TBR Football

It’s been a very slow transfer window this time around.

Last January wasn’t a busy window either, but at least one team were active early on – Tottenham Hotspur.

Indeed, Spurs did two deals early last January as they signed Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner.

Bayern Munich wanted Dragusin before his move to Spurs last January.

However, this time around, Spurs have been much slower to act.

Antonin Kinsky has joined Tottenham, but, other than that, Spurs have been inactive, despite their terrible league position and ongoing injury crisis.

Speaking on the TalkSPORT Transfer Notebook Podcast, David Ornstein has been discussing the lack of activity at Tottenham, and he’s shared one problem that Spurs have right now.

Tottenham have cashflow problem

Ornstein shared what he knows about Tottenham’s current predicament.

The journalist says that Spurs don’t have any PSR issues at the moment, but they do have a cashflow problem.

“They don’t have a PSR issue. It’s been more a cash flow problem. I know the fans want signings, and clearly efforts are being made to do that,” Ornstein said.

We just can’t guarantee it. Somebody like Evan Ferguson’s an interesting one with Spurs, because he’s on the market. It would be a possibility for them.

Also like an Everton, a Bournemouth, a West Ham and a Fulham in the mix. But yeah, sorry to say, I don’t know names just now.”

How Tottenham can get around cashflow issues

As Ornstein says, Tottenham do have an issue in terms of their liquidity at the moment as they don’t have the right cashflow to do deals.

However, Spurs do have a way to get around this problem, and it’s something they’ve done in January on a number of occasions.

Indeed, loan deals with obligations to buy are classic ways for clubs to do business while circumventing any of their current financial problems.

This is something Tottenham have done on multiple occasions in recent years.

Indeed, Spurs signed both Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski in January deals that were made permanent in the following summer, and that may be the type of deal Spurs look to do this month.

Tottenham were open to signing Randal Kolo Muani on loan with an option to buy, so perhaps we could see that sort of deal brokered by Daniel Levy in the coming days.

One thing is for sure, Tottenham need some new additions before Monday’s deadline.

Tottenham desperately need something to spark their 2024/25 campaign into life.

Ange Postecoglou and his squad are running on fumes at the moment, with only 11 fit senior players at the time of writing – as Dejan Kulusevski made clear in his UEFA Europa League press conference earlier on Wednesday.

The severe injury crisis – which has robbed Spurs of key men such as Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie – has seen Tottenham slip to 15th in the Premier League.

When times were previously tough at Tottenham, a man by the name of Gareth Bale would often pop up, scoring 26 winning goals during his stint in N17.

Now, a player Theo Walcott compared to the Welshman could be joining Tottenham before Monday’s transfer deadline in Tyler Dibling.

Theo Walcott has compared Tyler Dibling to Gareth Bale

TBR Football understand there is a chance Dibling could join Tottenham before the February 3rd transfer deadline.

The move – if it materialises – is expected to be an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer, as Spurs are unable to pay the £50m asking price right now.

For those unaware of what Dibling could offer to Postecoglou, Walcott has actually compared the Southampton No.33 to Bale – as well as Jack Grealish – after playing alongside him on the south coast before retiring.

The 35-year-old told talkSPORT in September: “He is an athlete. You can see the size of him already as well. It’s very much like the Gareth Bale sort of physique, and the way he has got a bit of swag about him on the field like a Jack Grealish type.”

Dibling – who Newcastle also like – has scored four goals and provided two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

Tottenham face competition from Jurgen Klopp for Tyler Dibling

Despite walking away from Liverpool last summer, Jurgen Klopp could still hurt Spurs.

The German – who is now Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull – is eager to bring Dibling to RB Leipzig and add the England U21 international to the Bundesliga side’s vast array of precocious talents, such as Benjamin Sesko, Antonio Nusa, Xavi Simons, Lois Openda.

Tottenham Hotspur could inflict some pain on Newcastle United in the final days of the winter transfer window.

The two Premier League clubs have had contrasting seasons.

Newcastle turned things around after a poor start and are currently level on points with third-place Manchester City, while Tottenham are 15th after losing more games than they’ve won.

Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements in this window, and they could make a move to sign one of Newcastle’s key targets.

Newcastle fear that Tottenham will sign Tyler Dibling ahead of them

Tyler Dibling has been one of the big surprises in the Premier League this season.

The teenager has played 24 times for Southampton this season and has impressed everyone. He has only directly contributed to six goals, but the way he has performed has caught several eyes.

TBR confirmed that Tottenham are working on signing Dibling this month on an initial loan deal with an obligation to make that move permanent in the summer.

Newcastle are also interested in Dibling, and GiveMeSport have claimed that the Magpies are seriously worried about missing out on him.

The report claims that ‘Eddie Howe and recruitment staff at St James’ Park are eager to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham to his signature in the coming months’.

But, Newcastle don’t have the money to sign him in this window, and there are ‘fears’ in their camp that Tottenham can steal him away before the deadline on February 3rd.

TBR understands that Dibling has a £50 million price tag.

What Eddie Howe privately thinks about Tyler Dibling

Dibling has impressed everybody who has watched him this season, including Howe.

The Magpies have said their goodbyes to Miguel Almiron, who is set to join MLS side Atlanta United, and they could do with a new right winger.

The report claims that Howe ‘is confident that he is capable of getting the best out of’ Dibling if he chooses to wait until the summer and join Newcastle.

However, Ange Postecoglou probably believes the same and after helping the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall deliver in difficult circumstances, he will back himself to make Dibling a star.

We’re into the final knockings of the January transfer window, and things are getting desperate for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have been in the market for a new attacker for quite some time now, and the clock is ticking.

Tottenham wanted Randal Kolo Muani earlier this month, while Marcus Rashford has been linked to Tottenham recently too.

Tottenham need to add reinforcements to their squad as they currently sit 15th in the Premier League.

Spurs are exploring a few avenues before the transfer window slams shut on Monday, and according to reports out of France, the north London club are now looking at a striker from AS Monaco.

Tottenham want Breel Embolo

According to Lequipe, Tottenham hold an interest in AS Monaco striker, Breel Embolo.

Embolo is a player that many will know very well. After all, he’s been a main fixture in a number of major international tournaments in recent years.

Indeed, Embolo almost always seems to make an impact for Switzerland at the Euros and the World Cup as he’s now featured at no fewer than five international tournaments.

Embolo is perhaps best known for his exploits for his national team, but he’s also been performing for Monaco for a little while now.

Breel Embolo Monaco stats

Embolo is a target for Tottenham towards the end of the transfer window, but his stats in recent years don’t necessarily bode well for Spurs.

The £10m man has scored just five league goals in the last 18 months for his club in the league, and he’s really struggled to return to his best form after recent injury issues.

Embolo tore his ACL last season, missing 36 games of action for Monaco, and the last thing Spurs need right now is another player who has a history of injury issues.

That said, Embolo doesn’t seem to have lost any pace due to his injury. He clocked in a top speed of 33 km/h at last summer’s European Championships, which, via The Speeds Database, is higher than Kyle Walker’s top speed this season.

Embolo is certainly a player with a lot of raw attributes that can be moulded into something, but whether or not he’s the answer to Spurs’ short-term problems is another debate entirely.

Tottenham Hotspur may soon consider making a managerial change.

Indeed, Tottenham have lost six of their last seven league games and currently sit 15th in the Premier League.

More often than not, Tottenham have decided to sack their managers after these sorts of runs of form.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure, and Tottenham are considering other options.

Edin Terzic has been linked with Tottenham, while Spurs are fans of Andoni Iraola.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce has been discussing Tottenham’s situation, and he’s made a suggestion for who should ultimately replace Ange Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank should replace Ange Postecoglou

Allardyce spoke about the job Thomas Frank has done at Brentford, claiming that the Dane should be to of Spurs’ list to replace the Australian.

The former England manager says that Frank has done really well at Brentford and he should be in line for a big job.

“Brentford have been doing it for ages. You know, they know how to find their players, and where to find their players, and the budget that they’ve got,” Allardyce said.

