football-talk.co.uk

West Ham are in the relegation zone 11 Premier League matches into the season with seven defeats to their name, and while Nuno Espirito Santo has orchestrated two wins on the trot, it remains to be seen where they will finish the campaign in May next year.

European qualification is already looking like a distant dream for the Hammers, who have not shown any signs of competing with the league’s bigger sides in spite of significant investment on newer signings in the last couple of years.

Such a situation is likely to see some of their best players depart for greener pastures and with Mohammed Kudus having gone earlier this year, Jarrod Bowen is expected to follow suit to play in the Champions League, according to Caught Offside.

He is likely to remain in the Premier League itself and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be very keen on his addition with Thomas Frank looking to sign a winger or two next year to improve the number and quality of his options in the final third.

Bowen brilliant for Spurs

Jarrod Bowen would be a brilliant signing for Tottenham Hotspur. In addition to being a potent right winger, he is able to play as a number 10 and on the left wing too, so his versatility will be a huge asset for the Lilywhites.

Bowen’s direct playing style and drive to enter the box will take Tottenham’s game to the next level as the 28-year-old is not just a great creator of opportunities in the final third, but also finishes really well from mid to close range.

Although he might not have regular chances to play as a right winger owing to Mohammed Kudus being employed there, Jarrod Bowen could be an asset for Spurs in the attacking midfield position owing to James Maddison’s fitness worries.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ‘leading the race’ ahead of Chelsea and Everton to sign Ivan Toney, as per TEAMtalk.

Since Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich a couple of years ago, the Lilywhites’ centre-forward position has been in a state of flux. Initially, Spurs decided not to sign a striker to replace the England captain before purchasing Dominic Solanke last year.

However, the former Bournemouth star displayed average performances in his debut campaign at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has been out injured since the start of this season.

Thomas Frank has deployed Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani in the No.9 position thus far this season. However, none of them has managed to showcase their abilities consistently.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Frank believes his side lack a clinical striker and Spurs have identified Toney as a serious option to address this issue. The Dane and the 29-year-old know each other very well, having worked together at Brentford.

The forward thinks he needs to play regularly at the highest level to secure his place in the England national team squad for next summer’s World Cup. So, he is keen on returning to the Premier League in January and is even ready to take a pay cut to facilitate the move.

Toney to Tottenham

Although Al-Ahli don’t want to part ways with the player just yet, with his existing deal set to run until 2028, he has informed his desire to his club and Tottenham have already held ‘preliminary talks’ to seal the deal.

West Ham United and Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on his situation, while Everton hold a ‘serious’ interest in the former Brentford star. However, the Lilywhites are currently ‘leading the race’.

The Englishman is a Premier League-proven player and has continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess since moving to the Middle East, making 11 goal contributions across all competitions this term.

Toney is an experienced 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 by defeating other English clubs in this race.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prioritising signing AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Following James Maddison’s serious knee injury, the Lilywhites decided to reinforce the creative midfield position by purchasing Xavi Simons last summer.

However, the Dutchman has had a tepid start to his life in north London, registering only two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions thus far this campaign.

Therefore, it appears Thomas Frank has already started planning to buy a new No.10 to create competition for the former RB Leipzig midfielder.

Fichajes state that Tottenham are planning to upgrade the attack and have identified Akliouche as a priority target. They have intensified their efforts to seal the deal by making contact with Monaco.

However, purchasing the 23-year-old won’t be straightforward for the North London club as German side Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on securing his services.

Akliouche is valued at around £40m by Transfermarkt and has entered the final two and a half years of his current contract. Monaco are a selling club and might be open to letting the youngster leave next year to make the most profit out of his departure.

Akliouche to Tottenham

The Monaco star is a left-footed, technically gifted, versatile player. He usually plays on the right side of the attack at Stade Louis II, but is also comfortable in the No.10 role, and this might be the ideal position for him to flourish in the Premier League.

Akliouche made 19 goal contributions across all competitions last campaign and has continued to showcase his productivity thus far this season, scoring three goals and registering as many assists.

After displaying his qualities in Ligue 1, Akliouche has secured his place in the star-studded French national team squad, scoring his first international goal against Azerbaijan in the World Cup qualifying fixture last weekend.

Akliouche is a highly talented player and possesses the potential to reach the top. Therefore, he would be a great coup for Tottenham should they purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether Spurs eventually make a concrete approach to secure the France international’s service in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly the ‘favourites’ to sign Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Lilywhites decided to refresh the flanks last summer by allowing Son Heung-min to leave and signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

As a result, Thomas Frank currently has the Ghanaian plus Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski as the specialist wide forward options.

However, the Swedish international has been out injured since the start of this season, and Kudus picked up an injury just before this international break. On the other hand, Johnson has displayed below-average performances thus far this season.

Xavi Simons, Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani are also capable of providing cover on the flanks if needed, but they are comfortable centrally.

