Tottenham Hotspur's January transfer plans are taking shape, with the club linked with a major move for a highly-rated winger while also seeing an initial bid for a defensive target knocked back. Manager Thomas Frank is seeking reinforcements after a inconsistent start to his tenure in North London.
Spurs Enter Race for Leipzig Starlet Diomande
According to reports from talkSPORT, Tottenham have placed RB Leipzig's exciting young winger Yan Diomande on their transfer 'radar'. The 19-year-old Ivorian, who only joined the Bundesliga side from Leganes last summer, has impressed this season with seven goals and four assists across all competitions.
However, Spurs face significant competition for his signature. Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with an interest in the player. A further complication is that Diomande is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
RB Leipzig are reportedly reluctant to sell mid-season and are said to value the player at around £87 million for a January sale. Nevertheless, it is believed that clubs like Tottenham think an offer in the region of £52 million could be enough to persuade the German club to negotiate.
Santos Reject £8m Bid for Left-Back Souza
In parallel with their search for attacking talent, Tottenham are actively looking to bolster their defensive options. The Athletic reports that the club has had an £8 million bid rejected by Brazilian side Santos for 19-year-old left-back Souza.
The need for cover in that position is acute for Frank. First-choice left-back Destiny Udogie is currently injured, forcing the manager to deploy the right-footed Djed Spence in the role—a move that proved problematic in the recent match against Brentford.
Santos are said to have high hopes for Souza's potential and are not currently willing to entertain a sale. The Brazilian under-17 international, who made 24 league appearances last season to help Santos avoid relegation, holds a formidable release clause of around £87 million for overseas clubs, giving his current team a strong negotiating position.
Frank Seeks Consistency After Johnson Sale
The transfer activity comes against a backdrop of Tottenham's ongoing struggle for consistency under Thomas Frank. The team's 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday highlighted familiar issues, particularly in converting chances.
The club's need for attacking impetus has been underscored by the recent sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35 million. Although not a regular starter under Frank, Johnson had contributed four goals in his 912 minutes of play this season.
With funds now available and clear gaps in the squad, Tottenham's hierarchy is expected to back Frank in the current January window as he aims to build a more competitive and reliable side for the second half of the Premier League campaign.
