football-talk.co.uk

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling with Manchester United over a deal to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, as per TEAMtalk.

Following Rodrigo Bentancur’s serious hamstring problem, the Lilywhites have decided to reinforce the midfield department by signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for a £35m fee this month.

Still, TEAMtalk claim that Spurs are planning to add further depth to the engine room and have earmarked Hackney as a serious option. They have been monitoring his development closely before making a potential swoop.

The 23-year-old hasn’t just attracted the Lilywhites’ attention with his recent eye-catching performances in the Championship, as Man Utd, Fulham, and Everton are also keen on him.

Although the Toffees are big admirers of Hackney, they aren’t prioritising reinforcing the midfield in January. Instead, they are looking for a new striker, left-back, and right-back.

Man Utd’s new interim manager, Michael Carrick, is a ‘huge admirer’ of the Middlesbrough star, having previously worked together at Riverside Stadium. Now, he is keen on reuniting with his former colleague at Old Trafford.

Although the midfielder’s existing deal will expire at the end of next season, Middlesbrough have no intention of parting ways with their key player in mid-season as they are in the race to gain promotion, sitting second in the Championship.

Battle

Boro want a club record fee to sell him this month and have slapped a £30m price tag on his head. They believe no one will meet the price tag to sign him.

Hackney is a deep-lying playmaker by trait but is also comfortable in the box-to-box role. Furthermore, he can provide cover in the No.10 position if needed.

Man Utd are in desperate need of a midfield rebuild as Casemiro has been displaying inconsistent performances in recent years and has entered the final few months of his current contract.

Moreover, Kobbie Mainoo struggled to find regular game time under Ruben Amorim, but his game time is expected to improve under Carrick, while Manuel Ugarte has found it difficult to find his feet in the Premier League.

Hackney is a talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd or Tottenham should either club eventually manage to secure his service in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday 22 of the Premier League tomorrow afternoon at 15:00 local time, as they look to get back to winning ways having yet to get off the mark in 2026.

There are voices within the Spurs fanbase asking for Thomas Frank to be replaced, and if the recent trend of results continues, especially against a relegation-threatened side, the Dane will be under untenable pressure sooner rather than later.

That said, here is how Tottenham could line up for the game.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start in goal for the home side.

Defenders – Pedro Porro is expected to continue at right back from last weekend’s FA Cup match, whereas Djed Spence might also play at left back. Cristian Romero could return to the line-up in the heart of the back four to partner with Micky van de Ven after missing out on the Aston Villa fixture last weekend.

Kolo Muani to lead the line

Midfielders – Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha have paired with one another in the double pivot for Tottenham Hotspur in recent outings, and both players are expected to feature once again. Xavi Simons could be the number 10 for the home side against West Ham United.

Wilson Odobert is likely to be given the nod on the right wing once more, with Mathys Tel potentially featuring on the left.

Forward – Richarlison could be replaced by Randal Kolo Muani as the leader of Tottenham’s line on Saturday.

Here is how the Lilywhites might look on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘definitely’ interested in signing Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis, as per TEAMtalk.

Since moving to Jan Breydel Stadium from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf ahead of last season, the Greek has showcased his productivity in the Belgian Pro League.

In his debut campaign, the 23-year-old made 34 goal contributions across all competitions. This season, he has continued to display impressive performances, scoring 10 goals and notching up 15 assists in 29 appearances in all tournaments.

Moreover, he has been guiding his side to mount a title charge, sitting second in the league with a point less than table topper USG. Having proven his worth in club football, Tzolis has secured his place in the Greece national team’s starting line-up.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that following Dominic Solanke’s return from his injury, Tottenham are unlikely to make a move for a new striker this month. Instead, they are planning to sign a new left-winger as a potential replacement for Brennan Johnson.

Ideally, Thomas Frank wants a versatile winger who can play anywhere across the frontline like Randal Kolo Muani. The Lilywhites are ‘definitely’ interested in signing Tzolis and could make a concrete approach over the coming days.

