Evening Standard

Spurs crisis finally easing with as many as six players potentially returning to Ange Postecoglou’s squad

Injury boosts: Ange Postecoglou is set to have a number of Tottenham players back in action against Manchester United

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham are set to welcome back goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after more than two months out with a fractured foot, with the Italian set to come straight into Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI to face Manchester United at the expense of Antonin Kinsky.

Left-back Destiny Udogie and playmaker James Maddison are also set to return to the Spurs squad but are more likely to be on the bench, while wingers Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert are also training but may not be ready to start.

Postecoglou has decisions to make at centre-back and in midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all competing for three positions in the middle of the park for Tottenham.

Gray could also play at the back, although January signing Kevin Danso and Ben Davies seem more likely to get the nod there.

Dejan Kulusevski could also start at No8 or on the right wing, with Postecoglou also needing to decide which of Heung-min Son and Mathys Tel lead the line.

Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Dominic Solanke (knee), Richarlison (calf) and Radu Dragusin (knee) are all still sidelined.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Son, Tel

Doubts: Johnson, Werner, Odobert

Injured: Van de Ven, Romero, Dragusin, Richarlison, Solanke

Time and date: 4:30pm GMT on Sunday February 16, 2025

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

How to watch: Sky Sports

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Manchester United’s visit to Tottenham on Sunday has not quite assumed the proportions of another 'El Sackico' - as their meeting in October 2021, which spelled the end for Nuno Espirito Santo, was dubbed - but both managers go into the game under a degree of pressure.

Nuno's latest successor in the Spurs dugout, Ange Postecoglou, made a passionate case for his own defence after his side crashed out of a second cup competition in four days at Aston Villa on Sunday, the Australian channelling the energy of a contestant from The Traitors pleading not to be banished at the round table.

"If you want to measure [the team] on anything...other than the extreme [injury] situation they're dealing with then I think your analysis is skewed and it's not objective. That's my opinion," said Postecoglou, who may as well have added, "and that's why I'm voting for yourself, Minah."

If Ruben Amorim, the United coach, was a Traitors contestant, he would be doing an awful job of remaining inconspicuous, having overseen seven defeats in 14 league games while making a succession of careless remarks, including describing his side as the worst team "maybe in the history of Manchester United".

Having started the season with bold ambitions to build on last term, both clubs have flirted with a descent into a full-scale relegation battle, with 13th-placed United directly above Spurs going into the lower-midtable six-pointer.

Neither Postecoglou nor Amorim are, though, widely considered to be the root cause of their clubs' demises, which instead come back to years of mismanagement at boardroom level.

Amorim gets a free pass, at least for this season, given the Glazers' wretched running of United, which has seemed to improve little since the arrival of part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while most Spurs fans blame Daniel Levy, the club's embattled chairman, for their current mess. A group of Spurs supporters plan to protest against the ownership before and after the United game.

Talking of careless remarks, Levy began Postecoglou's tenure by proudly telling fans, "We've got our Tottenham back" and, the way things are going, he is spot on - if he meant the Spurs of the late ’90s, who spent every Spring with nothing to hope for except an Arsenal collapse.

With that in mind, it is actually somewhat surprising that neither Levy's Spurs nor post-Ferguson United have had a season anything like as poor as this one before now.

In spite of Levy's risk-averse running of the club, Spurs have not finished below eighth since 2007-08 - ironically, the last season in which they won a trophy - and even that year followed two consecutive fifth-placed finishes.

As bonafide members of the so-called "big six", Spurs and United may have been chaotic but they have been insulated from truly dreadful campaigns by virtue of being able to attract and keep outstanding individuals.

Perhaps the lesson from this season for both clubs, then, is that those days have abruptly come to an end.

In the Premier League's new era of equality, underpinned by vast broadcast revenues and strict financial rules, the concept of a "big six" is surely dead; everyone from Bournemouth to Fulham can attract leading players and coaches, so only the best-run clubs, who remain ambitious and ahead of the curve, can expect to compete at the top end of the table.

There are reasons to think both Spurs and United should soon improve – the former when their injuries clear, and up to five players could return this week, the latter when the squad is used to Amorim's approach – but there no longer feels any guarantee that they will return to the upper echelons of the Premier League unless they are run with greater ambition, vision and care from the very top.

