football-talk.co.uk

Chelsea are reportedly in the ‘strongest position’ to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, as per TEAMtalk.

After being appointed as the new manager last month, Liam Rosenior helped the Blues win four consecutive Premier League matches. They had an opportunity to climb up to fourth place in the table with a victory over Leeds United in midweek.

The West London club even managed to earn a two-goal lead courtesy of João Pedro and Cole Palmer’s goals. However, they ended up drawing the game.

Now, Chelsea are fifth in the league with 44 points from 26 games, sitting only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United. Fifth position might be enough to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, the Blues have already started exploring options to strengthen the squad next summer. TEAMtalk claim that, following Liam Delap’s below-average performances thus far this season, Chelsea are planning to sign a new striker, even though Emanuel Emegha is set to join at the end of this campaign.

Rosenior’s side have identified Vlahovic as a serious option, with the Serbian increasingly likely to become a free agent in the summer.

The 26-year-old has entered the final few months of his current contract, and Juventus wanted to give him a fresh term with a reduced salary. However, the player hasn’t accepted that and is keen on playing in the Premier League.

Battle

Apart from Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are also interested in him. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to make a move after signing Benjamin Sesko last summer.

Vlahovic is keen on joining a Champions League team, but Newcastle and Tottenham are highly unlikely to be able to qualify for this competition next season. So, Chelsea are in the ‘strongest position’ to secure his service.

Although Chelsea won’t have to pay a transfer fee to sign him, they will still need to invest a hefty sum to complete the deal, including a high agent commission, the player’s wages, and signing bonuses.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger by the France international’s representatives, according to TEAMtalk.

Antonio Conte signed the German centre-back for Chelsea from Serie A side AS Roma in the summer of 2017, and the deal proved defining, as he was instrumental in their FA Cup triumph that season — the club’s last success at Wembley Stadium.

He later won the Europa League, before adding the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup to his medal collection. In 2022, he joined Real Madrid after making 203 appearances for the West London club.

The German will turn 33 next month and is entering the final six months of his deal at the Bernabéu, though his role has been limited, with a departure now increasingly likely.

According to TEAMtalk, Rudiger is open to a return to the Premier League, and intermediaries have offered the 6ft 2in centre-back to several clubs ahead of next summer, including Tottenham.

The report adds that talks have been held with Spurs to discuss his availability for a summer move, with the German international prepared to take a significant pay cut to secure a return to the league.

Rudiger to Tottenham

However, the North London club will need to act swiftly to thrash out a deal, as TEAMtalk reports that other Premier League sides, including Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Chelsea, have also been contacted about a possible move for Rudiger.

While the German would be an experienced option both on the pitch and in the dressing room, it is unclear whether the incoming manager would have other ideas following Thomas Frank’s departure.

Sitting 16th in the Premier League table, Spurs find themselves just five points clear of the drop zone following a dismal spell in the top division, with a daunting North London showdown against leaders Arsenal looming next.

Tottenham have failed to secure a win in their last eight league outings — their worst sequence in the competition since a nine-match winless run between May and October 2008 during Juande Ramos’ tenure.

They’ll now hope to end their nine-match domestic winless run and a third consecutive defeat when they face Arsenal on Sunday, 22nd February.

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury troubles have worsened further after Wilson Odobert was forced off with what appeared to be a serious knee issue during the clash with Newcastle United.

Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at home leaves them just five points clear of the relegation places, losing to a Newcastle side that have struggled badly away from home this season.

Odobert, who joined from Burnley for £25m in 2024, retained his spot in an unchanged attacking trio against the Magpies, lining up on the right of a front three alongside Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons.

His night was cut short midway through the opening half following a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge with Harvey Barnes, after which he seemed to land heavily on his knee. The 21-year-old required treatment on the pitch before limping off in a moment that will raise fresh concerns for Spurs.

Apart from skipper Cristian Romero’s suspension, Spurs were already missing 10 sidelined players.

The France U23 star now joins fellow winger Mohammed Kudus in the treatment room in North London. James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski are likewise unavailable.

Blow

Thomas Frank could not provide a definite assessment of Odobert’s setback, though he expressed hope that the issue is not severe, especially given Spurs’ already stretched areas.

