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Spurs lost all four of their Premier League games in January and suffered a number of new injuries but Postecoglou dismissed the suggestion that he must be frustrated that Danso and Tel were not signed earlier in the window.

"That would be me saying, 'You know, the club didn't really care about our situation, they just twiddled their thumbs until the 29th and then went for it'.

"I know how hard people were working, I don't think people were actively working against me to get what I want done.

"January is generally but this one even more so. All you can ask of people, whether it's players, staff or people I work alongside is that they're doing everything in their power to achieve an outcome. If they're doing that, there's no point getting frustrated, you just have to have faith and trust we'll get the thing done."

Pushed again on whether the centre-half, 26, could have been targeted earlier in the month, he said: "There were certain other things at play for us and for Kevin to be honest.

"As much as you try to understand the pressing need, with all these things there has to be an agreement from three parties. We are not the only ones involved.

"For those three to get aligned and for it to happen really quickly is rare. I mean we got sort of lucky with Toni [Kinsky] because it was their off-season and we could work really quickly there, but most of the other deals got done in the last week.

"Look, it would have been great to get in Kevin early but I am really pleased to get him in.

"He’s a great guy and has already endeared himself to the group in terms of the kind of person he is. We still managed to get a couple of key results in the last couple of games, which really helps our season and now with him in there, it gives us a boost."

"It’s not so much that he rejected us or anyone else. Rightly so he was getting as much information as possible.

"More than anything I think he just wanted to be comfortable with the decision. The sense I get was he didn’t want to be pushed in a certain direction. I think it is credit to him that he took his time and spoke to the right people.

"I had a conversation with him and mine was purely about football. I think he will find a really great place for him in terms of where he is in his career.

"And I think the way we play would suit him and certainly with what we have in the next few months and more importantly what we are building beyond I thought it would be a perfect fit for his next step. At the same time I think it was right to take as long as he did and he was totally comfortable with it."

Ange Postecoglou likely faces a choice between Danso and Archie Gray alongside Ben Davies at centre-half after revealing that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are not fit enough to start at Anfield. Radu Dragusin is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Tel, who joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day, could come straight into the front three, although Postecoglou has tended to use Dejan Kulusevski on the right wing during big games and is unlikely to leave out either No9 Richarlison or captain Heung-min Son.

Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are jostling for three spots in midfield, with the Senegalese a possible impact sub again.

Tel and Danso are available to come straight into squad for Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield

Tel and Danso joined Spurs in the final week of the January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed new signings Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso are available to make their Tottenham debuts against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday.

Both Tel and Danso will come straight into the squad after their moves to Spurs in the final week of the January transfer window.

Centre-back Danso signed in a £20.9million deal from Lens last week, while Tel joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Danso is in the frame to start after Postecoglou confirmed Micky van de Ven has suffered a fresh injury and has been ruled out of the trip to Anfield, with Spurs 1-0 up from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Tel has joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to make the move permanent in the summer

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Spurs have just lost Radu Dragusin to a serious knee injury and are still without Cristian Romero.

Tel, who can play anywhere across the front three, has boosted the attacking options available to Spurs.

Postecoglou said: “Kevin [Danso] and Mathys [Tel] are both available, have trained and cleared to play, so they're all good.”

Asked whether Danso will start, Postecoglou said: “We'll see. There is another big game three days later. Whether he starts or comes on, we'll see.”

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Spurs needed to be decisive and brave in January but instead they appeared to be driven largely by opportunism

Spurs signed Tel on deadline day in a loan deal which includes an option of a £45.7m summer move

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago

In the end, Tottenham finally landed the "help" Ange Postecoglou so desperately wanted for his stretched squad, signing centre-half Kevin Danso and forward Mathys Tel in the final 36 hours of the window.

Tel is a major coup for Spurs, especially as the 19-year-old also attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea and his loan deal from Bayern Munich includes a buy option worth £45.7million at the end of the season.

The French forward is one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe and his arrival is in keeping with Spurs' policy of recruiting talented teenagers who can contribute now while potentially developing into superstars.

