Sports Mole

Spurs transfer news: Lilywhites 'refuse' to repeat Troy Parrott mistake with 20

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Spurs transfer news: Lilywhites 'refuse' to repeat Troy Parrott mistake with 20-year-old striker - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly learned their lesson regarding confidence placed in one of their current youngsters.

The development of homegrown talent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a hot topic of debate over the past week due to the exploits of Troy Parrott.

He scored an incredible five goals across the space of less than 72 hours as Republic of Ireland defeated Portugal and Hungary to earn a spot in the World Cup playoffs.

Parrott is currently starring for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, netting 33 goals from 61 appearances since the start of 2024-25, but he initially started his career with Spurs.

Just four outings were made in all competitions before Spurs accepted a £6.7m offer from AZ, and it has since come back to haunt the North Londoners at a time when they are not exactly blessed with players coming through their academy setup.

Spurs established Donley stance

According to TEAMtalk, the vast progression of Parrott - now 23 years of age - has led to the Spurs hierarchy taking a specific stance over the development of Jamie Donley.

The report suggests that Spurs chiefs will present Donley with the necessary time to showcase his ability and stake a claim for a first-team spot.

Donley made headlines on Monday night as he scored the only goal of the game in Northern Ireland's 1-0 win over Luxembourg in their final World Cup qualifier.

That opportunity came despite just 257 minutes being racked up for Stoke City across six appearances this campaign, but Donley showed his pedigree in League One during 2024-25.

A total of eight goals and 10 assists came from 39 outings for Leyton Orient, and the starlet is naturally targeting an eventual return to Spurs in the long term,

He has already made four senior appearances for Spurs, albeit his game time only reaching 10 minutes.

Spurs in strong position regarding Donley's future

With a contract in place until 2029, Spurs can take their time before making a decision over whether Donley will ever be good enough to make a regular contribution in the Premier League.

Being integrated at some point feels more likely than not due to Spurs lacking homegrown talent, but Donley would need to make an impression at Championship level before earning that chance.

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Tottenham suffer blow in Ademola Lookman transfer pursuit as 'agreement' claims shot down

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'Agreement' claims shot down as Spurs suffer Lookman - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly face added European competition if they wish to win the race for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman during the January transfer window.

The Nigeria international is believed to be one of a few offensive options Spurs are keeping their eye on ahead of the winter window after he tried and failed to force an exit from the Gewiss Stadium in the summer.

Lookman was the subject of at least one rejected approach from Inter Milan, leading the former Fulham man to hit out at Atalanta on social media, alleging "months of broken promises" by the Serie A powerhouses.

The 28-year-old has endured a slow start to the season by his high standards too, only managing one goal in 10 appearances across all competitions and memorably clashing with former manager Ivan Juric on the touchline during a Champions League match against Marseille.

Juric was sacked earlier this month and replaced by Raffaele Palladino, but Lookman's future remains clouded in uncertainty, and he will soon enter the last 18 months of his contract with Atalanta.

Tottenham face added competition for Ademola Lookman deal?

A return to the Premier League could appeal to the Nigerian, who endured failed spells with Leicester City, Fulham and Everton during his first spell in England, scoring just 11 goals in 96 top-flight games.

However, Fabrizio Romano now reports that Turkish giants Galatasaray have also added Lookman to their shortlist of January targets, although they have not reached an agreement with the player contrary to local reports.

Galatasaray supposedly looked at the ex-Everton youngster during the last knockings of the summer window and have retained an interest in the versatile attacker, but no club-to-club or player negotiations have begun yet.

Lookman's proposed move to Galatasaray would see the 28-year-old link up with Nigeria teammate Victor Osimhen, who joined permanently from Napoli this summer and has already scored six Champions League goals in the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, Lookman has registered 53 goals and 25 assists in 128 appearances for Atalanta across all tournaments, including a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 Europa League final.

What Ademola Lookman alternatives can Tottenham target?

Heralded as an attacker who can occupy a multitude of positions, Lookman could offer Thomas Frank an alternative out wide, in the number 10 spot and up front, but his previous struggles in England may be of some concern to Spurs' recruitment staff.

The 28-year-old may not even be a guaranteed starter at Tottenham either, as Frank could very well go with a front four of Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke when all four are fit and available.

Instead, the Lilywhites could target a younger winger in the shape of Lyon's Malick Fofana or Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, and they are reported to have sent scouts to watch one of the duo in action recently.

