Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as a 'top target' for a European giant even in the wake of fierce criticism, according to a report.

The Italy international has endured the dictionary definition of a mixed season, enjoying a handful of exemplary displays against the likes of Monaco and Chelsea to save Spurs from embarrassment.

However, Vicario has also come under fire for a series of weak displays, most notably in Sunday's appalling 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Teenager Archie Gray was culpable for the first goal, but Vicario did not help his teammate by passing to him when he was already under pressure, and he then failed to cover himself in glory when Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross-cum-shot sailed into the far side of the net.

Vicario has now conceded at least two goals in five of his last six matches in the Premier League, but the 29-year-old remains Thomas Frank's undisputed number one over January signing Antonin Kinsky.

Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario emerges as Inter Milan transfer target?

Vicario also has two and a half years left to run on his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but according to Gazzetta, he has been earmarked as Inter Milan's 'top target' to replace the stalwart Yann Sommer.

Thirty-six-year old Sommer has established a reputation for being one of the best goalkeepers on the planet during his three years at San Siro, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and Inter are planning for life without him.

The Nerazzurri are supposedly optimistic of sealing a deal due to Vicario's apparent desire to return to his homeland and represent the 2024-25 Champions League winners, as well as the 29-year-old being 'inspired' by Samir Handanovic as a youngster.

However, Inter are only prepared to fork out €20m (£17.6m) to bring Vicario to the club next year, which would equal the amount Spurs paid Empoli for the Italy international when performance-related add-ons are taken into account.

Vicario has managed 25 clean sheets in 97 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions since 2023, including four shut-outs in nine games en route to the 2024-25 Europa League title, but he was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher slams Guglielmo Vicario amid Tottenham transfer links

Vicario was seen gesturing his frustration towards Gray for his mistake against Forest, but Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher blasted the 29-year-old for not taking responsibility for his part in Hudson-Odoi's goal.

"It's not just a keeper playing out. It's a keeper on his weak foot. Typical Vicario, he is always blaming someone else," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"Every time I see a goal go in, he throws his arms at someone else. He seems to do it a lot, and he did it again today. We can talk about young Archie Gray in midfield, but I'm putting this on the goalkeeper.

'Archie Gray could do a lot better, of course, he could, but what the lad does initially is he is trying to help someone who doesn't actually need help. The goalkeeper doesn't actually need any help because the ball should go out wide to his player. I don't know what the problem is. There is no real pressure on it."

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering to offload Brennan Johnson in the January transfer window.

Johnson joined Spurs in September 2023 for a fee worth up to £47.5m from Nottingham Forest and has scored 27 goals and 18 assists in 104 appearances for the club.

The Wales winger scored the winner in the Europa League final win over Manchester United, but his future has come under intense speculation in recent weeks.

While Johnson is a highly talented attacker, inconsistency has been the demon preventing him from becoming a guaranteed starter under any manager at Spurs.

Johnson has a contract at the north London club until 2028, and Spurs have a big decision to make whether to extend his deal or sell him.

Crystal Palace eye move for Johnson?

According to a report from TEAMTalk, Crystal Palace are one of the clubs could be eyeing a move for Johnson in the January window.

Interest in the attacker is growing, with two more Premier League clubs having made informal contact about a potential deal.

While Johnson remains a valued member of the squad, there is uncertainty regarding whether he will be high-level enough for Spurs as they look to buy new players in his position.

Tottenham value him at around £50m, but they could sell him slightly lower than that amount if the right terms of the deal are made.

Spurs eye move for Antoine Semenyo?

The north London club are looking to bolster their forward department, and they have been linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo, who is also targeted by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Semenyo would cost around £65m, and Spurs are reportedly not only willing to pay that amount but also to shatter their wage structure to accommodate him.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has come under pressure following a poor run of form, but the club hierarchy is reportedly backing him.

Spurs suffered their fourth defeat in seven games in all competitions when they lost 3-0 against Nottingham Forest on Sunday at City Ground.

