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Chelsea & Tottenham battling to sign Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet

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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are in a battle to sign highly rated Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet, according to TEAMtalk.

The 25-year-old came through the ranks at French lower division side Stade Lavallois, where he made his debut on 4 August 2017 in the Championnat National against US Concarneau.

His performances for Lavallois, as well as for France U19, where he was a regular, featuring in 12 games, earned him a move to Ligue 1 heavyweights Lyon in January 2018.

However, it was with RB Salzburg that Solet made his mark after joining the 17-time Austrian champions in July 2020.

He made 106 appearances for Die Roten Bullen, helping them clinch three consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23) as well as the 2021-22 Austrian Cup trophy.

The centre-back has also maintained his reputable and commanding displays in Italy after joining Udinese on a free transfer last winter. He has been an ever-present figure at the back, where he featured 38 times, including 19 in all competitions for the Friulani.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Tottenham are set to battle for the signature of Solet, with the London duo impressed by his performances after watching him in action several times this season.

For Chelsea, the report adds that Enzo Maresca is keen on bolstering his backline, and Solet has been earmarked as a viable option to step in amid injury concerns to Wesley Fofana and inconsistencies among other centre-back options.

Battle

On the other hand, Tottenham’s coach Thomas Frank wants to add depth to his centre-back ranks, and the Frenchman is an appealing option, especially with Radu Dragusin tipped to leave the club, according to the report.

However, the Blues and Spurs are not alone in the race for Solet’s signature, as TEAMtalk adds that Manchester United and West Ham United are also ‘in the mix’ for the 6ft 3in colossus. At the same time, Crystal Palace have identified him as a possible option when Marc Guehi departs the club.

Chelsea lacks experience and leadership at the back, and adding a defender who can lead the backline and provide a commanding presence in the 18-yard box would help salvage their defensive woes, and this is where Solet is needed.

He has shown exemplary leadership in Udinese’s defence and is a commanding figure at the back. He excels in ball distribution and build-up play, a characteristic that would prove vital to Graham Potter’s style of play.

Man Utd battling with Tottenham & Liverpool to sign Smit

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Manchester United are reportedly battling with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool over a deal to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, as per TEAMtalk.

After coming through the Dutch club’s youth system, the 19-year-old made his first team debut last year before establishing himself as a key starter this season.

In 27 appearances across all competitions, the youngster has scored twice and registered five assists across all competitions thus far this campaign. Moreover, he has been helping his side to push for a European place finish in the Eredivisie.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that the Dutchman’s recent eye-catching performances haven’t gone unnoticed as he has been attracting a lot of attention from several big clubs around Europe.

In the Premier League, Man Utd, Tottenham, and Liverpool are keen on purchasing him; moreover, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United are in this race as well.

They have been monitoring his development closely over the last 12 months before making a potential swoop in January or next summer. Premier League scouts have labelled Smit as the Dutch Adam Wharton, and he is regarded as the best midfield prospect to emerge from the Eredivisie since Frenkie de Jong.

Battle

With his existing deal set to run until 2028, AZ Alkmaar are in a strong position to demand a big fee to let him leave and have no intention of selling him in mid-season. The player isn’t even agitating for a move next month.

They want a club record fee to let him leave with Tijjani Reijnders, who joined AC Milan for around £17m, currently their record departure. AZ have slapped a £52m price tag on his head and may even demand up to £65m.

The report say that Smit might not opt to move to the Premier League with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona keeping a close eye on his performances.

Smit is a technically gifted player and likes to be deployed in the double midfield pivot role. He can play threading passes between the lines, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and is also composed with possession.

He is a top-class talent and would be a great coup for Man Utd, Liverpool, or Tottenham should any of those clubs eventually manage to secure his service next year.

Tottenham ready to spend big to sign Samu Aghehowa

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to invest big money to sign FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Despite winning the Europa League title last term, the Lilywhites decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou as they displayed woeful performances in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank was appointed as the new manager ahead of this season, and Spurs even enjoyed a bright start under the Dane’s guidance. However, they have struggled to continue the momentum, languishing in the bottom half of the table with 25 points from 18 matches.

Now, Fichajes state that Tottenham have acknowledged that they lack the qualities needed to compete with elite clubs. As a result, they are prepared to hand Frank £174m in January to bolster the squad and close the gap at the top.