Premier League clubs already lining up moves for summer targets

Alex Young @ alexwsyoung2 hours ago

Transfer news LIVE!

The January window has been firmly shut for just over a week but that hasn't stopped the Premier League's biggest sides to start plotting their summer business. Arsenal are expected to wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi, considered one of two dream signings for Mikel Arteta, with Alexander Isak the other, and a move for Nico Williams is still viewed as possible.

Chelsea are keen on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and will also return to a former target with the Blues reportedly exploring a summer move for Ipswich star Liam Delap, who has impressed since his £20million move for Manchester City. Manchester United are also big fans, as Ruben Amorim scours the market for a proficient striker, along with Tottenham.

Spurs have also been linked with Moises Kean, who has an affordable release clause in his Fiorentina contract and is attracting admiring glances despite his past struggles at Everton. Arsenal have also been linked as their striker search continues, with the Gunners reportedly also keen on Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. Follow all the latest news, gossip and rumours below!

Latest transfer news and updates

Real Madrid to step up Trent Alexander-Arnold efforts

Real Madrid still have Trent Alexander-Arnold as their top transfer priority.

The Telegraph report that no agreement has yet been reached, despite Alexander-Arnold being able to negotiate as he enters the final months of his Liverpool contract.

However, Real are believed to be confident of securing the 26-year-old, even if Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to allow distractions as he targets another Premier League title with Liverpool.

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Arsenal favourites to land Nico Williams

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Nico Williams this summer.

That’s according to Spanish publication Fichajes, with it reported that Mikel Arteta continues to insist that the Gunners make a move for the winger, who has a £48m release clause.

It is claimed that Williams has decided he will leave Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season, and Arsenal believe they can beat Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City to his signature.

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Man City transfer priority

Manchester City must make a new goalkeeper part of their summer rebuild after Ederson’s Real Madrid nightmare, Jamie Carragher has warned.

Despite making a series of key saves earlier in the night, Ederson was at the heart of yet another late City implosion as Real came from 2-1 down to claim a 3-2 victory in the first-leg of the giants’ Champions League playoff clash.

Pep Guardiola’s men led until the 86th-minute, when Ederson’s poor kick out led to the visitors’s equaliser, scored by former City man Brahim Díaz.

Read the full story here!

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Arsenal make enquiry

Arsenal will continue to monitor Stoke City youngster Jaden Dixon after making an enquiry for the defender on transfer deadline day.

According to Football Insider, the Gunners are looking to fill the void left by Ayden Heaven’s move to Manchester United and have identified Dixon as a potential candidate.

The 17-year-old joined Stoke in 2023 after leaving Tottenham and has made six first-team appearances across all competitions this season.

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Arsenal make decision on free agent signing

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has sustained a torn hamstring, with reports suggesting he could miss the rest of the season.

This leaves the Gunners short of options in attack as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are currently sidelined at the moment.

Not signing a forward in the January transfer window is looking like a gamble that has backfired on Mikel Arteta and company.

Though, Arsenal could look at some free agents to help bolster the numbers.

However, that won’t be the case as TBR Football claim the north London outfit aren’t in the market to sign a free agent.

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Isak offer

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that while Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, Newcastle are planning to offer the striker a new contract.

“The other name, the dream target [for Arsenal], is Alexander Isak. But, obviously in this case, it all depends on the final Premier League table position for Newcastle – Champions League football or not,” Romano said.

“Newcastle plan to advance in talks to offer a new contract for Isak, but we have to see what’s gonna happen there because Arteta is in love with Isak, and Sesko is also very high on the list.”

REUTERS

Salah latest

Mohamed Salah is “closer to leaving Liverpool than staying”, says former teammate Dejan Lovren.

Salah, along with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is now into the final four months of his contract at Anfield.

Currently, the Egypt international is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with teams outside of England amid strong links to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Lovren, who is a close friend of Salah having spent three years together on Merseyside, has shared a rather worrying update with regards to the winger’s future.

"I think he is close to leaving. Right now I think he is closer to leaving than staying," Lovren told WinWin. "That’s what I know, that’s my feeling. I obviously hope that the situation changes.’

Read the full story here!

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Manchester United seal Quenda deal

Manchester United have already tied up their first deal of the summer transfer window.