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Tottenham Hotspur transfer news: 'Curveball' target emerges for January as Thomas Frank considers 'battle' with Barcelona

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Spurs find 'curveball' target for January as Frank considers - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be in the race for Lyon winger Malick Fofana in Januay despite Barcelona's interest in the forward.

Spurs' season under new boss Thomas Frank has been a positive one, with the club currently in fifth place with 18 points, just one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland.

However, the campaign has not been without its difficulties, as while the team were criticised for their defensive displays under Ange Postecoglou, their attacking performances have been critiqued this term.

With key forwards such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski injured, it is no surprise that the club have been linked with reinforcements ahead of the January window.

TEAMtalk report that Lyon winger Fofana is a genuine target for Spurs despite Barcelona's interest, though Antoine Semenyo and Ademola Lookman have also been touted as alternatives.

Is Malick Fofana the right profile of player for Tottenham?

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min shouldered most of Tottenham's attacking responsibility for the past decade, but now that both have left the club, the Londoners have struggled to be as potent in the final third.

Spurs alarmingly produced just one shot on target when they lost 1-0 against Chelsea on November 1, though it remains to be seen if Fofana would be able to solve the team's issues.

The 20-year-old left-winger has averaged 2.25 shots per 90 in Ligue 1 this campaign, a figure that would be the third highest in Tottenham's squad, but he has only scored two league goals in 2025-26.

Fofana's underlying numbers are promising, but asking such a young player to make the step-up to the Premier League in the winter could be risky, especially as he has limited history of production.

Can Tottenham qualify for the Champions League?

The race for the Champions League spots is set to be intense, especially as Liverpool and Newcastle United have seemingly regressed since 2024-25.

Just four points separate third-placed Chelsea (20) from 12th-placed Brentford (16), and the quality of teams in the middle of the table has arguably never been greater.

Tottenham have scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season, but they have produced just 11 xG, and they must improve their ability to create chances if they are to consistently find the back of the net and claim a spot in the top four.

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Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta receives positive update on defender as 'return date' revealed ahead of North London derby

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Arteta receives update on defender as 'return date' revealed - Sports Mole
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Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori will be available for the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, the latest report has claimed.

Manager Mikel Arteta is set to be boosted by the return of stars such as Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz some time after the November international break, but he will be concerned by news that both Calafiori and Gabriel were forced to withdraw from the Italian and Brazilian squads respectively.

The latter was taken off by Brazil on Saturday against Senegal after picking up an apparent groin injury, while the former returned to England after Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso ruled him out of his side's match against Norway on Sunday.

Both have been key for Arsenal's defence in the Premier League this season, and there are fears that the pair could miss out on the Londoners' clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal are confident that Calafiori's issues are not injury related, and he will therefore be available next weekend.

How important are Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal?

Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League, boasting a four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, and the foundation of their form this season has been their defence.

Having conceded just five goals in 11 top-flight fixtures, the Gunners rank as the best defensive team in the division, and Gabriel has arguably been the best centre-back in the Premier League.

The Brazilian has also scored once and provided two assists this campaign, with his efficiency in the opposition box helping Arteta's side make the most of dead-ball situations.

Without him in the team, Arsenal could be significantly more blunt in attack, but the absence of Calafiori could also be damaging given the left-back has been among the best in his position in 2025-26.

The Italian is comfortable tucking in as a centre-back, moving into midfield and overlapping on the left, so the fact he has seemingly avoided injury will be a welcome relief.

Is Mikel Arteta rotating his squad enough in the Premier League?

Arteta has at times been criticised for his use of his squad, with his detractors claiming that he has contributed to the injury woes of stars such as Bukayo Saka and Odegaard.

Saka picked up a serious hamstring problem in December 2024, and perhaps the 24-year-old's injury was predictable given he had started 138 out of 152 Premier League games between 2020-21 and 2023-24.

It should be noted that Arteta did not have the same level of depth in the forward line as he does this season, so he will be able to rotate the winger more now that he can call upon the likes of Noni Madueke.

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'send representatives' to watch 23

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly ramped up their efforts to sign a talented Ligue 1 playmaker by sending scouts to watch him in action during the international break.

The Lilywhites' summer of spending has yielded mixed results so far, as Tottenham lie fifth in the Premier League table before next weekend's derby with Arsenal, who are eight points better off.

New manager Thomas Frank has not been helped by a wave of early-season injuries, most notably to creative chiefs Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, the former of whom has been out since the end of last term.

