Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged Real Madrid’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has included “better or worse moments” after their vital 3-0 win over Athletic Club. The result snapped a run of three winless away games in La Liga and eased growing scrutiny around the squad. The Belgian goalkeeper also praised Los Blancos' response while urging the squad to maintain intensity.

• Real Madrid break three-match winless streak with 3-0 win

  Real Madrid returned to winning ways on the road with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club at San Mames, a performance described by Alonso as their most complete display of the season. Courtois produced a crucial save at 1-0 to deny Athletic Club their best opening, helping Madrid close the gap to Barcelona to a single point. The win came at a cost, however, with Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold sustaining fresh injuries during a night that otherwise revived confidence.

  The match carried added significance given Madrid’s previous three league fixtures had yielded draws, prompting external pressure on both the players and Alonso. Los Blancos played with noticeably higher intensity than in recent weeks, particularly compared to their sluggish performance in Girona, where Courtois admitted they “didn’t give enough”. The improved organisation, pressing and defensive structure helped Madrid control phases of play that had troubled them during November’s downturn.

  Despite the comfortable scoreline, the wider backdrop remains shaped by ongoing concerns over tactical consistency and dressing-room harmony. The clash followed a period in which reports claimed several senior players were unconvinced by Alonso’s methods, contributing to speculation about fractures within the squad. While Madrid delivered a response on the pitch, the internal noise surrounding relationships and expectations remains a defining theme of their season.

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• AFP
  

  Courtois opens up on Real Madrid squad's relationship with Alonso

  After the win over Athletic Club, Courtois gave a clear assessment of Real Madrid’s improved performance and the mentality shift required to avoid repeat lapses. “In the first half in Girona, we didn’t give enough, and we have to understand that today, if you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten. What we’ve said is that we need to stop talking and start acting. Matches are always different; Athletic plays with a high defensive line, which creates more space, and it’s more difficult for us against Girona or Elche when they defend,” he told .

  He also highlighted the collective effort behind their victory. “We can improve against teams that play deep. It was a good team performance. We have to keep working and believing. In the end, we’re a team, and everyone has their role. Everyone played a great game. Everyone wants to contribute to the team’s success.”

  Courtois then addressed rumours of a strained relationship between the dressing room and Alonso, insisting the situation had been exaggerated externally. “I think we’re always close to him. Ultimately, we’re at Real Madrid, any small gesture is magnified by 10, and we’re people. Sometimes tensions are high, but I don’t think there was a problem between the team and the manager,” he told . “We started very well. In relationships, there are always better or worse moments, but I don’t think any player has felt that they were not OK with him, and we’re always OK. I don’t think there was ever a problem, on the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it. There’s a lot of talk externally, when maybe on the inside it’s not like that, but we can’t come out and deny everything.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Real Madrid dressing room split over Alonso

  Courtois’ comments arrive during a crucial phase of Alonso’s tenure, as Real Madrid’s tactical misfires and dressing-room tensions have intensified scrutiny around the club. The early part of the campaign was defined by experimental setups and inconsistent performances, including a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid. These setbacks contributed to the perception that Madrid lacked structure and presence in midfield, particularly during difficult stretches in November.

  Reports have also highlighted a dressing-room divide, with certain players struggling to adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and rotation strategy. The publicised conflict with Vinicius Junior, who reacted angrily to a substitution in El Clasico and has reservations about renewing his contract at Real Madrid if Alonso remains, has amplified the sense of unease within the squad.

  Madrid’s victory at San Mames may signal a turning point, but the team remains under the microscope due to their inconsistent pressing, fluctuating intensity levels and reliance on moments of individual brilliance.

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• Real Madrid and Alonso face crucial winter period

  Real Madrid now prepare for back-to-back home fixtures against Celta Vigo in the league and Manchester City in the Champions League, matches that will test whether their improved display in Bilbao represents genuine momentum. Alonso must balance tactical refinement with squad management as injuries continue to accumulate, further complicating his efforts to re-establish stability. With external pressure unlikely to fade, Madrid’s ability to sustain results and harmony will determine whether they can shift the narrative and mount a stronger title challenge over the winter period.

