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Tottenham battling with West Ham & Everton to sign Toney

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling with West Ham United and Everton over a deal to sign Ivan Toney, as per TEAMtalk.

The Lilywhites currently have Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani, and Mathys Tel as options for the centre-forward position. However, Solanke has been out injured since the start of this season.

Amid the Englishman’s absence, Richarlison has played the majority of the matches as the striker, but he hasn’t been able to showcase consistency. On the other hand, Kolo Muani has looked sharp at times but has joined Spurs on loan and could return to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season.

Tel, meanwhile, is still very young and needs time to develop. So, TEAMtalk claim that Thomas Frank is keen on purchasing a new striker and Tottenham are ready to fulfill their manager’s wish.

The Danish boss wants to reunite with his former colleague, Toney, and Spurs have already held informal talks to learn about the details of purchasing him. However, the North London club aren’t the only club interested in the Englishman, as West Ham and Everton are in this race.

Toney might be open to returning to the Premier League, and his only desire behind this decision is to secure his place in the England national team for next summer’s World Cup.

Battle

However, the former Chelsea boss wasn’t impressed with the 29-year-old when he was called up to the national squad last summer, so the forward is unlikely to feature in England’s World Cup team.

As a result, Toney, valued at around £22m by Transfermarkt, may decide against returning to the Premier League, as the move would require him to take a pay cut – something he’s unwilling to do if he isn’t going to the World Cup.

West Ham reportedly want a new striker as Niclas Fullkrug is set to leave in January, while Everton are planning to reinforce the frontline as Thierno Barry and Beto have displayed below-average performances thus far this season.

Therefore, it is going to be interesting to see who Tottenham, West Ham, and Everton decide to sign to bolster the frontline should Tonay reject a move away from Al-Ahli in January.

Palhinha back as Frank makes one change: Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Slavia Prague

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Tottenham Hotspur ended their winless run with a 2-0 win over Brentford at the weekend and will look to replicate the result in the Champions League tonight as they face Slavia Prague at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 20:00 UK time on matchday six.

Heung-min Son is expected to be present at the stadium for his farewell having joined Los Angeles FC in the summer, and Thomas Frank’s men will look to grace the occasion with a win against Slavia.

Here is how the team could line-up for the game.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to be the shot-stopper for Tottenham tonight.

Defenders – Pedro Porro has been indispensable at right back for the Londoners this season, whereas Djed Spence has emerged as the primary option for Frank over Destiny Udogie at left back. The duo are expected to start once more.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven may also retain their berths in the heart of the back four.

Palhinha in for Gray

Midfielders – Joao Palhinha played only 25 minutes as a substitute against Brentford but he could be back in the starting eleven against Slavia Prague at Archie Gray’s expense. The Portuguese international may partner Rodrigo Bentancur in the double pivot. Xavi Simons, who bagged his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend could be the number 10.

Mohammed Kudus might start over Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert on the right wing, and the left might belong to Randal Kolo Muani, who has been playing decently in the last few matches.

Forward – With Dominic Solanke still injured, Richarlison is expected to lead the line for Tottenham once more.

Here is how the Lilywhites could look on paper.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all keen on Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes for 2026

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Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes has now gone over 30 matches without a goal in all competitions for the Spanish giants, but there is no denying his quality, especially if he gets a consistent run of minutes unlike what has happened under Xabi Alonso.

He is expected to depart the Bernabeu next summer should Alonso continue as the head coach and according to Football Transfers, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all keeping tabs on his situation.

Moreover, it is believed that Madrid have decided that they will let the Brazilian international depart for £62 million, with the Premier League looking increasingly likely as his next possible destination after potentially departing the La Liga outfit.

Arsenal and Liverpool could be favourites for Rodrygo

Arsenal are playing exceptional football and are in pole position to win the Premier League, while being among the favourites for the Champions League too. With a left winger on their radar, they will fancy their chances of landing Rodrygo Goes.

In the recent past, the Gunners have spent big money and a left winger is possibly the only role in their squad where there is room for an upgrade, with Rodrygo, a Champions League winner promising to be a worthy addition to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Liverpool also would feel confident about securing a swoop for the player with Mohamed Salah set to leave the club sooner rather than later, more so with the Reds having a relationship with Rodrygo’s agents having tried to sign him in 2019.

