Sports Mole

Brentford are reportedly determined to keep Nathan Collins amid interest from fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur.

Collins has made 85 competitive appearances for the Bees since he joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023.

The defender has established himself as a key figure in the Brentford squad, demonstrated by the fact that he was handed the captain's armband following Christian Norgaard's summer move to Arsenal.Â

Having been entrusted with the captaincy, it is unsurprising that Collins has played every minute of Brentford's first six Premier League games this season, including Saturday's 3-1 home win over Manchester United.Â

Tottenham learn Brentford's Collins transfer stance

Tottenham have seemingly been impressed with Collins's performances, with TEAMtalk reporting that Spurs have placed the centre-back towards the top of their transfer shortlist.

However, the report suggests that a reunion with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank is unlikely to take place in the January transfer window.Â

Brentford have issued a 'hands-off' warning to Tottenham and any other potential suitors, insisting that they will not listen to any transfer proposals in the winter market.Â

The West London club view the Republic of Ireland international as a 'vital' player in their bid to remain in the Premier League.Â

Collins is under contract until June 2029, with an option to extend by a further two years, ensuring that there is no pressure on the Bees to part ways.

Brentford reluctant to lose more key players

The Bees are seemingly determined to avoid any more upheaval after experiencing a tumultuous summer transfer window.Â

Keith Andrews saw Norgaard, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Mark Flekken all depart ahead of his first season in charge.Â

The Brentford boss will surely be focusing on adding greater quality to his ranks in January, rather than losing more important members of his squad.Â

As a result, it is difficult to see a scenario in which Collins leaves in the January market, unless Spurs or another interested club can change Brentford's stance with a significant offer.Â

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract at the north London club.Â

The Uruguayan midfielder has featured regularly under Thomas Frank, making four starts in the Premier League as well as one substitute cameo.

The 28-year-old has also started in the EFL Cup, contributing to the 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers, and he played the entire 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League.Â

The experienced midfielder arrived from Juventus in January 2021 and has racked up 121 appearances for the club, scoring nine times and laying on eight assists.

New contract for Bentancur? Smart decision from TottenhamÂ

The midfielder also suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for nine months in 2023, but his recent performances have made him a massively important player under Frank.Â

The three-time Serie A winner was a key player under Antonio Conte and an integral part of Spurs' Europa League-winning run last season, where he featured in 13 of the 15 matches, including the final against Manchester United.Â

His contract is due to expire next summer, and according to football.london, the north London club are looking to extend his deal.Â

Spurs have done well to hand out a long-term contract extension to Cristian Romero, and securing an agreement for Bentancur has become a priority for the club.

The report claims that both parties are close to agreeing a new deal which will keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.Â

Yves Bissouma set for Tottenham exit?Â

Like Bentancur, fellow midfielder Bissouma will also become a free agent next summer, but Tottenham reportedly have no plans to keep him.Â

During the summer, Bissouma was linked with a move away from the club, but a potential transfer to Turkish club Galatasaray fell through.Â

Sunderland are reportedly prepared to offload Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Dennis Cirkin during the January window.

The 23-year-old was arguably the best left-side defender in the Championship last term as the Black Cats secured promotion via the playoffs.

Cirkin featured in 36 second-tier matches for Regis Le Bris's troops, scoring three goals and providing two assists across the course of the campaign.

However, a total spend of £163m over the summer from Sunderland has seen a number of last season's star pushed to the fringes of the squad.

Boasting experience at Atletico Madrid, Brazilian Reinildo Mandava has taken the first-choice spot at left-back for the newly-promoted side so far.

Sunderland considering sale of Tottenham-linked Cirkin?

According to TBR Football, Sunderland are beginning to devise their strategy regarding the future of Cirkin ahead of the New Year trading point.

The report claims that the Black Cats are considering the possibility of offloading the highly-rated 23-year-old during the winter transfer window.

It is understood that Europa League holders Tottenham are interested in securing the services of Cirkin, who spent time in the club's academy as a teenager.

As well as being admirers of the defender's on-field qualities, Spurs are also keenly aware that the Englishman would help satisfy the homegrown player quota.