The allrounder made a successful comeback for Baroda with a match-wining performance on Tuesday

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2025Hardik Pandya is set to make a comeback to T20Is when India’s selectors pick the squad for the five-match series against South Africa on Wednesday. There are doubts about the availability of Shubman Gill, India’s T20I vice-captain.The Gill question is likely to be top of the agenda for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel when they meet in Raipur, where India play South Africa in the second ODI.In Gill’s likely absence, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the possible contenders to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. While Samson was in the recent T20I squad that toured Australia, he played only two out of the five matches and batted only once – at No. 3. Jaiswal was not part of that squad.Gill had hurt his neck while batting in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where he retired hurt and played no further part in the match. He missed the second Test too – which India lost to concede the series 2-0 – and the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa as well.It is understood that Gill’s injury involves a pinched nerve, and as per the initial timeline drawn up by BCCI medical staff, he would need to rest for a minimum of five weeks before resuming training. He arrived at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday to continue his rehab.The selectors are also likely to consider Riyan Parag for a slot in the 15-member squad. Parag last played for India in a T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024 and is currently leading Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Both the selectors and the Indian think tank will be happy about Hardik’s successful return – he led Baroda to a victory against Punjab on Tuesday in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – having successfully recovered from the left quadricep injury he suffered during the Asia Cup in September. Hardik took 1 for 52 in four overs and scored a match-winning 77 not out in his first competitive game in more than two months. He had missed the five-match T20I series in Australia in October-November, which India won 2-1 with two washouts.The T20I series against South Africa begins on December 9 in Cuttack – after the ODI series ends on December 6 – followed by games in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17) and Ahmedabad (December 19).India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, are currently the top-ranked T20I team, while South Africa are in fifth place.

Phil Parkinson was hugely disappointed with Wrexham’s performance in a 2-0 defeat at Hull City, with an “honest chat” taking place behind the scenes. The Red Dragons saw a nine-match unbeaten run in Championship competition come to a shuddering halt when paying a visit to East Yorkshire. Parkinson is now demanding an immediate response from his players.

Spent big: Reynolds and Mac chasing the dream

Wrexham spent big in the summer transfer window as Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac helped to make the funds available for more marquee additions. A slow start was made to the 2025-26 campaign, but the Welsh outfit have found their feet in the second tier of English football.

They had moved to within touching distance of the play-offs spots, but have now slipped to 14th place in the tightest of divisions. They remain only four points adrift of the top six, but saw collective standards slip at MKM Stadium.

AdvertisementGettyPull no punches: Parkinson assesses defeat at Hull

Parkinson told reporters afterwards, with Wrexham paying the price for a particularly poor first-half display: “We just weren't at the levels tonight and I've got to look at that – my part in it, all the staff will, and the players themselves. But we'll do that together. The lads have given us a lot but tonight we were below the level, and we'll come out ready for action at the weekend.”

Parkinson added on dressing room chat that saw the Red Dragons’ coaching staff pull no punches: “We've just had an honest chat with the lads. We just weren't where we needed to be tonight and we've got to be honest about that.

“It's very rare in my whole time at Wrexham to have a 45 minutes that was so unlike us. Tonight the first 45 minutes was certainly one of those performances, but against a good side as well. Give them credit, they were excellent.

“We will look to respond, of course. That's what football's all about. We'll be a bit flat tomorrow because we don't like losing. Nobody does in football, but we'll work together as a group, and we'll look to put up a good performance on the weekend.”

Confident camp: Hyam expects immediate improvement

Wrexham defender Dom Hyam is confident that Wrexham’s efforts so far this season mean a much-improved performance will be delivered when Watford pay a visit to SToK Racecourse on Saturday.

He said: “We've been on a really good run, we've got to add some perspective as well, we've come up from the division below and we've done well up until this point. Don't get me wrong, we're still bitterly disappointed with that tonight but it's a good opportunity to get it right on Saturday. That's the beauty of the league, we've got a game in three days' time. We know there's a big opportunity on Saturday in front of our home supporters to put things right.

