Sports Mole

The curtain will be raised on the European club season when Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head in Udine in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

Both clubs overcame adversity at stages in 2024-25 to become Champions League and Europa League winners, and they now have the opportunity to add more silverware on the eve of the new season.

Match preview

It was a season that will never be forgotten for everybody of a Parisian persuasion, as PSG completed a clean sweep of trophies, winning an unprecedented quadruple.

Ligue 1 and Coupe de France success came with consummate ease for Luis Enrique’s men, who already added the Trophee des Champions to their collection earlier in the year, but a first ever Champions League crown means this current crop will go down in folklore.

PSG became just the second French club to be crowned European champions, finally joining bitter rivals Marseille in that exclusive club, and after a decade-and-a-half of intense investment from QSI, the Holy Grail was delivered at last.

It was achieved in emphatic style too, as PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich back in May, breaking the record for the largest margin of victory ever witnessed in a final in the competition.

Enrique’s men would have had eyes on a quintuple after also going far in the Club World Cup over the summer, and they were well fancied in the final against Chelsea, but it was one game too far for the Parisians, as Enzo Maresca’s men swept them aside in a 3-0 win.

That escapade in the United States means PSG have not had any time for friendlies since returning for preseason, with their 2024-25 campaign only ending less than a month ago, and in the blink of an eye, the season is now upon us, with PSG playing their Ligue 1 opener against Nantes at the weekend.

On the other hand, Spurs have had an extensive pre-season programme, playing six friendlies under new manager Thomas Frank, remaining unbeaten until a 4-0 loss at Bayern Munich last week.

Ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou, as the Aussie was sacked following a 17th-place finish in the Premier League, despite leading them to Europa League glory in May.

An early positive sign was beating local rivals Arsenal in a friendly in Hong Kong, but this matchup will give a much clearer indication of where Spurs are at as they prepare for a campaign in the Champions League.

Frank will take charge of his first Premier League game with the club on Saturday, when Burnley make the trip to North London, where anything but a win will make for a worrying start.

Neither side has won the Super Cup before, and this will be Spurs’ first appearance in it, while PSG will want to banish the nightmare they had in 1996-97 when they entered as UEFA Cup winners, and lost 9-2 on aggregate to Juventus.

Tottenham Hotspur Preseason form:

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Team News

PSG were fortunate that the majority of their small squad stayed fit all the way through the business end of last season, and that is still the case, as Enrique will be able to pick a full-strength side here.

The only notable change could be in goal, where Gianluigi Donnarumma appears to be on his way out, with Lille stopper Lucas Chevalier already being brought in as a likely replacement.

Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez both missed the Club World Cup final due to suspension last month and will return here, but Joao Neves was sent off in the dying stages, and has been banned for two matches by FIFA.

Tottenham will be without James Maddison for the majority of next season after he tore his ACL in a friendly against Newcastle United earlier in preseason, joining long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin on the sidelines.

Dominic Solanke has also missed most of preseason, but even though a return for him is expected in the near future, this will likely come too soon.

Left-back Destiny Udogie is the other injury concern for Frank, and there is a chance he will miss both this encounter, and the league opener against Burnley at the weekend.

Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:

Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus

We say: Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur

The gulf in class is striking, and if last season is anything to go by, there can only be one winner in this clash.

PSG were stunned by Chelsea last month, but they convincingly beat numerous Premier League sides on their way to Champions League glory, while Spurs finished down in 17th, and are in a transitional period under another new manager.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks with Manchester City over a potential move for Savinho.

Savinho is only a year into his Man City career after arriving at the Etihad Stadium from sister club Girona last summer.

The Brazilian went on to make 48 competitive appearances in his first season as a Man City player, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists.

Despite showing plenty of promise in a difficult campaign for the club, Savinho is now being linked with a potential move to another Premier League club before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

Spurs in talks over Savinho transfer

According to The Athletic, Spurs have held talks with Man City over an 'unexpected' transfer for the Brazil international.

The report claims that the two clubs have discussed a deal worth €50m (£43.3m) for a player who is under contract until June 2028.

