Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received 'initial contact' over a deal for number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario next summer.

The Italy international has experienced high highs and low lows in the 2025-26 season, earning plaudits for his exceptional displays against the likes of Monaco in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premier League.

However, Vicario has also come in for heavy criticism at certain points of the campaign, most notably from Jamie Carragher after the Lilywhites' 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

With the score at 0-0, Vicario passed the ball out to an under-pressure Archie Gray, who was subsequently robbed of possession by Ibrahim Sangare before Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the opening goal.

Vicario immediately threw his arms out at Gray in frustration - an action that did not go down well with Carragher, who accused the former Empoli man of always trying to shift the blame onto one of his teammates.

The 29-year-old nevertheless remains Thomas Frank's undisputed first-choice shot-stopper, but for how long he will continue in North London is another matter entirely.

Inter Milan make 'initial contact' over Guglielmo Vicario transfer

According to Sky Italia - via Calciomercato - Serie A giants Inter Milan have now made contact over a move for Vicario in 2026 as they plan for life without the veteran Yann Sommer.

Thirty-seven-year-old Sommer has been recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe during his stint with the Nerazzurri, whom he has helped reach two Champions League finals, but the Switzerland international is out of contract in June.

Inter are reportedly planning to instil a new number one for 2026-27 and have now touched base to enquire about a move for Vicario, who would supposedly be open to returning to his homeland amid a troubled year with Tottenham.

However, the outlet adds that negotiations to bring Vicario back to Serie A will be 'anything but simple', as Vicario still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract with Tottenham, who will fight tooth and nail to keep him.

The Europa League holders are also well-placed to demand a profit on the £16.1m they paid Empoli for Vicario in 2023, since when the 29-year-old has registered 25 clean sheets in 98 appearances for the North London club in all competitions.

Vicario has recorded nine shut-outs in 24 matches during the 2025-26 season, a statistic that is supposedly 'making the difference' for Inter's 'increasingly close courtship' of the goalkeeper.

Which other players could leave Tottenham in 2026?

Vicario is one of two Spurs players to be heavily linked with a move to Serie A in 2026, as Radu Dragusin's agent recently talked up the prospect of a transfer to one specific Italian club if his client struggles for minutes next year.

Long-serving defender Ben Davies is also out of contract in 2026 and is likely to depart as a free agent, and the same goes for Yves Bissouma, who is yet to make a single appearance under Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur will hope to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat when they travel to play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Spurs come into the clash in 14th place with just 22 points after 17 matchweeks, and the club's poor form has fuelled scrutiny on boss Thomas Frank.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their contest against Palace.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August, and the Englishman is targeting a return to action during next year's pre-season.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Solanke underwent ankle surgery at the end of September, and though he was reportedly close to a return, Frank has been vague about when the striker could make his comeback, though he has ruled him out of Sunday's match.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski is still recovering from a knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season, and a return date for the attacker is unclear at this stage.

Yves Bissouma

Status: Out

Reason: AFCON

Possible return date: Unknown

Yves Bissouma may not have played anyway, but he has been ruled out due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brentford)

Udogie picked up a hamstring injury towards the end of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle on December 2, and the defender will not be back until the start of 2026.

Kota Takai

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Takai is yet to make an appearance for Tottenham since joining in the summer due to a thigh injury, and though the defender featured recently for the Under-21s, he is still making his way through his fitness journey.

Pape Sarr

Status: Out

Reason: AFCON

Possible return date: Unknown

Tottenham are currently without the services of Sarr due to the midfielder's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Xavi Simons

Status: Ruled out

Possible return date: January 7 (vs. Bournemouth)

Xavi Simons received a straight red card against Liverpool last weekend for a reckless foul on Virgil van Dijk, and he will miss the next three games.

Cristian Romero

Status: Ruled out

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brentford)

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly handed Thomas Frank a £150m transfer kitty for the January window.

Frank's transition from Brentford to Spurs has been far from straightforward, with the Danish manager finding the leap a challenge, highlighted by mixed results and the club's position in the Premier League table: 14th.

Although the Lilywhites are just seven points from entering the top four, losing five of their nine fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not endeared the Dane to the club's supporters.

Despite the current antipathy, the former Brentford boss could get his squad bolstered ahead of the January window as Spurs aim to climb the table.

Spurs transfer news: Frank's 'primary targets' identified

According to The Sun, Frank is understood to be desperate to land a high-quality left winger after a failed pursuit of Manchester City star Savinho during the summer months.

While Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo remains at the top of the club's wish-list, the Ghana international is also being tracked by several other Big Six rivals, with Manchester City favoured to land the in-form attacker.

A potential move for Savinho may depend on whether the Premier League champions successfully secure Semenyo as a replacement in the coming weeks.

