Evening Standard

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has said he was “starstruck” to meet Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer James Maddison.

The 36-year-old actor, who plays Ron Weasley in the fantasy film series, shared a clip of the pair meeting on social media, before watching the team he supports beat Ipswich Town 4-1 with singer Ed Sheeran, who supports and sponsors the Suffolk side.

In a video posted to Instagram, Grint tells Maddison: “I’m starstruck, how are you doing?”

To which Maddison, 28, replied: “I’m the starstruck one here, honestly I’m such a big Harry Potter fan, what did I say to you, I’m going to be the one who’s starstruck here.”

Showing Grint his Harry Potter tattoos, the midfielder continued: “There’s a few on there, one of the platform and Harry’s scar, that shows you how much of a fanboy I am.”

The pair shared a hug and later posed for a photo, as the actor told Maddison the tattoos were “so cool”.

During Saturday’s game Grint watched from the stands with Sheeran, whose Lego House music video he starred in, in 2011.

Maddison, who once played for Ipswich’s rivals Norwich City, posted an image of his tattoos on social media after the match.

In the image he is pointing at the Canary badge of the Norfolk-based team, who Ipswich have failed to beat in more than 15 years.

Spurs’ 4-1 win at Portman Road left Sheeran’s team five points adrift in the Premier League relegation zone, while the London side sit in 12th.

Grint is best known for appearing in all eight of the Harry Potter films, beginning with Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and concluding with Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).

City need key striker back after two toothless displays in his absence

Still a doubt: Erling Haaland did not play a minute against Real Madrid or Liverpool

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Matt Verri1 minute ago

Manchester City will hope to have Erling Haaland back for their trip to face Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Haaland was an unused substitute last week against Real Madrid and then left out of the squad completely for the defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, having failed to recover from a knee injury he picked up against Newcastle on February 15.

There is now a quick turnaround before City take on Spurs in midweek and Pep Guardiola is still in the dark as to whether Haaland will be available in north London.

"I don't know,” Guardiola said after the Liverpool match. “I would like to know but I don't know

“His knee - the moment against Newcastle moved the knee. Apparently he's not injured because the scans dictate that he's fine but he didn't feel fine.

"I have the feeling it will be soon because he trained yesterday and made some really good movements but he said he was not ready and we have to respect that.

“Hopefully he can be back for Spurs and the next games to help us."

Erling Haaland continues to struggle with a knee injury

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Phil Foden was used as a false nine against Liverpool but struggled, so Guardiola could be tempted to use Omar Marmoush as a striker this time if Haaland does miss out again.

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Tottenham injury update: Van de Ven, Romero and Solanke latest return dates

Man City injury update: Haaland, Stones and Bobb latest return dates

Maddison reveals Tuchel talks as Spurs resurgence boosts England hopes

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John Stones is facing a lengthy spell out with a thigh injury and could require surgery, while Manuel Akanji is set to be out for two months after going under the knife himself.

Ruben Dias came off the bench against Liverpool but is likely to start in north London, with Abdukodir Khusanov potentially the one to make way.

It was a quiet afternoon for Kevin De Bruyne, who could drop out of the side and be replaced by Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan.

Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Gundogan, Foden, Doku, Haalahd

Injured: Akanji, Stones, Rodri

Doubt: Haaland

Time and date: 7:30pm GMT on Wednesday, February 26

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports

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Spurs set for more important comebacks in weeks ahead as selection crisis continues to ease

Key duo: Tottenham will hope to have Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven back from injury in the next few weeks

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George Flood1 minute ago

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham’s long-running winter injury crisis continues to ease ahead of their midweek Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Spurs have been plagued by severe fitness problems for months amid a torrid run of form that left them sinking towards the relegation zone and out of both domestic cup competitions amid huge pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.

However, a number of key players have returned of late to help Tottenham make it three top-flight wins in a row after defeats of Brentford and Manchester United were followed by Saturday’s 4-1 rout of Ipswich at Portman Road.

While several important performers are still on the sidelines, Spurs seem optimistic of more key boosts in the weeks ahead as they look to rise up the league and keep their Europa League ambitions on track with a last-16 clash against AZ Alkmaar.