Now, Fichajes state that Frank is willing to reinforce the squad with a creative winger in the upcoming winter window, and Tottenham have earmarked Kubo as a serious option.

With Real Sociedad struggling this season and unlikely to be able to gain money from European football next season, La Real are ready to let the Japanese international leave to raise funds.

Kubo to Tottenham

The player has a £53m release clause in his current contract, which should help Spurs seal the deal easily. Kubo joined La Real from Real Madrid and Los Blancos hold a sell-on clause.

The report claim that Aston Villa are also interested in the 24-year-old; however, the North London club are currently the ‘favourites’ in this race.

Kubo is a technically gifted left-footed right-winger. He is quick, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, has the ability to create opportunities for fellow attackers and also works hard without possession.

The Real Sociedad star is a talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for the Lilywhites should they purchase him. However, he is short in stature, and there are question marks over whether he would be the right type of player for a physical league like the Premier League.

Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to secure his service in January or next summer to bolster the wide forward position.

Barcelona signed Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United in the summer, and the player has regained his feet with the La Liga giants having scored six goals and provided nine assists in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s men.

Consequent to his form, Barca could look to sign Rashford permanently next year with the Englishman also hoping to do so, but their financial situation remains precarious and there are likely to be targets of greater priority to them than him.

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also considering a surprise transfer for Rashford, whose tenure at Old Trafford all but seems to have ended after a few substandard seasons under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Spurs likelier to sign Rashford

Even though Chelsea have been linked with Marcus Rashford’s signing, they will choose their next left winger carefully after having adequate depth in the position, having also been linked with the likes of Rafael Leao and Rodrygo Goes.

Tottenham Hotspur, however, could see massive utility in signing the Manchester United star as he has been excellent down the left flank this season with a fantastic output in terms of goal contributions, while he can even play as a striker.

On Transfermarkt, Rashford’s valuation stands at £35 million and it is likely to be a transfer fee that would suffice for the forward’s acquisition from Man United, though his salary demands could be a problem for the Lilywhites.

Spurs have a sound wage structure and in spite of Rashford promising to be a solid fit in Thomas Frank’s system, it could all come down to whether or not the two parties are willing to make mutually convenient compromises in terms of money.

Having said that, Barcelona are still likely to be Rashford’s preferred destination, so it remains to be seen if the Catalans are eventually able to get a permanent swoop for him across the line at some point next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to consider signing a winger or two in the next couple of transfer windows in order to compete with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, with both the flanks not having much depth at the moment.

Football Insider has reported that Tottenham are looking to sign Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo, with the player also willing to depart the La Liga outfit as early as in the January transfer window owing to La Real’s underwhelming displays.

Spurs will need to pay £52 million to land Takefusa Kubo, according to the source, although given that Real Sociedad are only three points above the relegation zone, they might want to retain a vital first-team player for the business end of the season.

Kubo not ideal for Tottenham

In his early days, Takefusa Kubo was a part of Real Madrid’s setup but eventually joined Real Sociedad due to a lack of game time with the Whites, who were left unimpressed by his development and general qualities when Zinedine Zidane was at their helm.

Kubo might not be able to deal with the physicality of the Premier League if he was to sign for Tottenham Hotspur as he does not have the adequate strength to hold off defenders and also does not do much work without the ball.

His dribbling, chance creation and acceleration are attractive qualities, but it is unlikely that Spurs would willing to settle for a winger with relatively average attributes when they are prepared to spend in excess of £50 million for the player.

With that in mind, Tottenham would be better off exploring their alternatives to the Japanese international, who has not done anything extraordinary in his career yet to warrant a swoop to one of the Premier League’s biggest sides.

Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a move to sign Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, according to TEAMtalk.

Tzolis enjoyed a stellar 2023-25 season where he provided 37 goal contributions and impressed in the Blauw-Zwart Champions League journey before it was ended in the last 16 by Aston Villa.

In the ongoing campaign, the 23-year-old has been in prolific form, netting eight goals and providing nine assists in all competitions for Nicky Hayen’s Jupiler Pro League-chasing side.

He previously had a spell in England with Norwich City in the EFL Championship, where he made 30 appearances, netting three goals and providing two assists.

It appears a return to England could be on the cards in 2026, as TEAMtalk claims that Tottenham have set their sights on Tzolis over a possible move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Having shown rapid development since his move to Brugge in July 2024, the report adds that Spurs are aware he is prepared for another test in English football and are now keeping tabs on him.

However, several clubs are set to battle with the North London club to sign Tzolis, as TEAMtalk claims that Aston Villa, West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund have been monitoring his performances this season.

Prolific forward

The Greek international still has four years left on his contract at the Jan Breydel Stadium, with the report adding that Brugge will likely demand a £35m offer from interested clubs, such as Spurs.

Only a few months into his spell in North London, Thomas Frank is already dealing with incessant injury issues in attack. Dominic Solanke is still out after ankle surgery, and Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani hasn’t really found his feet yet.