The Lilywhites addressed their playmaking deficiencies in the market with the signings of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, but their issues with chance creation stuck out like a sore thumb earlier this month.

Spurs' 1-0 defeat to London rivals Chelsea at home saw the team register a mere 0.05 Expected Goals (xG), their lowest-ever total on record in a Premier League game since 2012.

Tottenham 'send scouts' to watch Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche

The Europa League winners are expected to be active in January to address their weaknesses in all thirds of the pitch, and Monaco starlet Maghnes Akliouche is understood to be a name on their radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have accelerated their pursuit of the 23-year-old and had representatives in attendance to watch him in action for France during their World Cup 2026 Qualifying win over Ukraine on Thursday evening.

Akliouche was brought on for the final 25 minutes of that match - replacing Manchester City's Rayan Cherki - and managed one shot, one key pass and a 94% passing accuracy during his short time on the field.

The 2002-born attacker has allegedly been earmarked as an ideal alternative to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo for Tottenham, who could face a losing battle against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Ghana international.

Akliouche faced Tottenham in the Champions League with Monaco earlier this season, playing the full 90 minutes as inspired goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rescued a draw for the North London club.

What would Maghnes Akliouche bring to Tottenham?

Semenyo is still thought to be Spurs' first choice for a new attacker, but if the Lilywhites are unable to seduce the Bournemouth attacker, they are expected to begin negotiations to bring Akliouche to the English capital.

The Frenchman has gone from strength to strength in Monaco for a few years now and managed a stellar 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season, only fewer than Cherki, Gaetan Perrin and Bradley Barcola (11 each).

This season, Akliouche has accrued three goals and three assists from 15 games, and he is a natural with the ball at his feet, averaging 3.15 carries into the final third per 90 over the past 365 days.

However, the winger's defensive work-rate also stands out, as he has also made 4.95 ball recoveries per game and a combined 2.57 tackles and interceptions, both of which place him in the top 10% of attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe's big five leagues.

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Tottenham handed early injury boost for Arsenal clash as national team manager provides reassuring update

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has received an update on Pape Sarr's recent injury scare from Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined up with his national team for their international friendlies against Brazil and Kenya this month, starting against the former at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Senegal fell to a 2-0 loss to Carlo Ancelotti's side thanks to goals from Estevao Willian and Casemiro, but both North London clubs were dealt injury concerns ahead of the imminent derby on November 23.

Arsenal lost defensive rock Gabriel Magalhaes to a groin issue midway through the second half, prior to which Spurs midfielder Sarr had to be replaced by Chelsea-owned Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson.

The former Metz man gingerly limped off the field following a tackle, sparking worry for a Spurs side who are already dealing with a double-figure injury list heading into a hectic winter.

Tottenham receive reassuring update on Pape Sarr injury

However, Frank will seemingly have Sarr available for the upcoming run of matches, as Thiaw has confirmed that the midfielder's withdrawal was mainly precautionary.

"He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal," football.london quotes Thiaw as saying at full time.

Whether Sarr will be fit for Senegal's upcoming friendly with Kenya remains to be seen, but if he is not risked for the all-African friendly, he will enjoy a full week without competitive action before Tottenham's trip to the Emirates.

The 23-year-old has claimed a respectable two goals and two assists from 16 games this season, and after a brief period as a bit-part player, he is now back in Frank's good books.

Sarr went five Premier League games without a start between September 20 and October 26, but he has played the full 90 in both of Tottenham's last two top-flight matches against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Will Tottenham have any other injured players back for Arsenal game?

Sarr's potential return may not be the only midfield fitness boost that Tottenham receive for the North London derby, as there is every chance that Lucas Bergvall will be back available for next weekend too.

The teenager had to withdraw from the Sweden squad as a result of the concussion he sustained against Chelsea at the beginning of the month, but he would have completed the necessary protocol period by the time domestic football returns.

Attacker Mohammed Kudus should also recover from a knock to face Arsenal, but all of Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai might remain out a little while longer.

ACL victim Dragusin recently played in a behind-closed-doors friendly as he enters the final stage of his rehabilitation, but the Romanian is likely to play some Under-21s matches before he is considered for senior action.

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Tottenham can beat 'mesmerised' Mikel Arteta to £10.5m midfielder to help solve home

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered a frantic 12-team battle to sign a highly-rated Bundesliga midfielder in 2026.