‘No [update], not yet,’ Frank told reporters at full-time.

‘I hope it’s nothing too serious, but I don’t know what it can be. Of course, I hope it’s not a serious injury to a 20-year-old young player.’

However, it appears Odobert is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines as The Athletic report that the attacker has suffered an ACL injury to his knee. Such an injury typically takes months to recover from so there is doubt whether Odobert will play again this season.

The news comes after Thomas Frank was sacked by Tottenham on Wednesday afternoon. The decision follows yet another costly loss, their 11th in 26 Premier League matches this season.

Frank penned a three-year deal after succeeding Ange Postecoglou, who departed despite leading Tottenham to the Europa League final, having overseen the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish of 17th with 38 points last term.

However, the North London side have endured another miserable league campaign. Frank exits with an average of 1.12 points per game in the Premier League — 29 points from 26 games — the poorest return of any Spurs manager to have taken charge of five or more matches in the competition, according to Opta.

Tottenham Hotspur are winless in their last five Premier League matches and face another stern test as they host Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 19:30 tonight in their matchday 26 fixture in the English top division.

Thomas Frank’s men will need to be at their best to beat the Magpies, who are themselves coming into the match off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Brentford from the weekend. Here is a look at how the home side might line-up for the game.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to continue in goal for Spurs.

Defenders – Pedro Porro remains on the sideline, so Archie Gray is expected to deputise at right back once more and with Djed Spence as well as Destiny Udogie injured, £13 million winter signing Souza could get his Premier League start at left back. Cristian Romero’s suspension means Radu Dragusin is the favourite to play beside Micky van de Ven at central defence.

Kolo Muani to replace Odobert

Midfielders – Joao Palhinha is expected to play in a deeper-lying position for Tottenham Hotspur. He has not been in great form and will look to regain his feet and perform at the level he did at the start of the campaign. Alongside the Portuguese international, another one of the club’s most recent signings, Conor Gallagher, is likely to play with Pape Mata Sarr expected to round off an unchanged midfielder trio for the home side from the Manchester United clash at the weekend.

Forwards – Wilson Odobert might get a well-deserved rest after playing extensive minutes in the recent outings, with Randal Kolo Muani expected to play on the right side of offence. Xavi Simons, on the other hand, could retain his berth on the left flank with Dominic Solanke the favourite to round off the front three by leading the line for Tottenham.

Here is how the Lilywhites may look on paper.

Manchester United are on home soil for a second successive weekend as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on matchday 25 of the Premier League, hoping to secure a fourth straight win and continuing their upward surge in the standings.

Last weekend, they won a five-goal thriller against Fulham and while there is room for improvement, it was a well-deserved success for the Red Devils who now face another tough test. Here is how they could line-up for the match.

Goalkeeper – Senne Lammens is expected to continue in goal for the hosts.

Defenders – Diogo Dalot might once again be preferred to Noussair Mazraoui at right back, with Luke Shaw also in contention to retain his place at left back. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could partner with one another in the heart of the back four, therefore rounding off an unchanged backline from last weekend’s win over Fulham.

Sesko set to lead the line

Midfielders – Kobbie Mainoo has finally found a decent run of minutes under Michael Carrick and is expected to continue building on those against Tottenham Hotspur with a place in the starting eleven in a deeper-lying role in midfield. Casemiro could partner with him after his goal and assist versus Fulham last time out.

Bruno Fernandes might play as the attacking midfielder for Manchester United, whereas Bryan Mbeumo, who was the striker in the previous game, might replace Amad Diallo on the right wing. Matheus Cunha is set to continue on the left flank, meanwhile.

Forward – £74 million summer signing Benjamin Sesko bagged a stoppage time winner against Fulham and his contribution could be rewarded with a place in the Man United line-up as the solitary striker.

Here is how the Red Devils may look on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur came back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw at home against Manchester City in their Premier League meeting last weekend, courtesy of Dominic Solanke’s brace, but their defence was once again all over the place.

Spurs are not comfortable in the standings and risk missing out on Europe football once again, with a top eight finish in the Champions League’s league phase thought to be Thomas Frank’s only saving grace leading to him not being sacked.