The report further suggests that the recruitment team is also prioritising a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa to provide much-needed competition for the returning Dominic Solanke.

Spurs transfer news: Frank's other areas of concern revealed

The report subsequently highlights the need for immediate reinforcements due to a mounting injury crisis within the team's backline.

Destiny Udogie has already missed 11 matches this season with a persistent hamstring problem, leaving the squad without a specialist left-back.

This lack of depth has forced Frank to utilise Djed Spence out of position, leading to concerns regarding the balance of the defensive unit.

Securing a left-sided centre-back who can also cover on the flank is also now considered essential for the second half of the season.

Looking to stabilise after a rough spell, Crystal Palace will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Selhurst Park for a Premier League showdown on Sunday.

Oliver Glasner's side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Arsenal on Tuesday, and the Eagles will be hoping that the top flight can provide some respite.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank's Lilywhites showed a lack of discipline during their 2-1 loss against Liverpool last Saturday, and the boss is sure to demand a response this weekend.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details you need to know about how to watch Sunday's Premier League clash between Palace and Spurs.

What time does Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

This match will kick off at 4:30pm on Sunday, December 28 for viewers in the UK.

Where is Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur being played?

Spurs will travel across the capital to Selhurst Park, the 25,486-capacity ground that Palace have called home since 1924.

The stadium is to be expanded to seat more spectators, with construction starting in January.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

TV channels

This match will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event TV channels.

Streaming

Fans can stream the clash live via Sky Go or the Sky Sports+ app.

Viewers can also catch the action through NOW UK if they have purchased the Sky Sports package on the platform.

Highlights

Game-changing moments such as goals may be posted to the SkySportsPL X (formerly Twitter) account, while the Sky Sports app will have highlights shortly after full time.

Highlights will also be uploaded to the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel later in the day.

Who will win Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Palace have enjoyed a largely positive season in 2025-26, but the past couple of weeks have seen the club stumble across all competitions.

Glasner opted to rest players in a key Conference League game, only to see his team draw 2-2 with KuPS, miss out on automatic progression to the round of 16, and still go on to lose the following two domestic outings.

As for Tottenham, they appeared to be turning a corner after starting December with two wins and a draw, but they also come into this game on the back of frustrating defeats.

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has publicly talked up a transfer to one specific club amid troubled times for both the team and the Romanian.

Spurs are in Premier League freefall under Thomas Frank after suffering an agonising 2-1 loss to Liverpool last weekend, when they ended the game with nine men courtesy of Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero's red cards.

The latter has now been slapped with an FA charge, and regardless of the outcome of the process, he will serve a suspension in Sunday's London derby against Crystal Palace.

Romero's ban will open the door for one of Dragusin, Ben Davies, Kota Takai or Kevin Danso to join Micky van de Ven in the backline, but the latter is seen as the most likely replacement for the South American.

Dragusin will therefore be kept waiting for his first minutes since suffering a horror ACL injury back in January, although the loss to Liverpool saw him make a matchday squad for the first time in 11 months, and a senior comeback is edging ever closer.

Radu Dragusin agent talks up Tottenham exit in 2026

© Imago

However, the 23-year-old struggled for regular starts over Van de Ven and Romero when fully fit, and his representative Florin Manea has now opened the door to Dragusin joining Inter Milan, whose manager Cristian Chivu is also Romanian.

"I know Inter will be looking for a central defender in the summer," Manea told Digisport, as quoted by Get Football News Italy. "If we decide that Radu needs to play more until then, we’ll let them know, and maybe Chivu will call me too.

"He still has four and a half years left on his contract with Tottenham, but the injury has kept him out for 11 months. I can’t allow him to spend another seven without consistency. We need to find a solution to get him playing. He’s 100% determined. Now let’s focus on January, and then we’ll see."

Manea also confirmed that he had not been in contact with any clubs regarding Dragusin's future, conflicting claims that Tottenham rejected an approach from Fiorentina for the ex-Genoa man earlier this month.

"There’s some speculation, and we’re analysing it," Manea added. "The club doesn’t want to sell him right now. However, if the number of games he plays isn’t what we want, then we’ll take that into consideration. I’ll talk to him and we’ll evaluate together.

"So far, no one has called me. It’s an open situation: there’s interest, even from England, but from smaller clubs. Italy remains a better option, because you’re joining a big team there. I haven’t spoken to Chivu, I just called to congratulate him."

Roma are also understood to have taken an interest in Dragusin, who is under contract at Tottenham until 2030 but has played just 37 games for the club since joining in a £21.8m deal in early 2024.

Could Dragusin Inter move aid Barcelona transfer mission?

