lange and co may well be forced to return to the market for a more long-term target.

The France international, once he's back fully fit, could eventually prove that he's worth negotiating for a permanent deal, but for now, Tottenham are considering their options.

Journalist responds to "whispers" about Ivan Toney joining Tottenham

Al-Ahli star Ivan Toney, who worked with Frank at Brentford and scored 20 Premier League goals in 2022/2023, has been linked with a January move to N17 recently.

Some reports claim that Frank has even contacted Toney about joining Tottenham on loan in the winter, and reporter Dean Jones has responded to "whispers" he's heard about the £40 million forward's potential return to England.

"It is interesting that noises are starting to be made around him," Jones told TEAMtalk.

“There have been some whispers about him going to Spurs. Obviously, there is the Thomas Frank link from Brentford, but I do not get the impression there is too much in it.

“It’s not one that I have heard Spurs seriously looking at for now, but we will know for sure soon once they outline the initial target list for the new year.

“I personally think there are players they will look to before Toney."

Since his move to Saudi in the summer of 2024, Toney has played just two minutes of action for England and was omitted from the Three Lions squad for nearly a year, before appearing on the bench against Andorra in June and featuring in a shock loss to Senegal.

"He deserves to be with us, and I am convinced because he scored over 20 goals for his team this season," said Thomas Tuchel after Toney's last selection for the squad.

"He won a major title with the Asian Champions League, he had a big contribution with goals and assists.

"I said last time [in March] that I would try to put a visit in my schedule [to Saudi Arabia] which I didn't make, so I thought bring him [Toney] over and let him travel with us."

The 29-year-old might have one eye on a place in Tuchel's 2026 World Cup side, but despite scoring for fun in the Middle East, he isn't getting much of a look-in bar that one summer call.

There's something indescribable about the connection a football club forges with a youngster who successfully works their way from the academy scene to superstardom.

Here goes anyway. Tottenham Hotspur are among the chief purveyors of youth prospects finding a route up to the top level. The Spurs academy is a cornerstone of the club's philosophy, and Harry Kane stands as a testament to that.

Plying their trade away from N17 are Noni Madueke and Troy Parrott, both rising stars who once earned their stripes under the senior stage in north London.

But the emphasis in recent years has been clear, and Tottenham have a number of rising talents cutting their teeth elsewhere on loan deals.

Luka Vuskovic is evidence of that, the 18-year-old having signed for the Premier League side in 2023 for a reported £13m fee, spending the last two years continuing his development in his Croatian homeland before arriving and heading straight back out to Hamburg in Germany for the current campaign.

Vuskovic may well be the most exciting prospect the Lilywhites have, but he's not the only one playing elsewhere. Tottenham's loan strategy is clear.

Spurs loan round-up

In September, Vuskovic earned his maiden cap for Croatia's men's team. Four games into his Bundesliga career with Hamburger SV, the teenager has shattered expectations, winning nine duels and recovering five balls on average per game (Sofascore).

A menace in the air and showing age-belying strength, Vuskovic is Tottenham's future in defence, and the strong partnership of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will help him to no end down the line, easing his integration into the Premier League arena.

At the other end of the field, Mikey Moore is a talent of a similar standing, hailed by Fabrizio Romano as being a "superstar" in the making. However, he has struggled out with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership since the summer, but the sinking ship at Ibrox makes for hostile conditions indeed.

These two are considered Tottenham's brightest youth prospects.

It's not just the youngsters. 26-year-old winger Manor Solomon has a goal and assist across three La Liga appearances with Villarreal, on loan in Spain until the end of the term.

But it's the younger generation who primarily fill the out-on-loan spots in Spurs' squad, with midfielder Alfie Devine having made a promising start in England's second tier with Preston North End, two goals and an assist under the belt.

His versatility and technical ability suggest he could yet work his way into Tottenham's plans, having, of course, scored aged 16 in the FA Cup when entering against non-league Marine as a substitute.

Not all are enjoying the same fortunes. Jamie Donley, 20, is considered a fine playmaking talent, but he has been on the fringes at Stoke City this season, yet to start in the Championship. Last year, he notched 19 goal contributions on loan with Leyton Orient.

Also at Stoke is Ashley Phillips, a young and talented centre-half who might be something of a forgotten man at Tottenham, but has the potential, just like Vuskovic, to seal a place before Frank's vision in the coming years.

The Spurs star who could rival Vuskovic

In 2023, Tottenham signed Phillips from Blackburn Rovers for about £3m. A large payment for an 18-year-old, but he was a long-time target and had featured 15 times for the seniors before his big move.

Phillips, still only 20, started 35 matches in the Championship for Stoke last season, winning 60% of his ground duels and making 5.9 clearances per game, data courtesy of Sofascore. He has only started twice so far this season, albeit with both outings coming in Stoke's recent league matches, two draws.

