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Wolverhampton Wanderers are now plotting a move for an “elegant” player who they made a bid for during the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Wolves set sights on new defender

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Craig Dawson departing Molineux means Vitor Pereira will be tasked with bringing in new options in defence this summer, and there is a strong desire to bring in a new centre-back.

With Wolves recording the worst defensive record outside the Premier League relegation zone last season, it is no surprise that signing at least one new centre-back is on the agenda, and a number of potential targets have been identified.

The need to sign a new defender may also be exacerbated by the fact January signing Nasser Djiga could be making a move north of the border to Rangers, as revealed by Liam Keen.

There has now been a new update on Wolves’ interest in Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are plotting a move for the defender, who they made a £12m bid for in the January transfer window.

Despite that offer being knocked back, the Old Gold are ready to rekindle their interest in Kristensen, having been long-term admirers, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, with AFC Bournemouth and Como said to be eyeing moves of their own.

"Elegant" Kristensen could be solid signing for Wolves

Scout/analyst Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed the Dane an “elegant” and “dominant” centre-back, while also praising him for his ability in aerial duels, which has regularly been on display over the past year.

Indeed, the 6 foot 6 colossus has been able to use his frame to his advantage, placing in the 90th percentile for aerials won per 90, when compared to other centre-backs in the top five leagues in Europe.

Wolves make first approach to sign £34m Club World Cup goalscorer

He’s been in excellent form at the Club World Cup.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 27, 2025

There are also some indications that Wolves could stand a good chance of luring the 23-year-old to Molineux, given that he expressed his desire to move to the Premier League in an interview with Zach Lowy last season.

“If you want to improve as a defender, Italy is the best place to do it. Right now, I’m here in Udine, I have a lot to improve on, and Udinese is a great place to improve…but I still have a dream of playing in England one day.”

Kristensen could now be ready to take the next step in his career, having made his mark during his second season in Italy, so it is promising news that Pereira’s side are now ready to rekindle their interest.

Setting his sights on further arrivals, Regis Le Bris is reportedly set to drive Sunderland’s move to sign a former Arsenal midfielder who he has already worked with in the past.

Commencing their summer business in style, the Black Cats are reportedly set to break their club-record deal to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg before also welcoming Reinildo from Atletico Madrid. An impressive double swoop, Le Bris will have himself a much-needed replacement for Jobe Bellingham as well as key depth at left-back.

Given that Leeds United were also interested in Diarra, Sunderland’s move looks all the more impressive. Those in Wearside, by outbidding another promoted side, are set to make quite the statement.

The Black Cats may not be finished with their spending, however. Names such as Charlie Creswell have threatened to steal the headlines as of late in what would be another big-money deal. The defender has impressed ever since swapping Leeds for French side Toulouse and could now be on his way back to English football as a result.

Sunderland submit opening £17m offer to sign "instinctive" 11-goal star

The Black Cats mean business.

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By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 1, 2025

Creswell’s arrival would deal Leeds another blow, who could watch on as their former player stars elsewhere in the Premier League next season. That said, he’s not the only name on Sunderland’s reported radar.

As well as strengthening their backline, those at the Stadium of Light have also reportedly turned their focus back towards their midfield and signing an ex-Arsenal player. Perhaps attempting to find a partner for Diarra, Le Bris is now reportedly driving the move.

Le Bris driving move to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to their former chief scout Mick Brown, Le Bris is set to be the “driving force” as Sunderland race to sign Matteo Guendouzi. The Frenchman previously worked under the Sunderland boss during their time together at FC Lorient’s B team several years ago and could now finally have the chance to reunite with his former manager.

Speaking about the potential deal, Brown told Football Insider: “Sunderland are in a position where they feel they need to strengthen their squad. They need Premier League-level players and to get those you have to be ambitious in the market.

“A lot of it will depend on what sort of fee his club are going to demand for him. The manager is playing a big role in their recruitment so far and did the same when they were in the Championship, he appears to have good relationships in France. He’s worked with Guendouzi before and he’s going to be the driving force behind the move.”