The first leg of that tie in the Netherlands comes a week after Tottenham host City, with more clear time to spend on the training pitch only set to bring more benefit. Here is the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates.

Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven has made just two Spurs appearances since October, pulling up with another hamstring injury against Chelsea in December before playing 45 minutes against Elfsborg in their final Europa League league phase fixture last month.

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Maddison reveals Tuchel talks as Spurs resurgence boosts England hopes

Pep Guardiola issues Erling Haaland injury update ahead of Tottenham trip

'Hysteria': Postecoglou insists Spurs relegation talk was 'ridiculous'

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Postecoglou has spoken of the need to be cautious with such an impressive athlete who at 23 has a huge career ahead of him, warning against rushing him back before he is completely ready.

The Tottenham boss said it was more now about the mechanics and ensuring that Van de Ven is better equipped to handle the effects of his athleticism in the future rather than the injury itself, stating before the win over Manchester United that it would be another two to three weeks of work.

Wednesday night’s visit of City will probably come just too soon for Van de Ven, but barring any setbacks he should be available for the first leg against Alkmaar, a club where he spent time as a youngster.

Potential return date: Thursday March 6, vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero joined fellow first-choice Tottenham centre-back Van de Ven as a long-term injury absentee, playing just three times since October himself, including in that ill-fated 4-3 defeat by Chelsea in early December.

Ahead of the United game, Postecoglou said the Argentine was also two to three weeks away, though added that Spurs were awaiting the result of another scan to make sure the injury had healed properly after admitting his recovery had taken longer than expected.

He then said before the win over Ipswich that the scan had gone well and that Romero was in a “good place”, which Tottenham fans will hope means he could also be back to face Alkmaar.

Potential return date: Thursday March 6, vs AZ Alkmaar (A)

Dominic Solanke

Along with the two aforementioned centre-backs, Tottenham’s other biggest absentee at the moment is striker Dominic Solanke, who has been missing since the north London derby loss at Arsenal on January 15 due to a knee issue that was expected to keep him out for around six weeks.

He was given the same “two-to-three week” prediction by Postecoglou ahead of the United win and his manager said before the Ipswich game that he wasn’t far behind Van de Ven and Romero in terms of hopefully being back around the time of that first leg in Alkmaar.

Potential return date: Thursday March 6, vs AZ Alkmaar (A) or Saturday March 9, vs Bournemouth (H)

Richarlison

It’s been a frustrating stop-start season due to injury for Richarlison, who picked up a calf issue during the heavy Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat at Liverpool earlier this month.

But Postecoglou has said that, like Solanke, the Brazilian is not far behind Van de Ven and Romero in terms of his latest recovery.

He seems like another player who could well be back in the mix around the time of that two-legged Alkmaar tie, which is sandwiched between a home meeting with Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Potential return date: Thursday March 6, vs AZ Alkmaar (A) or Saturday March 9, vs Bournemouth (H)

Timo Werner

RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner last played for Tottenham in the FA Cup win at non-league Tamworth on January 12, having sustained a hamstring injury.

Postecoglou said before the win over United that the former Chelsea forward was back in training and getting “pretty close” to being available, though he wasn’t included in the squad to face Ipswich.

Provided there have been no setbacks, Werner could presumably be in contention for a place on the bench when City come to town.

Potential return date: Wednesday February 26, vs Manchester City (H)

Radu Dragusin

The only player not expected back this season for Tottenham is defender Radu Dragusin, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Elfsborg and then underwent surgery. He will miss at least six months and seems likely to return in the early stages of next season, depending on his recovery progress.

Potential return date: Next season

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The window might be closed, but major deals are being lined up for the summer

Targets: Liam Delap and Florian Wirtz

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Jonathan Gorrie6 hours ago

Transfer news – LIVE!

With the season approaching its business end, attention is starting to turn towards the summer transfer window. Premier League leaders Liverpool were relatively quiet last summer but all that could change soon, with Arne Slot looking to build on what looks like being a hugely successful first season in charge. According to reports in Spain, the Reds are trying to beat Arsenal to the signing of Norway wonderkid, Sverre Nypan.

