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James Maddison posts touching message as ‘outstanding’ player back at Hotspur Way

James Maddison was full of kind words for Tottenham teammate Radu Dragusin following his welcome return to Hotspur Way.

Thomas Frank has had injury problems this year, as Yves Bissouma could have played his last game for Tottenham after suffering a ligament issue in October.

Tottenham are hoping for a successful season, but are going to need as many players as possible to stay fit.

Maddison is recovering from an injury himself, but insisted on travelling down to Hotspur Way to support a Dragusin as he made crucial steps towards his own Tottenham comeback.

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James Maddison shows support for Radu Dragusin as Spurs return nears

Tottenham revealed on their X account on Wednesday that Radu Dragusin has continued his comeback from injury.

The Lilywhites confirmed that Dragusin played 45 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly against Leyton Orient at Hotspur Way, as Tottenham are hopeful of his return to the first team.

His teammate Maddison came along on his day off to support Dragusin through the match and shared a touching message on Instagram.

Danny Murphy previously called Dragusin “outstanding”, with the centre-back now eager to prove his true quality to the fans.

But with Dragusin back, Frank could be tempted to make major changes.

Thomas Frank could change formation with Dragusin back

Frank already has the likes of Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.

Dragusin ruptured his ACL last season and has been unable to show Frank what he’s made of yet. His return, however, suggests Frank could change things up.

Frank has a very strong defence, and it’s been the main improvement since Ange Postecoglou left.

Tottenham now have the option to switch back to Frank’s preferred three at the back formation, which he has seen so much success with at Brentford.

It could be used as early as the North London derby, as Frank could try to catch the Gunners off guard.

Ivan Toney could be about to take matters into his own hands in order to join Tottenham in the January transfer window.

The former Brentford striker has been away from the Premier League since the summer of 2024, and he notched a stunning 30 goals in all competitions for Al-Ahli last term.

Toney has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham this winter, as he bids to salvage his World Cup hopes, but that idea has now been called into question by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The 29-year-old worked under Thomas Frank for four years during their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium, and he could now be about to take his own action to reunite with his old boss.

Ivan Toney transfer race is ‘no-contest’ in reality

Tottenham’s hopes of signing Toney have been dashed recently, with the news that Al-Ahli are not willing to allow him to leave this winter.

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The frontman realistically needs to return to the Premier League in order to have any chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, but it doesn’t look as though his current club will grant him that opportunity.

The interest from Frank and Co. is matched by the likes of Everton and West Ham, and it has become clear that there are no shortage of suitors who are willing to facilitate a return for Toney.

However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the race for his signature would be a “no-contest” if the door to a deal was opened, and feels that Toney is likely to push to join Frank’s squad.

“If there’s going to be a choice for Toney, then it’s a no-contest; he will go to Tottenham,” King said.

“If I were him, I’d be looking to get out of Saudi Arabia in January, especially if a permanent move is possible. He and his agents should be demanding it. He could always go back to Saudi Arabia if necessary after the World Cup.

“I would certainly say that if he wants to play in the World Cup, then he’s got to be playing regularly in the Premier League.”

Tottenham can solve Thomas Tuchel issue with Ivan Toney deal

A move for Toney would be a huge boost for Tottenham, and it would also potentially create a welcome solution for Tuchel in his planning for next summer’s tournament.

The German has a wealth of quality attacking options at his disposal, but he is lacking an in-form alternative to Harry Kane, who could be introduced from the bench during games.

Ollie Watkins is struggling badly for confidence at Aston Villa, while the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Marcus Rashford aren’t natural fits in a central role.

Toney is the perfect understudy to the former Spurs hero, but Tuchel probably feels that he cannot select him out of principle because of where he is playing his club football.

As a result, if Tottenham could seal a move for him in January, it would be no surprise to see Toney involved in at least the warm-up games ahead of the tournament, with the door potentially open for him to make the final squad.

Thomas Frank is facing major disappointment with a move to reunite with Ivan Toney at Tottenham looking unlikely.

The Spurs boss enjoyed great success with the striker when the pair were both at Brentford and is being increasingly linked with a move to bring Toney back to the Premier League with Tottenham in January.

But Al Alhi aren’t expected to make it easy for Tottenham to sign Toney just a season and a half after he moved to the Saudi Pro League, having scored 41 goals in that time.

Richarlison has been criticised for his Spurs form and Dominic Solanke has had his season ruined by injury so a striker addition mid-campaign could be on the cards.

But Toney is likely to have to force a move to Tottenham and it doesn’t sound like he is likely to do so.

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Ivan Toney’s Premier League return unlikely

Top flight clubs are thought to be “queuing up” to bring the 29-year-old back to England but talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has poured cold water on the likelihood of it actually happening.

He believes Spurs are definitely in the frame, saying: “Thomas Frank I know would love to take Ivan Toney to Tottenham.”

