football-talk.co.uk

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday 17 of the Premier League at 17:30 local time tomorrow as they look to turn around a terrible run of form in the English top flight.

The Lilywhites have lost three out of their last five outings in the competition and face the league’s defending champions on home soil. Here is a look at the playing eleven Thomas Frank is expected to deploy as he looks to relieve some pressure off his job.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to keep his place in goal for Tottenham.

Defenders – Pedro Porro and Djed Spence have not been at their best in recent weeks but will likely retain their berths at right and left back, respectively, whereas Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven might round off an unchanged backline for the hosts.

Palhinha to replace Gray

Midfielders – Archie Gray had a very poor game against Nottingham Forest last weekend and consequent to that, he could drop out of Tottenham Hotspur’s starting eleven this time around. Joao Palhinha is expected to come in for him in the double pivot in midfield to potentially partner with Rodrigo Bentancur.

Xavi Simons could continue to feature as the number 10 with Mohammed Kudus playing on the right wing and Randal Kolo Muani operating down the left for Spurs.

Forward – Richarlison could lead the line once more with the team struggling for depth in the final third.

Here is a look at Spurs’ potential team on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly revive their interest in signing Manchester City forward Savinho in the upcoming winter transfer window, as per transfer expert David Ornstein.

Despite purchasing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last summer, the Lilywhites were planning to sign another wide forward. Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth was heavily linked with a move, but Savinho was on their radar as well.

Eventually, Thomas Frank’s side failed to finalise a move for either of them. On deadline day, they opted to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain on loan. He is a versatile forward as he is comfortable playing anywhere across the frontline.

Now, on Sky Sports’ Back Pages podcast, Ornstein says that Tottenham are planning to sign a new wide forward in January, and money will be available to make the move.

Semenyo remains on Spurs’ radar, but competition is fierce for his signature as Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly in this race as well. So, Tottenham are also interested in Savinho, and although they failed to purchase him last time around, they could finally be able to secure his service next month.

Ornstein said:

“They’ll also have the opportunity to improve the squad in the January transfer window. There will be money available if the right profile comes to them, and if it will improve the team in their eyes.

“They like Antoine Semenyo, for example, if it’s not going to be him, maybe some other players in that wide attacking position, which is something they looked at last summer with Savinho from Manchester City. It didn’t come to fruition. Maybe it will in January, and they’ll hope that Thomas Frank can bring the results over time.”

Savinho to Tottenham

The 21-year-old, valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt, moved to the Etihad Stadium last year and has a contract until 2031. So, the Citizens aren’t in any rush to sell him next year.

The Brazilian enjoyed a promising debut campaign at Man City last term, making 12 goal contributions in all competitions. However, he has struggled to find regular game time this season, making only four Premier League starts. He has mostly played in the cup competitions, scoring twice and notching up as many assists so far.

Savinho is a left-footed versatile forward, as he is comfortable playing on either flank. He is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, is efficient in delivering excellent crosses from the wide areas and works hard without possession.

The South American is a highly talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to secure his service in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘pushing very strongly’ to complete the signing of Leicester City forward Jeremy Monga, according to TEAMtalk.

The 16-year-old, valued at £8m by Transfermarkt, became the Foxes’ youngest-ever goalscorer in August when he netted the club’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Preston North End.

That milestone seemed to have injected more passion and synergy into the youngster, who has since become one of the Foxes’ most reliable forwards, delivering exceptional dribbling skills and a constant attacking threat whenever called upon.

With Spurs looking to make more attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window to push for a European finish, several attacking options are being explored, including Leicester’s Monga.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are plotting a swoop to sign Monga, who is also of keen interest to several clubs across Europe.

It appears the North London club are now looking to trump their rivals in the race for his signature, as the report adds that the club have been ‘pushing strongly’ to sign the Englishman ‘in recent weeks’.

The right winger is expected to give his final verdict on his next potential club in early 2026, according to the report, with Spurs now keen.