Manchester United and Chelsea, meanwhile, may be on the hunt for a new striker and could look to move for Ipswich forward Liam Delap, who has impressed despite a difficult season for the Tractor Boys.

Manchester City are also expected to be busy as they rebuild following a difficult season but may face a challenge when it comes to trying to land Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz. Follow all the news, gossip and rumours below!

Latest transfer news and updates

Man City hit Florian Wirtz stumbling block

Florian Wirtz was one of the major players in Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning Bundesliga title win last season.

The German continues to establish himself as one of the best players in Europe and has been linked with Manchester City as a result.

Still, according to GIVEMESPORT, Pep Guardiola’s side fear a deal may be difficult to do.

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Man Utd and Chelsea told Liam Delap price

Liam Delap has emerged as a huge success story for Ipswich this season, hitting double figures in the Premier League despite a tough season for the Tractor Boys.

As such, the England U21 international is being touted for big moves – with both Manchester United and Chelsea thought to be keen.

According to Football Insider, £40m could be enough to land him.

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Liverpool look to hijack Arsenal move for Sverre Nypan

There is huge excitement about Rosenborg youngster, Sverre Nypan.

The midfielder was linked with big moves back in January but ultimately stayed with his current club.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on a move this summer but, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are now attempting to beat the Gunners to his signature.

NTB/AFP via Getty Images

Man Utd make Victor Osimhen top transfer target

Back to Manchester United, who are said to be lining up a summer swoop for Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian striker has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with United, Chelsea and Arsenal all said to be eyeing a deal in January.

Osimhen is currently on loan from Napoli at Galatasaray, but will be expected to make a permanent transfer in the summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United have now identified the 26-year-old as their leading target for the next window despite risking losing out to Chelsea for Sporting Lisbon marksman Viktor Gyokeres.

They would apparently have to pay £63m and Osimhen would need to take a pay cut, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap a potential secondary option.

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Chelsea to rival Barcelona for Rafael Leao

Chelsea are interested in signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao, reports claim.

The Portuguese forward is expected to leave AC Milan in the summer and has no shortage of transfer suitors.

Barcelona are known to be admirers of Leao, but reports from AS cited by TEAMtalk claim that Chelsea are now ready to rival the LaLiga giants for his signature.

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Man Utd to go 'all out' to sign Tottenham star Son

The Spanish-based transfer rumours are certainly creating a fair amount of headlines today, with Heung-min Son also the subject of new speculation.

Manchester United are said to be willing to go “all out” to sign the influential Tottenham captain in the summer.

That is again according to Fichajes, who say that United will make a “significant offer” for Son at the end of the season.

The South Korean forward, 32, is under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2026 now after the club exercised their option for an automatic one-year extension last month.

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Arsenal 'receive major offer' for Declan Rice

Paris Saint-Germain may have tabled a huge offer for Arsenal star Declan Rice, according to very tentative transfer speculation from Spain.

Fichajes claim that PSG want to make the England midfielder their headline new summer addition at the Parc des Princes and have already made a massive bid of around €135m (£111m).

Rice cost Arsenal a club-record fee of £105m when he joined from London rivals West Ham in the summer of 2023 and is an absolutely instrumental part of the team under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners would surely not entertain the prospect of any sale for even a single moment, would they?

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Cunha addresses Arsenal and Man Utd transfer links

Matheus Cunha insists he did not consider leaving Wolves during the winter transfer window.

Cunha was heavily linked with a move away from Molineux in January amid reported interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

At one stage it appeared Cunha was leaving Wolves as reports claimed he performed a u-turn with regards to signing a new contract and informed the club of his intention to leave amid growing transfer interest in him.

Though, despite talk of Forest firming up their interest in Cunha by submitting a ‘club-record’ offer, no bids were officially lodged for the Brazilian.

Read the full story here!

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Liverpool to sell Darwin Nunez this summer

Darwin Nunez will leave Liverpool this summer.

