Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski remains out, and there is fresh concern over Richarlison, who has a fresh hamstring issue, the extent of which is not clear. Tottenham need to make more signings, with attacking recruits vital if they want to make a run for Europe, now five points behind Manchester United in seventh.

One possible attacking signing is Manchester City star Omar Marmoush, who has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola for much of this season. Marmoush was the star of last season for City, arriving in the winter and scoring seven times in just 16 Premier League appearances.

But after City spent to bolster their squad in the summer, Marmoush has been limited to just 10 Premier League outings this season, starting only twice. Marmoush is now being tipped to go out on loan this month, with a big decision likely awaiting him when he returns from the African Cup of Nations, where he is representing Egypt.

According to reports in Turkiye, Marmoush has been offered to Galatasaray, while there is also interest from Tottenham and Villa. Haber Sarikirmizi has made the claim that the player’s agent has offered him to the Turkish giants. Elsewhere, journalist Cagatay Celik has added: “George Gardi has proposed Manchester City’s Egyptian footballer Omar Marmoush to Galatasaray. Aston Villa and Tottenham are interested in Marmoush, whose priority is to stay in England. The Egyptian footballer is only considering leaving Manchester City on loan”.

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Spurs could be a more logical choice

Tottenham could be the most logical choice if Marmoush does become available this month. City already know what the forward can do abroad, but they will likely want him to develop into a Premier League regular, and regular football in this country is a faster path to achieving that.

In terms of interest from Villa, the West Midlands club are potentially direct rivals for City, currently just goal difference below Pep Guardiola’s men, so that’s not a deal City are likely to sanction. Spurs will want to compete for European football, but they are not likely to be a threat to City, and that could make a deal realistic.

Marmoush is usually used as a striker but can also operate out wide, which will suit Spurs as they look to create competition in the striker roles, given the poor form of Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, while they also need options out wide amid injuries.

Guardiola on Marmoush

Speaking about Marmoush’s impact last season, Guardiola said: “Marmoush’s numbers are truly impressive; he arrived mid-season at a time when we were not doing well. Sometimes when you come in and everything is going well, it’s easy to adapt, but coming in when the team is not playing well is a significant achievement. When the team loves to possess the ball, he runs and understands the intensity of the game.”

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Guardiola has also spoken about the importance of Marmoush this season, but Erlin Haaland has been the first choice for much of the campaign.