Though Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have a fair chance at signing him, the Blues already have extensive quality on the left flank whereas Spurs, who might miss out on the Champions League, might not have as strong an appeal compared to their rivals.

With that said, Rodrygo staying at Real Madrid remains on the cards, especially if Xabi Alonso is fired as the head coach with many sources claiming the Spaniard could be relieved of his duties if the team loses to Manchester City later this week.

His performances and role potentially under newer management over the next few months will be crucial in deciding the player’s future, whereas his impact in the World Cup next year for Brazil could also play a part in determining his price tag.

Tottenham make Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta ‘priority’ in January

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Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a swoop to sign Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to Football Insider.

Mateta joined Palace on an initial loan move from Bundesliga side Mainz, where he impressed during his six-month stint with the club, prompting the South Londoners to make the deal permanent in the summer of 2022.

The 28-year-old has been one of the most prolific forwards not just for Palace but in the Premier League, and his form in front of goal has also earned him three international caps for France, where he has netted twice, putting him in strong contention for Didier Deschamps’ final Les Bleus squad for the World Cup.

After an outstanding 2024-25 campaign in which he netted 17 goals across all competitions, the 28-year-old has continued his form this season, providing two assists and scoring nine goals, including in the Community Shield final against Liverpool. In the Premier League, only Erling Haaland (15) and Igor Thiago (11) have netted more goals than Mateta’s seven, underscoring why Spurs are now looking to sign him.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are closely monitoring the France international’s situation at Selhurst Park over a possible move to North London.

With his contract set to run out in 2027, Palace are currently in a contractual standoff with the France international and could consider selling him, with Tottenham now hoping to take advantage of the situation, according to the report.

Mateta to Tottenham

The report adds that Spurs are looking to bolster their attack to salvage their goalscoring struggles and have now made Mateta a ‘priority’ in the January transfer window.

Thomas Frank eased some of the mounting pressure by overseeing a 2-0 win against Brentford on Saturday, a result that delivered the club’s first Premier League home victory since the dominant opening-day win over Burnley.

Spurs rarely looked threatening at the back, while Richarlison was a constant threat upfront, netting the opener to mark his sixth goal of the season.

However, Frank’s remaining centre-forward options have struggled to find any cutting edge. Randal Kolo Muani is still searching for his first Premier League goal, and Dominic Solanke has featured just three times in all competitions due to a niggling ankle problem.

Man Utd now eyeing move for Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in battle over a deal to sign Anderlecht’s highly rated winger Nilson Angulo, according to TEAMtalk.

The 22-year-old moved to Belgium from Ecuadorian side LDU Quito in 2022 and has grown to become one of the best players not just for Anderlecht but in the Jupiler Pro League this season.

He has been a reliable player for Besnik Hasi’s league-chasing side this campaign, featuring in 15 of Les Mauve et Blanc’s 16 league games, netting three goals and scoring in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

While his dribbling and specialist ability to take on players have attracted interest from several clubs, what’s more impressive about the left winger is his creativity, as he has been a key part of the team’s creative unit, making eight assists across all competitions.

According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd and Tottenham have expressed interest in signing the Ecuador international in 2026.

The report adds that the Premier League duo are now closely monitoring Angulo’s performances in Belgium ahead of a potential move to England, having been present at the Lotto Park on November 30th, where he netted the winner against Union Saint-Gilloise.

However, with the transfer window fast approaching, the Ecuadorian winger is being courted by more Premier League clubs, with TEAMtalk adding that Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Leeds United are also keen on signing Angulo.

Battle

Both United and Tottenham spent significantly to reinforce their attack in the last summer transfer window.

For United, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko joined Ruben Amorim’s side in big-money moves, while Randal Kolo Muani, Mohammed Kudus, and Xavi Simons all joined, while Mathys Tel’s move was made permanent after spending last season on loan from Bayern Munich.

However, four months into the season, it is evident that attacking reinforcement is still needed in both teams’ attack, particularly on the left wing, with United utilising Mason Mount on several occasions on the left, while Spurs, on the other hand, are yet to find a viable replacement for Son Heung-Min.

Angulo would be a viable option for either club, as he’d provide creativity and a consistent goalscoring threat with his dribbling.