Previously dubbed “impressive” by former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, Guendouzi has unfinished business in the Premier League and could have the chance to return from Lazio with a bang courtesy of the Black Cats this summer.

What was feeling like a disappointingly quiet summer for Arsenal has now burst into life.

Mikel Arteta’s side have now confirmed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, are close to announcing deals for Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi, and appear determined to do more business.

For example, the last few days have seen links to Eberechi Eze explode, and even Ollie Watkins seems to be back in contention.

However, while the Aston Villa star would be an exciting addition to the Gunners’ squad, reports have suggested that the club are getting closer to another, better option to lead the line next season.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s goalscoring struggles last season, it’s not been a surprise to see them linked with a host of dangerous strikers this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For a long time, it seemed that Benjamin Sesko would be the player to come in and solve that problem, but over the last week or so, reports emerged claiming that working out a deal to sign him has proven far more challenging than anticipated.

At the same time, Watkins’ name has also been thrown back into the ring, with reports from earlier this week claiming that talks had once again been held with his camp and that he would “love” to join the Gunners this summer.

However, while the Englishman is an incredibly talented footballer and goalscorer, it appears that the North Londoners have their eyes on another striker.

At least that’s according to a recent report from BBC Sport, which claims that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in goalscoring machine Viktor Gyokeres.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners are now making real ‘headway with a potential move’ for the Swedish international ‘in recent days.’

While it’s not clear exactly how much the Sporting CP star would cost, the report claims that the final price will likely be in excess of £70m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Arsenal should pursue as Gyokeres could be a real game-changer for them, and a better signing than Watkins.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Watkins

Now, while it is somewhat simplistic, the most significant reason that Gyokeres would be a better signing for Arsenal than Watkins this summer is his exceptional level of output.

For example, it would be fair to say that the England star enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Villa last season, in which he scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances, totalling 3578 minutes.

In other words, the former Exeter City gem averaged a goal involvement every 1.74 games, or every 115.41 minutes.

However, despite being an objectively great return, those numbers still pale in comparison to what the Sporting star was able to produce.

In his 52 appearances for the Lisbon outfit, totalling 4248 minutes, the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a mammoth 54 goals and provided 13 assists for good measure.

That means the international poacher maintained an out-of-this-world average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

That sensational rate of return is so extraordinary that it makes it hard to recommend any striker other than the former Coventry City star, and the fact he’s two years younger than the Villa ace is just a bonus.

Ultimately, Watkins would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but Gyokeres would be an utterly game-changing one, and therefore, Andrea Berta and Co should be doing all they can to bring him in.

Ollie Watkins will love him: Arsenal in talks to sign £85m "superstar"

The incredible international could be a total game-changer for the striker and Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 4, 2025

Harry Kane has revealed his true feelings on Daniel Levy after the Tottenham chairman's "surprise" departure from the club. There was reported tension between the pair before Kane left Spurs in 2023 for Bayern Munich, however, the England striker has nothing but admiration for the job Levy did in north London.

• Kane reveals true feelings on Levy
• Spoke highly of ex-Spurs chairman
• Levy left the club last week

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tottenham dropped a bombshell last week when they formally announced the departure of Levy as their chairman. The British businessman stepped down after serving the club for over two decades. Under his leadership, Spurs became a globally recognised football institution and, most recently, they won the Europa League to end a 17-year-long wait for silverware.

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  WHAT KANE SAID

  Speaking about Levy's exit, ex-Spurs star Kane said: "Obviously it was a bit of a surprise, if I’m honest. I didn’t expect it, didn’t see that coming. Daniel has been a fantastic chairman for Tottenham in the 20-or-so years he’s been there. Considering where the club was and where it is now, I think there's been a big change, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. At any stage, there’s always going to be change in clubs, and change in the higher positions."

  Kane added: "Obviously, I don’t know too much about why or what happened. All I can say is I wish Daniel all the best in whatever’s next for him. We obviously built a relationship over the time we had together. I'm sure at some stage we’ll catch up. Overall, for Tottenham, it’s a new chapter they're trying to create now."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Just days after Levy's exit, Tottenham's board issued a statement revealing that they have rejected two takeover offers, insisting the club is "not for sale". According to , former Newcastle joint-owner Amanda Staveley was one of the parties who had expressed an interest in taking the reins.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  Kane will be back in action for England on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel's side aim to maintain their 100 per cent 2026 World Cup qualifying record against Serbia.

