sportingnews.com

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is prioritising a new striker in the January transfer window.

The Danish coach has made a strong start to life in North London following his summer call to leave Brentford after seven years with the Bees.

As part of a bold spending spree, Spurs activated their purchase clause on loan star Mathys Tel, and Frank completed deals for Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani.

However, with Simons and Kudus tasked to play behind a main attacker, an old issue has resurfaced as Spurs struggle for goals.

Injuries have disrupted the season start for Tel, Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke - with just two Premier League goals between them - as Richarlison has shouldered the main burden.

Highly-rated Irish teenager Mason Melia will arrive in January, but Frank is acutely aware of the need for more goals, to keep Spurs pushing across four fronts.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

As per the latest from Football Insider, Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic is Frank's No.1 target, and the Serbia international is keen on the move.

Tottenham ahead of Man United n Vlahovic race

Despite interest from Manchester United - Spurs' ability to offer UEFA Champions League football is key - with Vlahovic not planning to extend his Juventus contract beyond its expiry at the end of the campaign.

A spot in the UCL, plus the likelihood of a starting place, means Vlahovic is rumoured to be 'leaning towards' Spurs over other interested clubs.

Due to his expiring contract, Juventus could be open to offers in the region of £25m [$33.5m], which falls within Spurs' budget as all parties seek an exit in Turin.

The 25-year-old has managed 10+ Serie A goals in the last three campaigns, but his high wages remain an issue for Juventus, with summer arrivals Jonathan David and Lois Openda ahead of him in Igor Tudor's pecking order.

Tottenham news and related links

Top billing might go to Liverpool vs. Man United but Tottenham Hotspur are also set to host Aston Villa in today's early kickoff in the Premier League.

The home side come into the fixture having won their last league encounter against Leeds United. Spurs find themselves sitting comfortably in third place in the Premier League table.

The fixture could allow Thomas Frank's team to climb up to first position in the standings if Arsenal lose to Fulham and Liverpool fail to beat Manchester United this weekend.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa are in better shape than they were about a month ago, though. The Midlands side is finally beginning to click as a whole following a slow start to the season.

The Villans have developed some momentum following the victories against Fulham and Burnley, looking much more like their previous selves.

With their talisman, Morgan Rogers, slowly beginning to find his best form, Villa will fancy their chances of getting a positive result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp | Read our Match Prediction

Tottenham vs. Aston Villa lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest

Tottenham's injury list does not look like it's getting shorter anytime soon. Fortunately, there have been some improvements for Thomas Frank.

The manager is hopeful that Randal Kolo Muani, Yves Bissouma and Dominic Solanke will all join the fold soon after recovering from injuries. All three have an outside chance of being available this weekend.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are out for the foreseeable future, with the latter ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Radu Dragusin's long-awaited return from a similar problem could come in the next couple of weeks.

Despite the injuries, Frank seems to have figured out his best starting XI at the moment and is expected to name a strong team for the game, even with a UEFA Champions League visit to Monaco to come next week.

Tottenham predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence — Palhinha, Bentancur — Kudus, Sarr, Simons — Richarlison

Injured: Maddison (ACL), Solanke (ankle), Dragusin (knee), Kulusevski (knee), Takai (ankle), Kolo Muani (thigh, doubt), Bissouma (fitness, doubt)

Suspended: None

While Emery's side will be looking to make it three league wins on the bounce, there are concerns around lead striker Ollie Watkins, who sustained a freak injury while on international duty with England.

England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted that Watkins was taken off as a precaution after colliding with the post in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales, and Emery will be hoping that is indeed the case.

Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans is sidelined until the end of November. Jadon Sancho, Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings could make it to the bench again.

Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne — Kamara, Bogarde — Malen, McGinn, Rogers — Watkins

Injured: Tielemans (calf), Mings (foot, doubt), Buendia (head, doubt), Robledo (undisc., doubt), Watkins (knee, doubt)

Suspended: None

Tottenham vs. Aston Villa match details

Date: Sunday, October 16, 2025

Kickoff time: 2 p.m. BST

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (UK)

Competition: Premier League matchweek eight

Referee: Simon Hooper

VAR: Lee Betts

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur are resuming their Premier League 2025/26 campaign against Aston Villa on October 19 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.

Spurs have had a decent start to the Thomas Frank era, winning four wins in the first seven league games and are third in the Premier League points table.

Despite the great start, Spurs had their fair share of injury issues, and they missed the services of many players including Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke as both the strikers were injured.

Richarlison slotted in for their absence but now as per Frank's update, Kolo Muani is returning to full fitness and may make his club debut for the North London outfit against Villa.

The Frenchman has joined Tottenham this summer on a loan deal and has been injured since mid-September due to a dead leg.

Frank highlights that he may take time to reach his peak performance, but he is almost back to full fitness highlighting that Spurs fans may soon see him on the field.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"Kolo Muani has trained for two weeks with the team, that's good. He looks better and better and is in contention for the squad on Sunday, so that's a positive," Frank told the reporters ahead of the Villa clash.