Tottenham preparing formal offer to sign Troy Parrott

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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a formal offer to sign AZ Alkmaar’s centre-forward Troy Parrott, according to Fichajes.

Parrott’s name was on everyone’s lips and most certainly on every newspaper front page during the last international break in November.

The 23-year-old put in two outstanding displays for the Republic of Ireland, firstly with his brace against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, although the former Manchester United forward’s red card drew much attention.

He made sure to make the Irish fans sing again this time with a sensational hat-trick against Hungary at the Puskás Aréna, which secured a World Cup play-off spot for his country.

His prolific form this season is not limited only to the Boys in Green, but also for his club side, where he has netted seven goals and provided one assist in just nine appearances in the Eredivisie for Alkmaar this season.

He also has a remarkable 17 goal contributions in 18 games for De Kaasboeren across all competitions this season, taking his overall tally for the Dutch side to 42 in just 65 games since moving to the Netherlands from Tottenham in the summer of 2024.

It appears Tottenham are now eyeing a possible return of the youngster to the club, as Fichajes claims that the North London club have expressed interest in signing Parrott as a potential option to bolster Thomas Frank’s attack.

With interest in the centre-forward growing, particularly from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, Spurs are preparing to make the ‘strongest offer’ to sign him ahead of other interested clubs, as per the report.

Prolific forward

The Spanish outlet adds that Tottenham are now set to submit a £30m formal offer to AZ for the possible transfer of Parrott back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026.

Since Harry Kane’s departure in August 2023, Tottenham have not had another prolific forward to replicate the Englishman’s goalscoring and creative qualities.

In a further setback, the club’s record fourth-highest goalscorer (173 goals) and fifth-highest appearance holder (454), Son Heung-Min, left the club at the end of last season, and his departure has led to a significant drop in creativity and goalscoring.

The club have made significant investments upfront last summer, but none have really hit prolific form, prompting the club to look elsewhere for alternatives, with Parrott now being eyed.

Having come through the ranks at Tottenham, the Irishman is well familiar with the environment, standards and demands of the club, and there’s a growing belief he would hit the ground running should the club successfully win the race for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur leading the race to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes

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With five winless results on the bounce in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur risk missing out on Champions League football next season if their form does not improve whereas recent games have also shown major gaping holes in their offence.

Xavi Simons has been underwhelming since arriving from RB Leipzig in the summer as the club’s big signing for the year, while none of the other forwards have been consistent either, thus leading to a visible lack of creativity and goals.

In a bid to answer their woes in the final third, Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the agents of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes, and are leading Arsenal as well as Chelsea in the race to sign the Brazilian international, Fichajes has reported.

Rodrygo has won two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns with Los Blancos but has fallen out of favour under Xabi Alonso this season, with only 446 minutes under his belt and one assist in all competitions.

Rodrygo not likely to pick Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be comfortable with meeting Rodrygo Goes’ asking price, thought to be near the £70 million mark, but whether or not they will eventually secure the player’s services next summer remains to be seen.

Even though his form and role at Real Madrid is not ideal at the moment, Rodrygo would want to play for a club that regularly competes for silverware and European Cups. Tottenham might not match up to the player’s ambition.

Arsenal and Chelsea might essentially be dormant regarding their interest in the player because of their focus on helping this summer’s signings settle in, but as next summer’s window approaches, it will be surprising if they are not keen on Rodrygo.

Off the back of his troubles at Real Madrid, the Premier League is increasingly looking like the 24-year-old’s next destination but Tottenham Hotspur might not have a very strong chance at securing his signatures.

Thomas Frank was ‘pleased’ with Xavi Simons performance in Brentford win

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An outstanding individual performance from Xavi Simons inspired Tottenham Hotspur to their second home win of the season, with a 2-0 victory over West London side Brentford.

Spurs headed into the game with a commendable performance but yet another frustrating result last Tuesday in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

More worrying for the North London club heading into this clash was their abysmal first-half record, where they failed to hit the target in their last four matches.

However, Simons did not start any of those matches, and the club failed to win each of them.

Frank restored the 22-year-old to the starting XI ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray in the midfield, and that choice delivered the spark Spurs had been missing.