Liverpool have held a meeting in Paris with a Premier League player and his representatives over a move this summer, according to journalist Sebastien Denis.

Who will be Liverpool's starting No.9 next season?

The Reds have already made so much progress in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Florian Wirtz in a British record deal, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bolstering Arne Slot’s full-back options.

A new striker needs to be a forefront of Liverpool’s thinking now, though, with Darwin Nunez not seen as the solution there, despite scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win away to Preston in a pre-season friendly.

There are plenty of options to have been mentioned this summer, from Alexander Isak to Hugo Ekitike, and now RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Anfield. The 22-year-old has also been seen as a target for Arsenal, but it now looks as though the Gunners will sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres instead.

Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for Liverpool, as the likes of Slot and Richard Hughes look to bring in the ideal No.9 option ahead of the defence of their Premier League crown next month.

Liverpool hold Paris talks with Premier League striker

According to Foot Mercato journalist Denis on X, Liverpool had a meeting with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his agents recently: “French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his representative met with Liverpool in Paris last days.”

In the report itself, it states that the Reds have been “checking the water” for the 28-year-old, adding that as much as £52m may potentially be needed to snap him up. That said, a fee of £43m is also far from out of the question.

Mateta is a good striker who has proven to be an excellent option for Palace, helping them win the FA Cup last season and being hailed by Eagles manager Oliver Glasner.

“We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box. He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”

At 28, though, Mateta may not feel like the right choice for Liverpool, considering his peak could pass relatively quickly and there are younger options out there.

Liverpool now hold "phone call" to sign £75m+ star to replace Darwin Nunez

Contact has been made regarding a move to Anfield.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Jul 14, 2025

He has scored against the Reds in the past, netting in a 2-1 defeat for the Eagles in 2023, and while he could do a good job for Slot after scoring 30 goals in the last two Premier League seasons, he arguably doesn’t feel like the right pick when nailing the new striker is so essential for the Premier League champions.

Liverpool have been told that they have “one hell of a player” on their hands in Federico Chiesa, with the Reds yet to see the Italian forward’s “true qualities”. The European Championship winner was heavily linked with a move elsewhere in the summer transfer window, but the deadline passed with no deal done and he remains part of Arne Slot’s plans at Anfield.

• Limited game time in title-winning season

  Former Juventus star Chiesa moved to England in a cut-price deal ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. His debut season in England saw the 27-year-old winger become a Premier League title winner, but he took in just 104 minutes of top-flight action across six appearances.

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  Staying put: No deal done in transfer window

  Many expected Chiesa to head home after attracting interest from Serie A, but no suitable option materialised. That means that he remains on Merseyside, but no place was found for him in Liverpool’s Champions League squad for 2025-26.

• Champions League snub is not an issue

  Ex-Italy international Roberto Di Matteo does not consider that to be too much of an issue, with the Reds set to take in plenty of fixtures across multiple competitions this season, and believes that Chiesa can still “prove a point” if given an opportunity to showcase his talent.

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  Di Matteo's take on Chiesa's situation

  Di Matteo, who spent time in England with Chelsea during his playing days and was speaking in association with , told GOAL when asked if Chiesa would have benefited more from another transfer: “It’s a very good question. I’m not sure how much he knew that he was going to be out of the squad. I think that depended on [Alexander] Isak’s signing. The fact that they signed him lastminute.com cost him the position in the squad.

  “He had plenty of suitors in Serie A. I think there are two or three clubs that would have loved to have signed him. Maybe he wants to stick around at Liverpool and prove a point.

  “If he stays fit, he’s one hell of a player. I know him very well. He just hasn’t been able to show his true qualities. Let’s not forget that Liverpool did pretty well last season – they had a settled team, [Luis] Diaz and [Mohamed] Salah on the sides. It wasn’t easy to break into that team.