"It's very important to have him fit and available. I think he looks better and better. I think it's also fair to say that he has trained two weeks with the team and when he came on the 1st of September - time flies! - he still needed a bit to go up to the higher level. But it's not to say that he can't be involved tomorrow and maybe can play minutes. But I think it's fair to say that he needs a little bit of time to get up to a full level."

Kolo Muani is close to making his Premier League debut

Kolo Muani joined Tottenham this summer on loan from PSG just because Frank needed more depth upfront.

However, with Solanke's injury, the Danish manager was in a tight spot, but Richarlison stepped up and delivered some exceptional performances for Spurs, scoring three goals and an assist in the Premier League.

But the Frenchman's return to fitness is a welcome news for Frank as he now has alternatives in the striker position.

Kolo Muani featuring in the Premier League is an interesting prospect as he failed to live up to the expectations at PSG and was loaned out to Juventus for the second half of last season.

This summer, Juventus wanted the 26-year-old's services but couldn't reach an agreement with PSG and he eventually moved to Spurs.

Kolo Muani scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for the Bianconeri last season, out of those eight goals came in 16 Serie A matches.

He has only featured in a 13-minute substitute spell against Villarreal in a Champions League fixture for Spurs before getting sidelined for almost a month.

Tottenham Hotspur news and related links

Harry Kane has shared his thoughts on whether he will return to Tottenham Hotspur amid reports suggesting that the Premier League club are keen on bringing him back next summer.

Kane started his senior career with his boyhood club,Tottenham, in 2009 and was loaned to four different clubs from 2011 to 2013. The England national team captain parted ways with Spurs in 2023 and joined Bayern Munich on a four-year contract.

During his 14-year tenure at Tottenham, Kane became the club's all-time top goalscorer as well as the Premier League's second-highest all-time goalscorer.

The Spurs' legend left the north London side after making 435 appearances for the club, during which he netted 280 goals and provided 63 assists.

Despite these achievements, the only blemish on Kane's time at Tottenham was that he was unable to claim any silverware with the English club.

Kane continues to be as impressive with his efforts and contributions on the pitch at Bayern, and lifted his first major trophy with a club after winning the 2024–25 Bundesliga.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Several reports have suggested that Tottenham have a buy-back clause in Kane's contract with Bayern that would become active from January 2026, prompting rumors of the 32-year-old star's possible return to Spurs.

Now, Kane, whose current contract at the German giants is set to expire in June 2027, has revealed whether he plans on returning to Tottenham.

What did Tottenham legend Harry Kane say?

Kane candidly admitted that he is unsure of rejoining Tottenham, while mentioning that he is currently 'very happy here in Munich,' and told the Daily Mail,

"I'm not sure (if I'll go back), I'm very happy here in Munich. It's not something I'm thinking about. It'll always be "we" (with Spurs) because I spent my whole life there. I'm a fan of them and will always watch them and see how they're getting on. They will always be a part of my life for sure but as for now, I'm loving it here," as per GOAL.

Kane also spoke about Tottenham ending their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League title last season and added,

"It was great to see (them win a trophy this year). I've got a lot of friends there with the players and staff. We know how long we waited and how close we'd come in the past so it was big for everyone - the fans, the club and all involved to have that feeling and get that one over the line. That's always important and hopefully they can push on and win more."

Tottenham are currently third in the Premier League table with 14 points in seven matches and will be looking to climb up the ranks in their upcoming match against Aston Villa on October 19.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur are enjoying a nice start to the Premier League season, but the club continues to struggle with injuries.

Dominic Solanke has played just over 30 minutes in the league this season, after suffering an ankle injury that has required surgery.

Solanke has struggled with injuries throughout his time with Spurs, and the surgery will keep the striker out for several months.

Summer signing Randal Kolo Muani has also been kept out with an injury, but he's returning to fill fitness.

Richarlison has been the main striker for Thomas Frank's side, but he has also had an injury riddled career for the London club.

Frank is now exploring a move for a proven striker, with 32 goals to his name for FC Porto.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Which striker is Tottenham interested in?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are monitoring Porto's Samu Aghehowa, who has been on the radar of several clubs.

The striker has been phenomenal for Porto, scoring five goals in seven matches already this season. The Spaniard had 19 goals and three assists in 30 league games last season.

With Spurs injury woes, Aghehowa could become a key target for the club. He has an £86m release clause, but with the recent cash injection that Tottenham received, the club might opt to go for the high flying striker.

Aghehowa has a strong presence on the field, and his age of 21 makes him a long-term solution for Tottenham's attack.

Chelsea and Newcastle have previously been linked with the striker, but Spurs problems could push the club into making a January bid.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur have started their first season under Thomas Frank well, with the club sitting third in the Premier League table.

Summer signing Mohammed Kudus scored his first goal for Tottenham at the weekend in the 2-1 win against Leeds United.

Frank has made improvements to the squad, and he is continuing to look for more attackers for the north London club.

