Football FanCast

Remarkably, Tottenham Hotspur have finished 2025 with the knowledge that a win at Brentford on New Year's Day will propel Thomas Frank's side onto the edge of the ascendancy, two points away from fifth-place Chelsea.

This is curious to note. Spurs' league form has been abject for much of the annual year, and this season, only twice have the Londoners won on home soil.

But it says something of Tottenham's resilience and togetherness, and the fact that Frank now has a wonderful chance to use the financial backing that is coming his way and make impactful improvements in the January transfer window, with forwards being eyed.

Spurs looking to sign forwards in January

Change is afoot down N17, with ENIC Group having already agreed a £35m fee with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Welsh winger Brennan Johnson.

Though Johnson has flattered to deceive this season, starting only three times in the Premier League since August, he is still a talented and prolific winger. In May, he snatched the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

A replacement must be signed, even with the Lilywhites in need of a centre-midfielder too.

And, according to Sport BILD, via Sport Witness, Tottenham and the Red Devils have been in direct contact with the agents of Said El Mala, who is enjoying a goal-laden breakout year in the Bundesliga with FC Köln.

The 19-year-old is a right-footed, left-sided winger, thus fitting the profile Spurs want. However, his employers know they are onto a winner, and have responded to interest by demanding at least £35m.

That gives him the same valuation as Palace-bound Johnson.

Why El Mala is a big Johnson upgrade

Football's wheeler-dealing transfer scene rarely allows for smooth and straightforward business, but Johnson is closing on a move to Selhurst Park with minimal complications - though he must agree to the move himself - and that could pave the way for El Mala in a like-for-like switch.

The teenager is worth pursuing, in any case. This season, he has scored six goals in the Bundesliga, assisting two more. He has featured 15 times, starting six of those matches, and last year, he was on loan with Viktoria Köln in the third tier of German football.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him for having a "huge future ahead", already proving he has the physicality and tenacity to match his natural ability and eye for a goal. Sofascore show that he has won 3.4 duels on average per league outing this term.

Clearly, El Mala would mark an upgrade on this current version of Johnson, whose sharpness in the final third has been overwhelmed and discarded following some dismal underlying metrics, such as his accuracy and intent on the ball, losing 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League.

As you can see below, El Mala is already outstripping the 24-year-old across numerous statistics, and while he has yet to make the jump over to the unforgiving English scene, his clinical edge, creativity and energy all point toward an exciting future.

The difference in ball-carrying success is astronomical - especially when considering successful take-ons, a good marker for fleetness and technical control. Johnson is an able dribbler, but he doesn't apply his skills anywhere near consistently enough.

In fact, El Mala's success in this regard has seen data analyst Spencer Mossman describe him as "the most direct winger in Europe", someone who could replace Johnson and produce more goods.

Spurs need a left-sided forward, especially after selling Heung-min Son to LAFC during the summer. El Mala could be the perfect addition, one for the future and one who could surpass Johnson from the get-go.

People close to a 'genuine talent' have reportedly admitted that Tottenham want to sign him, with the player also in huge demand across Europe.

Tottenham set for cash windfall amid Brennan Johnson sale

The big news coming out of Spurs in the last 48 hours is winger Brennan Johnson's imminent departure, which comes just over two years after his £47.5 million switch from Nottingham Forest.

Johnson, who finished 24/25 as the Lilywhites' top goalscorer in all competitions with 18, also scored the Europa League-final winning goal against Man United in May to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Fast-forward to now, and the Wales international is closing in on an exit with Crystal Palace already agreeing a £35 million fee for Johnson prior to January.

However, the south Londoners still aren't alone in the race, with Everton, Sunderland and Bournemouth all making calls to Spurs and considering moves of their own.

“Brennan Johnson has to decide whether he wants to go to Crystal Palace or wait for other opportunities," Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel.

“It is my understanding that Bournemouth are ready to pay the transfer fee, and there are also Sunderland and Everton calling in the last 24 hours. So now Brennan Johnson has to decide what he wants to do in terms of technical project, in terms of contract, in terms of city - he’s based in London, obviously.”

As the race for Johnson heats up, Thomas Frank and co are making recruitment plans of their own as we fast approach 2026.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TEAMtalk, one man on their radar is AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit.

Tottenham want to sign Kees Smit amid Frenkie de Jong comparison

The 19-year-old has taken Dutch football by storm and is already drawing lofty comparisons, with an unnamed Premier League scout telling TT that he's the Netherlands' answer to Adam Wharton and possibly a new Frenkie de Jong.