According to A Bola, Geovany Quenda’s move to Old Trafford is considered a done deal for £50m.

The report states that no other clubs can enter the race for the talented Sporting CP youngster.

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Al Hilal make move for Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is able to talk to foreign clubs, with his Liverpool contract set to expire this summer.

While the Reds will no doubt hope they can keep their star man, teams in Saudi Arabia are keen.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Al Hilal have approached Liverpool to understand the very latest on Salah’s future, with the Saudi Pro League side keen on landing him before the Club World Cup this summer.

REUTERS

Man Utd still keen on Geovany Quenda

Manchester United were strongly linked with Sporting star Geovany Quenda during the summer but could not get a deal over the line.

That could change come the summer, however.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils remain on Quenda’s trail and could revisit their interest at the end of the season.

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His Majesty toured the 62,850-capacity ground in north London on Wednesday to celebrate the club’s charitable work

King Charles III is taught how to throw an American football by Phoebe Schecter and Efe Obada

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Robert Jobson2 minutes ago

The King has visited Tottenham Hotspur's £1 billion stadium where he was told he was "bigger than Beyonce".

His Majesty toured the 62,850-capacity ground in north London on Wednesday to celebrate the club’s charitable work.

King Charles “celebrated the positive socio-economic impact of the football club" including partnership with NFL and the local north London community.

Charles was given a huge cheer from flag-waving children in the stands as he emerged through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch.

And he had a crash course on throwing an American football before being given a ball from the Super Bowl LIX held in New Orleans on Sunday.

King Charles, 76, who is believed to be a Burnley fan, was welcomed to the state-of-the-art stadium by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

He met men’s and women’s captains Heung-Min Son and Bethany England in the players’ tunnel.

And the King chatted with British NFL player Efe Obada and captain of Team GB Women's Flag Football team and NFL Global Flag Ambassador Phoebe Schecter.

King Charles meets with Heung-Min Son and Bethany England

via REUTERS

In a friendly chat South Korean superstar striker Son, 32, told the King “we are playing Manchester United on Sunday”.

The King asked: “How is the team doing at the moment.”

Son replied: “Difficult moments, but working hard.”

The King replied that there were “a lot of good coaches”.

Stepping onto the pitch he was cheered by local school children who had been chanting “we want the King” before his arrival.

He watched a demonstration by young people involved in The Huddle Project, a programme launched in 2023 by Tottenham Hotspur, the NFL and Nike.

The dual sport programme for boys and girls aged 11-18, increases access to free football and NFL Flag game.

Good sport Charles was coaxed into trying his hand as a quarterback and threw a football at a net which had hoops as targets.

Although his effort fell short, gridiron star Obada, 32, who plays defensive end for the Washington Commanders in the NFL, hailed the King’s efforts.

Efe said: “I loved his energy, the fact that he came in here willing to get stuck in.

“His technique was immense. I wanted him to get a hoop, in the target, but he was just having a good time.

“We talked about the NFL and he's a fan. He’s going to watch the games.”

Afterwards, Charles was presented with a replica of Tottenham’s historic original golden cockerel statue and an American football from Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

King Charles III seemed to be having a ball during the visit

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Ledley King, club ambassador and playing legend, also met the King on the pitch.

He said afterwards: “It’s fantastic to have the King here. There is a lot of great work going on in the community and great to have him here at the stadium to see what goes on.

“It's much more than a football stadium, it reaches out to the wider community.

”We spoke about the difference between the NFL and football and how there is quite a few stoppages and now that I’m older it’s a lot easier for me with many stoppages.

“It’s a pleasure to meet him.”

Inside the stadium, Charles met community groups and local businesses that have benefitted from the opportunities provided by the new stadium.

This included students from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET) – a state-funded high achieving Sixth Form located on the stadium campus which prioritises local students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

He also met young people supported by The King’s Trust, a youth charity founded by His Majesty as Prince of Wales in 1976, who live and work in Tottenham.

This included young people who had taken part in The Trust’s “Get into Security” programme delivered with Tottenham Hotspur and are now employed at the stadium.

He met Gina Moffatt, 48, an ex-lag, who turned her life around with help from the King's Trust, formerly the Prince's Trust, and now runs a successful restaurant in Tottenham employing 15 full time staff.