With Dominic Solanke out injured and Richarlison struggling to showcase consistency, Tottenham are keen on signing a new striker and have identified Aghehowa as a serious option.

The North London club hold a long-standing interest in the Spaniard as they wanted him last summer. However, Porto have no intention of letting him leave in mid-season and a summer move is looking only viable at the moment.

The 21-year-old has a £87m release clause in his current contract, which is set to run until 2029, and Porto don’t want to let him leave unless his potential suitors, such as Spurs, trigger his release clause.

Aghehowa to Tottenham

After moving to Estadio do Dragao from Atletico Madrid last year, the forward enjoyed a productive campaign last term, making 30 goal contributions across all competitions.

This season, he has continued to showcase his productivity, scoring 18 goals and registering a solitary assist in 24 appearances in all tournaments. He has even been guiding his side to mount a title charge in Liga Portugal.

Aghehowa, standing at 6ft 4in tall, is quick, strong, good in the air, and efficient in finishing off his chances. He is a talented player and possesses the necessary attributes to flourish in the Premier League.

Therefore, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they eventually manage to secure his service next year.

Tottenham eyeing ambitious swoop for Adam Wharton

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According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up an ambitious move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton next year.

The London giants have endured a difficult first half to the Premier League season, and they are presently 11th in the standings with 25 points, 7 adrift of the final Champions League spot.

They could seek to bolster their squad further during the winter transfer window, but Teamtalk claim that Spurs are also looking into the long-term with an ambitious swoop for Wharton.

Palace have no desire to part ways with the Englishman this winter, but they could be open to sanctioning his sale for the right price when the season concludes.

Spurs are prepared to make a ‘very significant’ offer to purchase Wharton, but they are poised to face fierce competition from Manchester United for the services of the highly-rated midfielder.

Top-class

Wharton has built his reputation since his move to the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers. His ability to deliver quality forward passes has grabbed the attention of elite Premier League teams.

The 21-year-old has created 7 big chances in the English top-flight this campaign, registering 2 assists. Aside from his passing range, he has won 4.3 duels & 2 tackles per game alongside 5.2 recoveries.

The Rovers graduate has the traits of a modern defensive midfielder, who can contribute on both ends of the pitch. If he can improve his finishing, he can develop into a potential world-class number 6.

Spurs are obviously aware of the high ceiling of the youngster and it remains to be seen whether they can prise him away ahead of Man United, who have also been closely monitoring his situation.

Teamtalk don’t mention any valuation for the player, but it has been claimed by The Mirror that a package of around £70 million could be sufficient to persuade Palace to do business during the summer.

Wharton, however, has his sights on playing Champions League football if he were to leave Palace. That could prove a stumbling block for both Spurs and United, given they are outside of the top 4 for now.

Man Utd battling with Arsenal & Tottenham to sign McTominay

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Manchester United are reportedly battling with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur over a deal to sign Napoli star Scott McTominay, as per Caught Offside.

Since moving to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium from the Red Devils, the Scotland international has enjoyed a great past 18 months, winning a Serie A title and a Supercoppa Italiana.

He made 17 goal contributions in 36 appearances across all competitions and became the best player of Serie A last campaign. This season, the midfielder has continued to showcase impressive performances, scoring five goals and registering three assists in 24 appearances in all tournaments.

He has been guiding Antonio Conte’s side to mount another title charge this term, sitting only two points behind league leader Inter Milan.

Now, Caught Offside claim that Man Utd regret letting their academy graduate leave and are ‘dreaming’ of bringing him back to Old Trafford next year.

Napoli are strongly against letting him leave in January, with his existing deal set to run until 2028. United would have to launch an extraordinary offer to force the Italian champions to change their stance, and they don’t want to listen to any offer less than £60m.

However, the report say that Man Utd aren’t the only club interested in McTominay as Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are also plotting a swoop.

Battle

Thomas Frank wants to add physical presence in midfield plus goals, so Spurs have joined the race to sign McTominay. On the other hand, Arsenal see the Scotsman as an option to add depth in the engine room, rather than a regular starter.

McTominay is a versatile player as he is comfortable playing in the double midfield pivot role and in the No.10 position. But he performs at his best as a box-to-box midfielder.

The 29-year-old, standing at 6ft 3in tall, is dynamic, strong, good in the air, and also works hard without possession. He is currently at the prime stage of his career and could be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd, Arsenal, or Tottenham should any of those clubs purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Old Trafford club, the Gunners, or the Lilywhites eventually make a concrete approach to secure his service in January or next summer.