That’s according to TeamTalk who claim the Uruguay international is set to be sold as the Reds look to raise money to fund a move for an elite-level striker.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Alexander Isak in recent weeks and reports claim it will take around £100m to get him out of Newcastle United.

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Man Utd ready to offer Marcus Rashford for Bayern star

Manchester United have begun to explore a swap deal with Bayern Munich which will see Marcus Rashford move to Germany and Aleksandar Pavlovic head the other way.

CaughtOffside report that United believe young midfielder Pavlovic would be a perfect fit for Ruben Amorim's system, but financial restrictions could see them bring the cost down by offering Rashford in exchange.

Rashford is currently on loan at Aston Villa, who can buy the player for £40million should they wish.

United are desperate to cash in and spend the money on a player they believe they could build their midfield around for years to come.

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Latest updatesOlder updates

James Maddison has revealed he has spoken to Thomas Tuchel ahead of the German naming his first England squad next month and reminded the new manager that few midfielders can match his numbers in front of goal this season.

It was Maddison's fifth assist in the Premier League this term, while he has also netted nine times. Cole Palmer is the only English midfielder to have outscored him, though three of the Chelsea talisman's goals have come from the penalty spot.

Maddison was overlooked by interim England head coach Lee Carsley during the autumn and last featured for his country in the pre-Euro 2024 warm-up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June – before he was the first player to be axed from Gareth Southgate's provisional squad.

Asked if he had spoken to Tuchel, Maddison said: "Yeah, he has touched base. I think he was reaching out to a lot of players who would be under selection, probably quite a big pool of players that the FA have identified.

"I'm hungry to be part of that, I feel like I'm in good form, my numbers are pretty good. There's not too many midfielders who can outscore and out-assist me, especially now when I'm feeling good as well, feeling sharp, I know I can affect most games.

"It's just about continuing to do that and like I always say, if I play at that level for Tottenham, then the rest will take care of itself because I have a really strong self-belief."

Maddison was sidelined for three weeks with a calf strain but scored the winner on his return to the side against Manchester United last weekend and helped to take the game away from Ipswich when he was introduced on the hour with Spurs leading 2-1 through Brennan Johnson's double.

"I left the ground running in Hoffenheim, I got a goal and an assist that night as well, so I feel good, I feel really good actually, I feel sharp," Maddison said.

"The injury was a bit annoying because it came at a time where I felt like I was playing pretty well, but it's always nice when you have a little injury and you're out for a few weeks and you come back and hit the ground running."

Maddison is one of a number of Spurs players to have returned to the squad in the last fortnight and the easing of their winter injury crisis has coincided with three straight league wins.

"You look at the names who were out as well, it wasn't bit-part players, it was strong players from the XI, senior players. So it was difficult.

"We've got a lot of young players having to take on great responsibility. When you're a senior player who's out – and I only had a small injury but I'm talking for the likes of Cuti Romero, Micky van de Ven, even [Guglielmo] Vicario was out for three months. It's tough for them seeing the young lads having to deal with it, without being able to help.

"That's the worst thing about football when you're injured. You're helpless, you can't help the team out there, you have to watch. It drives you insane.

"It's no coincidence... we've got some big key players back and some important talent back from injury, which always helps. It coincides with us winning three in a row, so we've got to kick on now and try and keep climbing the table again.

“It's the difference," he continued. "[Saturday's game] was 2-1, it was a tight game, everyone could see that, and at 60 minutes, me and Wilson [Odobert] come on, it just changed the dynamic of the game a little bit.

"Whereas rewind six weeks, we didn't have those options, we would have been starting, and there would have been kids on the bench, and there wouldn't have been any changes at 60.

"It's not rocket science, it doesn't have to be someone extremely intelligent to realise that that can really help, especially when a big team with the quality that we have to utilise that when teams like Ipswich, no disrespect, have less quality than us throughout the squad, that we can bring on players like myself, Wilson, if they're not in the XI, and really change the swing of the game.

"We're one of the teams in the league that can go on a winning streak, we showed it at the start of last season.