She said to him: "I'm so excited that you're even back in Tottenham, this year's looking all good, Tottenham Hotspur's doing great stuff.”

The 48-year-old made Charles laugh when she said: "We've got Beyonce coming but you're bigger than Beyonce.”

Beyonce is performing six nights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in June.

Nial Thompson, 24, a caterer who secured help via the King's Trust, shook Charles's hand and said: "It helped me a lot, thank you so, so much."

King Charles replied: "We are all very proud of you."

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Enfield Council has approved Tottenham Hotspur's plans to fence off part of Whitewebbs Park to build a new training ground for their women’s team

Spurs star Bethany England has spoken out in support of the new training ground at Whitewebbs Park

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Jacob Phillips1 minute ago

Tottenham Hotspur have been granted permission to build a new training ground for their women’s team despite campaigners arguing the development will destroy a treasured park.

The football club has been given the green light to fence off a section of Whitewebbs Park in Enfield and build a new women’s academy, with 11 pitches and a new clubhouse.

The plans have been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” by Spurs striker Bethany England, insisting that the facility will allow the club to compete with the top women's teams, the Enfield Dispatch reported.

But campaigners and Tory councillors have insisted the decision will take away essential public space in the Green Belt.

Sean Wilkinson, who lives 15 minutes from the park and walks his dog there every day, told the Standard: “We are losing access to about half the open land in the park.

“This is public land. It was bought for the people of Enfield back in 1931. What Spurs are offering is doesn’t amount to very much.

“This is all for the benefit of Spurs.”

The north Londoner insisted that the “Spurs fortress of football” was going to destroy a beautiful park.

He continued: “It’s a very popular park. It’s space that is in short supply. The people who actually use the park are going to be barred from it.

“They are going to destroy a beautiful park.”

Spurs will build 11 football pitches as part of a new facility for their women’s team at a beloved park in Enfield

Enfield Council

The site is next door to the Spurs men's training ground and will restore around 23 hectares of historic parkland, council documents show.

The training complex will include a section that will preserve a woodland area and 2,000 trees will be planted at the site.

Campaigners have also insisted that the parkland will be “lost forever” and that around 1,000 people visit the site per week during the winter.

Objectors to the plans included The Woodland Trust, who raised concerns about the potential loss of ancient woodlands.

There were 296 objections sent to Enfield Council, with many comments about the loss of green space and the impact on wildlife in the area.

An 18-hole golf course at Whitewebbs Park shut down in 2021 and the 240-acre site was reclaimed by nature and rewilded.

The grasslands are now regularly enjoyed by the local community and last year 35 species of bees and wasps were counted at the site, as well as green woodpeckers, rabbits and grass snakes - campaigner Benny Hawksbee previously told the Standard.

The park is next door to Capel Manor College, where beavers were reintroduced to the capital for the first time in more than 400 years after being hunted to extinction - and have since enjoyed a baby boom.

Last year campaigners challenged Enfield Council in the High Court over the decision to lease a section of the park to Spurs but lost their case.

Seven Labour councillors voted in favour of the plans with four conservative councillors voting against it at an Enfield planning committee on Tuesday night.

A Spurs spokesperson told the Standard: “We are delighted that Enfield Council’s Planning Committee has voted to approve our proposals. This is a special site and one we know extremely well being based next door. Our proposals will secure its future with a green use and ensure it remains an open and inclusive place for local people to enjoy.

“We shall improve local access to nature and habitats, provide new facilities for visitors, community groups, and sports clubs, and put Enfield on the map as a champion of the Women’s and Girls’ game with a best-in-class Academy.

“We should like to thank all those who have engaged with us over the past few years and we shall now work with Enfield Council to conclude the necessary legal agreements. We shall of course continue to keep our local community updated on our next steps.”

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Change for Tottenham (CFT) have called on fans to "unite in a peaceful march against the board" along the High Road to the stadium, continue to protest inside the ground before kick-off and stage a sit-in in the South Stand after full-time.

Spurs are 14th in the table going into the league game with fellow crisis club United and crashed out of both domestic cups last week, leaving their season dependent on progress in the Europa League.

In a statement, CFT said: "As passionate supporters of Tottenham Hotspur, we believe it’s time for real change in how our football club is run.