While they have been ravaged by injuries various times this season, the team is nowhere as bad on paper as performances on the pitch have shown but that has not deterred the board from looking to invest on quality players during the transfer windows.

GiveMeSport has reported that Tottenham will reignite their interest in signing Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, after their £30 million attempt towards his signing did not bear fruition in the final hours of the recently concluded transfer window.

Aruajo unlikely to pick a move to Spurs

Ronald Araujo has dealt with poor form on the pitch over the last few years which has led to Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi overtaking him in the pecking order at Barcelona, thereby raising talks of his potential exit sooner rather than later.

However, all things considered, the Uruguayan international is not expected to want to join Tottenham Hotspur, particularly due to their absence from European football and the silverware front domestically, while their depth in defence is also very strong.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are undisputed starters in the team, and are unlikely to lose their prominence in the team even if a managerial change occurs, whereas Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are also great back-ups available at Spurs.

Even though Araujo’s lack of game time might compel him to consider departing Barca during the summer transfer window and a swoop to England may be on the cards, Tottenham might not be one of the sides he considers joining.

Tottenham Hotspur have stolen a march on Arsenal after reaching an agreement to sign highly rated Scottish centre-forward James Wilson from Heart of Midlothian, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Most of Wilson’s first-team minutes this season have arrived in the Scottish League Cup, where he has scored twice across four outings. Widely viewed as the brightest young talent in Scottish football, he previously lit up the Scottish Lowland League at the youth level, producing an impressive return of 14 goals and six assists from 26 matches.

His form has carried on to the international stage, too, with the teenager excelling for Scotland’s Under-21s by registering four goals in just five appearances.

At only 18, Wilson has already taken the step into senior international football, earning his first cap for Steve Clarke’s Scotland side last year during the Nations League play-off clash with Greece, becoming Scotland’s youngest ever player at 18 years and 17 days old, breaking John Lambie’s record set in 1887.

According to Romano, Tottenham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Wilson to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.

The journalist adds that Arsenal were heavily linked with the youngster, offering a trial for the youngster to join their youth setup this month.

However, Spurs have now stolen a march on their north London rivals after proposing a direct loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent, which has been accepted by Hearts, according to the report.

Exciting prospect

Wilson is now undergoing medicals at the club before contract signing formalities, as well as unveiling, will be carried out for the Scottish international, Romano adds.

Tottenham’s transfer strategy in recent seasons has involved not only acquiring quality players to strengthen the first team but also investing in promising young talents.

Some of the notable prospects signed by the club include 6ft 5in centre-back Ashley Phillips from Championship side Blackburn Rovers in 2024.

Furthermore, Luka Vuskovic was signed from Croatian side Hajduk Split and has been tipped for a significant role in the first team next season due to his outstanding displays in the Bundesliga for Hamburger.

The trio of Archie Gray, Min-hyeok Yang, and Lucas Bergvall was also signed by the club, with Gray starting at wingback in the 2-2 comeback draw against Manchester City.

Wilson is likely to be used in Spurs’ U21 team as he continues to develop, and he’s tipped to show his prolific goalscoring heroics, potentially leading to a permanent deal in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a formal £30m offer to sign Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to Fichajes.

After coming back from two goals down to secure a point against Manchester City on Sunday, Spurs are looking to rejuvenate their poor form in the first half of the season.

The club are looking to make adequate reinforcements before the deadline after previously completing the signings of Conor Gallagher and Souza from Atletico Madrid and Santos, respectively, with Araujo now being eyed as their next target.

The 26-year-old has had both highs and lows at the Catalan club. He has played a significant role in the club’s trophy-laden campaign since he arrived in 2018, winning seven domestic titles, including two LaLigas.

However, his role has reduced in recent seasons, firstly due to costly individual errors as well as the emergence of Pau Cubarsí, who has remained a mainstay in the Blaugrana’s backline.

Despite that, his experience remains invaluable, and he still has a lot of quality to offer, particularly at the highest levels.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham have submitted a formal offer to Barcelona for the possible transfer of Araujo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bold swoop

The Spanish champions are currently evaluating Spurs’ offer internally after the North London club submitted a £30m fee, which is divided into a £25m fixed fee plus £4m in add-ons, according to the report.