Tottenham plan to revive interest in signing Savinho

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to revive their interest in signing Manchester City forward Savinho, as per TEAMtalk.

Despite purchasing Mohammed Kudus last summer, the Lilywhites attempted to buy a new winger as a potential long-term replacement for Son Heung-min. Antoine Semenyo and Savinho emerged as serious targets, but Spurs eventually failed to sign either of them.

It has been reported that after failing to reinforce the LW position last time around, Tottenham are looking to address it in January. They expressed their interest in Semenyo once again, but the player has opted to join Man City.

If the Ghanaian eventually moves to the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola will have the 25-year-old plus Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoursh, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki as attacking options.

Savinho has already struggled to break into Guardiola’s starting line-up this season, and Semenyo’s impending arrival is likely to make competition for a first-team spot even fiercer.

Therefore, TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham are planning to revive their interest in signing the Brazilian next month and are ready to hold talks with the player to determine whether he is willing to join.

He was open to moving to North London last summer, but the Citizens ultimately blocked the deal. However, they might be open to letting him leave following Semenyo’s signature.

Savinho to Tottenham

The report claim that Tottenham are also interested in Kenan Yildiz, Maghnes Akliouche, and Yan Diomande, but signing any one of them would be difficult.

Savinho, valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt, decided to sign a fresh term at the Citizens recently, so his existing deal is set to run until 2031. Meaning, Man City are in a strong position to demand a big fee if they opt to let him leave.

Savinho is a left-footed versatile forward, as he is comfortable on either flank. In only nine starts across all competitions thus far this season, he has made four goal contributions.

He is still just 21 and isn’t a finished article yet. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham 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 manage to lure him away from the Etihad Stadium in January.

Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing Manchester City star Omar Marmoush in January

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Pep Guardiola acquired Omar Marmoush’s services at Manchester City in January this year after the Egyptian international’s terrific displays at Eintracht Frankfurt, but the forward has not quite enjoyed a good year with the Sky Blues.

Erling Haaland’s imperious form has meant that he has remained on the bench for much of 2025, and with the Norwegian on track for a record-breaking season in Europe, Marmoush’s situation at the Etihad Stadium is not looking too promising.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are looking to grant him greener pastures as soon as in January with Marmoush viewed as the ideal offensive signing by the Londoners considering their inconsistent form in the final third this season.

He is valued at £57 million on Transfermarkt, although City are likely to ask for more given that he joined them for £59 million less than 12 months ago. Marmoush is currently at the AFCON with Egypt, so his future might be resolved later in the winter.

Marmoush a terrific signing

Dominic Solanke has been largely unavailable to Thomas Frank so far this season, whereas the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons have been very inconsistent higher up the pitch. Richarlison has arguably been Tottenham Hotspur’s best forward.

With Frank’s job already under tremendous pressure, the Lilywhites are likely to make significant investments in January and Omar Marmoush, who had a fast start to life at Manchester City, promises to be an exciting signing for them.

Marmoush’s exceptional pace, dribbling, close control and lethal finish make him a brilliant centre forward and left winger, whereas at the age of just 26, he has enough in him to be a solid long-term option for Tottenham if indeed he signs for them.

City might be open for his sale in January as they have a larger squad than Pep Guardiola would like, but Spurs would need to pay the right sum for him, which might be closer to the £60 million figure, especially should Marmoush do well at the AFCON.

Tottenham & Chelsea ‘most keen’ on signing Kenan Yildiz

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Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are reportedly ‘most keen’ on signing Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, as per TEAMtalk.

Since Son Heung-min’s departure last summer, the Lilywhites’ left flank have been in a state of flux thus far this season. Although they purchased Mohammed Kudus in the last transfer window, he has been featuring on the right amid Dejan Kulusevski’s injury absence.

Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are the specialist left-wing options Spurs currently have, but they have struggled to showcase their best thus far this season.

On the other hand, Frank has deployed Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani on the left, but they are more comfortable centrally.

Therefore, it has been reported that Tottenham are contemplating purchasing a new left-sided forward next month, and Antoine Semenyo is their primary target.

However, signing the Ghanaian international is seemingly extremely difficult as Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also interested in him. So, it appears Frank’s side have started exploring alternative options.

TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham are ‘most keen’ on signing Yildiz, but Chelsea are also eager to secure his services. Arsenal are in this race as well; therefore, the Turkish international isn’t short of potential suitors at the moment.

Battle

The forward wants a salary hike to sign an extension at Juventus and is demanding around £5m-a-year. Following the club’s appointment of a new sporting director, it should become clear in the coming days whether they are prepared to meet his demands.

Although the Bianconeri don’t want to let him leave, they might be forced to cash-in on him if an agreement over the new deal can’t be reached.

Despite purchasing Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens last summer, Chelsea are keen on reinforcing the frontline next year. Semenyo is said to be on their radar, but Yildiz is on Enzo Maresca’s wishlist as well.

The 20-year-old is a left-winger by trait but is also comfortable centrally. He is one of the best forwards in Serie A and would be a great coup for Tottenham or Chelsea should either club purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the West London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services in January.

Tottenham plot swoop to sign Ajax forward Mika Godts

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a move to sign Ajax Amsterdam star Mika Godts, as per TEAMtalk.

After moving to Johan Cruyff Arena from Belgian side KRC Genk a couple of years ago, the 20-year-old initially took time to settle before establishing himself as a key player in the starting line-up.

This season, the forward has been displaying impressive performances, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham are keen on reinforcing the left flank in January and have earmarked Rodrygo Goes, Antoine Semenyo, Savinho, and Yan Diomande as serious targets.

However, Real Madrid have no intention of letting Rodrygo leave in mid-season, while Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are currently ahead of the Lilywhites in the race to sign Semenyo.

On the other hand, RB Leipzig are likely to demand a substantial fee to sell Diomande next month, making it difficult for Spurs to secure his services. The success of signing Savinho for Spurs would depend on whether Man City could sign Semenyo.

Therefore, Thomas Frank’s side have identified Godts as a key target in case they fail to sign any of the primary quartet targets. Tottenham sent scouts to watch him in action closely in Ajax’s last two Eredivisie games against Feyenoord and NEC.

Godts to Tottenham

He helped his side win 2-0 vs Feyenoord by providing the assist for the second goal and scored against NEC, where Ajax only managed to come away with a 2-2 draw.

However, the report say that purchasing the Belgian won’t be straightforward for the North London club as Newcastle United are also interested in him.

Godts is valued at around £13m by Transfermarkt and still has three and a half years left in his current contract. So, Ajax are in a strong position to demand a sizable amount of money if they are forced to let him leave next month.

Godts is a left-winger by trait, but is also efficient in providing cover in the creative midfield position if needed. He has even been compared to his compatriot and Belgian legend, Eden Hazard.

It remains to be seen who Tottenham eventually manage to sign to reinforce the frontline next month.

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak ruled out for ‘a few months’

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Alexander Isak is set to be ruled out for ‘a few months’ following the injury he suffered in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday, according to David Ornstein.

Liverpool extended their winning run to three matches across all competitions with a 2–1 win in north London, sealed by goals from attacking pair Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Introduced from the bench, the 26-year-old produced a composed finish beyond Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to put Arne Slot’s team ahead.

On the sidelines, Slot reacted with delight as Isak linked up with Florian Wirtz, who registered his first Premier League assist following his big-money summer move, but celebrations were short-lived when a challenge from centre-back Micky van de Ven forced the striker off just after the hour.

A subsequent update has clarified the injury situation, with the centre-forward now expected to be sidelined until next year.

According to David Ornstein, Isak is suspected to have suffered a broken leg from Van de Ven’s challenge during the win against Tottenham.

While Liverpool are yet to confirm the severity of the injury at the time of writing, the journalist confirms that the 6ft 3in centre-forward has fractured his left leg following preliminary scans and is now set to be sidelined for a few months.

The exact nature and severity of Isak’s injury will significantly affect his recovery timeline, with the possibility of an even more extended absence if surgery becomes necessary.

Blow

Should the issue be a fibula fracture requiring surgery, the expected layoff could range from six to 10 weeks, while damage to the tibia would likely rule him out for between three and five months, with any complications potentially prolonging that timeline.

Earlier in the season, the Sweden international missed five matches between October and November due to a groin problem, and this latest blow further disrupts his uneven start at Liverpool following his record transfer from Newcastle during the summer.

A return in April would mean Isak would miss the next 14 Premier League fixtures, including matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.