“And they’ve, you know, they only sell a player now if it’s an inflated price. But he’s never mentioned for the Tottenham job, why is that?

“Thomas Frank should be number one on the list for Tottenham. He’s done really well.”

Thomas Frank’s link to Tottenham

Allardyce says that Frank should be Tottenham’s number one managerial target, and he could well be someone Spurs consider.

Indeed, according to Sami Mokbel, speaking on Last Word on Spurs, Frank is indeed someone Johan Lange likes.

“Thomas Frank, I think he’s quite highly admired by Johan Lange,” The host said.

“Yes. Absolutely,” Mokbel said.

“They’re both Danes. I think there is a friendship there. From what I understand, I think when Lange was at Villa, I think when Villa were going through a little bit of managerial turmoil, I think Johan Lange liked the idea of trying to maybe appoint Thomas Frank at Villa at the time.”

“Right. So there is certainly a connection there. I don’t think anyone can deny how good a job Thomas Frank has done at Brentford on such a limited budget.”

Frank has been linked to Tottenham in the past, and, as Allardyce says, perhaps he should be in line to get this job should it become available.

We’re into the final knockings of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are yet to make any serious moves.

Spurs have signed Antonin Kinsky as a new goalkeeper, but, other than that, there’s been no new arrivals at Tottenham despite the fact Spurs are facing an unprecedented injury crisis.

Tottenham have a lot of problems at the moment, they’ve lost six of their last seven league games and sit 15th in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure, and one thing is for sure, he needs backing in the transfer window.

Tottenham have looked at a number of players this month.

Tottenham wanted Randal Kolo Muani before his move to Juventus, while Jonathan David has been linked to Tottenham too.

Speaking on the Ranks FC Podcast, Dean Jones has now shared another Tottenham transfer update, claiming that Rayan Cherki has been offered to Spurs.

Rayan Cherki offered to Tottenham

Jones spoke about Cherki’s situation at Lyon.

The journalist says that the midfielder has been offered around to a number of clubs, with Spurs are Newcastle being two that have been given the option to sign Cherki before the transfer window closes.

“I want to talk about Rayan Cherki at Lyon. This guy is being touted around everywhere,” Jones said.

“20 million pounds seems like a very, very low fee for a player who has been this creative this season.

“Yeah, I think there’s a reason that nobody’s bitten on it yet. There’s been a lot of talk about his personality fit for a lot of teams, potentially whether he has the right attitude and application to make the step. I’m not sure that Lyon are as in a desperate financial state now as people were expecting them.

“But I think it’s from a Cherki’s representative’s perspective that we’re seeing this one pushed at the moment.

“Spurs and Newcastle are two of the clubs that are being offered him. I’m not convinced that either of them are sure about this one.

“Neither of them play with the number 10, or at least a very, very obvious number 10. And Rayan Cherki is very much a number 10.

“Yeah. I think there’s obvious reasons for Tottenham to steer clear of this one right now. I think”

Tottenham signings from Ligue 1

Cherki is an exciting talent. After all, Cherki has been linked to many top clubs.

However, Spurs have been here before, and they need to tread carefully here.

Indeed, Tottenham have often dipped into Ligue 1 to make big signings only for these deals to not work out as planned.

Pape Sarr has been decent since arriving from Metz, but he’s the exception rather than the rule.

Tanguy Ndombele was a serious flop for Tottenham after arriving from Lyon, while Clinton N’Jie had a similar trajectory.

Serge Aurier blew hot and cold after arriving from PSG, as did Lucas Moura, despite his historic hat-trick against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou barely made any impact at Tottenham, while Benjamin Stambouli could easily be forgotten as a Spurs player too.

Etienne Capoue was a talented player on his day, but, once again, he was largely inconsistent.

You have to go all the way back to the signing of Hugo Lloris in 2012 to find a genuine home run of a signing for Tottenham from Ligue 1, and, for that reason, they may be best off steering clear of Cherki.

Tottenham Hotspur have a history of sacking managers and based on their recent track record, Ange Postecoglou would have every reason to be concerned that his job is now on the line.