© Imago

Dragusin's agent is putting out the feelers to Inter at a time when the Nerazzurri's defensive jewel - Alessandro Bastoni - is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, who are pursuing a new centre-back as a matter of priority in 2026.

However, the Nerazzurri are already due to lose Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij on free transfers next summer, and it remains to be seen if Manuel Akanji's loan move from Manchester City is converted into a permanent stay.

Therefore, even if Dragusin's representative can engineer a move to San Siro for his client, it will likely make no difference to Barcelona's Bastoni mission.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has been charged by the FA for alleged offences after he was sent off against Liverpool.

Spurs' festive period has been far from a productive one, with the club's latest defeat coming at home against Liverpool last Saturday.

While defeat was punishment enough, Thomas Frank will also have to deal with the absences of Xavi Simons and Romero in the coming weeks after both were sent off.

The latter received a second yellow card after lashing out at Ibrahima Konate in second-half stoppage time, and he could face further consequences other than the customary one-match ban.

Romero has been charged by the FA for allegedly 'acting in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field and/or behaving in a confrontational manner towards the match referee', and the Argentine will have until January 2 to respond to the charges.

Is Cristian Romero becoming a problem for Thomas Frank?

There is no doubting Romero's commitment to both Tottenham and Argentina, and his aggressive style has helped him earn Europa League and World Cup winner's medals.

However, the defender has struggled to find a balance in his playstyle in recent times, with the centre-back having already collected nine yellow cards in 14 Premier League games this season.

No other Spurs player has been booked more than four times, while only three defenders across the division to have played at least 270 minutes in the league have averaged more yellow cards per 90 (0.68).

Frank is under serious pressure, and he must improve results if he is to avoid being dismissed, but the mistakes of defenders such as Romero have not helped the Danish head coach.

Should Tottenham sell Romero in January?

When Romero is at his best, he is able to marshal the backline and prevent dangerous attacks from developing by winning the ball back early.

The 27-year-old has failed to consistently demonstrate his ability this season, and he was also poor for large stretches in 2024-25 under Ange Postecoglou.

It should be noted that Romero has frequently picked up injuries, with the Argentine having only once started more than 26 Premier League games in the last four full campaigns.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the expected departure of a first-team head coach following their troubled start to the 2025-26 season.

Heading into the 18th gameweek of the campaign, Spurs lie in an underwhelming 14th place in the Premier League table, seven points off the top four and a whopping 17 adrift of leaders Arsenal.

New Lilywhites manager Thomas Frank has come under significant pressure for a number of weeks now, especially amid reports that there are internal doubts from players and others inside the club about his suitability for the role.

The Spurs board are standing by the former Brentford boss for now, but he has now lost one of his trusted lieutenants, as assistant coach Matthew Wells has joined up with Colorado Rapids in MLS.

The 37-year-old rose through the coaching ranks in the Tottenham academy after his premature retirement as a player, before serving as Scott Parker's assistant during his time at Bournemouth, Fulham and Club Brugge.

Tottenham coach Matt Wells departs for Colorado Rapids

Wells then returned to Tottenham in 2023 following the departures of Cristian Stellini and Antonio Conte, helping to usher in a new era under then-interim boss Ryan Mason and eventually Ange Postecoglou.

The Englishman was part of the Lilywhites' Europa League-winning coaching team last season and stayed on when Frank took the reins from Postecoglou, but he has now jumped ship to Denver to take up his first senior head coach role.

Frank paid tribute to his former lieutenant in a statement on the Tottenham website, saying: "When Matt joined my staff I knew it was his dream to become a head coach, and while I would have loved to have kept him with us for longer, I would never stand in the way of him realising that dream.

“We are all delighted for Matt. He has contributed greatly to the Club over a long period of time. He’s an excellent coach, a great person and has a big future ahead of him. We wish him all the best."

The Dane added in his press conference: "I’m very happy for Matt. It is a great opportunity for him. He is a very talented coach and I think he has a good potential to be a good head coach.

"It’s different when you stand out there on your own. I think he has all the abilities to be able to do well. I wish him all the best and I really want him to do well."

Frank also confirmed that Tottenham would be seeking a direct replacement for the new Colorado head coach, but there is no timeframe on a new hire just yet.

Is Thomas Frank the favourite to be sacked?

While Wells has cleared out his Spurs locker, Frank remains in post at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he is now the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job.

The Lilywhites have lost five of their last eight matches in all competitions under Frank, who has also overseen Spurs' worst start to a Premier League campaign since the 2008-09 season.

The Scandinavian will remain in charge for Crystal Palace this weekend, but another string of poor results and performances would leave the Tottenham hierarchy with a big decision to make.

Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly turned down an approach for defender Radu Dragusin ahead of his imminent return from an ACL injury.