“It's not doom and gloom by any means. It's very raw, that performance wasn't great on a lot of levels, but there's a lot to be positive about still. We'll take our medicine and make sure we're right again.”

GettyUltimate goal: Wrexham aiming for the Premier League

While Wrexham were nine Championship games unbeaten heading into their meeting with Hull, they had been held in five of those fixtures. Inability to turn draws into wins has prevented them from clambering into the play-off places and daring to dream of securing a record-extending fourth successive promotion.

That remains the ultimate goal for all concerned, with Reynolds and Mac having never shied away from the fact that they want to bring top-flight football to North Wales. Greater consistency is, however, going to be required when it comes to picking up maximum points.

It could be that the Red Dragons dip back into the transfer market for more new recruits during the January window. They have four games to take in through to the end of the calendar year – with three of those being played out on home soil, while a trip to Swansea for a derby date with Welsh rivals will be taken in on December 19.

Liverpool are now expected to launch a 2026 offer to sign a key defensive reinforcement, who pocketed Cody Gakpo in the Champions League earlier this season.

Salah set to be excluded from Liverpool squad

Just days after his stunning rant, Mohamed Salah is set to be left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Inter Milan, according to reports. The Egyptian left no stone unturned, claiming that the club have thrown him under the bus and revealing that he no longer has a relationship with Arne Slot.

In many ways, he left Slot with no choice but to exclude him. However, Liverpool are still reportedly keen to keep hold of Salah and see his omission as a logical step rather than a punishment.

What happens next is the big question. The arrival of AFCON should at least take the headlines elsewhere, but when Salah returns Liverpool have a problem on their hands.

The 33-year-old is arguably the best player to ever play for Liverpool in the Premier League, but Anfield chiefs are unlikely to pick any star over their manager at this stage.

Salah replacement: Liverpool keen to sign "one of the best wingers in Europe"

The Reds could solve their Salah problem.

1 ByTom Cunningham 4 days ago

There is reported interest from the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, coupled with Liverpool’s own interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which could result in a big January shake-up.

Alas, the Reds also have other problems to solve. They’ve been far below expectations this season, it’s not just been Salah. Far from it, in fact, and have already set their sights on welcoming the likes of Wilfried Singo as a result.

Liverpool expected to launch Wilfried Singo offer

According to Fotomac, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are expected to launch an offer to sign Singo worth as much as €43m (£38m) in 2026.

The Premier League champions could reportedly offer €28m (£25m), plus a maximum of €15m (£13m) in potential bonuses. It would, therefore, be a hefty offer but one they should pursue to solve their right-back problem.

Slot should be well aware of the 24-year-old’s quality too, given that he pocketed Gakpo in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray earlier this season.

The right-back made four recoveries, four clearances and won over half of his ground duels. Gakpo, meanwhile, was hooked after 62 minutes, having failed to take a single shot.

Whilst concerns surround Salah’s situation and Liverpool’s need for a centre-back, the right-back position has also become a problem. Neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong have truly claimed it thanks to form and injuries, with Dominik Szoboszlai often filling in, and Slot needs a permanent fix.

Liverpool join race to sign Konate replacement who's "an insane centre-back"

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be without one star for a month through injury, with their stance on a January transfer solution also revealed.

Chelsea lose Champions League ground amid suspension and injury woes

Chelsea’s automatic Champions League qualification prospects suffered a significant setback in Bergamo on Tuesday evening as Maresca’s side surrendered a half-time advantage to lose 2-1 against Atalanta.

The Blues controlled proceedings during the opening period, with Joao Pedro sliding home his inaugural Champions League goal after Reece James’s precise delivery in the 25th minute.

However, a second-half capitulation, triggered by Gianluca Scamacca’s 55th-minute header and Charles De Ketelaere’s deflected 83rd-minute winner, leaves Chelsea precariously positioned in 11th place with two league phase games remaining.

Maresca confronts mounting selection dilemmas as Chelsea’s injury list continues to pose a real problem, as it has done all season.

The Italian has made more squad rotations than any other manager in the Premier League this term, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Roméo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong all sidelined at various points this term through injury or suspension.