Spurs are continuing to work on the surprise deal, with Savinho believed to be open to a move to the North London club.

The Citizens are 'not actively looking' to sell the 21-year-old, but they will not stand in his way if he makes it clear he wants to complete a move away from the Etihad Stadium.Â

Why are Spurs targeting Savinho?

Tottenham recently bid farewell to club legend Son Heung-min, who decided it was the right time to try a new challenge with Los Angeles FC in the MLS.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank can still call upon Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski as his wide options, while Mathys Tel can also play out wide if he is not being used as a centre-forward.

Despite having plenty of options, Spurs appear to be open to levelling up their attacking ranks with the addition of an exciting winger like Savinho.Â

Frank will recognise the importance of having depth in all areas of the pitch ahead of Tottenham's return to the Champions League.Â

Savinho would also bring useful versatility to the Tottenham squad, having shown during his career that he is comfortable playing on either flank.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost for Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain, as Joao Neves has reportedly been suspended for the match.

The 20-year-old formed one of Europe's more fearsome midfield trios alongside Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha last season, playing a fundamental role in PSG's Champions League triumph and also impressing at the Club World Cup.

Neves scored twice in a 4-0 last-16 win over Inter Miami, before also providing an assist for Desire Doue in his side's 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Bayern Munich en route to the showpiece.

However, the midfielder's final ended in particular humiliation, as he received a straight red card in the 85th minute of the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea for violent conduct, having pulled Marc Cucurella by the hair.

According to RMC Sport, Neves has now been handed a two-match cross-competition ban for his actions, meaning that he will sit out Wednesday's showdown with Spurs in Udine.

Neves 'banned' for Spurs Super Cup clash after Chelsea red card

The former Benfica phenom will also be unavailable for Les Parisiens' Ligue 1 opener against Nantes next Sunday, although his ban may have a silver lining for PSG.

Owing to their deep run at the Club World Cup, the reigning French and European champions delayed their players' holidays and only resumed full training on August 6, and Neves will now follow an adapted programme until his ban is lifted.

Furthermore, head coach Luis Enrique is not short of options to replace Neves in midfield, and the PSG boss will be expected to draft 19-year-old starlet Warren Zaire-Emery into the side in his place.

Carlos Soler, Senny Mayulu and Renato Sanches are also alternative options to Neves in midfield, and PSG's only other absentee is fringe defender Nordi Mukiele, who is recovering from a calf issue.

Do Tottenham have a chance of beating PSG?

While Neves's ban is hardly ideal for Les Parisiens, with an alternative as accomplished as Zaire-Emery in the ranks, Enrique and co should not be losing sleep over this suspension.

In contrast, Tottenham could go into the Super Cup without as many as eight infirm troops, most notably ACL victim James Maddison and fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski, who is still managing his own knee problem.

Unless Spurs can bring in a new number 10 in the next 48 hours, they will go into the Super Cup without a natural creator, and Thomas Frank is also sweating over the fitness of Dominic Solanke and his ankle injury.

A 4-0 friendly thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich on Thursday exposed Spurs' limitations in all areas of the pitch, and there is no question that they are sporting the underdogs tag for the Super Cup.

However, few expected Chelsea to slaughter Enrique's men in the manner that they did during the Club World Cup, so the Europa League winners cannot be totally discounted, even if the odds are heavily stacked against them.

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Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is reportedly 'advancing' in talks to sign for Everton and has 'opened doors' to a move to Merseyside.

The former Aston Villa captain is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola, who will not stand in his way of a temporary or permanent exit in the summer transfer window.

Sports Mole understands that Tottenham Hotspur submitted an enquiry for Grealish soon after James Maddison suffered his ACL injury - which could rule him out for the entire season - in South Korea.

However, Everton have also emerged as genuine contenders to sign the £100m man, and the Toffees appear to be at the head of the queue over Tottenham, having accelerated their interest in recent hours.

According to The Times, David Moyes's side have now 'ramped up' their efforts to sign Grealish for the 2025-26 season and have held 'further talks' over a loan deal.