Tottenham’s deadline to determine Postecoglou’s future is believed to be the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

The positive for the former Celtic boss is that Tottenham’s players are excited about the cup competitions as winning any trophy could turn their season from an ongoing disaster to a historic one.

But results like Spurs’ successive defeats against Everton and Leicester City have not done much to quieten the noise around both the club and Ange Postecoglou.

Despite Tottenham’s unprecedented injury crisis, losses to a pair of relegation candidates would not be considered acceptable by either their fanbase, the managers or the players themselves.

Paul Merson urges Tottenham not to sack Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou’s tactics have come under question as a school of thought seems to exist that the Australian is certainly not helping his case.

Things might get worse for the Lilywhites before they get better, with Postecoglou admitting no January signings are “imminent” in recent press conference.

However, Paul Merson firmly believes Tottenham should stick with Ange Postecoglou.

Merson said on Sky Sports News: “They need to be careful, they need to be careful. They’ve had [Jose] Mourinho, they’ve had [Antonio] Conte, they’ve had Nuno [Espirito Santo], they’ve had these managers, the crowd will be going mad, we want the Tottenham way, they’ve brought this lad in, we’ve seen what he did last season when he had a fit team and they got flying and they drifted away.”

“But he entertains, he wants to play on the front foot and he can do that when he gets his centre-half, [Micky] Van de Ven playing because he’s the main man. But stick with him, if he goes now, they’re going to go with someone who’s going to come up and shut shop up, play 10 at the back, play counter-attacking football, the fans will go mad again.”

“Give him a chance, give him a chance next year as well and I’m not saying that because of Arsenal, people say, oh, you don’t want him sacked because they’re losing every week. Tottenham are a good team to watch.”

Others would staunchly disagree with the Arsenal legend, as Jamie O’Hara reckons Tottenham should sack Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou backs Tottenham to return to form once their injured players are fit to play; a message which represents that the 59-year-old is still confident despite his side’s recent string of poor results.

The managers linked with replacing Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham hugely admire Thomas Frank but to secure his services, they will firstly have to pay £9 million towards the Danish tactician’s release clause; a figure they are unlikely to stump up.

Matt Wells could reportedly become Tottenham’s interim manager in the event that Ange Postecoglou is shown the door by Daniel Levy.

When Tottenham Hotspur were trailing 2-1 to Leicester City last weekend, Ange Postecoglou could only call upon Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear from his bench from an attacking point of view.

In addition to the pair mentioned, Tottenham also had Damola Ajayi and Yang Min-hyeok in reserve, a quartet of talented players but also an indication of just how extensive the club’s injury crisis has become.

Other than Moore and Lankshear, Postecoglou turned to Sergio Reguilon to change the game, a player who wasn’t even intended to still be with the club this season.

An incredibly difficult situation for Postecoglou, who is increasingly at risk of losing his position at Spurs boss.

Yang Min-hyeok set to leave Tottenham on loan for remainder of the season

That being said, it was recently reported that Tottenham might loan out Min-hyeok in order to get the former K League youngster some experience in European football.

And now journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update to explain that Min-hyeok will be leaving the club imminently on loan to join Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

On the face of it, it’s a very sensible move – Min-hyeok needs minutes to adapt to English football and playing in the Championship will be a good physical test.

However, in the midst of their injury crisis, fans in N17 might be surprised that the club are willing to lose another body.

Sharing his update on X, Gold said: “Yang Min-hyeok set to move to QPR today on loan.

“A chance for the 18-year-old to get experience of the pace and physical nature of the English game at a lower level, and you’d hope means Spurs are confident of bringing in an attacker in the coming days.”

Ange Postecoglou loses another body despite injury crisis

Of course, the last line of Gold’s update could potentially spell good news for Spurs fans, who are desperate to see their squad strengthened before next week’s deadline.

To that end, Tottenham staff are frustrated about the lack of signings – a difficult period for the club all round.

And although losing Min-hyeok on loan might be a surprise from an immediate point of view, once Spurs start to recover their injured players it will make a lot of sense.