Mykhailo Mudryk also remains banned for alleged doping violations, though some surprise reports suggest he could actually return to action next month.

Related Mudryk poised for surprise January return as club eye Chelsea loan deal

The Ukrainian hasn’t played since November 2024.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 3 days ago

Palmer, the Blues’ talisman, is still working his way back to full fitness as Maresca manages his workload meticulously.

The England international’s persistent fitness struggles have restricted him to just six appearances across all competitions this season, and Chelsea quite simply need him firing.

Maresca confirmed that Palmer cannot feature in consecutive matches within three-day periods right now, prioritising long-term availability over immediate selection.

Roméo Lavia’s latest in a long line of injury problems has depleted Chelsea’s midfield alongside Caicedo’s suspension, with it being unclear as to when the 21-year-old Belgian will return.

Colwill’s ruptured ACL sustained during pre-season means the promising defender is in line to miss the vast majority of 2025/2026, with Essugo sidelined after suffering a setback.

The most pressing of all these concerns, though, is Delap’s return to the treatment table.

Chelsea handed Liam Delap injury update

According to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Delap’s shoulder injury, sustained during Chelsea’s goalless draw with Bournemouth, appears significantly less serious than first feared.

The striker is now expected to return within four weeks rather than the two months originally mooted, which comes as good news for Chelsea, even if Maresca is poised to be minus Delap for a month.

The 22-year-old departed the Vitality Stadium in considerable distress, landing awkwardly after a first-half aerial challenge with Marcos Senesi and immediately sparking concerns about a prolonged absence.

Initial reports suggested Delap faced between six and eight weeks sidelined, potentially ruling him out until February and forcing Chelsea to accelerate Emmanuel Emegha’s pre-arranged summer transfer from Strasbourg.

However, subsequent scans delivered encouraging news by confirming no fracture, drastically reducing the recovery timeline.

Maresca had expressed genuine concern post-match, admitting the shoulder issue “looked quite bad” and lamenting Chelsea’s serious bad luck.

The revised timeline means Delap could potentially return before the January transfer window closes, alleviating immediate pressure to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options.

The England Under-21 international has endured a frustrating debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, having already missed two months earlier this season with a hamstring injury sustained in August.

Delap has managed just six starts across all competitions since his £30 million summer arrival from Ipswich, scoring once against Barcelona in the Champions League.

As the former Man City striker continues his recovery, it appears Marc Guiu and Pedro will continue shouldering striker responsibilities.

أصبح رافينها القائد الذي يعتمد عليه برشلونة في الفترة الحالية، بعد أن كان أحد أبرز المرشحين لمغادرة النادي والمساهمة في تحسين الوضع المالي.

وكان رافينها لاعباً مهماً تحت قيادة تشافي هرنانديز في برشلونة ولكنه لم يثبت نفسه كلاعب لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه في النادي حتى تولى هانز فليك المسؤولية ومنحه الثقة.

وأصبح رافينها أحد ركائز برشلونة وتغير وضعه جذرياً خلال الموسم الماضي، وكشفت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية حقيقة انتقال النجم البرازيلي للدوري السعودي بعد كأس العالم.

اقرأ أيضاً.. هاري كين يوجه صدمة جديدة لـ برشلونة لخلافة ليفاندوفسكي

ونفت التقارير حقيقة هذه الشائعات، وأصبح رافينها لاعب لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه نهائياً بالنسبة لبرشلونة بسبب شخصيته القيادية أيضاً.

ويشعر رافينها بالسعادة في برشلونة بينما تستقر عائلته بشكل جيد في المدينة، ويركز اللاعب بشكل كامل على الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مع البلوجرانا هذا الموسم وكأس العالم مع البرازيل العام المقبل.

وسجل رافينها هذا الموسم حتى الآن أربع أهداف وصنع ثلاث في تسع مباريات فقط مع برشلونة وغاب عن معظم الموسم بسبب الإصابة.