The Lilywhites turned to the German top flight to reinforce their engine room during the most recent summer transfer window, bringing ex-Fulham man Joao Palhinha back to London from Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international has made an immediate impression since joining Thomas Frank's side, and his move is expected to be made permanent for around £27m when the campaign concludes.

However, the Lilywhites stand to lose Yves Bissouma when his contract expires at the end of June, and there are a distinct lack of midfielders from the Hotspur Way academy on the brink of the first team.

The likes of Alfie Devine, George Abbott, Tyrese Hall and Jamie Donley were all loaned out during the summer transfer window, and none of the quartet is yet to enjoy a proper first-team breakthrough, so permanent exits cannot be ruled out.

Tottenham in '12-team transfer battle' for Kennet Eichhorn

Tottenham have experienced issues trying to promote home-grown talent in recent times, and a lack of club-trained players meant that they could not name a full 25-man squad for this year's Champions League league phase.

UEFA defines locally trained players as those who have represented either their club or another club in the same association for three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21, and Spurs could develop another home-grown talent - albeit in a few years' time - if they win an intense transfer tussle.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are one of just 12 clubs pursuing 16-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, who was born one year after Tottenham won their most recent domestic trophy in the 2007-08 EFL Cup.

Despite his tender age, Eichhorn is already a stalwart for the second-tier German side, starting seven 2. Bundesliga games in a holding midfield role this season and completing the full 90 in one of them.

The 2009-born enforcer - who stands at 6ft 1in tall - also captains the Germany Under-17 side, although he has shown a lack of discipline in the early stages of his career, already picking up five yellow cards this season.

Nevertheless, the Hertha youngster is seen as a bargain buy given that his release clause is capped at £10.5m, and Tottenham are allegedly considering a January swoop, but they will face incredibly stiff competition.

Which other clubs are interested in Kennet Eichhorn?

Spurs face Arsenal in a North London derby next Sunday, but they are also said to be up against the Gunners for the signature of Eichhorn, whose ambitions to play in and win the Champions League have 'mesmerised' Mikel Arteta.

Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion - renowned for their youth development model - have also thrown their hat into the ring, but the strongest interest currently comes from outside the Premier League.

Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are believed to be at the head of the queue for Eichhorn, although Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are keeping a close eye on developments too.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also been alerted to the midfielder's rise, so Spurs will have to present a perfect pathway to Eichhorn if he is to snub offers from elsewhere.

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Liverpool target after failing to land Premier League dream

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring a La Liga-based wide man as they look to bolster that area of Thomas Frank’s side.Â

Frank is said to be unconvinced by his current options in those areas, which has led to the ongoing rumours.Â

The player in question has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool as a replacement for Mohamed Salah; however, the transfer did not materialise.Â

Now, Spurs have learnt that they would need to pay as much as £52m to bring the Real Sociedad man to North London.

Spurs transfer news: Lilywhites chasing reported former Liverpool target

As reported by Football Insider, the North London club are monitoring La Real winger Takefusa Kubo and could pay his £52m release clause.Â

“He’s been continually linked with the move to the Premier League with Tottenham, Liverpool over the years, Aston Villa as well,” Pete O’Rourke said on the Football Insider Track podcast. Â

“Top young player who’s done really well for Real Sociedad. So, it’s no surprise that the top European clubs are looking at the Japanese international as well. Â

“He has got a release clause in his contract, so it would be straightforward if Tottenham wanted to go and sign him in January. Â

“£52m, it’s not a cheap deal by any stretch of the imagination. So, that will come into consideration if Tottenham are to firm up their interest in Kubo as well.”

Kubo, 24, joined the club from Real Madrid in 2022 after several loan deals at Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe, featuring in 147 games across all competitions and scoring 24 times.

Spurs' reported interest in Kubo follows failed pursuit of Premier League star

The same source further clarifies that Spurs’ reported interest in Kubo is a reaction to being unable to bring a Premier League-based forward to North London.Â

According to O’Rourke, Frank’s team had an interest in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, only to be rebuffed by the Toffees, who are unwilling to let go of their prized asset.Â

The Merseyside club view the Senegal international as a vital component to their project, with the forward’s dribbling and ball-carrying ability his undeniable strength.Â

While Frank is said to admire the Everton man, a transfer for Kubo, due to his reported release clause, would be easier to arrange than the other.