For Spurs, the structure of the deal is a win-win, with Tel providing depth for all three forward positions in Postecoglou's system for the remainder of the campaign, but the club not tied to an expensive deal if he struggles to settle in London or adapt to the Premier League.

Tel, 19, is one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe

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Danso, meanwhile, is a well-regarded Austria defender who is coming into his prime and should be a good fit for Postecoglou's system.

He will be in consideration to start Thursday's Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool after Spurs lined-up at Brentford on Sunday without a specialist centre-half.

It is, however, effectively one in, one out for Postecoglou at the back after Radu Dragusin was ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Spurs failed to land a second new defender before the Monday's 11pm deadline.

In a frantic scramble, they were knocked back by AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Chelsea's Axel Disasi, and failed in a significant bid worth up to £70m for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

It was obvious from long before the start of January that Spurs were in chronic need of defensive reinforcements, and had the club moved with greater urgency in the window - as they did a year ago, when Dragusin joined from Genoa on January 12 - they might have avoided an embarrassing and unsuccessful trolly dash.

In waiting so long to act, Postecoglou has been left to hope that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero get fit and stay fit in the second half of the season if Spurs are to avoid a continuation of the defensive selection crisis which has crippled them since the start of November.

The recoveries of both Van de Ven and Romero are proving anything but straightforward, however, so Spurs' failure to land another defender could hamper their chances of salvaging a rough season via the cup competitions.

There is also enormous pressure on Danso to hit the ground running for the biggest week of the club's season, with Spurs travelling to Anfield 1-0 up from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final before Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Villa.

Danso joined Spurs in a £20.9m deal from Lens

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Had Spurs moved for the 26-year-old (or another defender) sooner, he would have had time to bed-in for a pair of matches which feel potentially make-or-break to Spurs' campaign and perhaps even Postecoglou's tenure.

Spurs also signed promising young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky at the start of January and, in the fullness of time, this might come to look like an important window, particularly if Tel can be persuaded to sign a permanent six-year deal in the summer and begins to live up to his obvious potential.

In the here and now, though, the club needed more than a like-for-like replacement for Dragusin, a back-up goalkeeper and another promising young forward, who will likely need time to adjust, to give themselves the best chance of rescuing the campaign.

As Postecoglou has repeatedly pointed out during this bleak mid-winter, the club are still in with a chance of achieving "something special" and enjoying an historic season by winning one of the cups.

In the circumstances, the club needed to be decisive and brave in the transfer window but instead they appeared to be driven largely by opportunism.

If the toll on Spurs' injury-hit and jaded back line proves too much in the second half of the season, this January may come to feel like another opportunity squandered.

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Tel initially turned down a move to Spurs but a deal was agreed on deadline day

Team-mates: Mathys Tel played alongside Harry Kane at Bayern Munich

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Simon Collings @ sr_collings1 minute ago

Mathys Tel has revealed he spoke to Harry Kane before making his deadline day move from Bayern Munich to Tottenham.

Tel moved to Spurs on Monday in a dramatic late deal that sees him join Tottenham on loan for the rest of this season.

A deal for the 19-year-old forward had looked dead last week, but Tottenham were able to resurrect it on deadline day to provide head coach Ange Postecoglou with some much-needed attacking reinforcements.

Tel has now explained how former Tottenham striker Kane played his part as he spoke to him before deciding to join Spurs.

Kane is Tel’s team-mate at Bayern after leaving Tottenham to join them in 2023 and he told the teenager he would enjoy his time in north London if he made the move.

“He told me this is a big club with a lot of very good people,” said Tel. “The pitch is very nice. The training centre is very good.

“And if you go there, you can enjoy it. So everything was positive from Harry Kane.”

The arrival of Tel wrapped up a busy end to the transfer window for Tottenham, who also brought in Austria centre-back Kevin Danso.

Danso has joined on loan from French club Lens - but the deal will be made permanent at the end of the season.

“It feels amazing [to sign],” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play for a big club in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur is exactly that… I think as soon as you hear Tottenham Hotspur is interested, the only thing you can do is say yes.