MatériaMais Notícias

A crise nos bastidores do Corinthians cresce a cada dia. Com dificuldades financeiras, o clube voltou a atrasar o pagamento dos atletas do elenco, que estão com dois meses de direitos de imagem atrasados. A diretoria, em conjunto com o departamento financeiro, trabalha para quitar o montante devido, que é debitado todo fim de mês.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Ao mesmo tempo, o Corinthians enfrenta problemas no acordo com a VaideBet, patrocinadora máster da equipe. No dia 27 de maio, a casa de apostas esportivas notificou o Timão para que a instituição explicasse a suposta participação de um “laranja” na intermediação do contrato assinado entre as partes.

A empresa deu um prazo de no máximo dez dias para o Corinthians. Portanto, o clube paulista tem até a sexta-feira (7) para se defender das acusações. Vale lembrar que o presidente do clube, Augusto Melo, está em viagem pela Europa desde o fim da última semana, e deve retornar ao Brasil nesta quinta-feira (6), um dia antes do término do prazo.

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Para pedir esclarecimentos, a VaideBet utilizou uma cláusula prevista em contrato que determina que a empresa do ramo de apostas não pode ser envolvida em escandâlos.

A vinculação do nome da VaideBet com o presente escândalo envolvendo a diretoria do Corinthians e a intermediadora tornam a presente relação contratual excessivamente onerosa para o patrocinador, na medida que vincula a marca a uma situação negativa, causando desprestígio, potencial prejuízo e risco de baixo retorno do investimento realizado na entidade desportiva –

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diz documento enviado pela VaideBet

Caso opte por encerrar o vínculo com o Corinthians, a VaideBet precisará arcar com 10% do montante restante do contrato, que hoje é R$ 310 milhões. Ou seja, R$ 31 milhões. No entanto, existe a possibilidade do acordo ser desfeito por justa causa, caso uma das partes não cumpra alguma das cláusulas preestabelecidas em contrato.

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NOVA PENDÊNCIA ENVOLVENDO PAGAMENTOS

O Corinthians atrasou o pagamento de uma das parcelas referente à compra do zagueiro Féliz Torres junto ao Santos Laguna, do México, negociado por R$ 31 milhões. O valor em atraso é de aproximadamente R$ 6 milhões.

Em janeiro deste ano, o clube paulista adquiriu 80% dos direitos econômicos do jogador da seleção equatoriana em seis parcelas. A primeira, paga como entrada, já foi realizada no ato da contratação. As demais parcelas serão dividas entre os seguintes anos: 2024 (duas), 2025 (duas) e 2026 (uma).

No entanto, essa situação não é novidade para a instituição. Em fevereiro, o Corinthians foi condenado na Fifa a pagar 3,45 milhões de dólares (R$ 17 milhões, na cotação da época) ao Argentinos Juniors, acrescido de juros, por dívidas no pagamento da compra de Fausto Vera.

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CorinthiansFutebol Nacional

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on fire in the ALDS, and he's helping the Blue Jays run away with the series against the rival Yankees.

Toronto took a 9–0 lead by the fourth inning on Sunday, thanks to a thunderous grand slam from Guerrero. Rogers Centre was roaring after Guerrero deposited a pitch from Will Warren into the seats. The superstar first baseman celebrated with a savage bat flip, chucking his lumber to the side before he gleefully took his trip around the bases.

Fans at Rogers Centre have been making plenty of noise throughout the series, and when the Blue Jays' star slugger unleashed the grand slam, the volume reached deafening levels. Have a look and a listen at the incredible moment in Toronto:

Everyone at the stadium knew that one was gone from the moment if left the bat, and they were already celebrating by the time it reached the upper deck.

Barring an unheard of collapse, the Blue Jays will head to New York with a 2-0 lead in the series and will be feeling plenty confident about booking a trip to the ALCS.

Former Red Sox outfielder and 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. has not played in the major leagues since the 2023 season. But instead of retiring, Bradley is taking a different path in an effort to extend his playing career.

Bradley was drafted with the No. 1 pick by the Indianapolis Clowns in the inaugural Banana Ball League draft on Thursday night. The exhibition baseball league, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will play a 60-game schedule in 2026 featuring six teams: the Bananas, Clowns, Party Animals, Firefighters, Loco Beach Coconuts and the Texas Tailgaters.