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Arsenal injury news: Gabriel Magalhaes update as defender limps off for Brazil ahead of Tottenham Hotspur game

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off for Brazil with what appeared to be a groin injury in the second half against Senegal on Saturday.

Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup and were participating in a friendly against the Lions of Teranga at Arsenal's Emirates stadium, with Gabriel starting in a back four.

The Gunners man was unable to see out the game as he went down clutching his groin in the 63rd minute, and he was eventually replaced after being treated by medical staff.

Gabriel has arguably been the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, and his potential absence will be a concern for Mikel Arteta, especially as the club have come to rely on his impact from set pieces.

With a game against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, even a short spell on the sidelines would almost certainly rule him out of the North London derby.

How long could Gabriel Magalhaes be out for?

Mikel Arteta will hope that the centre-back's injury is only minor, and if the defender has been fortunate, then a grade 1 injury would only see him miss out on one to two weeks of action.

The Gunners will play Tottenham on November 23, Bayern Munich on November 26 and Chelsea on November 30, and there is a chance that the Brazilian could miss all three matches.

A grade 2 injury would involve a partial tear of the muscle, and recovery time can vary, but a player would typically be expected to be out for three to six weeks.

Gabriel will hope to have avoided a grade 3 injury as that would involve a complete tear of the muscle or tendon, and there are risks of complications if surgery is required.

The 27-year-old would require at least two to three months of recovery, though surgery could lead to a longer absence.

How will Mikel Arteta line up against Tottenham Hotspur?

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is capable of playing as a centre-back, but he has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday due to a hip issue, and may therefore miss out against Tottenham.

William Saliba is certain to be selected in the middle of a back four, and considering Gabriel could miss out against Spurs, the most likely candidate to partner him is either Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie.

Mosquera has already impressed this campaign, with the defender showcasing his talent against the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United, whereas Hincapie has played just 28 minutes of Premier League football.

Arteta cannot afford to take risks against Tottenham, so that could mean Mosquera is set for his third start in the top flight as an Arsenal player.

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Tottenham loan watch: Mikey Moore revival, Luka Vuskovic progress, Manor Solomon struggles

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has been given just one transfer window to mould the squad into his own vision so far, and the Dane's incomings are yet to have the desired effect for a Lilywhites side lying fifth in the Premier League table.

During the same market, Frank sanctioned the temporary exits of no fewer than 13 players, who travelled as far and wide as Scotland, Germany, Spain and Argentina in the hope of either igniting or reigniting their careers.

Here, Sports Mole take a closer look at how Spurs' 13 loan players have been performing this season.

Damola Ajayi - Doncaster Rovers

Memorably scoring on his debut for Spurs in last year's Europa League win over Elfsborg, Damola Ajayi also needed just three appearances to open his account for Doncaster Rovers, scoring in a phenomenal 4-0 win over Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup.

However, the 19-year-old winger has made just one League One start for Grant McCann's side this season, appearing in a further nine third-tier games off the bench and failing to produce a goal or assist.

McCann was recently asked about Rovers' loan group, but he confirmed that no decisions had yet been made over potential January returns.

Alejo Veliz - Rosario Central

Given extremely big boots to fill at Tottenham - joining the same summer that Harry Kane departed - Alejo Veliz failed to make the grade in North London and is now back in his homeland with his old club.

The 22-year-old has regained some form in South America, though, netting five goals and setting up one more in 15 Torneo Clausura appearances during the 2025 season.

Veliz has produced four goals and one assist from his last seven appearances during a rich vein of form, but whether he still has a future at Spurs remains unclear.

Alfie Dorrington - Aberdeen

After helping Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup last season, Alfie Dorrington returned to Pittodrie for a full season, allowing the 20-year-old to gain invaluable European experience.

Dorrington has featured 12 times for Aberdeen this season, including in Europa League Qualifying and the Conference League league phase, despite initially being left out of the club's squad for the latter.

However, the centre-back has been absent for the Dons' last three games due to injury.

Ashley Phillips - Stoke City

From one 20-year-old defender to another, Ashley Phillips is now enjoying his second straight season of football at Stoke City, and the former Plymouth Argyle starlet could be Premier League-bound with the Potters.

Stoke sit third in the Championship table - two points behind Coventry City and seven behind leaders Middlesbrough - and Phillips has recently played a critical role after a slow start.

The Spurs loanee did not make the first XI for a league game until September 30, but he has played every minute of Stoke's last eight Championship matches, recording four clean sheets in the process.