“It’s just an amazing project to be a part of and I’m happy to be here. There’s opportunities to win trophies. I think that is every kid’s dream growing up — to win trophies at a Club like Tottenham Hotspur.”

Spurs have also announced the signings of 18-year-olds Dan Barry from Manchester City and Luca Furnell-Gill from Liverpool.

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The Frenchman joins from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and becomes Spurs' fourth signing of the January transfer window. He will wear the no11 shirt.

Tel will spend the rest of the season on loan with the north London outfit, who have an option to make the move permanent for around £45million, with a six-year deal on the table.

The 19-year-old made the switch to Germany in the summer of 2022 but has struggled for regular game time this season, starting just four times across all competitions.

Capable of operating on both flanks and through the middle, Tel will add depth and quality to Tottenham's attack.

Spurs have suffered a number of injuries across their forward line this term. Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert are currently due to injury, while Richarlison and Mikey Moore have spent time on the sidelines.

Tel initially rejected a move to Spurs after the club agreed a fee worth in the region of £50million with Bayern for a permanent transfer last week but the deal was revived on deadline day which allowed the teenager complete his medical and finalise terms.

The Grammy Award-winning star is heading to the UK this June

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Beyonce is coming to London

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Tina Campbell2 minutes ago

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Beyonce has confirmed that she will be bringing her Cowboy Carter and The Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour to London this summer.

The multi-hyphenate global superstar will perform four nights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London on June 5, 6, 10 and 12.

There will be a number of pre-sales with tickets going on general sale at 12pm on February 14 at Aloud.com.

Beyhive presale – 12pm on February 11 to 11am February 12, sign up here.

Mastercard presale – 12pm February 12 to 11am February 13. As the name suggests, this is for Mastercard cardholders.

Artist presale – February 13, 12pm-10pm. Sign up here before 8am ET (1pm GMT) on February 6.

Ticket prices have yet to be revealed, but the previous time Beyonce played the capital for her Renaissance era shows they ranged from £50-£170 for seated, standing Beehive and Club Renaissance fot £170, VIP Platform and Gold Circle were £140 and pitch standing came in at £95.

Hours earlier she had teased fans by uploading a poster listing several cities including London, but gave no dates, simply writing: “SHE COMING”.

The announcement comes fresh off of the Crazy In Love hit-maker securing three nods at this year’s Grammy Awards, including the coveted album of the year prize for her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter. She also secured best Country album and best country duo/group performance for II Most Wanted featuring Miley Cyrus.

Despite being the most nominated artist in Grammy history, Beyonce had never before won in the top category, with the gong evading her four times previously.

Just three women of colour have won album of the year before her, the last being Lauryn Hill 26 years ago.

Cowboy Carter marked Beyonce’s first country album and she was clearly shocked when her name was called after winning Best Country Album.

Despite becoming the first black woman to top Billboard's country music chart with the album's lead single Texas Hold Em' last year, she was snubbed at the Country Music Awards.

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All the latest on Deadline Day as Premier League clubs push to complete business

Matt Verri1 minute ago

Transfer news – LIVE!

It is deadline day in the January transfer window and a number of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are expected to be active. Manchester United are among the busier clubs around at the moment, with Marcus Rashford completing his loan to Aston Villa to finally end his first-team exile under Ruben Amorim. A new striker remains a priority for United, and it is reported that Liam Delap has emerged as a top target.

Arsenal are also being tipped with a move to sign a new forward, having seen a bid rejected for Villa star Ollie Watkins. Mathys Tel also remains a target, with the Gunners said to be battling United.

Tottenham are another club expected to be busy. Spurs have already signed Kevin Danso on loan from Lens but reportedly remain on the lookout for a new attacking player to join Ange Postecoglou’s squad. Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is said to be a big target on that front, as it Alejandro Garnacho. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s transfer blog!

Latest transfer news and updates

Jorginho to leave Arsenal as free agent

Jorginho will join Brazilian club Flamengo on a free transfer this summer.

The midfielder is out of contract at Arsenal at the end of the season and is therefore able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

ESPN report that deal has now been done, after Arsenal made it clear they would not let Jorginho leave in the current window.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Ward-Prowse to return to West Ham

West Ham are set to recall James Ward-Prowse from his loan at Nottingham Forest.