However, there are two major stumbling blocks believed to be in the way from Crook’s point of view, with the potential benefit to Toney of getting himself back into the England squad for the World Cup unlikely to be realised.

And financially it would be very costly for the ex-Bees star to leave Saudi Arabia so soon, so it appears to be a non-starter.

Crook said: “It’s difficult for two reasons. One, I think Ivan Toney’s aware actually, even if he’s playing in the Premier League the prospect of him being part of that England squad at the World Cup is slim. I think Thomas Tuchel, in many ways, has already made his mind up when it comes to Ivan Toney.

“And two, same as when Steven Gerrard was speaking to Rangers, if Ivan Toney was to leave early he would have to write off a lot of money in terms of tax over there in Saudi Arabia. He only moved in the summer of 2024.

“Financially, is he really going to walk away from a £400,000-a-week contract? I’m not convinced boys, to be honest.”

Tottenham could break the bank for Toney

It would obviously be disappointing for Toney if the ship has already sailed on his England prospects under Tuchel, but that hardly makes a Premier League move a complete waste of time.

As so often the financials are bound to be more of a pressing concern, so if Tottenham made the forward an offer he couldn’t refuse there’s reason to believe he might be willing to take a certain hit to work with Frank again.

Clearly, if he’s on £400k-a-week in the Middle East it begs the question as to what sort of offer would constitute something Toney couldn’t refuse and whether it would then be worth it to Spurs.

But even a massive pay cut would still leave him on major money so if the Premier League, Tottenham or Frank hold a particular sway for him in themselves it maybe can’t be entirely ruled out.

Jarrad Branthwaite continues to be linked with Tottenham despite committing his future to Everton.

Tottenham were interested in Branthwaite in the summer, but no official bid was made for the 23-year-old defender.

He then signed a new contract with the Blues, which is expected to keep him on Merseyside until 2030, unless something drastic happens.

However, David Ornstein believes that Spurs could reignite their interest in the future, as they still need a centre-back.

What did Ornstein say about Tottenham and Jarrad Branthwaite

Ornstein claimed that Tottenham could still make a move for Branthwaite in the future, as they still want to reinforce their defence.

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Asked to name a dream signing for Spurs by Planet Football on 11 November, he said: “Jarrad Branthwaite, because I think they have been looking for a while to upgrade in that defensive department.

“They have looked at him, he is someone who has been linked with a move away from Everton, despite signing a new contract.

“I guess he is one to watch in the future for many of the top clubs.”

It would be a hard transfer to pull off, as the Toffees would be reluctant to let him leave, but supporters in North London will love the latest claim.

Could Tottenham really sign Branthwaite?

Everton would likely do all they can to keep the young defender around at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as they resisted the opportunity to sell him for big money in the summer.

However, Branthwaite may decide to leave in the future if the Blues cannot match his ambitions, as surely he will want to play at the very top level.

If Thomas Frank’s side are constantly in the Champions League, and the Merseysiders are in mid-table and fail to kick on under David Moyes, there is every chance he may decide to seek a new challenge.

It would likely take a huge amount for Spurs to sign him, but if they believe that he is the right man to fix their defensive issues, they could go all out to get him.

There are a lot of variables, but it does not seem too unrealistic, as long as the N17 outfit are towards the top end of the game, and the Blues are not.

Tottenham are now the favourites to re-sign Harry Kane from Bayern Munich, with a sensational return to N17 looking increasingly likely.

Kane has been linked with a return to Tottenham ever since he left the club in 2023, as many feel the striker has unfinished business in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank admitted he would welcome Kane back with open arms, as the Lilywhites continue to struggle in the striker department this season.

During a fan meeting earlier in the season, Frank was again asked about his thoughts on a Kane return, to which he doubled down on his previous comments.

A lot has been said surrounding Kane’s potential return home, but with the latest update, Tottenham are leading the way to sign Bayern Munich‘s main man.

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Tottenham favourites for Harry Kane despite reports he’s happy at Bayern

Sources have suggested that Kane is happy to stay at Bayern Munich, as the England striker is in fine form ahead of England’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Tottenham are reported to have first dibs on Kane, should he choose to seek a Bayern Munich exit.

However, the bookmakers’ market now shows that although Kane is favoured to stay at Bayern, he is most likely to join Tottenham over any other club, making a return seem inevitable.

One major bookmaker has Kane as the odds-on favourite to remain at Bayern Munich (11/25); however, another has also tipped the former Tottenham striker to make a return ahead of joining any other clubs (8/1).

It’s safe to say Tottenham are by far and away the only club that Kane would move to, should a Bayern Munich exit happen.

How has Kane done at Bayern Munich this season?

Kane is now 32 years old, and so there would be concerns over whether he could come back and score in the Premier League on a consistent basis.