Grealish 'opens doors' to Everton as contact 'intensifies'

The contact between Man City and Everton has apparently 'intensified' in recent hours, and Fabrizio Romano adds that Grealish has 'opened doors' to signing for the Toffees this month.

The England international has apparently emerged as a priority target for Moyes's side, who are willing to take a punt on him after his four troubled years in a sky blue shirt.

Grealish became the most expensive British player of all time when he signed for Man City for £100m in 2021, since when the 29-year-old has become a three-time Premier League winner, Champions League winner and Club World Cup champion.

However, the winger has only scored 17 times in 157 appearances for the Sky Blues - as well as providing 23 assists - and he only started seven Premier League games in the 2024-25 campaign.

What Grealish alternatives can Tottenham target in transfer window?

As well as Maddison's long-term ACL injury, Spurs should be without Dejan Kulusevski for another few weeks due to his own knee issue, while Alfie Devine has been loaned to Preston North End.

The Lilywhites are therefore without a single genuine option in the number 10 position, which either Lucas Bergvall or Mohammed Kudus could be shoe-horned into for the UEFA Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Spurs are said to have failed with a £34.5m offer for Como's Nico Paz, and it remains to be seen if they will submit a revised offer for the former Real Madrid man, whom Los Blancos can buy back for a cheap fee thanks to a clause in his contract.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, Brighton & Hove Albion's Facundo Buonanotte and Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss are also viable options, and Arsenal's move for the former appears to have stalled in the past couple of weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning a move for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze, having lost James Maddison to a serious injury, which is likely to rule him out for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign.

Maddison suffered an ACL tear during the recent pre-season friendly with Newcastle United, and it will be difficult for the 28-year-old to make a return to action before the latter stages of the new campaign.

Manchester City's Jack Grealish has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Everton are currently believed to be leading the race to sign the England international.

According to Fichajes, Eze has been identified by Tottenham as a leading target, with Spurs now ready to make a move for the Englishman following the devastating Maddison news.

Arsenal have also been linked with the playmaker this summer, and it is understood that Palace want a fee in the region of £65m for a player who has a contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027.

Tottenham 'planning Eze move' following Maddison blow

Eze was in excellent form for Palace during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old has a record of 40 goals and 28 assists in 167 appearances for the Eagles since making the move from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2020.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has said that his side are "definitely in the market" for new players, particularly in the final third of the field, with Dejan Kulusevski also a long-term absentee due to a knee injury.

"We are definitely in the market in general," Frank told reporters following his side's 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich in their final pre-season friendly of the summer.

"Of course, when players get a long-term injury we need to look into that, but generally we are in the market, yes. Nobody feels close or far away. I'm not saying anything before there's anything that is completely 100%."

Would Eze be a good signing for Tottenham?

Palace will do well to keep hold of Eze this summer considering the level of his performances last term, and he has earned the right to make the step-up into the Champions League.

A strong season could see him become a genuine option for Thomas Tuchel in his England XI for next summer's World Cup, and a move to Spurs would surely appeal to the Englishman.

However, £65m is a lot of money, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham are prepared to go that amount for the playmaker, who has scored 34 times and registered 23 assists in 146 Premier League appearances.

Following the Community Shield - the traditional English football curtain-raiser - the European football curtain-raiser sees Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns in a tantalising UEFA Super Cup clash.

The North London giants earned a date with their French counterparts courtesy of their historic Europa League final success, while Les Parisiens finally lifted their Champions League curse by destroying Inter Milan in the showpiece match.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details about how to tune into the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.

What time does PSG vs. Tottenham kick off?

PSG vs. Tottenham takes place on Wednesday, August 13, and the game is an 8pm kickoff for viewers in the UK.

Meanwhile, the match will begin at 9pm local time in Italy and for fans in France.

Where is PSG vs. Tottenham being played?

The 2025 UEFA Super Cup is taking place at the Stadio Friuli in Italy, the home of Serie A side Udinese.

The venue was appointed by the UEFA Executive Committee in December 2024 and was previously one of the stadiums to host matches at the 1990 World Cup, holding three group-stage games.