The Spanish outlet adds that the 6ft 3in centre-back fits into the mould of a physically imposing, combative and experienced centre-back needed for Thomas Frank’s backline, and the club are optimistic the Uruguayan can rediscover his form with them, as the league’s physicality is better suited to his qualities.

Tottenham have been plagued by injuries this season, leading to a lack of reliable depth. The same problems showed again on Sunday during the draw with Manchester City, as Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Djed Spence were unavailable; Ben Davies was also absent; and Cristian Romero was forced off at the break after picking up an issue.

There could be a real need for a new defender before the winter transfer deadline, and Araujo would be a viable option for the club to hand the manager an imposing weapon at the back, similar to when he had Ethan Pinnock at Brentford.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing a ‘strong interest’ in signing Endrick, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

After joining Real Madrid from Brazilian side Palmeiras, the forward initially played as a rotational option under former manager Carlo Ancelotti last term.

In only eight starts across all competitions, the Brazilian netted seven goals. Having shown glimpses of his qualities in club football, he secured his place in the Brazil squad.

However, he struggled to find regular game time at Real Madrid during the first half of this season; as a result, he lost his place in the Brazil team, with the World Cup next summer.

Therefore, the 19-year-old has decided to join Olympique Lyonnais on a loan deal until the end of this season to play regularly and develop his career.

He has enjoyed a stellar start in France, making five goal contributions in only four appearances across all competitions thus far.

Therefore, Fichajes state that after being impressed by the youngster’s performances at Groupama Stadium, Tottenham have registered a ‘strong interest’ in signing him.

Endrick to Tottenham

However, the Lilywhites aren’t the only club in this race as Leeds United and Sunderland are also plotting a swoop.

Los Blancos aren’t in any rush to sell the South American, valued at around £22m by Transfermarkt, with his existing deal set to run until 2030. They have been monitoring his development closely.

Endrick is a left-footed centre-forward by trait but is also comfortable on the right flank. Although he is still very young, he is an explosive forward. Moreover, he is technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and also has an eye for scoring goals from distance.

Tottenham have found themselves thin in numbers in the frontline due to injury problems this season, so they could do with reinforcing this position.

Endrick is a top-class talent and possesses the potential to become one of the best forwards in the world. So, he would be a great coup for Tottenham should they purchase him.

However, it remains to be seen whether the North London club can eventually manage to secure his service.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks to seal a deadline-day deal for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, as per Caught Offside.

Although the Lilywhites have decided to reinforce the midfield and left-back position by purchasing Conor Gallagher and Souza, respectively, they haven’t signed a forward despite letting Brennan Johnson leave earlier in this window.

With Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison remaining sidelined due to their respective injury problems, Thomas Frank has been left with very thin options in the wide forward positions.

Now, Caught Offside claim that Tottenham are interested in signing a new winger on deadline day and have identified Diaz as a serious option. Having struggled to find regular game time thus far this season, the 26-year-old is ready to leave to play regularly.

The former Manchester City man’s representatives have started exploring options to find a suitable destination for him and have held talks with Tottenham.

Moreover, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have expressed their interest in him, while Serie A side Como are also considering making a move. But if he were to leave Real Madrid today, he would likely move to the Premier League.

The Moroccan international is valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt and has entered the final 16 months of his current contract. So, Los Blancos might be open to cashing-in on him this year to avoid losing him for free.

Diaz to Tottenham

Diaz is a left-footed right winger by trait, but is also comfortable in the creative midfield position; moreover, he is efficient with his right foot.

He is a technically sound, energetic, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas and also works hard without possession.

Diaz has started only four games in the Champions League and La Liga thus far this season, making four goal contributions.

However, he displayed his qualities for Morocco in the recently concluded AFCON, scoring five goals in seven matches. The forward guided his country to reach the final and even won the highest scorer award.

Diaz is a top-class player and is currently at the prime stage of his career. So, he would be a great coup for Tottenham should they eventually manage to secure his services before the deadline.