  “He showed glimpses of what he can do. But there are so many games, he’s not in the Champions League squad but he might get more Premier League time. It’s just a shame that we don’t see more of him because he’s a quality player.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the job Thomas Frank has on his hands as he enters his first year in charge in North London.

He would’ve certainly faced an easier task had he had Harry Kane at his disposal, with the England international a player who is undoubtedly one of the best to ever ply his trade for the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old rose through the ranks before making a huge impact on the first team, often being the man the supporters relied on for goals in crucial moments.

Kane ended up registering a total of 280 goals during his stint in the capital, the highest of any player in the club’s history, also slotting in at second place in the Premier League’s record books.

However, after his departure back in 2023, the club have ultimately failed to replace his goals, leaving Frank with such a task during his first window in charge.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new striker this summer

After the Dane’s appointment, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been a player who has been hugely linked with a move to follow his former boss across the capital.

Such rumours are unsurprising given his tally of 19 league goals for the Bees last season, leading to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested in his signature this window.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muani another player they’re pursuing, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

He claims that the Lilywhites have already entered talks over a deal to land the French forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.

Aouna also states that Frank’s side face competition from Manchester United for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, but Daniel Levy is working hard to reach an agreement before the September 1st deadline.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Kane

Two players have mainly shared the responsibility of providing the goals at the top end of the pitch for Spurs since Kane’s departure – Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Both have endured their injury struggles over recent times, posting respectable tallies, but ultimately, there’s still huge room for improvement in such an area.

The Englishman, who cost a club-record £65m last summer, and the Brazilian managed to net a combined tally of 13 league goals, whilst Kane scored double that figure on his own last campaign.

Replacing the record goalscorer was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the current lack of goals from the centre-forwards on the books highlights the need for a new talisman this summer.

Kolo Muani would provide the new boss just that, having the opportunity to claim the starting role as his own should he move to North London during the off-season.

He’s previously been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, managing to match or better the former Lilywhites in key areas throughout the recent campaign.

The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by compatriot Bixente Lizarazu, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, evidently being more efficient with his chances in front of goal.

Kolo Muani also completed more key passes per 90, along with more take-ons achieved, highlighting his all-round talent with the ball at his feet, something which could hugely benefit Frank in his quest for success.

However, whilst he’s a technically gifted forward, the former Eintracht Frankfurt star also bettered Kane for aerials won per 90, potentially being the perfect fit for the Lilywhites’ current side.

All the aforementioned stats are undoubtedly important, but ultimately, the fans and manager will want him to provide the goods in front of goal throughout 2025/26.

His tally of 10 goals in just 22 loan appearances in Italy last season showcases that there is certainly a player there, with Frank able to land his own version of the record scorer if he can unlock such talents out of Kolo Muani.

Frank's very own Mbappe: Spurs in talks for "one of the most prolific" CFs

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a move for a star who could thrive like Kylian Mbappe.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 1, 2025

One thing’s for certain: Liverpool are primed for an eventful end to the summer transfer window.

FSG are diligent operators, with Anfield’s transfer strategy driven by two of the best in the business in Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, and this was clear through the swift signings of full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and the British-record signing of playmaker Florian Wirtz, which was wrapped up in June.

However, the pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been anything but expeditious, with the Reds having seen a British-record bid worth £110m plus add-ons rejected at the start of August, following weeks of intense speculation and suggestion that the Sweden international wants to move to Anfield.

Now, it’s getting messy. The 25-year-old is aggrieved about the way his and Newcastle’s transfer window has transpired, and is insistent that he has played his final match for the Magpies.

Liverpool need another striker, having sold Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal in a deal rising to £57m after parting ways with Luis Diaz, now garbed in Bayern Munich’s kit.

But did Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace make a comment on Arne Slot’s attacking line?

What the Community Shield told us

Last month, Liverpool signed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike for a £79m fee, adding one of the most talented forwards in Europe to Slot’s squad.

Isak’s future broods in the background, but the French forward stepped up and scored during the Community Shield at Wembley, expertly converting following Wirtz’s fizzed pass just four minutes into his debut.