The Athletic report that a mutual agreement has been reached between the two clubs to cut short the loan.

The 30-year-old has made only five Premier League starts this season and will hope to have a greater impact under Graham Potter.

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Disasi could snub Spurs for Villa move

Axel Disasi’s future remains in the balance on deadline day.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have agreed terms with both Tottenham and Aston Villa for a loan move, and would prefer him to join Spurs.

However, Disasi is said to prefer a move to Aston Villa and is leaning towards rejecting Spurs’ approach.

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Chukwuemeka to join Dortmund on loan

Set to be a typically frantic day at Stamford Bridge.

Carney Chukwuemeka is among the players on the verge of leaving the club, after agreeing loan deal with Borussia Dortmund.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Bundesliga club will cover his salary in full, and have a buy option of more than £40m for the summer.

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Chilwell medical booked

Ben Chilwell is expected to complete a loan move to Crystal Palace today.

The Telegraph report that a medical has been booked for the Chelsea full-back, who will join the Eagles on loan until the end of the season.

Chilwell has not played a single minute in the Premier League for Enzo Maresca’s side and the Blues have been keen to offload him.

Zac Goodwin/PA Wire

Man United make Delap top target

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Liam Delap.

The Ipswich striker has impressed this season and according to The Mirror, United have decided he is their top target to help solve the club’s attacking woes.

However, the move could be hampered by Manchester City having a £29.5m buy-back clause, which they could activate just to then sell on for profit.

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Tottenham make Garnacho approach

Tottenham have enquired about a possible move for Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea were keen on the Manchester United winger earlier in the window, with it believed that he is available for £60m.

The Daily Mail report that Spurs have now turned to Garnacho after they were turned down by Tel, but it remains to be seen whether he is open to moving to the north London club.

Manchester United via Getty Images

Arsenal still in the race for Tel

It’s expected to be a busy Deadline Day as the January transfer window comes to an end!

The Independent report that Manchester United are struggling to agree a deal for Mathys Tel, as they continue to hold talks with Bayern Munich over whether a loan deal would have an obligation to buy or just an option.

That is said to have given Arsenal a boost, as they push to make a late move for the 19-year-old.

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Deadline Day talking points: Alejandro Garnacho a no go?

It has been a much quieter transfer window for Chelsea than in their recent past, but the Blues could still come back with an offer for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Napoli have also been rumoured suitors, but the likelihood of the 20-year-old leaving Amorim's squad seemed to drop after he was named in United's starting line-up for Sunday's 2-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace.

Manchester United via Getty Images

Man City in talks over Nico Gonzalez deal

Manchester City are in talks to sign Nico Gonzalez.

It has already been a very busy window for the reigning Premier League champions, who have brought in the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis as well as clinching agreements for Juma Bah and Christian McFarlane.

But they aren’t done yet, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that City are also pushing to sign Porto midfielder Gonzalez before the deadline.

He says discussions are ongoing between the clubs, with City wanting to negotiate a lower fee than his €60m release clause.

REUTERS

Latest updatesOlder updates

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Ange Postecoglou’s side get big morale boost before Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool

Djed Spence is set to come back into the Tottenham team for their Premier League trip to Brentford

Spence missed last weekend’s home defeat to Leicester and was ineligible for Thursday's Europa League win over Elfsborg.

He is likely to come in at left-back but he could also replace Pedro Porro on the opposite flank.

Micky van de Ven is not expected to play 90 minutes but should start again after returning from a hamstring injury, with Archie Gray likely to be needed next to the Dutchman after Radu Dragusin's injury.

Pape Matar Sarr could drop to the bench after labouring on Thursday, with Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall also competing for places in midfield.

Mikey Moore could return to the bench despite opening his Spurs account against Eflsborg, with Dejan Kulusevski expected to come back into the front three alongside Heung-min Son and Richarlison.

Moore is set to be joined on the bench by Dane Scarlett and Damola Ajayi, who also scored against Eflsborg.