"While our loyalty remains unwavering, we refuse to see it exploited."We want a club that prioritises footballing ambition over commercial interests, respects its traditions, and listens to its fans.

"We call for greater accountability in decision-making, investment in the squad that reflects our stature, and the fulfillment of promises made—including the long-overdue Bill Nicholson statue to honor the man who defined our values.

CFT wrote to the club in January with a number of questions on topics ranging from the club's transfer strategy to the atmosphere in the stadium, and requesting clarification on a range of issues, including the role of chief football officer, Scott Munn.

In a written response, seen by Standard Sport, Spurs said: "Scott oversees the administration of the Training Centre and is not involved in the recruitment of players – he is responsible for the optimisation of all departments, such as medical and sports science, to best support football.

"Daniel has never been involved in player recruitment. His role has always only ever been to conclude negotiations once the player has been identified and agreed by Johan [Lange, technical director] and the Head Coach.

"Improved performance on the pitch is paramount and we need to be unified and focus on support for our players – home and away."

Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs head coach, said last week that he has "failed in trying to unify the club" in the way that he hoped when he took the job in summer 2023, and that a change of dynamic between supporters and the board is "difficult" while Levy remains in charge.

"It's not that it can't happen, it just makes it more difficult," Postecoglou said ahead of the win over Brentford on February 2. "It's not an usual situation for me, I've faced it before at other clubs.

"Usually when you get things right on the field that gets everyone aligned again and focussed on what's important.

"I think even for the supporters themselves, they'd much rather come to the game and cheer their side on, feel good about their football team.

"Obviously they don't at the moment because of our form and league position, which is understandable. If that happens at any club, there's going to be some sort of dissension there. All I can do is my utmost to get the team back on track in the league and give our supporters the priority of just enjoying our football team."

Premier League clubs already lining up moves for summer targets

Alex Young @ alexwsyoung53 minutes ago

Transfer news LIVE!

The January window has been firmly shut for just over a week but that hasn't stopped the Premier League's biggest sides to start plotting their summer business. Arsenal are expected to wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi, considered one of two dream signings for Mikel Arteta, with Alexander Isak the other, and have now been tipped to reignite interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Chelsea will also return to a former target with the Blues reportedly exploring a summer move for Ipswich star Liam Delap, who has impressed since his £20million move for Manchester City. Manchester United are also big fans, as Ruben Amorim scours the market for a proficient striker, along with Tottenham.

Spurs have also been linked with Moises Kean, who has an affordable release clause in his Fiorentina contract and is attracting admiring glances despite his past struggles at Everton. Arsenal have also been linked as their striker search continues, with the Gunners reportedly also keen on Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. Follow all the latest news, gossip and rumours below!

Latest transfer news and updates

Chelsea complete deal for Dastan Satpaev

Chelsea have signed 16-year-old wonderkid Dastan Satpaev, with the Kazakhstani forward to join the Blues when he turns 18, reports Dom Smith.

Satpaev currently plays for reigning Kazakhstan Premier League champions FC Kairat Almaty.

Kairat have confirmed that Satpaev will head to Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal that includes the option of a further year once he turns 18, which is not until August 2026.

It comes after the teenager had a successful trial at Chelsea back in November.

Click here to read the full story

Isak deserves 'bigger and better' than Arsenal... like Liverpool or Man City

Paul Scholes says Alexander Isak deserves "bigger and better" than Arsenal.

The Gunners have long been linked with the Newcastle striker, who has at times been touted as Mikel Arteta's 'dream' signing.

Isak is expected to leave Newcastle in the future, and could command a fee in excess of the £105million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.

But Scholes believes the Sweden star is destined for greater things.

"Everyone loves him but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal," Scholes said on The Overlap. "He needs to go bigger and better.

"We’re talking about Real Madrid here, Liverpool need a centre forward. I think Arsenal would be an option but I think they would be down the list of options.”

Read more here!

Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Why Harry Kane to Arsenal move 'makes sense'

Harry Kane "suits Arsenal down to the ground", says Joe Cole, as the Tottenham legend is tipped to make a stunning move to the north London rivals.

“I can see the logic with Harry Kane joining Arsenal – stranger things have happened,” former Chelsea man Cole told Paddy Power.