How to watch PSG vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

Fans in the UK can watch PSG's clash with Tottenham on TNT Sports 1, which is channel number 408 (SD) and 430 (HD) for BT TV subscribers, 410 (SD) and 870 (HD) for Sky customers, and 527 for Virgin Media viewers.

Alternatively, the UEFA Super Cup will also be shown on TNT Sports Ultimate, channel number 433 (BT), 493 (Sky) and 531 (Virgin Media).

Online streaming

BT/TNT Sports' streaming service Discovery+ will also be offering full coverage of the match, allowing fans to watch the game on computers, mobile devices and games consoles.

A TNT sports subscription on Discovery+ costs £30.99 a month, while the TNT Sports and Entertainment package is priced at £33.99 per month.

Highlights

The official TNT Sports YouTube channel will upload highlights shortly after the full-time whistle has blown, while both clubs may also share the best of the action.

During the game, TNT Sports and other global broadcasters should also post goals and other key moments on social media.

What is at stake for PSG and Tottenham?

Above all else, a trophy, and a trophy that Tottenham have never previously got their hands on; it would be some feat if they were to claim their inaugural UEFA Super Cup in their current state.

The Lilywhites are without their two chief creators in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski due to knee injuries - they are no closer to signing a replacement for the former after his ACL tear - while striker and record signing Dominic Solanke is struggling with an ankle problem.

Meanwhile, PSG have some wrongs to right after their unexpected Club World Cup final humbling at the hands of Chelsea, although that 3-0 loss pales when compared to their first and only UEFA Super Cup appearance to date.

Les Parisiens contested the 1996 event with Juventus after winning the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, but they were annihilated 9-2 by the Old Lady over two legs; a 6-1 thumping at home and a 3-1 defeat away.

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After waiting 17 years for their next major honour, Tottenham Hotspur could win two in the space of a few months when they tackle Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's intriguing UEFA Super Cup clash in Udine.

The Lilywhites earned a slice of continental stardom in last season's Europa League, sinking Premier League rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the final to end their trophy drought and seal a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League.

However, a historically poor 17th-placed Premier League finish took precedence when it came to deciding Ange Postecoglou's future, and Thomas Frank now prepares for his first competitive game at the helm.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with PSG, who battered a hopeless Inter Milan 5-0 to claim their maiden Champions League title in the spring.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

In an extremely cruel twist of fate, James Maddison suffered an ACL tear during Spurs' pre-season tour after only just recovering from a previous knee problem, and the playmaker is at risk of missing the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: September 13 (vs. West Ham United)

Fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski is also on his way back from a knee issue of his own, and while his is nowhere near as severe, it may be a few weeks before he is considered ready for action again.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Frank was originally hopeful of having Dominic Solanke back from an ankle issue towards the end of pre-season, but the Englishman's injury is taking longer than expected to heal, so an appearance in midweek is out of the question.Â

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

New signing Kota Takai must wait a little while longer for his competitive Spurs debut owing to a plantar fascia injury, and Frank has conceded that he may take weeks to get back up to speed.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Tottenham's first ACL victim of 2025, Radu Dragusin is now six months into his recovery from an operation, but the Romanian defender will not be returning until around Christmastime at the very earliest.

Bryan Gil

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Bryan Gil is still on the mend from a knee injury he sustained while on loan at Girona last season, and there is no timeframe on his recovery, but an exit in the summer transfer window is likely regardless.

Manor Solomon

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: Unknown

Frank revealed in mid-July that winger Manor Solomon was dealing with a minor calf injury, but like Gil, the Israeli winger should be on the way out before the transfer window closes anyway.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Spurs have no players suspended for the UEFA Super Cup.

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Tottenham Hotspur have apparently failed with an offer of £34.5m for Como youngster Nico Paz as they scope out potential James Maddison replacements.

The Europa League winners could be without influential playmaker Maddison for the entire season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a friendly with Newcastle United last weekend.