A Premier League attacker is one of the biggest names being linked to Tottenham, but the star will cost a hefty fee.

Which Bournemouth attacker is Tottenham interested in?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are keeping tabs on Antoine Semenyo, who has been influential for Bournemouth.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Semenyo signed a new deal with the Cherries over the summer, but his form could see multiple Premier League teams attempt to make a move for him.

Tottenham were previously linked with Semenyo, and Frank could make another move for the Ghana international.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown spoke to Football Insider about the potential move, saying, " He’s been excellent since the start of last season really, and has performed above the level I thought he was capable of when I first saw him play which I’m happy to say.

"He’s so instrumental in what Bournemouth do, he scores goals, gives them power and running ability, and he does so well technically and creatively as well.

"As a result of that, he’s maintained his form even when other big players have left the club."

Bournemouth had several big exits this summer, with Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi Milos Kerkez and Dango Outtara all moving away.

Brown continued, " For Tottenham, though, he’s the type of player who could make a real difference for them.

"Bournemouth will be preparing for that interest, because of the players they lost in the summer and the interest in him, and they won’t want to see him go.

"He signed a new contract so it won’t be easy or cheap to get him out, but I don’t think that’s put clubs off, they will feel they can tempt him away."

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur have had a great start to their current campaign with some really good results in the Premier League as they are currently fourth in the points table with 11 points from the first six league games.

Spurs have adapted to Thomas Frank's philosophy in no time as they have shown promise in their gameplay.

However, in the last four games across competition, they have only won against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup whilst only managing draws against Brighton and Wolves in their last two Premier League fixtures and a 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt in their latest Champions League clash.

Amidst some recent negativity, Tottenham have confirmed a new long-term deal with their star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Uruguayan midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in Frank's squad this season and therefore extending his contract was one of the topmost priorities for the club.

Tottenham confirmed the contract extension of Bentancur on Friday morning ahead of their away trip to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

While the news of Bentancur's extension has brought a lot of positivity among fans, the length of the new contract is still unknown.

How did Thomas Frank react to Bentancur's contract extension?

Bentancur's current contract was expiring in 2026 and therefore Spurs acted swiftly to tie him down for the foreseeable future at north London.

"I feel really good and I'm very happy to continue my story with this fantastic club," Bentancur told the official Tottenham website. "My family are happy; I have fantastic friends and team-mates who work hard every day. I love this Club and feel really good here.

"Winning the Europa League was a fantastic moment and we want to build on this now, to win more trophies. We have a new Head Coach, a new captain and I want to enjoy many more years at the Club."

Bentancur moved to Spurs during Antonio Conte's era at north London for a transfer fee of £16.6m back in the January window of 2022.

He quickly established himself in midfield under the Italian manager and was a crucial member of the Tottenham squad that won the Europa League last season.

Bentancur has now become one of the first names in the team sheet under Frank, becoming an important player in this Tottenham squad.

"I'm extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the Club," the Danish manager said about Bentancur's contract extension.

"It shows his belief in what we are building here and that we are starting a journey which we hope will be really special.

"Rodri is a big part of that. He's a fantastic midfielder who can dictate games and be the glue that holds the team together. He also has the ability to arrive in the penalty area, create goals and score them, too."

However, Spurs will now look to bounce back and win matches after a string of draws and ideally, they could return to winning ways against Leeds on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur news and related links

Thomas Frank has provided a team selection update ahead of his Tottenham Hotspur side taking on Villarreal on Tuesday night (September 16) in the Champions League.

The game in North London will be Spurs' first in European football's top competition since the 2022/23 season and Frank's first of his managerial career.

The Premier League side will go into the game having beaten London rivals West Ham United 3-0 over the weekend and having made a strong overall start to Frank's tenure at the club.

A dilemma the Spurs boss has for the European fixture is who to start upfront against the La Liga outfit.

Dominic Solanke has missed much of this season due to nursing an ankle problem and he will not be available for Tuesday's contest.

Mathys Tel, who started as Spurs' striker against West Ham, is ineligible due to being left out of the team's squad for the league phase of the Champions League.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Richarlison is likely to come in for Tel tomorrow having previously started the first three league games of the season and scoring two on the opening weekend against Burnley.

Spurs signing set for debut against Villarreal

A new option Frank has at his disposal in the striker position is Randal Kolo Muani, after the Frenchman joined on loan from Paris Saint Germain on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old was on the bench against West Ham but he did not come on at the London Stadium.

Frank confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Villarreal matchup that his new attacking signing would make his Spurs debut on Tuesday night.

However, the Spurs boss clarified it could be difficult for the forward to play many minutes.

"If we needed him to play, he could play 90 minutes, but can he play at the intensity and the level that we want?," the 51-year-old stated.

"He's ready and he'll be involved tomorrow, that's the most important thing," Frank added.

Kolo Muani spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, where he scored 10 goals for the Serie A side.

Tottenham Hotspur news and related links