"We have the squad and the players to be able to do that. I think there'll be teams that are in and around the same position as us, mid-table-ish, that probably don't feel like they can, but our ceiling is quite high, especially when we have our senior players back, so we're capable of going on that run and bridging that gap, and that's what we're hungry to do."

Spurs up to 12th as Ipswich thrashing made it three successive Premier League wins to lift the mood

All smiles: Tottenham are finally gathering some momentum after a torrid run

AFP via Getty Images

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou says talk of Tottenham being dragged into a relegation battle was "hysteria" and believes his revitalised squad can push up the table after Saturday's 4-1 win over Ipswich.

Spurs scored twice in each half at Portman Road to make it three league wins on the bounce for the first time since December 2023 and climb to 12th.

Postecoglou was asked in January whether his struggling side were in danger of relegation after a run of one win in 11 matches but the Australian says the notion was always "ridiculous" and designed to pile more pressure on himself and the club.

"It goes to show you how ridiculous a notion it was to start with," said Postecoglou, when asked if Spurs could now breathe easily following the win over the Tractor Boys.

"People saying we're safe with 12 games to go, and people are actually talking about it. That's the hysteria. And that's all framed around putting pressure on me and the club.

"I get that, when you're in that position you've got to accept that. We always had the Villa FA Cup game as a marker for us. We've got to get to that space as best we could.

Read More

Spence shines in big Tottenham win full of positives for Postecoglou

Tottenham XI vs Ipswich: Starting lineup, confirmed team news today

Spurs player ratings: Johnson makes difference but Tel looks unsuited

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"We obviously didn't get the outcomes we wanted during that time. But not through a lack of will or effort from the players.

"That was always my primary concern, to protect them and support them, because they gave everything during that period. Now they've got some help, they've got some rest.

"We're not happy where we are in the league, obviously, it's unacceptable. But we've got an opportunity to address that."

Spurs had clear weeks ahead of the wins over Manchester United and Ipswich, while four players returned from injury against the Red Devils. Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson, who scored twice in the first half, were back in the XI in Suffolk.

"We've certainly benefited from having a couple of midweeks off for sure," Postecoglou continued. "That's coincided with getting a few players back. You saw today we were able to rest a couple of players in Pedro [Porro] and Madders [James Maddison]. I can make substitutions and the players coming on can make a difference.

"We're certainly in a good space of using these two weeks as well as we could to re-energise the team and I think it is. We've still got some significant players out. We've got [Dominic] Solanke, Richarlison, [Cristian] Romero, [Micky] van de Ven, Ben Davies, he's out today. They're all still to come back.

"I just feel like we've got a really good opportunity in these next 10 days to be well equipped for what's ahead. What's ahead is obviously Europe but also an opportunity to address our league position which is obviously not good enough."

Johnson twice finished from Heung-min Son crosses to put Spurs in control inside half an hour but Omari Hutchinson halved the deficit before the interval from Jack Clarke's cut-back.

Ipswich had a leveller from Luke Woolfenden ruled out for offside before Djed Spence's strike deflected off the substitute to restore Spurs' two-goal advantage.

Dejan Kulusevski scored a fourth on the break, and Postecoglou was full of praise for his players, including centre-backs Kevin Danso and Archie Gray.

"Sonny was unplayable in the first half," the head coach said. "So good to get Brennan back in those areas where he's always a threat. All four of our goals were quality goals. We had to do the hard things but the fruits of that labour was that our front-third play was super, exciting and clinical.

"Brennan's really good for us. We don't really have another front-third player like him. He just knows when to arrive at the right time. He's really clinical. It's just great to get him back and get him 60 minutes of football. He's missed a lot of football. I'm sure he'll feel good after today.

"[Kevin's] been great for us since he came in. He's really taken to the club, taken to the group of players, taken on the challenge. It's not easy when you're coming into a new club, and we're asking him to come in and almost be a senior member.

"We still had three teenagers out there starting today, and a fourth coming on. It's still a really young team. I think Kevin's been a super addition for us.

"[Archie's] handled everything thrown at him really well. I just felt today, we kind of knew, [Liam] Delap's a handful, I just felt putting Archie in, he's a right-sided player, putting him on the right side.