Bailey also says that people close to Smit's camp have confirmed that every big club in England is after the teenager, including Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle.

With Tottenham targeting Smit for 2026, the mystery scout has also called him a 'genuine talent' and one of Dutch football's most exciting prospects who 'everyone will be talking about'.

“He is a very clever footballer," the scout said.

"Many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.

“He is a genuine talent, when you think of an Adam Wharton in England – this is the Dutch version of that. He is probably the best Dutch midfield prospect since Frenkie De Jong, and he hasn’t done bad, has he?

“He really is superb and is someone everyone will be talking about this summer.”

The Eredivisie starlet, according to TEAMtalk, could cost as much as £65 million — ironically a similar fee to de Jong's Barcelona transfer in 2019.

If not that high, it is believed a minimum £52 million would be required to convince AZ to part with their rising star next year.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has certainly had problems at centre-forward this season. The Lilywhites have not been at their best in attack very often under their new manager, having only scored 27 times in the Premier League this term.

Their options at number nine have not been in the best form, which has certainly not helped. Richarlison is their top goalscorer this term with seven, with Mathys Tel, the other option up front to have scored.

Despite his talent, Randall Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has yet to score.

Dominic Solanke has also been missing for much of the season, but Spurs might hope his return will improve their fortunes.

Why Solanke’s return can help Spurs

Life under Frank has not really got going yet for Spurs’ number 19, Solanke.

He picked up a serious ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has been out injured since, having made just two appearances in the new campaign.

It is frustrating because the former Bournemouth man, who cost Spurs £65m including add-ons, would have been desperate to build on his 2024/25 form.

His debut campaign in North London saw him bag 16 goals and assist eight in 45 games in all competitions.

The three-cap England star will certainly add a new level of dynamism to the Lilywhites' attack.

He is an excellent penalty box number nine, with good movement in the area and instinct to pounce on any loose balls, as this goal shows.

That is certainly a different profile to the ones which Frank’s side have up front now.

Richarlison has his merits in the penalty area, but he and Kolo Muani are players who both operate well with space to run into.

Solanke’s return will be a massive boost, but if he struggles to rediscover his best form at Spurs, they can always turn to a young star to solve their centre-forward issues.

Spurs youngster who can soon rival Solanke

There are certainly some talented youngsters in the Lilywhites academy. Mikey Moore has shone at first-team level in the past, and Archie Gray recently scored his first professional goal after locking down a spot in the midfield.

Next up could be 18-year-old centre-forward Mason Melia. Described as the “Irish Harry Kane” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is set to move to the club in January after signing from St Patrick's Athletic for just £3.2m including add-ons.

It has been a quick rise to the top for the striker, who hails from Newtownmountkennedy in Ireland. He made his debut at just 15 years of age and has since gone on to develop a reputation as a clinical striker.

When you consider that, it is easy to see where the comparison to Spurs legend Kane comes from. In 35 Irish top-flight games this season, he's found the back of the net on 13 occasions and has chipped in with four assists.

Some of his underlying numbers from the 2025 season in a St Pat’s shirt show just how good he can be. For example, Melia is averaging 0.5 goals and 1.4 shots on target per 90 minutes this calendar year.

Described as an “instinctive” number nine by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager is brilliant at scoring all types of goals.

He has great movement in the box, but can also strike a ball from range with great success.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Melia already has an impressive goal catalogue and has built up a brilliant pedigree outside of that.

Spurs are having issues up front, and if Solanke’s return does not have the impact they would hope, it could be the 18-year-old’s chance to make a real name for himself.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to complete some business in the January transfer window. Despite beating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the weekend, they remain in the bottom half of the Premier League, 11th at the season's midpoint.

There is much work for Thomas Frank to do, many holes to be plugged, but Tottenham are building something atop the foundation of last season's Europa League win, and a well-utilised winter market could help accelerate the manager's vision.

The Lewis family are going to back the boss. Funds have been provided; expect a fresh face or two.

There's no question that Tottenham need a new centre-midfielder, but there has been movement on the Brennan Johnson front, so landing a new wide-attacking recruit could be first on the club's co-sporting directors' list of priorities.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

On the overtures of the New Year, it has emerged that Tottenham have agreed a deal in principle with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Johnson, worth £35m.

Johnson has played a sporadic role this season, with his creative and physical metrics leaving much to be desired. Only at the end of last season did the Wales international score the winning goal in the Europa League final, his 19th of the season, but football moves quickly.