However, the veteran striker has shown his capabilities year on year since leaving Spurs, and particularly this season, is proving as the world’s most lethal number nine.

Tottenham are currently struggling with Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani up front, as Dominic Solanke is still out injured.

It’s not certain when Kane could return to Tottenham, but it feels like it’s just a matter of time at this point.

Tottenham could recall Manor Solomon from his loan spell at Villarreal in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old had a hugely successful loan spell at Leeds United in 2024-25, but the winger hasn’t adapted well to life in Spain this season.

The Israeli winger has only made six appearances for Villarreal and he is currently recovering from a back injury that will leave him unavailable until December.

Reports have now emerged that Solomon could make a return to the Premier League with West Ham.

West Ham interested in January deal for Manor Solomon

Solomon signed for Tottenham in 2023 on a free transfer, yet after making six appearances under Ange Postecoglou last season, he was quickly loaned out to Leeds.

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He registered 22 goal contributions for Leeds in 2024-25, helping them win the Championship and secure a return to the top flight.

Spanish media outlet Mediterraneo has reported that West Ham could move for Solomon in January, with the Israeli winger said to be unhappy in Spain.

He is reportedly going to ask Spurs to terminate his loan deal, and it’s unclear what lies ahead for his future in N17.

With West Ham in desperate need of some attacking firepower to help them avoid relegation, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Frank were to send him straight back out on loan, even if to a local rival.

Solomon’s move to Villarreal has been far from perfect, and a return to England would definitely benefit him, whether that be at Spurs or West Ham.

Whilst it’s clear that Solomon is not in the best of form at the moment, he offers a different profile to Tottenham’s wingers.

Manor Solomon should be given a chance under Thomas Frank

Brennan Johnson has performed poorly under Thomas Frank, and his place in the starting eleven is under huge threat.

Johnson scored the winning goal in the Europa League final, and Spurs fans will never forget the joy he brought to them; however, he is yet to find his feet under Frank.

Solomon’s direct dribbling and his clinical nature in front of goal could make him a perfectly capable candidate to replace Johnson in the starting lineup.

The 26-year-old hasn’t been given a proper chance to prove himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it’s now up to Frank to decide what he will do with the Israel international.

The stats that show why Thomas Frank must make Xavi Simons his main man at Tottenham

Tottenham look a far better side when Xavi Simons is used to his strengths by Thomas Frank.

Tottenham signed Simons from RB Leipzig in the hope that he’d be able to replace James Maddison’s output.

While he started poorly, the attacking midfielder has begun finding his form, with his best performance still being Spurs’ 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League.

Simons could be a key player for Spurs if Frank gives him a chance.

Tottenham’s goalscoring chances increase with Xavi Simons

Tottenham have found Simons in the hole 52 times so far this season during their Premier League and Champions League fixtures, according to NathanAClark via X on 9 November.

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From these 52 occasions, 13 have resulted in Spurs registering a shot. This speaks volumes about Simons and the importance of finding him in areas where he’s most dangerous.

Tottenham are averaging just 3.1 of these passes to Simons per game. And while this is trending upwards, it’s broadly in line with his increased minutes.

But there has been progress. This time last month, the Dutch international had averaged 41.2 touches in the Premier League with 0.57 expected assists.

This has risen to 45.1 touches in the league with 0.64 expected assists and counting, according to Sofascore.

His stats against Copenhagen were even greater, where he recorded 49 touches in 61 minutes played.

While the level of opposition needs to be taken into account, that was the best Simons and Tottenham have looked all season.

Besides, the Dutch international was toothless against Bodo/Glimt earlier in the competition, which goes to show what a difference time and correct positioning make.

Therefore, it would be in Frank’s best interest to build his team around Simons for the foreseeable future.

Randal Kolo Muani’s injury will come as a huge blow

Randal Kolo Muani has been sidelined for Tottenham after he was substituted with a jaw injury in Spurs’ draw to Manchester United before the international break.

Despite his little playing time, the French international has been excellent for Spurs this season. And by the looks of it, he’s been integral to Simons’ good run of form.

Kolo Muani has found Simons six times in dangerous areas, which is more than any other player this season.

Richarlison has only managed to find him twice, which could be a huge worry moving forward.

While the length of Kolo Muani’s spell on the sidelines is currently unknown, both Simons and Frank will benefit if he returns sooner rather than later.

Jamie O’Hara believes Ivan Toney would be a “perfect” fit for Tottenham in the January transfer window.

Toney left Brentford for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in August 2024 but is said to be open to a Premier League return in 2026.

Dimitar Berbatov has warned Tottenham off signing Toney as the striker’s form tailed off prior to him moving to the Middle East.

However, Thomas Frank is said to be open to reuniting with Toney at Tottenham, having previously got the best out of the striker during their time together at Brentford.