The Lilywhites are also still missing Dejan Kulusevski due to his own knee injury, and while the Swede should return within a few weeks, he will not be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Furthermore, Spurs have just loaned out 21-year-old attacking midfielder Alfie Devine to Preston North End, leaving Thomas Frank without any genuine creative options for the time being.

Lucas Bergvall is seemingly the next best thing in the most advanced midfield role, while Mohammed Kudus could be trialled in that spot too, but Tottenham are understandably in the market to bolster their creative ranks.

Spurs Paz offered 'rejected' after Maddison ACL blow

According to Sky Italia - via the Daily Mail - Tottenham recently came forward with a bid of £34.5m for Paz, but it was swiftly rejected by Como, who are after at least £60m to consider a sale instead.

The Italian upstarts brought Paz to the club for just £5.2m from Real Madrid last summer, but Los Blancos are supposedly in line to receive a staggering 50% from the profit of any future sale.

As a result, Como will drive an extremely hard bargain for the 2004-born playmaker, but head coach Cesc Fabregas does not want to see him leave, having seen him blossom in Serie A last season.

Paz played a critical role in Como's top-flight survival with six goals and nine assists from 35 appearances, prior to which he played just eight matches for Real Madrid, scoring once.

Los Blancos can also re-sign their former Castilla starlet for as little as £7.8m until next June, or for an £8.6m package between 2026 and 2027, but they have so far held off on bringing him back to the club.

Real Madrid currently have Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz capable of playing as the most advanced midfielder, and the latter is supposedly close to signing a new long-term contract.

However, the report adds that Real Madrid have not yet decided on activating their future buyback clauses, so Spurs may need to make a revised offer if they are to avoid losing out on the 20-year-old.

What other Maddison replacements can Tottenham target?

Sports Mole has been told that the Lilywhites made direct contact over a move for Manchester City's Jack Grealish in the wake of Maddison's injury, but Everton are also in the running for the 29-year-old.

Spurs could also reignite their interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze - who has seen a move to Arsenal stall - or look at a wild card option such as Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton & Hove Albion) or Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City) to replace their stricken playmaker.

Frank's side are back in action on Wednesday, facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, three days before opening their Premier League campaign against Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a major creative crisis heading into the 2025-26 campaign following James Maddison suffering an ACL injury just 12 minutes after entering the pitch during their pre-season clash with Newcastle United.

The attacking midfielder has been plagued with injury during his time at Spurs, including missing out on last season’s Europa League final with a knee injury, and Maddison’s latest setback looks set to rule him out for the majority of the season.

Tottenham had already been looking for reinforcements in that area, missing out on the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, and with Dejan Kulusevski also set to miss the first weeks of the campaign, the club are expected to delve back into the market.

Thomas Frank confirmed that intention following Maddison’s injury, saying that his side are “definitely in the market”, and here, Sports Mole takes a look at four stars who could fill the Maddison-shaped void.

Nico Paz (Como)

Paz came through the youth academy at Real Madrid before making the permanent move to Serie A side Como last summer, and the Argentinian enjoyed a breakout campaign for the newly promoted side.

The attacking midfielder scored six and assisted eight goals in 35 league appearances, helping Como to record a superb 10th-placed finish in their first season back in the top flight since 2002-03.

Paz’s biggest strength is his dribbling ability, ranking in the top 10% of Serie A wingers and attacking midfielders for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, while he also takes a large number of shots, with his 3.68 per 90 ranking him among the top 3%.

The Argentinian would also offer Frank with plenty of versatility and tactical flexibility, as Paz featured everywhere from striker, winger, attacking midfield, central midfield and even as a wing-back at times for Como last term.

Tottenham hold a firm interest in the Como player, with reports suggesting they have even had an initial bid rejected for the 20-year-old.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eze has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer, with reports suggesting Arsenal are particularly interested in the midfielder, though Spurs did also have an interest earlier in the window and may revive their pursuit given Maddison’s ACL setback.