"Kevin's a bit more experienced. I wanted to see how Kevin handled the left-hand side. Because that's an area where we may need him during this run-in. And I thought both of them handled it well."

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Tottenham secured a third straight win in the Premier League for the first time in more than a year

At the double: Brennan Johnson struck twice in the first-half

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham beat struggling Ipswich 4-1 at Portman Road to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce for the first time since December 2023.

Brennan Johnson twice finished from Heung-min Son crosses to put Ange Postecoglou’s side 2-0 up inside 26 minutes.

Ipswich deservedly halved the deficit before the interval through Omari Hutchinson’s well-taken goal and had chances to level the game early in the second half.

But Djed Spence’s first Premier League goal restored the visitors two-goal cushion and Dejan Kulusevski scored on the break to add gloss to the scoreline.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at Portman Road…

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Made a smart stop to deny Liam Delap inside 30 seconds. Powerless to prevent Hutchinson’s cool finish.

Djed Spence 8

Composed and committed at both ends. Deserved his goal for his recent form.

Djed Spence continued his superb recent form

John Walton/PA Wire

Kevin Danso 8

Dispossessed by Kalvin Phillips for Ipswich’s goal. Otherwise played superbly and would surely have been better equipped to cope with Delap than Gray.

Read More

Tottenham XI vs Ipswich: Starting lineup, confirmed team news today

Postecoglou reveals Spence strategy as he challenges Tottenham star

Postecoglou reveals when Tottenham fans will see best of Odobert

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Archie Gray 7

Made the first goal with a brilliant raking pass for Son. Struggled with Delap’s directness in the first few minutes but grew into the game.

Destiny Udogie 6

Looked rusty on his first appearance in two months but put in some thumping challenges in the first half.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Made Spurs’ second goal with a line-breaking pass for Son and nearly scored himself after a fine run from midfield.

Lucas Bergvall 8

Combative and classy in the middle of the park. Carried the ball forward brilliantly at times.

Dejan Kulusevski 8

Took his goal superbly after a lung-busting late run to suggest he is getting back to his dominant early-season form.

Brennan Johnson 8

Returned to the side and made the difference with two well-taken, trademark goals. Had a chance for a hat-trick shortly before being replaced but Leif Davis got back to block.

Heung-min Son 8

Made both goals for Johnson with characteristic pieces of lively wing play, suggesting he is benefitting from the reduced schedule.

Mathys Tel 5

Struggled to make an impact against Ipswich’s physical back four. Continues to look unsuited to playing as a centre-forward in the Premier League – at least for the time being.

Mathys Tel endured a frustrating afternoon

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Subs

James Maddison (Johnson 65’) 8

Helped to take the game away from Ipswich. Made Spence’s goal with some lovely footwork.

Pedro Porro (Udogie 65’) 7

Given a much-needed rest from the start but helped to see out the game at right-back.

Wilson Odobert (Odobert 73’) 7

Produced another lively cameo from the left wing as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Dane Scarlett (Tel 73’) 7

Committed and won a brave header to create Kulusevski’s goal.

Yves Bissouma (Bergvall 85’) 6

Composed in the final five minutes plus stoppages, as Spurs cruised to victory.

Not used: Kinsky, Reguilon, Sarr, Moore.

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Injury situation at last improving to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s options

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

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

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou finally has options to choose from for today’s visit to struggling Ipswich.

With improving Manchester City visiting in midweek, the Spurs boss may pick an XI this afternoon with that tougher test in mind.

Destiny Udogie, who was an unused sub against the Red Devils, returns to the side as Djed Spence moves to his more natural position of right-back. That means Pedro Porro is rested after of the visit of City.

James Maddison will hope to keep his place in the starting lineup

Action Images via Reuters

James Maddison scored the winner against United but drops out today, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergval instead either side of Dejan Kulusevski. Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are on the bench.