The 23-year-old told Liverpool and the fanbase that he’s ready to become a major player at Anfield and in the Premier League, bearing the potential to rival the likes of Isak for a place as one of Europe’s top strikers.

Though defensive fragility and thinness were clear against the Eagles, the Merseysiders also lack depth up top. And though Ekitike is the real deal, it’s imperative that Hughes and co welcome another forward to Liverpool’s mix this month.

Liverpool lining up Isak alternative

Liverpool want Isak, but they are ready to pounce on other attacking targets should the need arise. And according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bradley Barcola sits right at the top of the shortlist.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Discussing the Premier League champions’ outstanding transfer plans this summer with GIVEMESPORT, Romano confirmed that internal discussions have been held behind the scenes over a move for Barcola, 22, who has emerged as a superstar at PSG.

Instrumental in driving Luis Enrique’s quadruple-winning 2024/25 campaign, the France international has been valued at around €100m (equating to around £87m) by the French giants, who hope to tie Barcola down to a long and lucrative new contract in Paris.

The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe has suggested Liverpool could move to sign a left-sided forward along with a nine such as Isak, and with that in mind, could the Reds not pull off a stunning double swoop?

Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola

Barcola has flaws in his game; he’s certainly not the finished product. But how exciting is that? The French winger, after all, posted 21 goals and 21 assists apiece across all competitions for PSG last season, winning four major titles, including the Champions League.

Already considered to be a “world-class player” by Liverpool and Romano, Barcola’s pace and potency down the left flank suggest he could be the perfect Diaz replacement and contrast to the more goal-focused Cody Gakpo. While the Frenchman may be the Swede’s alternative at the moment, we can envisage a team where they co-exist.

Isak is a striker of startling completeness, and that’s why he could work so fluently with Barcola, whose grasp of the technical side of the game would work well alongside the Scandinavian talent’s goalscoring qualities.

Last season, it was clear that Eddie Howe reduced the scope of Isak’s game, thus streamlining his prolific capacity and giving rise to his standout strength.

Even so, Isak still enjoyed plenty of creative moments, with that fact further substantiated through his ranking among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Slot loves players who can do multiple things, and so Isak’s role at number nine would come with the ancillary duty of supplying teammates.

This would be helpful for Barcola, who enjoyed much success in front of goal last year, albeit not producing true clinical results. Indeed, across PSG’s league and European campaigns, the £109k-per-week talent might have scored 17 goals, but he also missed 33 big chances, highlighting ample room for improvement there.

Luckily, he’s got a knack for finding space and shooting, and his 21-goal return last year is hardly something to be sniffed at.

With great ball-carrying ability, creative focus and the potential to become a truly deadly goalscorer, Barcola is surely the perfect partner for a striker like Isak, whose intelligence and off-the-ball movement would accommodate the France star when he wants the headlines.

And when Barcola is the one tasked with supplying Isak? Well, expect a seamless connection, striking fear into the rest of the Premier League and indeed Europe.

Dream Van Dijk heir: Romano confirms Liverpool want £34m Guehi alternative

Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-back in the transfer market this month.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 12, 2025

Gio Reyna has been told what he must do in order to make the USMNT World Cup squad, with the highly-rated playmaker determined to grace a major tournament on home soil in the summer of 2026. Questions are still being asked of his involvement after suffering “injury after injury after injury”, but Brad Friedel is among those backing the 22-year-old to come good.

• Reyna on the move: Bid farewell to BVB

  Reyna has taken on a new challenge at club level, with ties finally being severed with Borussia Dortmund following several transfer windows of intense speculation regarding his future. He is now on the books at Borussia Monchengladbach.

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  Fresh start: Reyna has a point to prove

  The plan is to find more regular game time there, with unfortunate fitness struggles leading to a slow slide being taken down the pecking order at Signal Iduna Park. Reyna has aired his excitement at making a fresh start.

• World Cup calling: Serious target to aim at

  Having decided to remain in Germany, following links to clubs across Europe, Reyna is looking for his domestic performances to secure more international recognition. There is a serious reward to aim at, with the United States set to be one of the co-hosts for FIFA’s flagship event in a matter of months.

