Sports Mole

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.

Two teams intertwined by Ange Postecoglou do battle at the City Ground in Sunday's Premier League battle, as Nottingham Forest welcome Tottenham Hotspur to their headquarters.

The Garibaldi emerged as 2-1 winners over FC Utrecht in Thursday's Europa League game, not long after Spurs eased past Slavia Prague 3-0 in the Champions League, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs. TOTTENHAM

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Out: Ryan Yates (thigh), Ola Aina (thigh), Chris Wood (knee), Angus Gunn (knee)

Doubtful: Taiwo Awoniyi (unspecified), Matz Sels (groin)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus

TOTTENHAM

Out: Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ankle)

Doubtful: Brennan Johnson (knock), Kota Takai (thigh), Radu Dragusin (fitness)

Tottenham Hotspur could boost their chances of signing Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo by selling Brennan Johnson to a Premier League rival during the January transfer window.

The Lilywhites are expected to be one of three main contenders for Semenyo during the January transfer window, joining Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign the £65m attacker.

Due to a release clause in Semenyo's Bournemouth contract, the Cherries will be powerless to prevent the ex-Bristol City man leaving next month if an interested party shows a willingness to fork out that fee.

Tottenham are understood to already have one secret weapon over Man Utd and Liverpool in the race for Semenyo, and the Lilywhites may now have a second ace up their sleeve in the three-way transfer fight.

According to Sky Sports News, Crystal Palace have taken an interest in signing Wales international attacker Brennan Johnson as they scope out replacements for the Africa Cup of Nations-bound Ismaila Sarr.

Spurs set for possible Antoine Semenyo boost amid Brennan Johnson interest

Johnson, 24, has struggled to establish himself under Thomas Frank in the current season, making just six starts in the Premier League and two in the Champions League.

The former Nottingham Forest attacker has come up with a respectable four goals in 19 games across all tournaments this season, but he is down the pecking order when it comes to Spurs' attackers.

Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison are all preferred to Johnson in the final third, and Palace are now said to be considering an approach for the Wales international next month.

Tottenham paid £47.5m to sign Johnson from Nottingham Forest in 2023, and the 24-year-old went on to score one of the most significant goals in Spurs' history - the winner in last season's Europa League final triumph over Manchester United.

Johnson has registered a total of 27 goals and 18 assists in 104 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, and he still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract in North London.

Should Tottenham worry about Antoine Semenyo's form decline?

Spurs may not be able to demand a profit on Johnson, but money is not an issue for the Lilywhites, who recently received a £100m cash injection from the Lewis family trust.

Any funds raised through Johnson's prospective sale would simply be a bonus for Spurs - in terms of a transfer fee or wage packet - for Semenyo, although the Ghana international has experienced a dramatic decline in form of late.

Semenyo registered a terrific six goals and three assists in his first seven games of the Premier League season, but he has since failed to directly contribute to a goal in any of his last seven top-flight matches.

The ongoing speculation surrounding Semenyo's future may have played a part in his drop-off, though, and he has enough credit in the bank to generate significant interest despite his current lack of output.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has revealed that the club will be active in the January transfer window amid injury concerns in the forward line.

Spurs will return to Premier League action on Sunday, when they travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest, and they could head into that game six points from the top four.

The saving grace for Frank in the race for Champions League football has been the inconsistent form of the teams around them, and even middling results until the January window would likely keep them within striking distance of the Champions League spots.

Fans have clamoured for reinforcements in the winter in order to take advantage of their rivals' inconsistencies, and the Tottenham boss revealed that the club intend to make additions.

Speaking to reporters before his side's match against Forest, Frank said he was already talking to Tottenham's hierarchy, saying: "After the window shut in September, we had the first formal meeting and it is an ongoing process.

"One thing is the daily interaction and I have also seen a lot of games live, watched them back and you see all the small good habits and bad habits from the players. What can you affect? Or [what] will be tricky? Or how the relationship is?

"Of course we will definitely be in the market. No doubt about that. We want them as early as possible, like every other time and let’s see if we can have them before the 31st of January."

Spurs spent £171.9m in the summer transfer window, and they ended the window having a negative net spend of £159.5m.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer targets: Who should Frank target?

Spurs' main area of concern will likely be their forward line considering they have been without key stars such as James Maddison, Dejan Kuluevski and Dominic Solanke for almost the entirety of the season.

The former two are arguably the team's best creative talents, and it is not surprising that they have at times struggled in their absence.

Though it is not clear if Solanke would be Frank's first-choice striker once returning from injury, his presence would at least add considerable depth to his options up front, which currently consist of Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

Samu Omorodion of Porto and Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli have been linked, though the former has only played 35 top-flight games in one of Europe's top five leagues, whereas the latter has been playing in a less competitive division - the Saudi Pro League - since 2024-25.

Why is Tottenham's attack struggling in the Premier League?

Tottenham signed attackers like Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus in the summer, and while the latter has performed well at times, the former has struggled to adapt to the demands of English football.

Simons was renowned as one of Europe's top creators during his time at RB Leipzig, but Frank has been unable to platform him in the Premier League.

The Dutch playmaker has experienced a degree of success in the Champions League, though his improved displays can be partly attributed to the less physical nature of the team's opponents in Europe compared to the Premier League.

Frank has been criticised for deploying an overly defensive style in England, something that may have hindered Simons, but he cannot be blamed for the teething issues Simons has experienced since making the switch from the Bundesliga.