So quickly, in fact, that the north Londoners have already earmarked a replacement, with the Daily Mail revealing that Spurs are interested in AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

Akliouche, 23, has been excellent for his French employers since graduating from their much-lauded academy, and at £40m, he would be more affordable for Tottenham than someone like Bournemouth's £65m-rated winger Antoine Semenyo, who is headed for Manchester City.

Why Akliouche would be a Johnson upgrade

Akliouche has become one of the most important members of Monaco's senior squad, featuring 22 times in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and supplying five assists.

But this is not a player who is defined by data. He is elegant and fleet-footed, dangerous out wide or from a central midfield berth. As per Sofascore, he has created seven big chances from only 14 league appearances in 2025/26, his athleticism underscored by an average of 5.3 ball recoveries per game.

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

Data isn't everything, but as the statistics will tell you below, Akliouche is a strong playmaker and he likes to dribble forward with the ball himself, albeit leaving something to be desired when in front of goal and striking at the keeper.

Johnson might have a firm advantage on the goalscoring front, but he's turning out to be something of a one-trick pony, otherwise offering very little.

Given that a lack of spark and creativity has been among Tottenham's most damaging flaws this season, the decision to have shipped him out is understandable, especially now that Akliouche is in ENIC Group's sights.

A veritable artist on the ball, talent scout Jacek Kulig has actually remarked that Akliouche has "a left foot made of gold", with pinpoint, inventive passing showcased each time he takes to the field.

This is a versatile winger of "ridiculous" technical quality, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, and though he's not a shoot-first kind of wideman, Tottenham have struggled on the playmaking front, and he would be perfect.

A left foot made of gold, and a skillset tailor-made for Frank's Tottenham team. The shoe could very well fit.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has confirmed his side will be active in January after agreeing a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace to sell Brennan Johnson, with the Wales international now poised to make a decision on his immediate future.

The north London club are already lining up potential replacements as they prepare for the Europa League hero's departure, with multiple targets identified to fill the void left by last season's top scorer.

Frank reiterated in a press conference today that Spurs will be on the hunt for new signings in January, following Monday's breakthrough in negotiations with Palace.

“We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad. We will do that," Frank told reporters.

“I've said it a few times before that things are important because of different types you can add to a squad.

“The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad.”

Johnson has struggled for regular football under the Dane, despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions last term, including the winner in the Europa League final against Man United that ended the club's 17-year trophy drought.

Palace have emerged as frontrunners to land the 24-year-old after striking terms with Tottenham, though Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland could also make a late move (Fabrizio Romano).

The Cherries in particular are ready to match Palace's offer as they desperately seek a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is on the verge of joining Man City.

Johnson has started just six Premier League matches this season after Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham and immediately established himself as Frank's preferred right-wing option.

Now, with the Welshman close to departing N17, Frank's side are weighing up possible heirs.

One of them could be RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, who has enjoyed a stellar 2025/2026 thus far after emerging as one of the Bundesliga's standout talents.

Yan Diomande's camp tempted to join Tottenham after talks

BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reported today that Diomande is on Spurs' list of potential Johnson replacements, with TEAMtalk now sharing a further update.

According to their sources, Tottenham have held 'very advanced' discussions with Diomande's entourage over a potential January transfer as the north London club prepares to lose Johnson.

The 19-year-old is 'firmly' on Frank's radar to bolster his attacking options amid Johnson's imminent departure, and they've also scouted him extensively.

What's more, it is believed that Diomande's camp view Spurs as an 'attractive destination' thanks to the playing time on offer.

The teenager has made an immediate impression in Germany since arriving from Spanish side Leganes last summer.

Diomande has registered seven goals and four assists across all competitions this season, earning widespread recognition as one of the German top flight's most exciting prospects.

His current involvement at AFCON with the Ivory Coast could delay any potential transfer though, with the winger unlikely to be available until mid-January at the earliest if his nation progresses deep into the tournament.

Leipzig have placed a massive valuation on the forward too, with reports suggesting a fee of around £87 million would be required to secure his services.

"He's a left-winger with outstanding speed, can dribble, is very athletic and can finish," Leipzig director Marcel Schafer told the press earlier this year.

"He also never gives up the ball and works for the team. Despite all the excitement, we should give Yan enough time to settle into life in Leipzig and the Bundesliga."

Ole Werner's side are under no immediate financial pressure to sell either, having negotiated lucrative sales last summer, and Diomande remains contracted until 2030 with no release clause inserted into his deal.

Competition for the winger's signature remains fierce across Europe.

Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Barcelona have all expressed interest in recent weeks, with multiple clubs dispatching scouts to monitor his performances as well as Spurs.

Diomande's turning heads, and it appears almost every top side in the land is weighing up a move beyond the new year.

The transfer window has not opened yet, but Tottenham Hotspur are already looking to get business done early on.

Rumours have been flying around recently regarding Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson, who seems like he could be set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.

A recent report from David Ornstein suggests that the Lilywhites have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of the winger.

The esteemed journalist said the two London rivals have agreed a £35m deal for the Welshman, which could set into motion a flurry of incomings in North London.

Already, they have been linked with a new winter addition.

Spurs target new attacking star

With money for Johnson potentially coming into the club, it certainly seems as though Thomas Frank will have room to upgrade his attack. It seems like a deal for Antoine Semenyo is now completely off the table.

But, Spurs may yet recruit from within the Premier League. According to a report from the Mail, the Lilywhites are one of the sides thought to be ‘admirers’ of Manchester City attacker Oscar Bobb, who could be on the move this winter.

However, this will not be a straightforward deal for Frank’s side to complete. Spurs are set to be rivalled by another London rival, Fulham and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, for his signature.

Newcastle United, who have also been linked with a move for Bobb this winter, were quoted a fee of £20m, so it is safe to assume Spurs would have to pay a similar fee.

Why Bobb would be a good signing

Although Bobb’s career has certainly had its ups and downs, there is no doubting his talent. He’s struggled with injuries and getting into the City team ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, but at his best, he is “one of the best wingers in football,” according to BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan.

This term has not been easy for the 22-year-old. Bobb has only played 15 times across all competitions, racking up 739 minutes in that time.

He has managed to get an assist, though, in the first game of the season, in which City beat Wolves 4-0.

Don’t let the fact that the Norwegian international has played so little this term fool you. It is worth remembering that he is competing with Foden and Rayan Cherki for a spot in the side. However, he oozes technical class, as this goal away to Newcastle a few years ago shows.

In the summer, Spurs were close to signing Eberechi Eze before he moved to arch-rivals Arsenal. Well, now they are in for Bobb, it is certainly a deal that has a similar feeling.

Frank clearly wants a more technical player, able to play out wide or in the pockets, to add to his attack.

Eze has done well for the Gunners, so it might sting Spurs fans, given they missed out on him. The England international has five goals and four assists in 24 games.

That included a hat-trick in the North London Derby

Interestingly, the pair are deemed to be statistically similar players in the Premier League, according to FBref, with the numbers showing why the signings are alike.

For example, the City star 1.92 key passes and 3.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Eze’s 0.73 key passes and 2.18 progressive carries each game.

It is clear to see that Frank wants a player of this profile in his squad. A versatile attacker who can play outside or in the middle, thriving when dribbling in small spaces and creating chances in the final third.

Bobb certainly ticks those boxes, and can offer an exciting new dimension to the Spurs squad that can help take them to the next level.

Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with Tottenham over a £35 million fee to sign Brennan Johnson, with Spurs eyeing up potential replacements ahead of January.

Palace agree Johnson deal with Tottenham forward set to decide

News broke this morning after weeks of speculation linking Johnson with a move away from north London just months after he etched himself into Lilywhites folklore.

Johnson, who ended last season as the club's top scorer and bagged their Europa League final-winning goal against Man United, has found consistent starts much more difficult to come by under Thomas Frank.

The 24-year-old has started just six Premier League games out of a possible 16 this term, having been effectively replaced in the starting line-up by in-form summer signing Mohammed Kudus.

This lack of prominence has alerted multiple rivals, including the likes of Aston Villa, who reportedly reached out to his camp recently.

Bournemouth and Everton are also named as alternative suitors for Johnson, but according to reliable media sources, Palace have moved well ahead of the pack by agreeing financial terms with Spurs.

Now, the decision is down to Johnson himself, with the Wales international poised to make an imminent transfer decision as the north Londoners weigh up potential replacements.

If the former Nottingham Forest winger does decide to leave for Selhurst Park, it'll be the third time in three years that Spurs have sold their top scorer from the previous season — which is a pretty unbelievable stat.

Nevertheless, with Palace closing in on a deal for Johnson, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel has named a potential replacement on social media.

Tottenham eye Yan Diomande to replace Brennan Johnson

According to the reporter, that man could be Bundesliga sensation Yan Diomande.

Despite only making his first ever senior appearance at club level in March, RB Leipzig have slapped an £87 million asking price on the Ivorian's head to ward off suitors.