“He’s gone to Germany, and he’s carried on where he left off. The man just oozes goals. For Arsenal, as a footballer, he would be the perfect last piece in the jigsaw – he suits them down to the ground.

“I can’t see it, however, there’s such a wrench between the two clubs. I think it would be too much for Harry. Sol Campbell joining Arsenal from Spurs was a bit different to this, but from a football perspective, it makes a lot of sense, because he is perfect for their style of football."

Read more here!

London Standard

Manchester United and Tottenham join Matheus Cunha race

Manchester United and Tottenham are both keeping tabs on Matheus Cunha after the Wolves star inserted a release clause into his new contract.

The Brazilian has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Wolves but reportedly remains open to leaving the club in the summer.

Cunha is said to be available for around £62million thanks to a release clause he insisted upon alongside his improved terms, which has prompted interest from both United and Spurs according to AS.

Arsenal remain longer-term admirers.

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Real Madrid ready world-record bid for William Saliba

Real Madrid have made Arsenal defender William Saliba a priority signing for the summer transfer window.

They plan on signing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer and then will launch a world-record bid for Saliba.

That’s according to RMC Sport, who report that while Saliba is not for sale, the Gunners may struggle to turn down bids in excess of £80m for the France star.

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Arsenal reignite Joan Garcia deal

Arsenal are expected to reach an agreement to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Football Insider claim that the Gunners will reignite their interest in the 23-year-old after failing to land the keeper last year.

It is hoped that Garcia would provide stiff competition to David Raya, after loan signing Neto proved a stop-gap option this season.

Garcia would join Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in early summer deals for Mikel Arteta.

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Manchester United and Chelsea in Liam Delap battle

Ipswich have found things difficult now they’re back in the Premier League but striker Liam Delap is certainly impressing.

Indeed, the former Manchester City youngster looks set to stay in the top flight regardless of what happens to the Tractor Boys.

According to Football Insider, both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen...

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Arsenal could make move for Moise Kean

Moise Kean endured a difficult time of things at Everton a few years ago now but has since rebuilt his career, starring at Fiorentina.

As such, perhaps a move back to the Premier League could be in the offing.

According to Tuttosport, Arsenal could make a move for the Italian international in a bid to answer their goalscoring woes.

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Flamengo exploring Casemiro deal

Casemiro could still make a mid-season move to Flamengo.

The midfielder has not started a match since December and it has been made clear that he is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Journalist Jorge Nicola reports that Flamengo are pushing to sign Casemiro, with Manchester United willing to loan him out and cover most of his salary.

The Brazilian transfer window does not close until February 28th.

Nick Potts/PA Wire

Chelsea pushing to make first summer signing

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Dario Essugo.

The 19-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting, and the Blues are lining up a summer move for the Portuguese teenager.

The Sun report that Chelsea are moving to wrap up a deal quickly, though Essugo is waiting for guarantees over first-team opportunities should he make the move.

AFP via Getty Images

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Tottenham crashed out of a second cup competition in the space of four days with a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth-round, which piled the pressure on head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Looking to respond to Thursday’s 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, Spurs trailed after 57 seconds when Jacob Ramsey’s fierce shot went through Antonin Kinsky.

Villa continued to look by far the more threatening and Morgan Rogers poked home a second goal just after the hour.

Full debutant Mathys Tel set up a tense finish with a well-taken volley in the first minute of stoppage-time but Villa held on to leave Spurs’ season hanging on the Europa League.

At fault for the opening goal when Ramsey’s shot went through him but afterwards kept the scoreline respectable with saves to deny Leon Bailey (twice), Morgan Rogers and Ramsey (twice).

Caught up the pitch in the first minute, giving Ramsey the freedom of the left to open the scoring and it nearly happened again on the hour. Made a couple of chances with low crosses and involved in the build-up to Tel’s goal.

Somehow missed from four yards out to sum up Spurs afternoon. Part of a defence left horribly exposed all afternoon and must be wondering what he signed up for.

Struggled with a physical Villa front line at times but left with little protection from Spurs’ midfield. Made an important late challenge on Marcus Rashford.

Showed some real intent going forward until the very end of the game. Caught up the pitch for Villa’s second goal.

Astonishingly ineffective at the base of midfield in the first half, as Villa walked through Spurs repeatedly.

