Tottenham 'intensify' interest in star winger as Premier League rivals circle for major January transfer

Tottenham Hotspur are set to enter the January transfer market after a mixed start to their first campaign under Thomas Frank leaves Spurs marooned in the bottom half of the table.

Though just three points behind fifth, Spurs have received scrutiny from fans in recent weeks for performances, particularly in derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea, both of which they lost with supporters feeling they did not put up much of a fight.

The winter window, therefore, comes at a good time for Spurs, who will hope the right players are available on the market to help turn their season around. Having finished 17th and won the Europa League last year, fans are hoping for a simpler passage into the top five and once again the Champions League this season.

Having spent much of the early weeks of the season in the upper echelons of the table, the club will hope that their goals remain very much attainable.

Tottenham ‘prepared to pay what it takes’ for Semenyo

According to reports by Sky Sports, Tottenham are ‘intensifying’ their interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January window.

The 25-year-old is set to be one of the most in-demand faces to watch as his £65million (£60m plus £5m add-ons) release clause comes into play and attracts some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Spurs are said to want a left winger, and hope to get in front of competition for Semenyo. Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked and could show strong interest, while Arsenal have ‘kept an eye’ on the player but currently remain well-stocked in wide areas, particularly from the left. The fact that Semenyo can operate from either flank underlines his value.

Spurs are ‘ready to pay what is required’ to secure Semenyo, having been put off by Bournemouth’s huge demands in the summer. The Ghana international will be available to play in January as his nation did not qualify for AFCON, meaning Spurs will also avoid losing Mohammed Kudus during the winter.

Semenyo has already scored six league goals this season – though his last came on October 3 – and has attracted significant interest after his fast start for the Cherries.

‘Incredible after a tough week’ - Frank reacts after Newcastle draw

Frank reflected after Spurs’ late point in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Tuesday: “The mentality in the group and the character in the team, incredible today after a tough week, results not going our way, the fourth game in 10 days, third away game, going up against Newcastle, St. James' Park, difficult place to go to, suffered the first 25 minutes, which you need to be able to do here because it's a difficult place to go, then last 60 - I really liked that performance.

“I think we were brave, composed on the ball, I think we were a threat. Then, dealing with two setbacks, every good team needs to deal with setbacks and come back from that, and come back twice, I think it's exceptionally good because it's easy... not again... away from home, but that's just so much praise to the players, I think that was really promising.

“You really sense a little bit, I don't know, happiness? You always want to win, but end on a high, getting a good point on a tough day, with the last 60 minutes, many promising things, showing great courage and character, I think that's very promising.”