Vuskovic might be the talk of the town, but Phillips has what it takes to succeed under Frank's wing, having garnered a wealth of experience in the Championship and playing for a Potters side whose seasonal objective is to achieve promotion, fifth after nine matches.

His is a profile which practically begs to be placed at the highest level, and his skillset is, in theory, perfect for Frank's tactical system. Tony Mowbray, who managed Phillips at Blackburn, recognised the defender's potential from the start.

Mowbray said: "He’s an amazing footballer and he is going to be a mega footballer I’m pretty sure, but he’s a very young boy. He’s a 6’3, 6’4 magnificent cut of a guy, fast as lightning, composed with the ball, aggressive."

These are all the attributes required in a modern defender looking to succeed at the highest level. If Phillips can continue to make headway over the coming months, he may well be linking back up in Tottenham at the same time as Vuskovic, rivalling his junior for a starting berth.

For all his strengths, Vuskovic is hardly in fallible, having won only 47% of his ground battles in Germany so far this season. A strength of Phillips', this is something which could sway the odds when both jockey for a starring role.

It was three years ago that Spurs insider Jon Wenham hailed Phillips as a "monster" of a young player, drawing attention to his physique and mental fortitude, clear from the get-go.

The road to superstardom in the Premier League is long and winding. Phillips and those close to him clearly have their wits about them and recognise the advantage in playing the long game.

Kane played out a series of short-term stints away before finding his footing in north London, after his teenage years. Vuskovic is sharpening his own defensive skills.

Phillips walks the same path. Keep an eye on this 'monstrous' centre-back; he might just play a significant role in the Frank project down the line.

Tottenham are making plans to sign a new striker in 2026 amid concerns surrounding Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, with the Lewis family's recent £100 million cash injection potentially about to be reinvested into the transfer market.

Tottenham dealt Solanke and Richarlison worries as new striker targeted

Solanke is expected back soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international's goalscoring proficiency has been marred by fitness issues since his club-record £65 million move from Bournemouth last year.

The striker missed over 12 games last season with a combination of thigh, knee and ankle issues, with Solanke already sitting out eight matches this term and hasn't managed to play more than 20 minutes in a single one of his appearances under Thomas Frank.

Understandably, some supporters have grown slightly frustrated by Solanke's lack of availability, even if he finished 24/25 as their second-top scorer in all competitions behind Brennan Johnson with 16 goals.

Richarlison, meanwhile, got off to a flying start this season with a brace against Burnley on the opening Premier League weekend, including a sensational bicycle kick and early goal of the season contender, but the Brazilian has largely failed to convince on-lookers since then.

“Richarlison for me, big money, £60 million he cost. He started the season on fire, two goals against Burnley, then scored a tap-in against Brighton,” pundit Gabrile Agbonlahor told talkSPORT recently.

“Then you’re like, this could be the season Richarlison kicks on and becomes the main man, but the same thing happens season after season with Richarlison.

“He will have a couple of good games, he’ll have three or four games where he will give absolutely zero, and if he’s leading your line, with Solanke’s injury problems, that’s a scare for me for Spurs.”

Taking this into account, Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the new-look Lilywhites board have already been linked with a few intriguing centre-forward targets.

Frank has reportedly reached out to Ivan Toney over a potential loan move to Tottenham in January, coming after the Englishman dazzled under him at Brentford with 20 Premier League goals in 2022/2023.

As Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic's contract ticks down towards expiry next summer, Spurs have also been touted with a swoop for the Serbian.

Vlahovic could replace Kolo Muani after Tottenham approach made

Reports suggest that Vlahovic's camp have spoken to Tottenham as they reach out to various suitors, and Italian news outlet Sport Quotidiano now have an update on the 25-year-old's situation.

They claim that Tottenham have "tested the waters" for Vlahovic, suggesting an approach has been made, and the ex-Fiorentina star could even replace summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, who's only on a dry loan from PSG and yet to establish himself due to injury.

Quotidiano adds that Vlahovic, who they claim earns around £202,000-per-week, is "increasingly likely" to depart Turin with no fresh terms in sight.

The international hitman is poised to become one of next year's most in-demand free agents at the very least, if Juve don't opt to sell him for a cheap fee in the winter.

The number nine boasts a fairly impressive track record, consistently finding the back of the net in Serie A with Fiorentina and Juventus — scoring at least 14 goals in every season since his breakthrough campaign at La Viola in 2020/2021.

Tottenham have struggled at times to convert chances, lacking a reliable, clinical finisher to lead the line amid Solanke and Richarlison's problems.

Vlahovic’s attacking record in one of Europe’s toughest leagues speaks volumes, and his physical presence adds another dimension too.