Energetic but failed to make his presence felt and deservedly booked after one late tackle too many.

Looked jaded and below his best again but did release Moore in the first half and set up Spurs’ goal.

Made Spurs’ best chance of the first half with an inch-perfect cross for Son but struggled to impose himself on the game and was hooked at half-time again.

Took his goal superbly to strengthen his case for playing through the middle. But lost possession in the build up to Villa’s second goal and struggled to make any impact for most of the game.

Should have levelled the game but his safe shot was too close to Emi Martinez. It proved a costly miss.

Injuries are a clear issue with the squad but what’s on show on the pitch is alarming

Frustration: Ange Postecoglou

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham limped out of a second cup competition in the space of four days after Ange Postecoglou’s side were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth-round.

Aiming to respond to Thursday’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final decider, Spurs trailed inside a minute when Jacob Ramsey’s fierce effort squirmed through Antonin Kinsky’s hands.

Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead just after the hour but Spurs gave themselves a glimmer of hope when full debutant Mathys Tel halved the deficit in the first minute of stoppage-time.

Here are three Spurs talking points from the match….

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Dreadful week leaves Spurs fighting on one front

For weeks, Tottenham have been looking to this four-day stretch and the games against Liverpool and Aston Villa as the route to saving their season.

While Spurs remained in both domestic cups, it was possible to remain optimistic and defer judgement on their results, even as they plummeted down the table.

But Villa condemned Spurs to a second grim defeat this week after Thursday’s Carabao Cup thumping at Liverpool to leave their season hanging on the Europa League.

Win that competition and the campaign will have been a tremendous success but fail to do so and it will have to be considered a miserable failure, even by Spurs’ recent standards.

Naturally, the question is whether Postecoglou will get the chance to lead Spurs all the way in Europe after a rough week intensified the pressure on the head coach.

If Daniel Levy’s calculation was to ignore the league form and give Postecoglou the cups, the manager is in trouble.

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If, though, Levy has decided that Postecoglou deserves to be judged when his injury crisis has finally eased, the Australian should get the opportunity to benefit from a rare free week ahead of next weekend’s visit of Manchester United.

It felt significant that a section of the away end at Villa Park turned their frustrations on their team at points in the first half, booing loudly after Youri Tielemans had strolled forward and fired an effort just wide of the post and restoring to gallows humour for long periods.

They also, as usual, vented at Levy but it is not positive for Postecoglou that supporters appearing to be losing faith in his team, as well as the board.

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Woeful Spurs cannot blame injuries alone

Through the winter, there has been a huge caveat to Spurs’ dreadful form: their unprecedented injury crisis. The injuries are the biggest reason for Spurs’ slump but they cannot wholly explain their lack of conviction at Anfield, nor their performance for long periods here.

Villa could and really should have been out of sight by half-time, as Unai Emery’s side squandered a hatful of chances to add to their 58-second lead. Spurs’ midfield was utterly non-existent in the first 45 minutes, Villa beating the press with ease and practically strolling to the edge of Spurs’ box.

The final scoreline flattered Spurs, who had goalkeeper Kinsky to thank for a string of fine saves following his early mistake to gift Villa the lead.

Postecoglou’s front three, meanwhile, struggled to hold up the ball or link up effectively, although Tel took his goal well after switching with Son and moving up front – suggesting he might have been more effective if he had started at centre-forward.

There is no doubt that Postecoglou is desperately short of options (his one available attacker on the bench was Damola Ajayi, a 19-year-old with a few minutes of senior football to his name) and his available players are exhausted and low on confidence.

There is still a case, however, that Postecoglou should be getting more from his depleted squad. Injuries can explain their struggles to be effective in the press but not Spurs’ lack of shape and belief. These are among the issues that the manager must fix.

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Tel makes his mark

A well-taken goal for Tel on his full debut was a silver lining for Spurs and a boost for the teenager, who had otherwise struggled to make an impact on the game.

The Frenchman escaped his marker to cutely volley Dejan Kulusevski’s past Emi Martinez and give Spurs a glimmer of hope going into stoppage-time.

With Dominic Solanke still some way from fitness and Richarlison set for a spell on the sidelines, Spurs could do with Tel settling quickly and his goal will only help.

The loanee should now get a chance to start through the middle against United next weekend and he alone should go into the match with confidence.