The opportunity for Bradley to join the Banana Ball league, specifically with the Clowns, was a meaningful one. The Clowns' addition to Banana Ball next season is a revival of the club from their days in the Negro Leagues. The Clowns were disbanded in 1989, but have now been brought back to play in 2026.

"I feel like this was another opportunity to not only the league, but to be able to help the people behind me to…hopefully, catapult other African-American ballplayers to want to play the game," Bradley told ESPN.

The 2016 American League All-Star is not ruling out a return to the major leagues, but is also happy with where things stand in regard to his professional career.

"If there's an opportunity to go back, I would obviously weigh that," Bradley added. "If that's for my family, then I'm not going to rule out any opportunities. But it's not something I'm striving for. I'm very content with how my career has unfolded. I've been truly blessed. I'm just enjoying the moment."

Tottenham have been tipped to strike a ‘similar deal to Jack Grealish’ in January as Thomas Frank edges closer to his first winter window at Spurs.

Tottenham make January plans with a forward the priority

The Lilywhites are preparing to make attacking reinforcements their primary objective during the January window, with media sources confirming significant funds will be available for the right target as Frank seeks solutions to his struggling side’s creativity issues.

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange will be drawing up a list of potential options spanning both domestically and abroad, if they haven’t already.

Reports suggest Spurs are more likely to pursue a wide forward rather than a central striker when the window opens, with Dominic Solanke slowly coming back to full fitness and Randal Kolo Muani starting to find his feet.

Premier League home form table

Team

Wins

Draws

Losses

Points

GD

16. Burnley

2

1

4

7

-2

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

6

1

-11

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a very strong candidate to join the north Londoners.

The Ghanaian winger has been sensational this season, bagging six goals and three assists in 13 Premier League appearances for the Cherries so far this term.

His ability to threaten from both flanks, combined with his blistering pace, makes him ideal. The possibility of Mohammed Kudus on one side and Semenyo is pretty tantalising in itself, as is the 25-year-old’s £65 million release clause, which will be active early next month.

If Spurs do opt to sign a centre-forward in January, all signs point towards FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa as their top target.

The 21-year-old Spanish international has seriously impressed in Portugal following his £15 million move from Atlético Madrid in 2024, scoring six goals across all competitions this season after his 27-goal haul last term.

Standing at a towering 6 foot 3, Aghehowa offers the physical presence and aerial threat Tottenham currently lack, though Porto president André Villas-Boas has publicly stated the forward is “not for sale at any price in winter,” with the club demanding at least £68 million for his services.

All that being said, the media remain adamant that a new attacker will arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month, but a box-to-box midfielder also cannot be ruled out amid Yves Bissouma’s uncertain future.

The Mali international is yet to play a single competitive minute under Frank, largely due to injury, but it is worth noting that Spurs were open to offers for Bissouma in the summer.

Tottenham will entertain bids for the 29-year-old once again in January, but if they can’t find a suitor they’ll activate the one-year extension option in his contract to prevent a free transfer next year (The Mail).

If Bissouma does leave in the winter, Frank will need a replacement, and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is available.

Tottenham tipped to strike Grealish-like deal for Conor Gallagher

Spurs did hold a serious interest in the England international before his switch to Atlético, with Diego Simeone’s side informing Gallagher that he can leave in January.

That is according to former Spurs scout Bryan King, who also believes that Tottenham could well sign Gallagher on loan in a ‘similar deal’ to Grealish at Everton.

King also thinks that the 25-year-old would ‘jump’ at the chance to move there, even despite his Chelsea connections.

Gallagher has made 70 appearances for Atlético since his 2024 move, scoring six goals and racking up another six assists.

He’s been in and out of Simeone’s eleven this season, and with the 2026 World Cup looming, he’ll be keen to battle his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.

The dynamic midfielder would offer a different option to the likes of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in front of the back four, and he can play more offensively too.

Capable of pitching in going forward, signing Gallagher on loan would be a very astute bit of business.