He didn’t waste time making his presence felt with a fine assist in the 25th minute, where he chased a Pedro Porro pass before guiding a perfectly cushioned pass across the six-yard area into Richarlison’s path for the finish.

Eighteen minutes later, he produced a moment of brilliance, driving the entire length into Brentford’s back to tuck in a fine finish past Caoimhin Kelleher.

Thomas Frank was ‘pleased’

Spurs created more chances after the break, with Caoimhin Kelleher forced into action on several occasions. Altogether, they produced an authoritative showing with 15 attempts and seven on target, while Simons accounted for four of them, including two efforts on goal.

Tottenham finished the game with 53% of the ball with Simons at the thick of things, making 59 touches in Thomas Frank’s first encounter against his former side.

He was also outstanding against a physical Brentford side, winning possession seven times, successfully winning four duels, and also winning three fouls in what is his best performance in a Spurs shirt since his big-money move from RB Leipzig on deadline day.

Speaking after the game, Tottenham boss Frank was ‘pleased’ with the Netherlands international’s performance.

He said, ‘I’m really so pleased for him because he has been working so hard on the training pitch and in the gym. He is a 24/7 professional, and he wants it so badly. I think he has been on a good run, and he is close to being decisive.’

Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing Marcus Rashford next summer

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Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Brennan Johnson as their left winger at times this season with summer signing Xavi Simons failing to live up to the billing, and are already planning on bringing in another player in the position.

Caught Offside has reported that Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, has emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur as the English international is set to leave Old Trafford permanently next summer.

He is having a terrific time on loan with Barca with six goals and nine assists in all competitions, and off the back of nearly half a season of consistent displays in La Liga and the Champions League, it’s fair to say Rashford has found his feet again.

Barca have the option of acquiring him for approximately £25 million next year but owing to their financial troubles it remains to be seen whether they are able to successfully bring him to Camp Nou, while Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on him.

Spurs would benefit massively from Rashford

For the first time in several months, possibly years, Marcus Rashford has played in a coherent system and in his preferred role as the left winger. From a tactical standpoint, Hansi Flick has done brilliantly to fit him into the Barcelona squad.

Having said that, there is every reason to believe Tottenham Hotspur would leverage his attributes as they need a creator and goal threat down the left flank, and Rashford is exactly the profile they are after with experience in the Premier League too.

The Englishman’s blistering pace, excellent finishing, ability to counter-attack intelligently and mental strength on the pitch will all benefit Spurs, who are lacking in not just quality but a little bit of experience as well in their final third.

Rashford continues to hope that Barcelona will be able to sign him, but Spurs will also keep close tabs on his situation. The 28-year-old is valued at £35 million on Transfermarkt, a fee that the Londoners should be able to pay very easily to United.

Richarlison and Van de Ven return: Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Brentford

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Tottenham Hotspur are on a streak of five winless matches in the Premier League following their midweek draw versus Newcastle United at St. James’ Park and pressure is starting to grow on Thomas Frank.

He has a chance to make amends against a familiar opponent, however, as the Lilywhites host their manager’s former employers Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday 15 of the league at 15:00 local time.

With that said, here is how the home side could line-up for the clash.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario has not been in great form for Tottenham and had an especially disappointing game at home against Fulham last weekend, but he could keep his place between the sticks against Brentford.

Defenders – Pedro Porro is likely to play at right back owing to the team’s lack of depth in his role, but Destiny Udogie could drop out and make way for Djed Spence to return to the fore at left back.

Cristian Romero, the scorer of a brace at Newcastle, might be in his usual centre-back position, while Kevin Danso could be replaced by Micky van de Ven, who was benched in the visit to the Magpies.

Palhinha and Richarlison return

Midfielders – Joao Palhinha was also not a part of Tottenham Hotspur’s starting eleven in the Newcastle United match but he could come back into the team at Pape Mata Sarr’s expense.

The Portuguese international and Rodrigo Bentancur have been decent together in the double pivot and might partner one another versus Brentford tomorrow. Lucas Bergvall, on the other hand, could be replaced by Richarlison, who might play just behind the striker.

Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson, meanwhile, are likely to continue down the right and left wings, respectively.

Forward – Randal Kolo Muani is expected to lead the line for Tottenham once more.

Here is how the Tottenham side might look on paper.