Tottenham prepared to pay £26m for Premier League star who Thomas Frank loves

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is a massive admirer of one Premier League star, and the Lilywhites can see themselves securing a deal for him next year.

Tottenham’s rumoured transfer plans for January amid £100m boost

The Lewis family made a statement of intent last week, with Spurs’ ownership pumping £100 million of new capital into the club via ENIC.

On the back of this, it is reported that technical director Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the new-look Lilywhites boardroom could be gearing up for an active January, and this £100m windfall is just the first of ENIC’s cash injections.

The club’s rumoured transfer plans suggest a focus on bolstering both their attacking options and defensive depth, with several high-profile names linked to a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One of the standout targets is reportedly a proven goalscorer who can provide the clinical finishing Spurs have often lacked.

Strikers like Dušan Vlahović have been frequently mentioned in the media, with the Serbian’s fairly impressive Serie A goal record — having scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakout campaign in 2020/2021 — making him an attractive option to lead Tottenham’s frontline.

Doubts currently surround Dominic Solanke’s reliability when it comes to fitness and the long-term future of Richarlison, so a new number nine could well be one to watch.

Meanwhile, defensively, Spurs may look to add depth to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League and compete on four fronts.

The winter window could provide an opportunity to bring in experienced defenders who can cover multiple positions, with their over-reliance on star centre-back duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero a real cause for concern.

Ange Postecoglou suffered when either one of the pair were unavailable for large periods last season, and despite bringing in Kevin Danso earlier this year, it is believed that Spurs chiefs are considering another central defender signing in January.

The Lewis family’s fresh backing with new funds provides Spurs with the financial muscle to pursue top targets when the window reopens, and their investments could be seen as crucial steps in Tottenham’s long-term strategy to close the gap on England’s elite.

One of their first orders of business could be the permanent signing of midfielder Joao Palhinha, who’s been a revelation since joining Frank’s side on an initial loan from Bayern Munich in the summer.

Tottenham see themselves triggering Joao Palhinha buy option

The former Fulham star’s imperiousness in the engine room has seriously impressed both on-lookers and Frank, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that the noise surrounding Palhinha’s potential indefinite stay is “positive” right now.

The Portugal international’s loan deal includes an option to buy worth up to £26 million, and Tottenham can genuinely see themselves triggering Palhinha’s clause as things stand.

The 30-year-old has been an outstanding addition for Frank, quickly becoming a vital presence in midfield and forming a solid partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur.

His impact was felt almost immediately, with the ex-Sporting CP star’s combative style and energy providing Spurs with the steel and stability they desperately needed.

One of Palhinha’s standout performances came away to Man City, where he showcased his ability to break up play and disrupt one of the league’s most potent attacks. He got on the scoresheet too, as Spurs secured an impressive three points at Eastlands.

Palhinha’s remarkable overhead kick against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup was also a highlight-reel moment, but perhaps his most memorable contribution thus far was the dramatic last-minute equaliser against Wolves.

His sensational side-footed finish into the bottom corner earned Frank’s men a vital 1-1 draw and kept their early-season momentum alive, with Spurs fans already hoping to see him stay beyond 25/26.