Leipzig signed Diomande from Spanish side Leganes just last summer, with the teenager since impressing as a standout performer for Ole Werner's men.

The 19-year-old has chipped in with seven goals and four assists in 16 outings across all competitions, including a recent hat-trick in a 6-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Both Tottenham and Liverpool are after Diomande, according to Sky Switzerland's Sacha Tavolieri, who reported earlier this month that Spurs have held 'very advanced' talks with the forward's camp.

Mokbel now reports that Diomande is indeed still a target for Tottenham, and he's seen as a possible heir to Johnson alongside Man City winger Savinho.

Currently on AFCON duty with his native Ivory Coast, Diomande may not be able to feature at Spurs for weeks, even if they do end up pursuing and agreeing a deal for him.

Diomande's hefty rumoured price tag is also a massive roadblock, even if the African starlet has showcased himself as one of Europe's arguable most exciting talents to watch right now.

As 2025 draws to a close, Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank will be fixed on making improvements in the January transfer market.

This much is clear. It's fair to say that the Londoners have been something of a mixed bag across the annual year, failing to produce consistent results in the Premier League - and especially on home turf - but the Europa League was bagged before Ange Postecoglou bowed out, and a purple patch over the coming months would fire Spurs right into Champions League contention in the league.

Of course, with so many outfits tussling for sway in the battle, Tottenham's directors need to hit the jackpot in the January transfer window, and many fans would be in concert about the need for a new centre-forward.

Spurs targeting centre-forward

Dominic Solanke has only played two times in the Premier League this season, and both have been from the bench. Richarlison has been the No. 1 at number nine, but the wily Brazilian is only consistent in his inconsistency. Randal Kolo Muani has started to find fluidity after a tough start to his loan spell down N17.

Many would argue that midfield must be Tottenham's priority when assessing where to strengthen, but others would point toward the front of the ship when critiquing what has oftentimes been a slow and laboured attacking effort.

Adding a first-class goalcorer is necessary, should Tottenham want to progress to the next level.

And Samu Aghehowa might just be the perfect addition. According to Spanish sources, ENIC Group have made the 21-year-old Porto star their top priority heading into the January transfer window, with a formal offer expected.

Samu has been a prolific presence for the Liga Portugal giants since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2024. His employers don't want him to leave, but a €100m (converting to about £87m) release clause is there for the paying, should Spurs' interest be strong enough.

That figure would eclipse the club's current record deal of £65m for the signing of Solanke.

Why Samu would be perfect for Spurs

Samu has yet to try his hand in the Premier League, but it's not wild to say that he has the qualities to become Tottenham's main man at the front of the ship, and his expensive arrival could spell the end for Kolo Muani, who has failed to score or assist across ten matches in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has struggled for service, in fairness, and he bagged twice during that frantic 5-3 defeat to employers Paris Saint-Germain, but he's missed four big chances in the league and has only completed 29% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

He'll need to show more soon, especially with Samu in Spurs' sights. The Spain striker is on the fast track to superstardom, and he could become a mainstay in an exciting period for the north London club if purchased before more clubs raise their own interest.

Note that Samu is now dribbling at a frequent rate for a centre-forward, having been reserved in his movement last season. One of Kolo Muani's strongest attributes is his speed and carrying, though that's not to say he's one-dimensional, with Les Bleus teammate Kylian Mbappe even hailing him as the "complete" forward.

Samu could be his equal in that regard, and he's still growing as an elite frontman.

This isn't just a target man. Samu has that rare quality as a strong and towering talisman to contort his body with frame-belying athleticism, as evidenced by one outrageous scissor kick in the Europa League last season.

Moreover, he ranks among the top 16% of positional peers in Liga Portugal for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his attacking dynamism.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Journalist Zach Lowy has noted that he can become "one of the best strikers in Europe", already maintaining clinical levels to rival most across the continent.

Would he be an upgrade on Kolo Muani? He certainly has more potential, and with the Frenchman ebbing and flowing in north London as a loanee, it's unlikely that ENIC Group would exercise any option to tie him down permanently without a sharp uptick in fortunes over the business months of the campaign.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson in January, but he might not be their only signing from Spurs.

Crystal Palace closing in on January deal for Brennan Johnson

As per numerous reports, the Wales international is on Oliver Glasner's January target list as Palace desperately seek attacking cover next month.

Johnson, who ended 2024/2025 as Tottenham's top scorer in all competitions and bagged their Europa League final-winning goal in May, has found himself far more on the fringes under Thomas Frank.