Postecoglou described Min-hyeok as ‘very exciting’ in the past, but it’s understandable if the 18-year-old isn’t quite yet equipped to help Spurs in the Premier League.

An interesting move to follow should it be concluded, and a decent level for former K League player to prove his ability.

A part of the reason behind Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles at the back in recent weeks have been due to Micky van de Van’s injury-enforced absence.

Van de Ven was rushed back from injury to play in Spurs’ 4-3 defeat against Chelsea last month.

Since then, the Tottenham centre-back has been sidelined for several fixture, including their last eight Premier League games — where they have won and drawn a game apiece while losing six.

Micky van de Ven has been a saviour for Ange Postecoglou since heading to N17 — allowing him to press teams high and play on the pitch while leaving minimal numbers at the back due to his incredible recovery pace.

The Dutchman’s sprinter-like pace and long legs allow him to cover ground every time the Lilywhites’ high line is breached.

Cody Gakpo raved about Van de Ven’s pace by admitting that he is faster than former Bayern Munich and Chelsea winger Arjen Robben.

Micky van de Ven could return from injury when Tottenham face IF Elfsborg

James Maddison described Van de Ven as “rapid” as well.

Last month, Van de Ven issued an injury update by captioning his Instagram post: “On the way.”

Now, Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has revealed that Van de Ven is “on course to be included in Thursday’s squad” for his side’s contest against IF Elsborg in the Europa League.

Van de Ven has been labelled “world-class” and upon his return, the relief for Postecoglou will be that his side are unlikely to ship as many goals as they have during his absence.

Even Ange Postecoglou described Van de Ven as “outstanding” and the return of such an experienced figure and leader in the side cannot be overstated whatsoever.

Ange Postecoglou’s prediction could come true after Micky van de Ven return

Ange Postecoglou predicted Tottenham to return to form once some of his injured players are available for contention and one of the names he would have had on his mind is the former VFL Wolfsburg defender.

Postecoglou claimed after Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Leicester City: “It’s a combination of mental fatigue that some of the players are feeling at the moment, but after that we created enough chances to overcome the deficit.”

“Ultimately it is about staying strong, we are going to get significant players back in the next two weeks – that’s all this group needs, they just need some help.”

Ange Postecoglou added: “Once they get their help I’m sure their fortunes will change. The guys coming back will not be low on confidence and they will drive the group.”

If Van de Ven does feature against IF Elsborg, he could potentially be in the matchday squad or even start against Brentford on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both still very active in the January transfer window.

The two Premier League clubs have had a very difficult season so far. United are currently 12th in the table, while Spurs are three places and five points below them.

Despite their positions, neither club have made an outfield signing yet. Tottenham have brought in Antonin Kinsky, but that’s it so far. United are yet to complete a deal, but it looks like Patrick Dorgu is on his way to Old Trafford now.

Soon, the two clubs could be involved in a transfer between themselves in what could be the most eye-catching deal of the window.

Tottenham are ready to offer Marcus Rashford a way out of Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is going through a really difficult time at Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim has kept him out of the side for over a month now, and he hasn’t played a minute of football in any of United’s last 11 games in all competitions.

It is clear as day that the Red Devils want to get rid of Rashford in this window, but time is running out over a permanent deal.

However, a loan could still be an option.

The Daily Mail claim that a number of clubs remain interested in signing Rashford this month. Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona are among them, as are West Ham United, Juventus, Napoli and Galatasaray.

The report claims that Tottenham are also ‘ready to offer him an escape route from Old Trafford for the remainder of the season’.

Spurs have multiple players out injured at the moment including Dominic Solanke. Rashford, if Tottenham can get him, would offer options to Ange Postecoglou in attack.

Rashford has his heart set on one club

Rashford has publicly claimed that he would like a new challenge.

The England international, who has been hailed as an ‘unbelievable’ player by Alan Shearer on Rest is Football, has been at Manchester United all his career, but a move away now is the best thing for all parties involved.

Tottenham would be a great destination for Rashford, but the report claims that he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona in this window.

However, the Catalans are struggling to make room for him in their squad as well as on their wage bill, and that could ruin the deal.