However, apart from the Club Brugge star, Tottenham are also interested in Maghnes Akliouche and Oscar Bobb, while they have been offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi.

Tzolis to Tottenham

Tzolis is valued at around £26m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2029. Therefore, the Belgian giants are likely to demand a big fee to let him leave in mid-season.

The Greek is a left-sided forward by trait but is also comfortable on the opposite side. He is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, is efficient with his wrong foot, and is also efficient in creating opportunities for fellow attackers.

Tzolis is a highly talented young player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they purchase him, with Frank left with very thin wide forward options amid recent injury problems.

Tottenham Hotspur star Micky Van de Ven sees Liverpool as a ‘dream’ destination, as per a recent report.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk played a key role in the Reds’ Premier League triumph under Arne Slot’s guidance last term. However, both have struggled to replicate last season’s form thus far.

With Konate’s contract set to expire at the end of this season, speculation surrounding his future has been emerging in recent months. David Ornstein has even stated that Liverpool have been struggling to agree on a deal in principle to extend the Frenchman’s deal.

On the other hand, Van Dijk is set to turn 35 this year, and his existing deal will expire at the end of next season. Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez are the two backup centre-back options Slot has at his disposal. But Gomez has struggled with fitness problems in recent years, and like Van Dijk, his current deal will also expire next year.

Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma last summer, but his season is over having sustained a serious knee injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Ornstein has claimed that the Merseyside club are planning to revamp the defensive department next summer, with Marc Guehi heavily linked with a move.

Van de Ven to Liverpool

Now, as per a recent report (via TEAMtalk), Van de Ven is ready to push for a move away at the end of this season following Tottenham’s downward spiral in recent years, and his ‘dream’ destination is Liverpool.

The Reds reportedly hold an interest in the Dutchman as they were linked with him before his move to Spurs from Wolfsburg a couple of years ago.

He has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the years. So, Tottenham have no intention of parting ways with him and are ready to hand him a lucrative new deal to persuade him to stay.

The 24-year-old is valued at around £56m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2029. So, Tottenham are likely to demand a huge fee if they are forced to let him leave this year.

It is going to be interesting to see whether Liverpool eventually make a move for him this year.

Tottenham Hotspur crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend after a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa. The result was a picture of how much of their season has progressed as the Lilywhites also sit 14th in the Premier League table 21 matches into the year.

While Spurs are comfortably on track to qualify for the knockout phases of the Champions League, they are far from the favourites to win the competition, and their domestic results have mounted tremendous pressure on Thomas Frank.

It is believed that Frank is facing a race against time to save his job and if Tottenham’s results don’t improve, the Dane will face the same fate that many of his predecessors have, thereby leaving the Londoners searching for another man in the dugout.

Spanish source Fichajes has reported that Xabi Alonso has emerged as an option for Spurs after he was sacked by Real Madrid on Monday in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah at the weekend.

Alonso’s immediate and free availability will be a welcome boost for the Premier League side, whereas his success at Bayer Leverkusen could compel them into making a move for him now rather than wait for Andoni Iraola or Oliver Glasner till summer.

Alonso could take Spurs job

Xabi Alonso would ideally have liked to join Liverpool, a former club of his, but with Arne Slot churning out the results again, the Dutchman’s position is no longer precarious and therefore, the Reds don’t require a replacement for the foreseeable future.

Having said that, Tottenham Hotspur have an exciting young team and are willing to make newer signings, especially after Daniel Levy’s exit, so Alonso could view joining them as a real challenge which would also give him a fast restart after his sacking.

Even though Real Madrid fired him, he won over 70% of his matches in charge of them and has an invincible Bundesliga triumph under his belt with Bayer Leverkusen, so Alonso remains one of Europe’s top managers who may be an ideal fit for Spurs.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma, as per TEAMtalk.