Tottenham need an experienced winger

However, the battle for Monga’s signature is set to intensify as TEAMtalk reports that Premier League rivals, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, are also in the race for the Coventry-born forward. At the same time, European giants like Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund have also held talks with Leicester about his transfer.

Finding a reliable option on the left flank is a clear priority for Tottenham, yet handing immediate first-team responsibility to a 16-year-old who has managed only two goal contributions this campaign would be a significant long-term gamble rather than a short-term solution.

Internal alternatives already exist. Mikey Moore will be returning at the end of the season, while Tynan Thompson is emerging as an exciting figure within the under-21 setup.

Given the circumstances, a move for a more experienced winger with a proven top-flight pedigree and the qualities to make an immediate impact would be more beneficial to their push for European places.

According to German outlet Bild, Manchester United are keen on signing Koln winger Said El Mala next summer, but could face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old has been terrific for Koln since their Bundesliga promotion, and he has already bagged 6 goals and 3 assists from 14 appearances. His progress has grabbed the attention of elite European clubs, and Bild claim that Man United and Spurs have ‘contacted’ the Bundesliga outfit through authorised representatives.

The Premier League duo have enquired about Koln’s willingness to sell the winger and they would be prepared to spend £26 million to £35 million to purchase the teenager next summer. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also his admirers, but El Mala sees the Premier League as the ‘next step’ in his career.

Huge talent

The German Under-21 international made his debut for Koln at the start of the campaign, having impressed for the development squads. He has been in-and-out of the starting XI with an average of only 47 minutes per league appearance. Despite this, he has been a huge hit for them, with 9 goal contributions in just 14 matches.

El Mala has been mesmerising with his raw pace and quick dribbling skills on the counter-attack. He likes to make direct runs against defences and has impressed with his goalscoring and ability to create chances for his teammates. The youngster has largely operated on the left wing, but can also play upfront or in the no.10 role.

His versatility could be behind the interest from United and Spurs in his services. The duo should have an upper hand over their European rivals, given El Mala’s desire to ply his trade in the Premier League. Spurs could see him as an option on the left wing, where they are still yearning for a regular contributor of goals and assists.

United are well occupied in the attacking midfield department with Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo, but may want more quality and depth in their ranks. El Mala could represent a relatively low-risk investment for both clubs if he can be purchased for £26 million upfront. He is only 19 and has plenty of time to adapt to a new league.

Tottenham Hotspur have struggled in front of goal in the first half of this season and with underwhelming results piling up the pressure on Thomas Frank, a few investments during the January transfer window remain on the cards.

Caught Offside has reported that Spurs are keen on signing Sevilla forward Ruben Vargas, who is enjoying a decent campaign with the Andalusian outfit with three goals and four assists to his name in 12 La Liga outings.

Leeds United are also interested in Vargas and are believed to be offering roughly £18 million for him in January, so Tottenham would have to offer more money but will be confident about signing the player ahead of their relegation-threatened competitors.

Vargas a decent back-up option

Ruben Vargas would bolster Tottenham Hotspur for the second half of this season and beyond. His numbers in La Liga read well and at a potentially nominal transfer fee, he promises to be an excellent secondary option for the Lilywhites.

A number of La Liga clubs are prepared to sell their players as they struggle to meet with strict Financial Fair Play guidelines in Spain, so it is not ruled out that Sevilla are willing to listen to offers for Vargas, who joined them from Augsburg last January.

Vargas, a Swiss international, is known for his dribbling and creativity on both flanks, as well as the impact he has in a central attacking midfielder’s role with late runs into the final third which help him get to loose balls or missed chances in the box.

Spurs will see him as an ideal fit at least initially in January with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison recovering from injuries, whereas in the longer run, the 27-year-old is a fairly good squad player to have, especially amidst injuries and a busy list of games.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are reportedly ‘crazy’ about signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, as per Italian outlet FCInterNews.it.

Although the Lilywhites won the Europa League trophy under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance last term, they endured a dire Premier League campaign, finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

As a result, they decided to part ways with the Australian and appoint Thomas Frank as the new manager ahead of this campaign. Spurs showed glimpses of improvement under the Dane at the beginning of this term.