Cirkin's current deal at the Stadium of Light expires next summer, with Sunderland supposedly aiming to prevent the defender leaving on a free at the end of the season.

Cirkin surplus to requirements

Even with Reinildo suspended for the win at Nottingham Forest on the weekend, Cirkin was unable to feature for the newly-promoted Black Cats.

Also joining the club over the summer, Arthur Masuaku started at left-back for Sunderland, who secured a 1-0 triumph at the City Ground.

Cirkin is down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light and could depart in January without making a competitive appearance in the first half of 2025-26.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has revealed that Dominic Solanke has undergone minor ankle surgery.

Solanke has not played for Spurs since featuring as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on August 23.

The former Bournemouth striker was absent from Monday's training session, along with fellow forward Randal Kolo Muani.Â

Having been without Solanke's services for the last six matches games, Frank has now confirmed that the 28-year-old will remain sidelined for at least two more matches after undergoing an ankle procedure.

Frank confirms Solanke surgeryÂ

"Dom has got that ankle issue that's been bothering him for a little while, so now we've decided to make a minor surgery," Frank told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Champions League away clash with Bodo/Glimt.Â

"It's a small procedure, so that will mean he is not ready [for Bodo/Glimt] and of course Leeds [on Saturday] as well."

"We'll have more news about a time frame after the international break, but I don't expect it to be long."

Meanwhile, Frank revealed that the club's medical staff are now 'finally on top" of Randal Kolo Muani's dead leg, but he is unlikely to feature in Tuesday's contest.

Frank provides Romero, Davies injury updates

Spurs captain Cristian Romero was another notable absentee from Monday's open training session, and has not travelled to Norway for the meeting with Bodo/Glimt.

However, Frank has insisted that Romero has been left in London 'as a precaution', boosting hopes that he will be ready for Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds.Â

In contrast to Romero, Ben Davies has made the trip to Norway after recovering from a knee problem that has kept him out of the last three matches.

“Ben Davies is available and has travelled with the team, so that is positive," the Tottenham boss said.Â

Spurs remain without the injured Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison, while Mathys Tel has not been included in Tottenham's league phase squad.Â

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze during next summer's transfer window.

The 24-year-old is a new face with the Yellow Submarine, securing a £26m switch from French giants Lyon over the off-season trading point.

Mikautadze has faced off against Tottenham in the Champions League this term, when the Premier League side sealed a 1-0 victory in gameweek one of the League Phase.

The Georgia international's impact has been felt more on the domestic scene to date, scoring once and providing one assist in three La Liga matches.

Since making his international debut in March 2021, Mikautadze has been a key part for Georgia, scoring 21 goals in just 39 appearances.

Tottenham want Villarreal newboy Mikautadze?

According to British sources via Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are eyeing up a move for a La Liga newcomer ahead of next season.

The report claims that the current Europa League holders are interested in bringing Villarreal hotshot Mikautadze to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is understood that Thomas Frank's troops are lining up a £52m offer for the 24-year-old, who has played just five matches for the Yellow Submarine so far.

It is understood that Spurs want to wait until the end of the season to move for the striker, just in case he suffers a dip in form in La Liga.

Looking to pick up their first points of the League Phase campaign, Villarreal host Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Tottenham's striking options

Tottenham are battling on with just the one fit striker at the moment, with Brazil international Richarlison leading the line at the start of the new season.

Spurs have been unable to call upon the talents of Dominic Solanke due to an ankle issue, whilst Randal Kolo Muani picked up a dead leg a few weeks ago.

Frank's side will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League on Wednesday night when they travel to Bodo/Glimt.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to travel with just the single striker for the match at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Spurs secured a last-minute share of the spoils with relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers in North London on the weekend.

It appeared as if Thomas Frank's side were on course for only their second defeat of the Premier League term when Santiago Bueno opened the scoring for the visitors.

However, there was a final twist in the tale of the North London contest late on, when former Fulham man Joao Palhinha netted a 94th-minute equaliser.