Ruben Amorim deployed a back three system at Old Trafford and didn’t use natural wingers. Therefore, he allowed Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho to leave and bought Matheus Cunha, who is comfortable playing in the inside forward role, last summer.

Meaning, United currently don’t have a natural left-winger, and after parting ways with the Portuguese, they would likely appoint a manager who would play in a back four system with wingers.

Therefore, it appears Man Utd have started exploring options to strengthen the flanks. TEAMtalk claim that United hold a long-term interest in Mitoma and have been offered the chance to sign him through intermediaries, with his existing deal set to expire at the end of next season.

However, Tottenham are also in this race and have received the opportunity to sign the Japanese international. Moreover, Saudi Arabian clubs are considering making a move for him as well.

Bayern Munich expressed their interest in the Brighton star previously, but having reinforced the LW by purchasing Luis Diaz last summer, they aren’t looking for a new wide forward at the moment.

Mitoma, valued at around £26m by Transfermarkt, has showcased his qualities in the Premier League in recent years and even scored an excellent goal against Manchester City in midweek.

Battle

The 28-year-old is a left-winger by trait and Tottenham need a new wide forward following Brennan Johnson’s departure to Crystal Palace in this window.

Moreover, Mohammed Kudus has picked up an injury and is set to remain sidelined over the next couple of months, while Dejan Kulusevski has been out injured since the start of this season.

Therefore, Wilson Odobert is the only option Thomas Frank currently has at his disposal to deploy on the flanks. Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani, and Xavi Simons can provide cover on the flanks; however, they aren’t specialist wingers.

Mitoma is a Premier League-proven player and would be a great coup for Man Utd or Tottenham should either club purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the 20-time English champions eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling with Liverpool and Chelsea over a deal to sign FC Koln forward Said El Mala, as per German football expert Christian Falk.

Although the Lilywhites purchased Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United by spending big money last summer, they didn’t sign a new left-winger despite selling Son Heung-min.

On top of that, Thomas Frank has decided to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in this winter transfer. With Dejan Kulusevski already out injured since the start of this season, Kudus has now sustained an injury and is set to remain sidelined until after the March international break.

As a result, the Danish boss has been left with Wilson Odobert as the only specialist wide forward option at the moment. However, he has struggled to perform at his best thus far this season.

Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, and Mathys Tel can provide cover on the flanks if needed. However, Simons is more comfortable in the No.10 role, while Kolo Muani joined on loan last summer and could return to PSG this summer.

Tel, on the other hand, is reportedly willing to leave to play regularly and develop his career, having struggled to find regular game time thus far this season.

Now, on CF Bayern Insider, Falk reports that Tottenham are interested in strengthening the flank and have earmarked El Mala as a serious target.

Battle

However, purchasing the 19-year-old won’t be straightforward for the North London club as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also in this race.

El Mala is valued at around £35m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2030. Therefore, Koln are in a strong position to demand a big fee if they are forced to cash-in in January or next summer.

El Mala is a left-winger by trait and has displayed his qualities this season, making eight goal contributions in six Bundesliga starts thus far this season.

Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign a new forward following Alexander Isak’s serious injury, while Chelsea seemingly want a new wide forward, as new summer signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been below average this season.

El Mala is a talented player and would be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea, Tottenham, or Liverpool should any of those clubs eventually manage to secure his services.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky Van de Ven, as per a recent report.

Since joining the Lilywhites from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2023, the Dutchman has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, helping his side win the Europa League title last term.

Although Spurs have struggled under Thomas Frank’s guidance thus far this season, languishing in the bottom half of the table, Van de Ven has displayed promising performances, making seven goal contributions across all competitions.

Moreover, he has helped his side keep 10 clean sheets. Having proven his worth in club football, the 24-year-old has secured his place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands national team.

Now, as per a recent report (via TEAMtalk), Liverpool are ‘desperate’ to sign a new centre-back as Ibrahima Konate’s existing deal is set to expire at the end of this season, and Virgil Van Dijk is edging closer towards the twilight of his career.