It was their sixth league defeat of the season, and Frank admitted after the game that there is no quick fix to the problems at the club.

According to a report from The Athletic, there have been discussions at the club about Frank’s future, but nothing specifically related to the defeat against Forest.

The north London club have taken a 'clear position' regarding their manager, and the hierarchy is ready to give him the time he needs to stamp his own mark.

Thomas Frank Tottenham future: Big decision for Lewis brothers

Frank was the final managerial appointment of the Daniel Levy era, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who won the Europa League last season.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League under Postecoglou, and Frank was tasked with rebuilding the team, which was never going to be easy.

The Lewis brothers, Vivienne and Charles Lewis, effectively took over the running of the club after Levy was sacked as executive chairman in September, and taking a firm decision on Frank is one of their major tests.

No quick fix but new signings needed in January

After a strong start to the season, Spurs have lost their momentum, and their form, especially in the Premier League has been very inconsistent.

They sit 11th in the Premier League table, with 22 points from 16 games, and also sit just outside the top eight in the Champions League group phase table.

There is a sense among the board members that Frank is trying to change the culture at the club, and for that, he must be given proper time and financial backing to build the squad to his own taste.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026.

Thomas Frank's side suffered a major blow to their Champions League qualification hopes on the weekend, losing 3-0 at Nottingham Forest.

On a similar note, Van Hecke played the full 90 minutes for Brighton on Saturday afternoon, when they were defeated 2-0 at Anfield.

In a match which could have been Mohamed Salah's last for the Reds, summer arrival Hugo Ekitike stole the show, bagging a brace.

Brighton will be looking to halt their three-game winless run when they host high-flying Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham encouraged in Van Hecke pursuit?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are targeting a bolstering of their backline in the upcoming transfer windows.

In Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Spurs possess an elite centre-back partnership, although the North Londoners are looking ahead.

The report claims that Frank's side have been impressed by the performances of Van Hecke and could make a move for the defender in 2026.

Given his importance to Brighton, it is understood that it would be difficult for Tottenham to sign the Dutchman in January.

As a result, Spurs are supposedly willing to wait until the summer, when the Seagulls could be open to selling a player who is refusing to sign a contract extension past 2027.

Tottenham to take advantage of Brighton business

If star names reject contract extensions, Brighton do not mess about in begging a player to stay - they will sell up for a significant fee.

Should the summer roll around and Van Hecke is still looking elsewhere, Tottenham could be given encouragement to swoop for a deal.

With Romero and Van de Ven in situ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 25-year-old would need to battle hard for a starting spot.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank reacted furiously to his side's defeat against Nottingham Forest, and insisted that he needs time to solve the club's problems.

Spurs were beaten 3-0 on Sunday at the City Ground, deservedly losing to Sean Dyche's relegation-threatened Forest side.

The defeat left Frank's men in 11th place with 22 points in the Premier League, with just four points now separating them from the 16th-placed victors.

Fans and pundits have critiqued the 52-year-old for the team's lacklustre displays this season after a promising start to the campaign.

Frank expressed his anger at the team's display against Forest, and insisted that the process to recovery will not be fast, telling reporters: "There is a hurricane inside me, because, it's deeply frustrating we are not doing better [here] after three good performances.

"I'm very honest about where we are as well. I was also very honest – this was a very bad performance. No two ways about that, but also know that to change this, this will take some time. It's just reality.

"The ones who have followed the club and the team, it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances, and that's the thing. We are working very hard. I can’t see why [I would not be given time]. If no-one gets time, nothing gets changed. This is not a quick fix."

Having sacked Ange Postecoglou in the summer despite winning the Europa League, there were expectations of improvement under Frank, but supporters are concerned that the club have stagnated.

Is Thomas Frank performing worse than Ange Postecoglou?

Spurs' points total of 22 after 16 matchweeks is one fewer than the club totalled at the same stage last season under Postecoglou.