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  Will Reyna be selected? Friedel offers opinion

  Quizzed on what Reyna needs to do after enduring a turbulent time of late, ex-USMNT goalkeeper Friedel – speaking in association with the comparison site – told GOAL: “With Gio, a lot of unfortunate stuff from the last World Cup, then injury after injury after injury. Talented, talented player.

  “For Gio, he needs minutes and he needs not to be injured. Then we can see before the World Cup if he is ready. If he is, if he has a run of four or five months with no injuries, playing lots of minutes, he’s in the squad.

  “He’s a really talented player, one of the better ones we have. But he really does need to play. When I took the job at Besiktas, I was over at the Copa America and was watching. You could just tell there was something a little bit off. It’s not his ability, that is there. That’s not it. His body has unfortunately not cooperated with this sport.

  “Hopefully for him it goes well. He’s a really good kid and I hope he just stays fit, gets a run of games and then it will be down to Mauricio [Pochettino] choosing him or not. I don’t like to see anybody get left out because of injury.”

Thomas Frank is set to be without star playmaker James Maddison for the foreseeable future, with Tottenham confirming on Thursday morning that the Englishman is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL.

It was solely meant to be a night of farewell glory for club legend Son Heung-min last Sunday, but Tottenham’s fireworks fizzled into despair when Maddison collapsed in agony just minutes after stepping onto the pitch in Seoul.

Maddison’s right knee – the same one that kept him out of the Europa League final – let him down once again. One moment he was chasing the ball, the next he was on the ground, clutching his face in disbelief. A stretcher carried him off as crutches awaited outside – with Frank describing the injury as a “bad” one.

The worst was yet to come, though, as Spurs have now announced that Maddison is set for surgery on an ACL problem which could force him to miss the vast majority of the season.

The 28-year-old is staring down the barrel of a six-to-nine-month recovery period, as is usually the case with ACL ruptures.

It’s heartbreak, pure and simple. Tottenham, already shaken by Son’s exit, now face a long season without the talent, vision and creativity of their star number 10. If they needed a new attacking midfielder before, they certainly need one now.

Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange have undoubtedly shot the signing of a playmaker to the very top of their transfer priority list, coming after they missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer.

Spurs booked a medical for Gibbs-White this time last month ahead of a proposed £60 million move before Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, unceremoniously stopped the transfer, threatened Frank’s side with legal action and persuaded the 25-year-old to pen a new deal.

A swoop for Gibbs-White is completely off the table, but Tottenham’s need for another creative presence is more vital than ever before.

Dejan Kulusevski is also still sidelined with a knee injury, and having also lost Son, Spurs must get to work on Maddison’s replacement with just weeks to go before the transfer deadline.

Tottenham offered AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after James Maddison injury

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, intermediaries recently floated AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in their direction, which happened in the aftermath of Son’s exit and Maddison’s injury blow.

However, while Tottenham have been offered Leao by these representatives, it is believed a move for the Portugal international, who’s been called “unstoppable” by Tammy Abraham, and valued at around £74 million by the Rossoneri, is unlikely as things stand.

“My understanding is that intermediaries on the back of Son’s transfer and Maddison’s injury have put Leao to Spurs, in theory,” said Bailey.

“Opportunistic, yes, but that is how some of the biggest deals in the world have come about.

“I am told that [Massimilano] Allegri has informed Milan’s hierarchy that he can turn Leao into one of the very best forwards in the world. They are not planning on losing him, and I don’t believe Leao has the wish to leave at this point; he is excited by Allegri.”

The opportunity to play Premier League football is always a temptation, but given Leao’s current stance, Allegri’s unwillingness to part company and the 26-year-old’s asking price, Levy will likely need to look elsewhere.

Tottenham have made recent contact over Jack Grealish, but face competition from Everton (Fabrizio Romano), while Harvey Elliott has also been named as a potential Spurs target amid discussions over a move to RB Leipzig (Florian Plettenberg).

Their options are growing thin, but Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze could be available for the taking as Arsenal continue to stall a potential deal.