Tottenham prioritizes midfield in January over wide forwards

Tottenham Hotspur have deprioritised adding another wide forward in the January transfer window after exploring a move for Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas following Manchester City’s refusal to sell Savinho, with manager Thomas Frank now set to focus recruitment on central midfield. Sources close to the club and recent podcast analysis say the summer arrival of Xavi Simons, together with Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Richarlison, has eased pressure on the flanks and shifted the club’s midseason priorities.

Spurs pursued Savinho during the summer but were blocked by City, prompting the club to identify alternatives, including Vargas. The Swiss international, who joined Sevilla last winter and remains under contract until 2029, has drawn interest from several clubs and would command a substantial fee, reports said. Podcast commentary noted Vargas has impressed in La Liga this season, citing an early run of goals and assists, but that Tottenham are unlikely to press hard for him in January because of their existing depth on the wings.

Frank’s immediate recruitment focus is expected to be in midfield. Tottenham have been linked with Conor Gallagher as they seek a box-to-box presence,...