However, they have been on a downward spiral in recent weeks, languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table with 22 points from 16 matches.

Tottenham have struggled with defensive frailties thus far this season, conceding two or more goals in the last five out of six league matches.

Now, FcInterNews.it report that Spurs are planning to reinforce the defensive department by signing Bastoni, with their sporting director, Fabio Paratici, ‘crazy’ about his compatriot. The Lilywhites have even made a move to sign him.

However, Chelsea are in this race as well, with Enzo Maresca ‘crazy’ about the Italian international. Like Spurs, they have also made an approach to seal the deal.

Battle

Moreover, Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in him, with Simone Inzaghi keen on reuniting his former colleague at Al-Hilal. Barcelona are even showing a strong interest in him.

However, the player loves Inter and is settled at Milan, so he has no intention of leaving and has already rejected the opportunity to join Tottenham or Chelsea.

Chelsea have issues at the left side of the centre-back position as Levi Colwill’s season is all but over, having sustained a serious knee injury. On the other hand, Benoit Badiashile has failed to find his feet in the Premier League. So, perhaps, Maresca is keen on reinforcing the defensive department.

Bastoni is considered one of the best defenders in Serie A and has established himself as an undisputed starter in the Italy national team’s starting line-up.

He has won two Serie A titles at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium and has been guiding his side to mount another title charge this season, sitting at the top of the table.

In 19 appearances across all competitions, Bastoni has made five goal contributions thus far this season and has kept seven clean sheets.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is under considerable pressure after his side were beaten 3-0 last weekend by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The result means they have won only one out of their last five league fixtures.

And while the board plans to give the Dane more time to implement his tactics, they are keeping tabs on a few replacements in case results don’t improve and they are compelled to show the manager the door sooner rather than later.

Caught Offside has reported that Tottenham Hotspur have three prospective replacements on their radar with US head coach Mauricio Pochettino leading the shortlist alongside Fulham boss Marco Silva and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner.

All three candidates likely to join next summer

If Thomas Frank is relieved of his duties by Tottenham Hotspur in the next few weeks, they will likely have to turn to an interim solution if they are serious about pursuing one of the candidates who make up their wish-list.

Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner remain committed to their respective clubs, at least for this season, whereas Mauricio Pochettino will lead the US national team into the World Cup next year, so any appointment seems likely before 2026/27 kicks off.

Pochettino’s appointment would be welcomed by the fans considering he was valued by them during his initial tenure at the club with many believing he was also undeservedly sacked just months after leading them to the Champions League final in 2019.

He knows Spurs well and having managed Paris Saint-Germain as well as the USMNT thereafter, he might be open to returning to London where he might feel he has some unfinished business, especially as Daniel Levy is no longer at the club.

Glasner and Silva also would be fantastic candidates, but like Thomas Frank, they come with the risk of not having managed a bigger outfit in Europe before, which means the Spurs job could be too big a proposition for them.

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League as they fell into the bottom half of the table at 11th place, with only one win to their name in their previous five outings in the English top flight.

Spurs, however, are doing a decent job in the Champions League and continental form is one of the reasons why they haven’t shown Thomas Frank the door yet. That said, a significant squad revamp is already being planned.

Guglielmo Vicario’s form has been concerning this season and with Antonin Kinsky not having too many opportunities under Frank, Football Insider has reported that Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has emerged as a target for Tottenham.

He joined Man City from Burnley this summer for £31 million but with the Sky Blues shortly following up on his purchase with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s from Paris Saint-Germain, the 23-year-old has struggled for minutes as a secondary option at the club.

Trafford a significant upgrade from Vicario

James Trafford promises to be a significant upgrade over Guglielmo Vicario. He was the best player for Burnley in last year’s Championship season and was instrumental in helping them secure promotion to the Premier League.

His ball-playing ability, reflexes and proactiveness in set-piece situations make the Englishman a great option for Tottenham Hotspur but he might not come for cheap for a number of different factors.