Mathys Tel continues through the middle in the absence of Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

Micky van de Ven (fitness) and Cristian Romero (thigh) are not expected to be ready to feature, while Radu Dragusin is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Confirmed team news

Ipswich Town XI: Palmer, Godfrey, O'Shea, Greaves, Davis, Cajuste, Phillips, Philogene, Hutchinson, Clarke, Delap

Read More

Postecoglou reveals Spence strategy as he challenges Tottenham star

Postecoglou reveals when Tottenham fans will see best of Odobert

Postecoglou issues Romero injury update after Spurs order new scans

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Subs: Muric, Woolfenden, Johnson, Townsend, Morsy, Taylor, Szmodics, Hirst, Broadhead

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Gray, Udogie, Bergvall, Bentancur, Johnson, Kulusevski, Son, Tel

Subs: Kinsky, Reguilón, Porro, Bissouma, Maddison, Sarr, Odobert, Scarlett, Moore

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

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday, February 22, 2025

Venue: Portman Road

TV channel and live stream: Not available in the UK

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With improving Manchester City visiting in midweek, the Spurs boss may pick an XI this afternoon with that tougher test in mind.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario returned from injury for last weekend's scrappy 1-0 win over Man United and could be shielded by the same back four.

Destiny Udogie, who was an unused sub against the Red Devils, is pushing to return to the side but Djed Spence has been superb at left-back and picked up his second consecutive man-of-the-match award last Sunday.

Postecoglou has the option to move Spence to right-back, his more natural position, and rest Pedro Porro, which may be appealing ahead of City.

It is tricky to predict the Australian's midfield three at Portman Road, with seemingly little to choose between Spurs' available players.

James Maddison is likely to keep his place at No.10 after scoring the winner against United, and a pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall would offer a blend of energy and technical quality alongside the England playmaker.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are also available, however, while Postecoglou could choose to hand Archie Gray, 18, a first start in midfield after his impressive displays while deputising at centre-back.

Dejan Kulusevski is another option to drop to No.8, particularly as there is now real competition in the front three, with Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore and Timo Werner also vying for minutes.

Spurs captain Heung-min Son could even be rested this weekend to save him for City, but is more likely to be replaced in the second half, while Mathys Tel is set to continue through the middle in the absence of Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

Premier League giants already trying to clinch huge summer deals

George Flood4 hours ago

Transfer news LIVE!

Chelsea appear to be working hard to line up some huge summer transfers after a quiet January window. Liam Delap is being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, as is Viktor Gyokeres who could be available at a cut-price fee. The Blues are also rumoured to be leading the race for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi amid rival interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, while they are also keen on Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Arsenal are said to be plotting a massive move for Alexander Isak and are looking at Hugo Ekitike with Liverpool also interested, while they are also reported to be optimistic over a deal for Martin Zubimendi amid the latest links to the likes of long-term target Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Mateo Retegui and even Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool and Manchester City may both be targeting Jeremie Frimpong, with Manchester United reportedly having agreed to sign Geovany Quenda as they weigh up a deal for Victor Osimhen. Dusan Vlahovic and Wilson Isidor are now both said to be on Tottenham’s radar, with Angel Gomes and Tyler Dibling also wanted in the summer as West Ham eye Jonathan David and Georgiy Sudakov. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and updates

Newcastle consider £50m Semenyo move

Newcastle are considering a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

According to talkSPORT, the Magpies are ‘admirers’ of the 25-year-old who has scored seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Recent reports have valued Semenyo at around the £50m mark and Newcastle could face competition from ‘a number of top clubs' for Semenyo's signature.

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Man Utd ready to offer £82m for Araujo

Manchester United are ready to offer Barcelona a staggering €100 million (£82 million) for Ronald Araujo.

According to Fichajes, the defender has emerged as the club's leading target this summer as ruven Amorim looks to strengthen the heart of Man Utd’s defence.

Araujo did recently sign a new contract with Barcelona that run up until to 2031, but because of the club's ongoing financial difficulties, a deal could be possible.

That said, United's financial issues are well documented too so they may have to cash in on a few senior players before launching an offer.

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Chelsea eye Gyokeres deal

Chelsea have added Viktor Gyokeres to their striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Blues have been short in attack this season and are currently feeling the impact of an absent Nicolas Jackson as Christopher Nkunku has struggled to lead the line in recent weeks.