Mikey Moore - Rangers

One of the highest-rated products to emerge from the Hotspur Way ranks in recent times, Mikey Moore's move to Rangers was seen as a significant coup for both player and club.

The reality was initially less rosy for the 18-year-old, as Moore has only managed one goal and two assists in 17 games for the Gers, who endured turmoil under Russell Martin before turning to Danny Rohl.

The latter's appointment has coincided with an upturn in personal and collective fortunes, as Rangers have won their last three Scottish Premiership games, and Moore scored his first goal for the club against Dundee just before the international break.

Tyrese Hall - Notts County

Twenty-year-old playmaker Tyrese Hall is still waiting for his senior bow for Tottenham, but Spurs should have received glowing reports on the England Under-19 international from Notts County.

Indeed, Hall has come up with an eye-catching six goals and one assist from 16 games for the League Two side, whom he is now excelling for after a brief struggle to force his way into the XI.

The midfielder has managed six goal contributions from his last seven appearances in League Two, helping Notts County move to the brink of the playoff places as their chief midfield threat.

Will Lankshear - Oxford United

With both Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani out injured, Will Lankshear could have been a useful option for Frank right now, especially after his pre-season goal against Reading earlier this summer.

However, it was decided that the 20-year-old would continue his development with Championship upstarts Oxford United, whom he has managed a creditable five goals for in 14 second-tier appearances.

No player in the U's squad has netted more than the Tottenham loanee this season, and two of his strikes helped Oxford earn a praiseworthy point against both Coventry City and Leicester City.

Jamie Donley - Stoke City

Pushing for Premier League promotion alongside Phillips at Stoke, Jamie Donley has not had such a key influence on the Potters' successful start to the season as his defensive counterpart.

The playmaker won Leyton Orient's 2024-25 Player of the Season after a stellar League One campaign, but the step-up to Championship level has been challenging for Donley, who has set up just one goal in six appearances.

The Northern Ireland international is also yet to start a Championship game for the Potters, playing just 77 minutes in four substitute games and failing to make the matchday squad for their last three in the second tier.

George Abbott - Wycombe Wanderers

After making the 2024-25 PFA League Two Team of the Year for his feats with Notts County, George Abbott is also finding the going a bit tougher in the division above.

The 20-year-old midfielder has managed a goal and assist in 14 matches for Wycombe Wanderers, but injury cruelly struck for the Spurs loanee a few weeks ago.

Abbott may miss up to four months with a quadriceps problem, leaving head coach Michael Duff to bemoan the absence of a "good player".

Yang Min-hyeok - Portsmouth

Enjoying his second straight stint of Championship football, Portsmouth winger Yang Min-hyeok has already matched his goals and assists total from his time at Queens Park Rangers last season.

The 19-year-old has scored twice and set up one more in nine Championship games for the South Coast side, registering each of those contributions in a three-game spell from October 10 to 18.

However, Yang has failed to register a direct involvement in his last four appearances for Portsmouth, and he has lost his place in the starting lineup as a result.

Alfie Devine - Preston North End

After injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - as well as Son Heung-min's departure - some may have wondered whether there was room in the Tottenham squad for Alfie Devine, who memorably scored his first Spurs goal over four years ago against Marine in the FA Cup.

It was decided that regular first-team football was the priority for the 21-year-old, who is getting exactly that at Preston North End, with whom he has also registered two goals and one assist in the 2025-26 Championship season.

Devine has occupied a variety of midfield roles for Preston - operating as a number six, number eight and number 10 in what is already his fourth loan spell away from the Lilywhites.

Luka Vuskovic - Hamburger SV

A player who has generated serious excitement in his fledgling career - and with good reason - 18-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic made the switch to Bundesliga returnees Hamburger SV after claiming double-figure goal involvements with KVC Westerlo last season.

In classic Vuskovic fashion, the Croatia international needed just two games to score his first goal for Hamburg, one that ended up proving crucial in a 2-1 victory over Heidenheim.

The teenager has failed to score or assist since, but he is a stalwart in the Hamburg defence, playing the full 90 in eight straight Bundesliga games and helping his side hold Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw last time out.

Manor Solomon - Villarreal

The most senior of all of Spurs' loanees, Manor Solomon made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Villarreal, providing one goal and one assist in his first two La Liga appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

The Israel international's bright start was not a sign of things to come, though, as he has not played a single minute in any of Villarreal's last three top-flight games and has made just one substitute appearance in the Champions League.

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