The Romania international was back in a matchday squad for the first time since January over the weekend, making the bench for Spurs' 2-1 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Dragusin was an unused substitute in the contest with the champions, who benefitted from red cards to Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero to leave the capital with a priceless three points under their belts.

Romero's dismissal for two bookable offences means that the Argentine will serve a one-match ban against Crystal Palace this weekend, potentially opening the door for Dragusin to make his first appearance for the Lilywhites in almost 11 months.

A fully-fit Kevin Danso is a more likely option to start in Romero's place, though, and Dragusin had already been linked with a move away from Spurs after failing to displace either Romero or Micky van de Ven in the starting XI.

Tottenham 'rejected' Fiorentina transfer approach for Radu Dragusin

According to Firenze Viola, Serie A outfit Fiorentina - who currently lie bottom of the Italian top-flight table - enquired about the availability of Dragusin in November, but they were swiftly knocked back by their English counterparts.

However, the report adds that Dragusin's exit from Tottenham in January is not beyond the realm of possibility, and the ex-Genoa man is 'on his way out' of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fiorentina could reportedly soon receive a major boost in their efforts to acquire Dragusin, as it has been reported over the past week that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is edging closer to joining the Italian club, just two months after returning to Spurs.

Paratici was under suspension when Tottenham signed Dragusin in January 2024, since when the Romania international has made just 37 appearances for Tottenham, failing to register a single goal or assist.

The Lilywhites paid €25m (£21.8m) to bring Dragusin to the club from Genoa, and the North London club can afford to demand a heavy sum for his sale given that his contract does not expire until the summer of 2030.

Thomas Frank reacts to Fabio Paratici Tottenham exit rumours

Regardless of whether he is considered for a start or not, Dragusin is expected to be part of the matchday squad when Tottenham meet Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank faced the media in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, during which he was asked about the speculation surrounding Paratici's future.

The Dane did not directly quash the rumours, but he also affirmed that he was not best-placed to deliver an update, responding: "It is not the first rumour I need to speak about.

"If it is staff, director or player, in general, I am not speaking about that. I just try to focus on the Crystal Palace game. It is probably also something for someone high up in the Club."

Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move to sign Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in superb form this season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

The Manchester clubs are reportedly thought to be leading the race for Semenyo's signature, and the winger could make a decision on his future within the next few days.

Man City have reportedly held initial talks with the Bournemouth winger regarding a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, but other clubs are also in the mix.

PL clubs learn Semenyo's release clause conditions

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract, and Bournemouth would be powerless to prevent him from leaving if any one of the aforementioned clubs pay the amount.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the release clause is only valid for the first 10 days of January, and the winger's exit is more than likely.

It also means that all interested parties are expected to complete Semenyo's signature at the start of the January window, as Bournemouth can demand a higher transfer fee for the winger once the validity period expires.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to shatter their wage structure to bring him to the north London club, but Jacobs claims that Semenyo has other priorities.

Do Liverpool have a chance to sign Semenyo?

Despite showing strong interest, Liverpool have become less active in pursuing Semenyo in recent weeks.

However, the Reds can reignite their interest following the injury to record signing Alexander Isak, who is set to be out of action for at least a few months.

With Mohamed Salah participating at the AFCON and his own future in doubt, and Cody Gakpo also missing due to injury, Liverpool have few options in their attacking areas.

Semenyo can play on both flanks and could be a fantastic addition to the side, but Liverpool's transfer strategy could change following Isak's injury.

Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly been handed a boost in their efforts to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghana international has gained plenty of admirers with his performances in a Bournemouth shirt, especially as he has managed a return of eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.

Semenyo looked to have committed his long-term future to Bournemouth when he signed a new contract in the summer until June 2030.

However, Semenyo's contract contains a £65m release clause, which will become active for a limited time in the January transfer window.

Tottenham withdraw from Semenyo transfer race

As a result, several big Premier League clubs have been linked ahead of the winter transfer market, including city neighbours Man United and Man City.

The two local rivals are believed to be leading the race to prise Semenyo away from the Vitality Stadium in the new year.

Tottenham were also said to be among those showing a keen interest, although Sky Sports News are reporting that Spurs have now pulled out of the race for Semenyo's signature.

The report claims that Thomas Frank's side are focusing on alternative transfer targets, meaning there is one less obstacle for the two Manchester rivals.

Could Liverpool rival Man Utd, Man City?

While Tottenham may be out of the running, Liverpool could still present a threat to Man United and Man City in the battle to sign Semenyo.

That is because the Reds retain an interest despite reportedly being less likely to sign him than they were a month ago.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is on the lookout for attacking reinforcements following the news that Alexander Isak faces an extended spell on the sidelines.