Liam Delap is said to be Chelsea’s number one target but GiveMeSport claim they are interested in signing Gyokeres.

The 26-year-old will apparently be available for a cut-price fee of €70m (£57m) this summer, despite the fact his Sporting CP contract reportedly includes a €100m (£82.7m) release clause.

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Man City set for summer overhaul

Manchester City are preparing to overhaul their squad at the end of the season.

It has been a miserable campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are a long way adrift in the Premier League and crashed out of the Champions League.

The Daily Mail report that a number of first-team stars could leave in the summer, as City look to refresh the squad.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva are said to be among those with uncertain futures.

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Arsenal plot huge Alexander Isak bid

Arsenal are plotting a summer bid for Alexander Isak, according to the latest reports.

The prolific Swedish international has long been on the transfer radar in north London and is enjoying a spectacular season at Newcastle, where he has scored 19 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions so far.

Recent reports have suggested that the Magpies are preparing a bumper new contract offer in an attempt to ward off interest in Isak, whose current deal at St James’ Park runs until 2028.

It has been claimed that a massive asking price potentially in excess of £150m would prevent any Arsenal deal for the 25-year-old, though CaughtOffside now report that they are planning a formal summer bid to take him to the Emirates Stadium.

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Liverpool rival Man City for Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool and Manchester City are both reported to be keen on a deal for Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutch international came through the youth ranks at the Etihad Stadium before leaving for Celtic in 2019 and has become a star at Bayer Leverkusen in recent years.

TEAMtalk claim that City and Liverpool are both interested in bringing Frimpong back to the Premier League.

What’s more, they crucially state that the 24-year-old wing-back has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leverkusen that they will listen to offers for his services in the summer even after a release clause worth £33m expired.

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Arsenal optimistic over sealing Martin Zubimendi deal

Arsenal remain optimistic over a summer deal for Martin Zubimendi, reports claim.

While the Gunners did not end up signing anyone in January, it was claimed that they had all but agreed to welcome former Liverpool target Zubimendi from Real Sociedad at the end of the season.

However, the deal has yet to be completed, leaving some nervous Arsenal fans to wonder if they could yet be gazumped over the Spanish international midfielder amid recent links to Real Madrid.

But according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are cautiously optimistic over signing Zubimendi after being in constant contact with his agents and agreed the broad framework of personal terms, but will have to pay more than his £51m release clause.

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Chelsea leading race to sign Marc Guehi

Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign Marc Guehi in the summer.

The Blues were heavily linked with the Crystal Palace captain in January, though could not pull off a deal having recalled defensive colleague Trevoh Chalobah early from his loan spell at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle had multiple bids to sign Guehi rebuffed last summer, while Tottenham also made a shock late swoop to sign the England centre-back last month.

But according to The Mirror, Chelsea are determined to secure the return of their former defender early in the summer.

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Arsenal battle Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike

A transfer battle looks to be brewing between Arsenal and Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike.

The French striker has successfully kick-started his stalled career in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt following a difficult spell at PSG, initially flourishing on loan before agreeing a permanent switch last summer.

Ekitike has 16 goals to his name so far this season and is attracting interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, according to Foot Mercato in France.

West Ham are also being linked with the 22-year-old, while other reports suggest that Newcastle want him as a replacement for long-term Arsenal target Alexander Isak.

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Neil Harris returns to Cambridge

Neil Harris has rejoined Cambridge as head coach with Mark Bonner also returning to the Abbey Stadium as director of football.

Harris spent just over two months in charge of Cambridge before starting a second spell at Millwall in February 2024, a position he left in December.

Cambridge sacked Garry Monk on Sunday and are currently bottom of Sky Bet League One, eight points from safety with 15 games left to play.

Cambridge majority owner Paul Barry told the club website: "Neil Harris is returning as head coach on a contract until June 2027.

"He made a significant impact at the club over a short period last season. He is a winner and his track record as a head coach speaks for itself.

"Clearly, Neil left us in a unique set of circumstances last season and we all feel there is unfinished business for him at Cambridge United."

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