Ivan Toney needs Premier League return to boost World Cup chances

Tottenham are set to rival West Ham for the signing of Toney, who would prefer a move to London if he heads back to England next year.

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In an update provided via talkSPORT on Tuesday, transfer expert Ben Jacobs stated that England boss Thomas Tuchel “could play more of a role than a prospective buyer” in Toney‘s future.

Tuchel wants Toney playing at the top level of club football, with West Ham and Tottenham two of the sides mentioned as being in the running for the 29-year-old.

Responding to the news of Spurs’ interest in Toney, former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara said: “I think it’d be perfect. I’d love him to join up with Frank again.”

Toney has been capped seven times for England and has scored one goal, while he has 36 goals in 85 Premier League appearances.

What is Ivan Toney’s goalscoring record in Saudi Arabia?

Toney has been off the radar of Tottenham fans for the past 15 months or so since moving to Al-Ahli.

While the Saudi Pro League is an obvious drop-off in quality, Toney has certainly managed to keep banging in the goals.

He scored 30 goals last season en route to helping his side win the Asian Champions League. This season, meanwhile, he has 11 goals in 15 matches so far.

It is worth remembering that Toney is now in the peak years of his career, so this is certainly a deal worth exploring further.

Frank may have a few other options on his books, but Dominic Solanke’s injury issues mean he can’t be trusted and Richarlison just simply is not consistent enough.

As O’Hara says, Toney lining up under Frank at Tottenham really does seem like the ideal fit.

Mikey Moore has been predicted to become a strong fan favourite at Rangers before the season ends.

Tottenham loaned Moore to Rangers on a season-long loan to continue his development.

Indeed, the left winger lifted the Europa League trophy under Ange Postecoglou, but there were no guarantees he’d have gametime under Thomas Frank despite Son Heung-min’s departure.

And after a rocky start, it seems that Moore is starting to enjoy life at Ibrox.

Rangers fans eating their words about Mikey Moore

There were early pleas for Tottenham to recall Moore from his loan after Rangers’ difficult start to the season.

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The youngster was underperforming, and Gers fans were discontent with what they were seeing from him.

But with Danny Rohl’s arrival at Ibrox, Rangers fans have a newfound respect for Moore.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes he’ll soon become a fan favourite.

“I’m keeping the receipts. I’m coming for the Rangers fans who were moaning about him before, and now they love him,” Wenham said.

“They were always going to love him if he was played in the right way, if he was given opportunity. You’re not as hyped as he is and rightly so, and suddenly lose that, you know?

“So I’ve no doubt that he will become a firm fan favourite before this season is over, and long may that continue.

“He’s doing really, really well. He’s getting lots of involvement, game time, and the fans are on his side. So, hopefully, he goes from strength to strength now and cements himself as a real firm fan favourite up there.”

How has Mikey Moore performed this season?

Moore’s first couple of months at Ibrox were difficult. His minutes were sparse, and the winger’s performances were underwhelming.

Under Rohl, the youngster plays with an element of freedom not seen under Russell Martin.

Now that he plays closer to the opposition’s box, Moore has been able to be more effective in the final third.

As such, there’s a greater likelihood that he’ll continue at Ibrox until the end of this season, despite suggestions that he could return to North London in January.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are two of the most valuable teenagers in the world, according to a report from the CIES Football Observatory.

Gray has been sidelined for Tottenham with a calf injury, which came soon after he shone in Spurs’ goalless draw to Monaco in the UEFA Champions League last month.

Meanwhile, Xavi Simons replaced Bergvall early in the first half of Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League after the latter came off with a concussion.

While both have been out of the action for a little while, their importance in North London has only grown.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall worth a combined £106m

The CIES Football Observatory have provided a list of the most valuable teenagers in the world, featuring both Gray and Bergvall.

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Bergvall is among the highest-valued players on the list at £59million, which Gray is not far behind with a value of £47m on the current market. This is news that’ll surely make Joe Lewis smile from ear to ear.

Gray and Bergvall are two of Spurs’ youngest players, and their importance has grown over the past couple of seasons.

Indeed, both were integral to the Ange Postecoglou team that lifted the Europa League last season, despite the Swedish international picking up an injury before the final.

With the Lilywhites having a youthful squad at its core, there’s no doubt that both stars will be important for years to come.

Thomas Frank must use Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray more

In all fairness to Thomas Frank, Bergvall, in particular, has had consistent minutes this season.

At first, the Dane was keen to use Bergvall higher up in the midfield as an answer to James Maddison’s and Dejan Kulusevski’s injuries.

However, he is now positioned a little deeper in the midfield, with Xavi Simons being closest to the final third.

Meanwhile, Gray has struggled to recieve consistent minutes this season:

Despite competition to start being rife at Tottenham, Gray has shown promise when playing in both the midfield and defence.

With two players so talented and versatile, Frank must give them more minutes to continue their development and increase their value both sportingly and financially.