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is the Reds’ primary target, but they feel securing his service in mid-season would be difficult, with Manchester City now keen on purchasing him following Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias’ recent injury problems.

As a result, Liverpool have shifted focus to alternative options and have identified Van de Ven as a ‘major target’. So, they could make a concrete approach to secure his service in January or next summer.

Van de Ven to Liverpool

Van de Ven doesn’t want to leave the Premier League if he were to leave Tottenham, unless Real Madrid make a move.

With the Dutchman still under contract until 2029, Spurs aren’t in any rush to sell him this year and are willing to keep hold of him by tying him down to a new term.

Therefore, Liverpool will have to launch a lucrative proposal to persuade Tottenham to cash-in on Van de Ven, who is valued at around £56m by Transfermarkt.

Van de Ven is a Premier League-proven player and is yet to reach his prime. Therefore, he would be a great coup for the Merseyside club should they eventually manage to secure his services this year.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Santos for the permanent transfer of Brazilian left-back Souza to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham are seeking additions to strengthen their squad following an underwhelming opening to the season. Currently 14th in the table, Spurs are aiming to build momentum in the second half of the campaign as they push for European qualification.

One area they’re looking to reinforce is their left full-back ranks due to the incessant injuries to Destiny Udogie, which has seen Djed Spence constantly deputise for the Italian international, with Souza now identified to add depth.

After breaking into Santos’ senior side last season, Souza featured 38 times for the Brazilian club, registering one goal and four assists. Twenty-four of those appearances came during the previous campaign, when he played a role in helping Santos avoid relegation.

According to reports via Football Talk, Spurs submitted an improved offer to sign the defender after their initial £8m opening bid was rebuffed.

It appears their bid have now been accepted, as Romano claims that the North Londoners have reached a verbal agreement with Santos for Souza’s transfer to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The transfer expert adds that the 19-year-old is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Sunday for his medical process and exchange of documents following the agreement with the player’s entourage and Santos on a £13m deal.

Souza to Tottenham

Thomas Frank seems eager to recruit a left-back during the winter transfer window, with Destiny Udogie’s time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium proving inconsistent. The Italian defender has also battled recurring fitness problems over the past year, strengthening the case for reinforcements.

During Udogie’s absence, Djed Spence has often stepped in despite naturally operating on the right, while Ben Davies was deployed in the role for last Saturday’s 1–1 draw with Sunderland.

The addition of a natural, reliable left-back should relieve some of the strain on Tottenham’s back line as they aim to generate momentum heading into the second half of the season.

Souza’s move to Tottenham is viewed not only as a significant addition in terms of depth to enable the club to stage a strong second half of the season, but also as a long-term option capable of eventually taking over the role and establishing himself among the world’s best left-backs.

Tottenham Hotspur have not got much quality up front and could invest in a newer signing at some point this year, especially as Dominic Solanke has been largely unavailable this year as he continues to fight fitness problems.

According to Sport Illustrated, Tottenham are interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen during the summer transfer window with the transfer on the cards should the Midlanders get relegated to the Championship.

Strand Larsen is valued at £35 million on Transfermarkt and has a contract at Wolves till 2028. His attractive price, coupled with being just 25, makes him a solid option for several clubs, who could join Spurs in the battle for his signatures in the summer.

Strand Larsen ideal for Spurs

Wolverhampton Wanderers have struggled this season and have only one win in 21 games. That has meant Jorgen Strand Larsen’s own form has also taken a hit, but his quality was visible over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.

Last season, he scored 14 goals and provided five assists in all competitions. The former Celta Vigo ace is known for his aerial prowess in the box, thanks to a height of nearly six and a half feet, and excellent movement, which make him a lethal striker.

Jorgen Strand Larsen’s hold-up play is also fantastic as is his link-up play with his teammates, so he promises to be a solid signing for Tottenham Hotspur, who need somebody consistent in front of goal sooner rather than later.