As a result, Spurs are closely examining their attacking options and could move for Tzolis, who sits joint-third in the Jupiler Pro League scoring charts.

With the club still trying to replace Son Heung-min after his departure last summer, Tzolis presents a promising option. The Greek left winger possesses the keen eye for goal, dribbling, and directness to make an instant impression under Frank, and if things go well, he could grow into their long-term solution on the left.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a move to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Malick Fofana, as per TEAMtalk.

Since moving to Groupama Stadium from KAA Gent last year, the 20-year-old has established himself as a key player. After being impressed by his performances last term, several clubs around Europe expressed their interest in signing him in the last transfer window.

Bayern Munich reportedly considered signing him before buying Luis Diaz from Liverpool, while it was suggested that the Reds wanted to purchase the Belgian to replace the Colombian.

However, the Merseyside club never made a concrete approach. Everton made a formal move to secure Fofana’s service, but the player refused to join them. Arsenal were also tentatively linked with him.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham have been monitoring Fofana’s performances over the last few months and were willing to buy him last summer.

However, despite failing to sign him last time around, Spurs remain keen on him, as they are planning to purchase a new forward in the upcoming winter window.

Fofana to Tottenham

The Belgian international’s current contract will run until 2028, so Lyon are in a strong position to demand a big fee for him and have slapped a £44m price tag on his head.

Fofana is a left-winger by trait but is also comfortable on the opposite side. In nine Ligue 1 appearances thus far this season, the forward has scored twice and registered a solitary assist.

The youngster is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and also works hard without possession.

Thomas Frank has deployed Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert on the left flank this season. However, the Brazilian is a centre-forward by trait, while Johnson and Simons have failed to showcase their best, with the Dutchman more comfortable in the No.10 role.

Therefore, Tottenham could do with purchasing a new left-winger, and Fofana might be a shrewd acquisition with a view to the long-term future, should they purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to lure him away from Groupama Stadium in January or next summer.

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

The north London giants were credited with an interest in signing the Ghana international last summer, but they ended up recruiting Mohamed Kudus to bolster the wide attacking department.

This has not necessarily ended their interest and Sky Sports claim that Thomas Frank’s side are keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old’s situation before the winter transfer window.

Spurs are looking to sign another forward in January, particularly one who can play from the left.

Proven winger

Spurs have focused on adding proven attacking talent to their ranks. They signed Kudus from West Ham United last summer and were keen on landing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace before Arsenal hijacked the deal.

The club compensated the setback by recruiting Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The Dutchman made a slow start to his career, but has started to find his feet in the Premier League in recent games and should only get better.

Semenyo would be another top-notch signing for the Europa League champions. The Ghanaian has been exceptional for the Cherries in the league this term, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists from 11 appearances.

He can comfortably play on either wing, but he is most comfortable from the left flank. Kudus has made an instant impact on the right wing with several assists, and his compatriot Semenyo would be a perfect foil for Spurs on the opposite end.

Semenyo has plenty of other qualities aside from his goal contributions. He has won an average of 6.5 duels per game this season while making 5.3 recoveries. He has completed almost 2 dribbles per appearance.

The 25-year-old, described as ‘world-class‘ by Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert, would seamlessly fit in at Spurs unlike a new signing from abroad, who may require a number of months to adapt to the higher intensity.

Manchester United are reportedly planning to make a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur target and AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Cherries were once an inconsistent side, often fluctuating between the Premier League and the Championship. However, since Andoni Iraola’s arrival as manager, they have firmly established themselves as a top-flight club.

The South Coast side finished in the top half of the Premier League table last term and have been fighting for the European places this campaign, sitting only one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland.

Following Bournemouth’s recent impressive performances, several of their key players have earned moves to bigger clubs. Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi, Iraola’s first-choice centre-back partnership last term, joined Real Madrid and PSG, respectively, last summer.

Moreover, Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool, and Arsenal decided to purchase Kepa Arrizabalaga to support David Raya in the last transfer window. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur bought Dominic Solanke in a club record fee to replace Harry Kane last year.

Now, Antoine Semenyo has started attracting a lot of attention, having displayed impressive performances thus far this season. Fichajes state that apart from the Ghanaian, Scott has placed himself on the radar of the upper echelon of Premier League teams, with Man Utd and Tottenham among those interested.

Battle

The 23-year-old’s existing deal is set to run until 2028 and is valued at around £22m. Therefore, Bournemouth are in a strong position to demand a big fee to let him leave next year.

João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have been the first-choice midfield pairing for Spurs under Thomas Frank thus far this season. However, the pair hasn’t been able to complement each other properly.

On the other hand, Man Utd have a long-term problem in the engine room and are said to be prioritising addressing this issue next year. A plethora of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming winter window, with Scott emerging as a new target.

The Englishman likes to be deployed in the double midfield pivot role and could be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd or Tottenham should either club eventually manage to secure his service.