The Londoners have scored 25 goals so far this season, but that number is 11 fewer than they managed after 16 league games in 2024-25, while their return of 21 goals conceded is two more.

It should be noted that Postecoglou oversaw 15 defeats in the team's final 22 top-flight outings, and it would be surprising if Spurs were to match that dire record this time around.

Frank inherited a club that had finished 17th in the Premier League, and while supporters are keen for the Londoners to be challenging higher in the table, the Dane's assertion that returning to an acceptable level will be a lengthy process is reasonable.

How can Tottenham Hotspur improve in the Premier League?

Tottenham are six points from fourth-placed Chelsea, and if they can address some of their problems on the pitch, then they could close that gap over the coming weeks.

One concerning area is the team's blunted attack, with Spurs having produced just one shot on target against Forest.

Frank has not been helped by injuries to key creators such as Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, but perhaps replacing midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha would help in the final third.

Neither player is adept at passing, and Spurs have encountered difficulties when trying to progress the ball to forwards such as Xavi Simons, so signing a midfielder capable in possession should be a priority in January.

Brentford have priced striker Igor Thiago at £70m ahead of the January transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur keen, the latest report has claimed.

Spurs' season has taken a turn for the worse, with the club suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The loss left the Londoners in 11th place in the Premier League with 22 points, and fans have become frustrated by the team's lack of attacking ambition.

Thomas Frank revealed prior to Sunday's match Tottenham intend to make additions in the winter amid criticisms of his forwards, with signings sought to help secure European football.

The Mirror report that Igor Thiago of Brentford could be available for £70m, though Spurs may face competition from Aston Villa for his signature.

Igor Thiago in profile: Should Tottenham sign Brentford striker?

Thiago is current the second top scorer in the Premier League, with his tally of 11 goals only bettered by Manchester City's Erling Haaland (17).

It should be noted that the 24-year-old has scored six penalties, though perhaps he should not be judged too harshly considering he has been key to much of Brentford's attacking play.

The Bees have averaged the fifth-lowest possession figure in the Premier League this season (43.4%), and they have relied upon the centre-forward as an outlet, using his immense physicality, strength and pace to advance up the pitch.

Thiago has only played 24 Premier League games in his career, so while he has performed excellently at the Gtech Community Stadium, spending such an amount on him in January could be risky.

Champions League race: Can Tottenham Hotspur finish in the top four?

Spurs only managed to produce one shot on target against Forest when they clashed on Sunday, and they have found it difficult to generate chances against deep defences, something that must be addressed as the season progresses.

Sides like Liverpool and Chelsea are yet to show they can consistently earn positive results, and Frank will be thankful that the teams above them are yet to pull away in the race for Champions League football.

Tottenham are six points from fourth-placed Chelsea, but while that gap is not insurmountable, the side are trending in the wrong direction.

Spurs have lost four, drawn two and won one of their last seven matches in the Premier League, and with games against Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Sunderland up next in their next three top-flight fixtures, the gap to the top four could soon grow.

Tottenham Hotspur have been condemned to a 17-year Premier League worst as a result of their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in Sunday's Premier League clash.

Thomas Frank's men had been building up a head of steam before their visit to the City Ground, taking down Brentford and Slavia Prague in the top flight and Champions League respectively, scoring five goals and conceding none in the process.

However, the Lilywhites were outclassed, outfought and outplayed by Sean Dyche's side in Nottinghamshire, where Archie Gray's horror moment allowed Callum Hudson-Odoi to pounce for the opening goal.

The former Chelsea attacker then doubled the hosts' lead early in the second half, before a sensational Ibrahim Sangare strike capped off the scoring for a fabulous Forest side.

A cacophony of boos were audible from the away end as Spurs suffered their sixth defeat of the Premier League season, one that leaves them on just 22 points from 16 matches in 2025-26.