Firstly, Manchester City have no back-up goalkeeper if they get rid of him. Given that Gianluigi Donnarumma has had his minor fitness worries in the past, Pep Guardiola would not want to alter his side’s depth while strengthening a domestic rival.

Moreover, having spent £31 million on his signing just months ago and tying their academy graduate down to a five-year down, City will look to make a decent profit if they are to sell him even though Transfermarkt values Trafford at just £22 million.

It will be interesting to see what the goalkeeper himself has in mind as far as his future is concerned, because having joined Manchester City, he might not prefer a swoop to Tottenham, especially if they miss out on Champions League football next year.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, as per transfer expert Mike Brown.

The Lilywhites enjoyed a bright start under Thomas Frank this season, but have failed to continue the momentum. Following a 3-0 thrashing against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday, they have slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table with 22 points from 16 matches.

Spurs have won only one out of the last seven league matches, losing four. However, they have had a solid Champions League campaign thus far, sitting only one point behind eighth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Question marks have already started to be raised over whether Frank is the right man to take the club forward. However, the Dane has called for patience and believes he can turn the situation around in the future.

In the meantime, Tottenham’s recruitment team have seemingly continued exploring the market to reinforce the squad next year. On Football Insider, Brown says Tottenham are planning to add depth in the centre-back position and have identified Van Hecke as a serious option.

Having already got Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, and Kevin Danso, Tottenham aren’t prioritising signing a new defender in January, but could look to bolster the backline next summer.

Van Hecke to Tottenham

Brighton usually play hardball to sell their star man and don’t want to part ways with him in mid-season. However, considering his existing deal will expire at the end of next season, the Seagulls might be ready to let him leave next summer to avoid losing him for free.

The 25-year-old, valued at around £31m by Transfermarkt, is a technically gifted centre-back. He is comfortable playing out from the back, good in the air, efficient in defensive contributions, and can also chip in with some important goals.

The Dutchman is a Premier League-proven player, and having displayed impressive performances at AMEX Stadium, he has secured his place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands national team.

He is currently at the prime stage of his career and would be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they eventually manage to purchase him in a cut-price deal.

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are showing serious interest in signing Brentford striker Igor Thiago ahead of the winter transfer window.

The north London giants have had a dismal Premier League campaign and they are presently lying 11th in the standings with 22 points after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the road.

Manager Thomas Frank is under immense pressure with Spurs misfiring upfront, and Caught Offside claim that the hierarchy could strengthen their frontline when the transfer window reopens.

Brentford’s Thiago has emerged as a top transfer target for Spurs, and they are showing ‘serious’ interest in pursuing his signature.

The Bees could hold out for at least £61 million for the 24-year-old, who has already netted 12 goals from 17 games this season.

Unlikely deal

Thiago was originally signed as a replacement for Ivan Toney at Brentford in the summer of 2024. He played just 169 minutes over the course of his debut campaign after suffering a serious knee injury.

After the departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa last summer, Thiago was trusted to lead the line under new Bees manager Keith Andrews and the decision has paid dividends with him scoring plenty of goals.

He has netted 11 times in 16 league matches with another goal in the Carabao Cup. The 24-year-old has exceeded expectations with his goalscoring after a lengthy injury setback and could secure a big-club move soon.

Still, a mid-season departure may not happen. Brentford are currently 7 points ahead of the relegation zone, but they have been steadily dropping down the table, having failed to win 4 of the previous 5 league matches.

Thiago has been instrumental in keeping them away from the drop zone, and selling him this winter could drag them into the bottom three if they cannot find goals from elsewhere. Hence, a mid-season move appears unlikely.

Spurs would obviously benefit from an in-form striker leading the line for them. Richarlison, Mathys Tels and Randal Kolo Muani have been inconsistent, while Dominic Solanke has been on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Thiago would be a perfect profile with his strong physical presence and young age, but Spurs may have to pursue an alternative in January or wait until next summer to purchase the highly-rated Brazilian marksman.