At 27 years old, Eze is a proven Premier League talent entering the prime years of his career, and he is coming into the 2025-26 campaign off the back of his best ever individual season, tallying 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, including the only goal in Palace’s monumental FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

Similarly to Paz, Eze is a shot-dominant attacking midfielder who averaged 3.53 shots per 90 in the Premier League last season, while he also completed an impressive 2.32 dribbles and creating 2.01 chances per 90 minutes.

While Eze could cost upwards of £60m, stealing his signature from under their North London rivals noses and adding one of the best creative midfielders in the country to their squad could be worth every penny.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

Grealish is understood to be seeking a move away from Manchester City this summer after a particularly difficult period at the club, including making just seven league starts across the last two seasons.

While his opportunities have been limited for Man City in recent years, Grealish is one of the most talented players in the division, as evidenced by the Citizens paying £100m for his services back in 2021, and if given the chance, the attacking midfielder could flourish once again.

Grealish provides a different option to Paz and Eze, as the Man City man prefers to take his time on the ball before threading through a teammate rather than taking a shot, with his best goalscoring season coming in 2019-20 when he scored eight Premier League goals.

Despite playing just 715 league minutes last term, Grealish created a massive 3.02 chances per 90 – ranking in the top 2% of players in his position – and this could be ideal for Tottenham as they look to supply their more goal-hungry players, such as Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and even Brennan Johnson.

Manchester City are reportedly asking for £50m for a permanent deal, while they are also supposedly open to a loan move for the midfielder.

Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City)

Another player that Tottenham held interest in earlier in the window, El Khannouss would serve as an interesting and certainly more affordable option than the other players on this list.

Despite playing for a Leicester City side that accumulated just 25 points as they were relegated from the Premier League last season, the attacking midfielder still managed to catch the eye of several top clubs, with Arsenal and Spurs among those that were supposedly looking at the player earlier in the window.

El Khannouss managed two goals and three assists in 32 Premier League appearances, but the 21-year-old showed the potential that he could become a far greater contributor, especially if he was playing for a team that were more dominant of possession.

With Tottenham looking to improve in this area of the pitch, there could even be room for El Khannouss to be signed alongside another attacking option thanks to his expectedly lower price tag.

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Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly 'explored the situation' of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado Torras, but the lynchpin has no interest in leaving Camp Nou.

The Europa League winners bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich over the weekend, and they have the option to keep him permanently for £26.5m next summer.

However, Thomas Frank may need to make two additions at the base of the midfield if two soon-to-be out-of-contract players fail to extend their terms in the coming months.

Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur can both leave for nothing in the summer of 2026, and the former is expected to be sold for the right price in the current window.

Meanwhile, Bentancur is understood to have discussed a new contract with the North London giants earlier this year, but there has not yet been a breakthrough, and he can speak to foreign clubs from January,

Tottenham 'approached' Barcelona over Casado transfer

As a result, Sport claims that Spurs recently enquired about Casado's situation at Barcelona as they look to the future in a possible post-Bissouma and post-Bentancur world.

Casado has risen through the Blaugrana's La Masia youth system to make 41 appearances for the senior team in all competitions - scoring one goal and setting up six more - registering all of those contributions last term.

Casado became a favourite of Hansi Flick's in the first half of the 2024-25 season, but after spending several weeks out with a ligament injury, he struggled to force his way back into the Blaugrana's first XI.

The Spaniard faces intense competition from Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong in the engine room, but he is under contract at Barcelona until 2028 and supposedly has no desire to leave, in spite of additional interest from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

However, if La Blaugrana receive a £26.1m offer for Casado, they may consider a sale, as Flick also has talented youngster Marc Bernal coming back from a long-term knee injury.

Twenty-one-year-old Casado is under contract at Barcelona for another three seasons, and he won his first two caps for the Spain national team in November last year.

Tottenham's biggest transfer priority is clear amid Casado links

While Spurs will need to enter the midfield market if both Bentancur and Bissouma depart, they can cross that bridge when they come to it, as they have much more pressing matters at hand right now.

Following Son Heung-min's exit to Los Angeles FC and James Maddison's ACL rupture, Spurs have been deprived of two of their most influential attackers, and a new versatile, creative option must be sought as a matter of priority.