Tottenham suffer 17-year Premier League worst in Forest loss

Tottenham's underwhelming points total represents their lowest at this stage of a Premier League season for 17 years, last registering fewer after 16 games during the 2008-09 season under Juande Ramos and Harry Redknapp.

The Lilywhites took just 18 points from their opening 16 matches that year and ended up missing out on European football entirely, finishing eighth in the standings with a total of 51 points from 38 games.

Ramos was sacked in late October that season and replaced by Redknapp, potentially a bad omen for Frank as the former Brentford boss, whom increasingly disgruntled Spurs fans are once again calling to be sacked.

Frank has only overseen 10 wins from his first 25 matches in charge of the Europa League winners, also taking charge of six draws and nine defeats since replacing the fired Ange Postecoglou over the summer.

However, the Dane is contracted to Spurs until 2028 and would therefore be in line for a significant severance payout if the club terminated his contract, but there are not understood to be any firm plans to replace him at this stage.

Forest 0-3 Tottenham: Thomas Frank "burning" after "hugely irritating" defeat

Frank spoke with Sky Sports News in the wake of Sunday's loss, which he labelled "burning" and "hugely irritating" as he picked apart his side's disorganised performance.

"It was hugely disappointing," Frank said. "It's burning, annoying. That was a bad performance. Especially first half, overall we looked disjointed. We didn't win enough duels. And then we couldn't hit each other, it seems like we gave the ball away every time we won it back.

"Of course the first two goals are two mistakes, that happens. We need to work to be more consistent. It's two steps forward and a step back today.

"That's down to individuals. We are in it together, we win together and lose together. It's hugely irritating that we perform like this today. Simple passing, I think we lose the ball 20 times, simple passes."

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has broken his silence on a recent incident in which he was filmed seemingly inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.

Two weeks ago, a video emerged of the 29-year-old - who is yet to make an appearance for the Lilywhites - ostensibly using the illegal drug for a second time in two years.

Bissouma was first sanctioned for a similar incident last summer involving laughing gas, which carries a maximum two-year prison sentence for repeat serious users and 14 years for dealers in the UK.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank confirmed that an internal investigation into the incident was underway, but Bissouma has now spoken with The Sun, apologising for his actions and opening up on a troubled period of his life.

"I am sorry. This incident broke something in me I didn’t even know I could break," Bissouma told the outlet. "I apologise to the fans. The trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression and paranoia.

“I feel really bad about it. I have to apologise. When the picture came out it affected me and everyone, especially my family. I know it’s not good for me, for my image, because I’m a professional football player."

Tottenham's Yves Bissouma apologises for balloon incident and reveals mental health problems

Bissouma has landed himself in hot water with Spurs on a few occasions, including this summer, when he was left out of Frank's squad for their UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain for persistent lateness.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has since been recovering from a pair of serious injuries - including a recent ankle operation - although he has been named in the Mali squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will offer Bissouma an escape from a worrying time in his home life, as he also revealed that he was "too scared" to sleep in his own house due to a series of burglaries and saw a mental health therapist for depression.

"My mental health has been bad at times," he added. "It is not an excuse for what happened, but I hope people can maybe understand me a bit more because of this. Sometimes, I was too scared to sleep at home so I slept in the training ground.

“For like three, four, sometimes five days, I was sleeping there because I did not want to be at home. Even talking about this is hard. All these things were going on in my head, worrying about my dad who is not well, and sometimes I think as a human, it’s a bit hard.

“You’re trying to stay strong. On my face I was trying to show love but my insides were burning. I spoke with a mental health therapist sometimes five times a week.

“It’s depression, yes. Was I crying to die? No. Sometimes in life you feel a bit down, but have to try to refresh your mind and stay strong."

What does the future hold for Tottenham's Yves Bissouma?

Bissouma is now awaiting what sanctions - if any - Tottenham will impose onto him for this repeat offence, but the Lilywhites are likely to factor in the midfielder's psychological struggles during their internal investigation.