Tel’s flicker was a reminder that Spurs, who started four teenagers, have a bright future, even if their present feels bleak.

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Spurs hope their injury woes will lessen this week

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Alex Young @ alexwsyoung2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Tottenham have lost another player to injury but this week could see a number return to training.

A damaging week saw Spurs crash out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup inside four days, leaving the Europa League as their only realistic chance of silverware.

Spurs are not back in European action until early March, by which time it is hoped their fitness woes would have significantly lessened.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Ange Postecoglou said: “We were hoping to get a couple back for this last week and it didn’t happen. We could have risked a couple but with what’s ahead we went conservative on that.

“We'll get three, maybe four, players back this week, with the possibility of one or two others in the week or two after that. “

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Tottenham injuries.

Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven made his long-awaited return from injury as Spurs beat Elfsborg 3-0 in the Europa League almost two weeks ago, but has not been seen since.

After the Brentford game, a 2-0 win just over a week ago, Postecoglou said the defender “does not feel ready for the step up to the Premier League, the intensity of it.”

There was hope Van de Ven would be able to face Aston Villa but was again ruled out, but Postecoglou opened the foor for the defender to face Manchester United.

He said on Friday: “We thought Micky was maybe a chance for the first hour [against Villa].”

Potential return date: Manchester United (h) on Sunday, February 16

Dominic Solanke

Star striker Dominic Solanke suffered a knee injury in January and was expected to miss around six weeks of action.

However, Postecoglou did recently hint the England international was not too far off a return.

Potential return date: Late February 2025

Richarlison

The striker was forced off against Liverpool and potentially faces weeks on the sidelined. Immediately after the 4-0 loss at Anfield, Postecoglou said of the injury: “It looks like his calf. It didn't look too good after the game.

Asked for an update on Friday morning, Postecoglou said: “[Richarlison] was emotional last night because he’d worked really hard to get back. It’s another setback. We’re going to have to deal with him and get him back.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Cristian Romero

Fellow star defender Cristian Romero is back in Tottenham training but Postecoglou insisted the club will not rush the Argentine back into action.

Before the Brentford game, the Spurs boss said: “Romero is a bit of a tricky one. We are not really sure yet. There is still some work he needs to do.

“It’s just a slower healer, and it is one we are looking at on a week-to-week basis.'

Potential return date: Unknown

Cristian Romero is back in Tottenham training

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Guglielmo Vicario

First choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario underwent ankle surgery back in November and hasn’t played since but Postecoglou did hint the Italian was among a group of players who could return later this month.

“They are all kind of around the same time, around 10 days time,” revealed the Spurs boss in late January.

It is hoped the goalkeeper will be able to return to training this week, though facing Manchester United may come too soon.

Potential return date: Ipswich (a) on Saturday, February 22

Radu Dragusin

Radu Dragusin went down with a knee injury during the Elfsborg game after having come on as a substitute for Van de Ven.

Postecoglou said Spurs were initially unsure about the severity of Dragusin’s injury, but it has now been confirmed that the Romanian defender’s season is over, after he suffered an ACL injury.

Potential return date: Unknown

Radu Dragusin suffered a knee injury playing for Tottenham against Elfsborg

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James Maddison

Another England star in James Maddison is dealing with a calf strain and is expected to miss around “two to three weeks” of action.

All being well, that could put him on course to return in either late February or early March.

Potential return date: March 2025

Destiny Udogie

Left-back Destiny Udogie suffered a hamstring injury against Wolves back in December.

Still, the Spurs boss did group the Italian in with a bunch of players who could return at some point in February.

“They are all kind of around the same time, around 10 days time,” said the Australian.

“We are talking about [Guglielmo] Vicario, [Brennan] Johnson, Destiny [Udogie], Wilson [Odobert], Timo [Werner].

Potential return date: February 2025

Brennan Johnson

Welsh international Brennan Johnson is among that clutch of players who could return in February.

Potential return date: February 2025

Timo Werner

As is the case with the two players above, Timo Werner could be back in action at some point in February. He has been removed for the club’s Europa League squad.

Potential return date: February 2025

Wilson Odobert

Summer signing Wilson Odobert required surgery on a hamstring injury back in November but is slated to return this month too.

Potential return date: February 2025

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