The signing of Mohammed Kudus has reduced him to just six Premier League starts all season, with Johnson making the vast majority of his 16 league appearances off the bench.

He actually made an electric start to the campaign with two goals in his opening two top flight matches against Burnley and Man City, starting both games, but chances have been few and far between since then.

Now, reliable media sources report that Spurs are ready to let Johnson leave next month, and Palace are right at the front of the queue for his signature.

Indeed, David Ornstein and others now claim that the south Londoners have reached an agreement with Tottenham to sign the 24-year-old for around £35 million.

This is pending Johnson agrees to the switch, but if all goes to plan, then he will be a Palace player once the January window opens.

Interestingly, Johnson may not even be the only Spurs player who ends up at Selhurst Park in light of this.

Crystal Palace make approach for Radu Dragusin

According to Italian reporter Mirko Di Natale, via X, Palace have also spoken to Tottenham about defender Radu Dragusin and his availability.

The Romania international made his first appearance for 11 months on Sunday when Glasner's side lost 1-0 to the Lilywhites, replacing match-winner Archie Gray in the dying minutes.

Dragusin was sidelined with an ACL injury which took him nearly a year to recover from, and he now finds himself behind the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso in the pecking order.

Highly-rated young centre-back Luka Vuskovic is also due back from his loan at Hamburg at the end of the season, potentially limiting Dragusin's chances even more.

The 23-year-old is attracting Serie A interest and Italian media sources claim that Dragusin is set for crunch sit-down talks with Spurs over his future as January looms.

Now, Di Natale reports that Palace have asked for information about Dragusin as they potentially look to raid Frank's team once again.

Di Natale's suggestion they could strike a loan deal will no doubt appeal to Palace, with the club handed a chance to audition Dragusin before signing him permanently for £26 million.

However, they'll also be wary of his injury history, and Palace need to be very mindful when potentially searching for Marc Guehi's long-term heir.

Tottenham Hotspur will close the door on 2025 as the reigning Europa League champions, but that silver-laden success is tainted by the turmoil that has prevented the club from making headway on the domestic front.

While Ange Postecoglou's dismissal was understandable after Spurs slumped to a 17th-place Premier League finish last season, Thomas Frank's early reign has left much to be desired, though the weekend win at Crystal Palace has eased the pressure on the Danish tactician.

Now, it's time to spend. The Lewis family have given the manager their backing. While Micky van de Ven's contract renewal is taking precedence, the north Londoners are also in desperate need of a freshen-up in the final third.

Spurs planning to sign a new forward

Tottenham's number nines have left something to be desired this season. Richarlison can't stay consistent. Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt. Dominic Solanke can't stay fit. Reinforcements are needed.

Football.london's Alasdair Gold has acknowledged Tottenham need to sign a left-back, following Destiny Udogie's latest injury, and a left winger, following Heung-min Son's summer sale to LAFC, but there is also a desire to land a top-class centre-forward.

And according to the well-connected correspondent, Porto striker Samu Aghehowa remains high in Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici's reckoning.

Valued at £70m, the 21-year-old has been on Spurs' radar for a while, and it's beginning to look like a formal move could be in the pipeline.

Why Samu would be a Solanke upgrade

Chelsea tried to sign Samu in 2024 before he completed a cut-price move from Atletico Madrid to Porto, but this spell in Portugal may have bore dividends for the young striker.

Now, he's ready for the Premier League, and he has the skills to become Spurs' main man, even if Solanke, who completed a £55m move from Bournemouth last year, recovers his fitness levels. Indeed, Solanke, 28, has only played twice in the top flight this term.

He's not there yet, but Samu has the potential to be "one of the best strikers in Europe", according to journalist Zach Lowy, and his prolific performances in Portugal have underlined that potential.

Moreover, he's got an eye for the continental stage, with nine goals from 14 Europa League appearances. This consistency across different spheres bodes well, and suggests that Samu could quickly leapfrog the struggling Solanke if added to Frank's squad.

Not only a deadly goalscorer, Samu ranks among the top 16% of Liga Portugal forwards for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his creativity and pace.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

This presence as a large, imposing striker with an eye for link-up play could indeed see Samu prove the perfect upgrade on Solanke, who created six big chances and won 4.3 duels on average in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, as well as scoring nine goals and supplying three assists.

It's clear that Tottenham had a vision when they paid a hefty sum for Bournemouth's talisman, but injuries have not been kind to the Three Lions man. Perhaps it's time for a new, hungry, younger striker.