Tottenham have reportedly held initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star who’s becoming disenfranchised with life under Xabi Alonso, but it’s actually not the often linked Rodrygo or Arda Güler.

Spurs were linked with surprise summer move for Rodrygo

Thomas Frank’s side, ideally, wanted to bring in two new star wingers during the summer.

While Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani arrived at N17, with all three capable of playing out wide, Spurs were widely reported to be pursuing another forward towards the final days of the window.

Tottenham saw two bids rejected for Man City winger Savinho, and they were tipped to potentially go back in for the Brazilian in January (Dean Jones), until he decided to sign a new contract at Eastlands recently.

The former Girona star was a top personal transfer target for Frank, who believed he could be “huge” for Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, but all hope of signing Savinho in the near future has been quashed by the 21-year-old agreeing an extension until 2031.

With City’s rising star now off the table, it could be worth revisiting a potential bid for Rodrygo.

Tottenham were also linked with a move for the Real forward towards the back end of August, with reports in Spain claiming that Spurs made an approach for Rodrygo amid their pursuit of world-class attacking players (Mundo Deportivo).

Appearances

277

Goals

68

Assists

53

Bookings

11

Minutes played

16,358

The 24-year-old has started just one La Liga match under Xabi Alonso this season and was on the bench yet again for Real’s 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday.

With the 2026 World Cup looming and competition rife for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, Rodrygo may not be satisfied with his bit-part role for much longer — which could open the door for Tottenham to swoop.

There were suggestions in the summer that Real could be open to loaning Rodrygo out, and that would suit Tottenham down to the ground, as CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and the new-look Lilywhites boardroom maintain their plans to sign another wide player in January.

Tottenham are also reportedly targeting Guler, but given his newly-found prominence at the Bernabeu, a move for the Turkey international could prove very difficult.

However, as per a new report, Guler and Rodrygo aren’t the only Real players on Tottenham’s radar.

Tottenham hold "preliminary talks" over signing Federico Valverde

As per reports from Spain, £280,000-per-week Real midfielder Federico Valverde has emerged as a “priority” target for Lange and co.

Unlike Rodrygo, their vice-captain has been selected regularly by Alonso, with Valverde notching three assists from midfield already and playing a key role at times.

That being said, a Spanish media source reports that Valverde is being slowly left in the dark by Real’s new manager, who wants more disciplined midfielders to maintain control of the park.

Valverde struggled in their 5-2 derby loss to Atlético Madrid last weekend, and the Uruguayan is apparently losing some faith in the dressing room.

Lange could take full advantage of this, with the report claiming that Tottenham are “leading the way in preliminary talks” for Valverde despite interest from other top Premier League sides.

Real’s board are also split over selling Valverde, as some believe he could still have a role to play under Alonso, while others think it could be the right time to sell in January and reinvest the funds into more squad upgrades.

The 27-year-old, who boasts over 70 caps for the Uruguay national team, has racked up 32 goals and 34 assists from 331 appearances for the Whites, with Ancelotti previously calling Valverde the “most complete player” in world football.

“He never asks for anything,” Ancelotti said.

“That is his strength, and that’s why I believe he’s arguably the most complete player in football. He could even play as a center-back without any problem.”