After beating Villarreal 1-0 on the opening gameweek of the Champions League, Spurs will be looking to maintain their 100% record in Norway this time around.

Tottenham injury updates including Solanke, Kolo Muani

According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham are set to head into their European clash light on options at the very top end of the pitch.

The report claims that both Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani did not take part in first-team training on Monday ahead of the Champions League match.

Frenchman Kolo Muani suffered a dead leg in training on September 19 and is yet to return to senior action for the Europa League winners.

Solanke managed two matches at the beginning of the Premier League season before picking up a troublesome ankle injury in late August.

Better news for Frank's troops arrives in the form of Ben Davies, who took part in training following a minor knee problem for the Wales international.

Who will play at striker for Spurs?

With Solanke and Kolo Muani unlikely to feature in Norway on Wednesday night, there is a clear option for Tottenham in the central-striking role.

Richarlison has enjoyed a productive start to the Premier League campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist across six appearances.

The Brazilian is not an out-and-out option in that position such as Solanke, but the 28-year-old can certainly cause Bodo/Glimt issues.

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Both out to prolong their unbeaten starts to the 2025-26 Champions League league phase, Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur square off at the former's Aspmyra Stadion home on Tuesday night.

The two outfits have a combined four points on the board from matchweek one, as Thomas Frank oversaw a 1-0 Spurs triumph over Villarreal thanks to an early own goal from Yellow Submarine goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt's first-ever Champions League league phase/group-stage came saw the Norwegian outfit mount a noteworthy comeback, reversing a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Czech giants Slavia Prague.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings:Â 2

Bodo/Glimt wins:Â 0

Draws:Â 0

Tottenham Hotspur wins: 2

Prior to 2025, Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur had never crossed paths in competitive action; by the end of the current calendar year, they would have locked horns on three occasions in European tournaments.

The Norwegian champions and North London powerhouses first collided in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Europa League, where Ange Postecoglou's men avoided an aggregate upset as they advanced to the final by virtue of a 5-1 success over two legs.

The two clubs' inaugural meeting was fought at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 39th second of the game before James Maddison and Dominic Solanke also struck in the English capital.

Ulrik Saltnes's late consolation for Bodo/Glimt offered the Scandinavians a glimmer of hope for the return fixture in the Arctic Circle, but with the score still 0-0 with an hour gone in the second leg, the hosts' prospects were looking bleak.

A stalemate would have sufficed for Spurs, but in between the 60th and 70th minute, Solanke and Pedro Porro found the back of the net as Tottenham made absolutely sure of their place in the final with a 2-0 victory.

Spurs' pair of triumphs over Bodo/Glimt in the 2024-25 Europa League extended their 100% record over Norwegian teams, as the Lilywhites also defeated Tromso twice in the 2013-14 Europa League and Lyn in both legs of their 1972-73 UEFA Cup first-round tie.

In contrast, Bodo/Glimt have been put to the sword in all five of their UEFA competition matches against English clubs, having also been beaten by Arsenal twice in the 2022-23 Europa League and Manchester United once in the 2024-25 competition.

Last two meetings

May 08, 2025: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

May 01, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (Europa League)

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a boost in their efforts to re-sign a former academy graduate, who could help alleviate the Lilywhites' well-documented home-grown concerns.

Thomas Frank's side play their second Champions League game of the season away to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night, where the Dane could be without no fewer than three centre-forward options.

Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) are both doubtful for the contest due to injury, while Mathys Tel was not selected for Tottenham's Champions League league-phase squad.

Frank had to take the difficult decision to leave out the likes of Tel, Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma for the opening stage, as Spurs could not name their full allocation of 25 players owing to a lack of club or association-trained squad members.

Under UEFA rules, in order to name a 25-strong squad, clubs must include eight locally-trained players, who have either represented the club or another team in the same national association for an uninterrupted period of three years between the ages of 15 and 21.

Spurs transfer news: Sunderland 'open' to January Dennis Cirkin sale

One player who would fit the bill is Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, who came through the Tottenham youth academy but failed to make a single senior appearance for the Lilywhites before joining the Black Cats in 2021.