The midfielder will also work to return to fitness in time to help Mali during the AFCON, but he will also enter the last six months of his contract with Tottenham while the competition is ongoing.

Bissouma was persistently linked with a Spurs exit in the summer but stayed put, although an extension is incredibly unlikely, so a parting of the ways in 2026 on a free transfer appears likely.

The 29-year-old has come up with two goals in 100 appearances for Tottenham since joining in a £25.6m deal from Brighton in 2022.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai suffered an ankle injury that looks worrying, while Joe Gomez picked up a muscle problem on Saturday.

The Merseysiders' afternoon at Anfield saw them claim three points in the Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion, winning 2-0 thanks to a brace from number nine Hugo Ekitike.

While Slot will be delighted that the immediate pressure on his job has eased, his team did not leave the stadium unscathed.

Gomez was subbed off for Mohamed Salah in the 26th minute, while Szoboszlai was brought off seven minutes from time.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the match, Slot did not reveal a return timeline for either player, but he hoped for positive news, saying: "If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe, that's normally not a positive thing.

"I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham Hotspur], but sometimes you get a positive surprise.

"[With] Dom, it was his ankle. It didn't look great when I just saw him, but he has unbelievable mentality so let's hope for the best."

Gomez started as a right-back on Saturday before Szoboszlai moved into that spot from midfield, and their injuries could cause significant selection problems ahead of the team's game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

How many games could Dominik Szoboszlai miss for Liverpool?

Fans will hope that Szoboszlai's ankle injury was not a serious one, and a Grade 1 issue would only necessitate one to two weeks on the treatment table, and he may even be part of the team to face Tottenham.

A Grade 2 injury could involve a partial ligament tear, which would require three to six weeks of rest, recovery and rehabilitation.

Anything more serious could see Szoboszlai miss months of action, but while a Grade 3 could lead to two to three months of inaction, complications because of a complete ligament tear or rupture could force the Hungarian to be sidelined for even longer.

Considering the 25-year-old has undoubtedly been Liverpool's best player this term, an extended absence would likely be hugely damaging.

How could Liverpool lineup against Tottenham Hotspur?

Slot is fortunate that Conor Bradley is available for selection having recently returned from injury, and he is certain to be selected on the right side of defence against Tottenham Hotspur in Gomez's absence.

The Northern Irishman has experienced numerous difficulties this campaign and has struggled defensively, though Slot is unlikely to move Curtis Jones into the backline given he has performed excellently in midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz may join Jones in the middle of the pitch behind a front two consisting of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to shatter their wage structure to sign AFC Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window.

The Ghana international was linked with a move away from the Vitality Stadium in the summer before signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030.

The 25-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in 14 appearances for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, and several top clubs are vying for his signature.

Due to a release clause inserted in his contract, the attacker will be available for £65m in the winter transfer window, and there is no shortage of admirers.

Spurs transfer plans for Semenyo revealed

According to a report from TeamTalk, Tottenham are ready to make a serious move to challenge Man City and Liverpool to sign the versatile winger.

Spurs are reportedly ready to break their wage structure, offering Semenyo one of the club’s top salaries to lure him to north London.

Thomas Frank will be provided with funds to make necessary additions to the squad after the Lewis family’s recent £100m equity injection into ENIC.

Spurs want to make Semenyo's signing a statement of intent on the wages front to challenge successful big six sides.

The player's camp holds all the aces, but recent reports suggest that all interested parties could suffer a blow as Bournemouth are looking to retain his services until the end of the campaign.

Liverpool and Man City keen on Semenyo

The Reds reportedly have already held talks with Semenyo, as they view him as a perfect long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will be away for AFCON duties later this month.

Irrespective of what the future holds for Salah following his latest outburst, and the same can be said about Federico Chiesa, Liverpool need more depth in the wide areas, and Semenyo can definitely provide a quality option.

City are also ready to meet his release clause, and Pep Guardiola views Semenyo’s lethal finishing with either foot as an ideal player for his fluid system.