The 23-year-old quickly became a Sunderland stalwart, though, playing 39 Championship games during their promotion-winning season last term and directly contributing to five goals along the way.

However, Cirkin - who is yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 season due to injury - is out of contract at the end of the season, and TBR Football claims that the Black Cats will 'explore the possibility' of a sale in January.

Cirkin is expected to return from a wrist injury in a few weeks' time, but following the signings of Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku, he could be Regis Le Bris's third-choice left-back by the time he returns.

As a result, Sunderland are open to cashing in on the Republic of Ireland international during the January transfer window, as he is highly unlikely to sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

Cirkin to Spurs: An astute signing or pressing the panic button?

While Cirkin never made a first-team appearance for Tottenham during his first spell at the club, he was included in matchday squads in the Premier League and Europa League under Jose Mourinho, which is no mean feat for a young player.

After also winning promotion from League One with Sunderland in 2021-22, Cirkin quickly adapted to Championship football, but the step-up from the second tier to the Premier League is a much bigger one.

The left-back's lack of top-flight experience should not be a key factor in Spurs' decision-making, as Sunderland should accept a nominal fee for Cirkin, but whether he would get the game time he desires in North London remains to be seen.

At 23, Cirkin is at the stage where regular game time is a necessity, and Tottenham boss Frank already has Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence capable of doing a competent job at left-back.

Spurs' interest in Cirkin makes complete sense from an administrative point of view, but without guarantees over game time, the former Lilywhites youth product may very well seek out opportunities elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Yorkshire side's return to the Premier League following Championship promotion last term.

Struijk has started all six of the top-flight matches so far for Daniel Farke's side, helping the team to positive results over recent weeks.

The Whites secured a 3-1 success at relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, before sharing the spoils with Bournemouth at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

Since making the move for the youth setup of Ajax in January 2018, Struijk has featured on 167 occasions for Leeds, scoring 14 goals.

Tottenham keen on Leeds star Struijk?

According to CaughtOffside, Champions League-competing Tottenham are targeting some Premier League players ahead of the winter window.

The report claims that the Europa League champions are interested in securing the services of Leeds defender Struijk in the New Year.

It is understood that Spurs boss Thomas Frank is a massive admirer of the 26-year-old, who is approaching eight full years at Elland Road.

It is believed that Struijk's capabilities as a left-footed defender are extremely attractive to the North Londoners, who won their first trophy in 17 years last term.

Such a key player at the Yorkshire-based club, the centre-back has two years remaining on his current deal with Leeds, who could be preparing to wave goodbye to the player.

Tottenham's defensive options

Since the start of the Ange Postecoglou era in North London in the summer of 2023, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have formed the first-choice defensive partnership.

The Dutchman provides blistering pace on the recovery, whilst the Argentine World Cup winners brings a no-nonsense attitude to the backline.

That being said, head coach Frank is always looking for improvements in the squad, with Struijk a left-footer who interests the Lilywhites.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank is still sweating over the fitness of two strikers for Tuesday's Champions League scrap with Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle.

The Lilywhites remained without Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) and Dominic Solanke (ankle) for Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they only snatched a leveller in the final few seconds courtesy of a Joao Palhinha finish.

Kolo Muani and Solanke's problems are both taking longer to heal than initially anticipated, and it would be a surprise if either man was cleared to make their comeback in midweek, so Richarlison should go without a rest for now.

However, Frank may feel the need to freshen up his attacking options after Saturday's stale display, so Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert can feel optimistic of replacing Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert from the first whistle.

Pape Sarr - a substitute at the weekend after recovering from a knock - is also in line for a recall to the midfield, potentially alongside Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall as Rodrigo Bentancur cedes his spot.

Pedro Porro was also restricted to second-half minutes against Wolves and will surely be promoted back to the first XI on Tuesday, likely over Destiny Udogie as Djed Spence shifts across to the left-hand side of the backline.

It would not be a complete surprise to see Kevin Danso make the cut too, potentially in Cristian Romero's place as Frank also keeps on eye on the upcoming Premier League battle with Leeds United on Saturday lunchtime.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Richarlison, OdobertÂ

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