The Sun

FORGOTTEN man Emerson Royal has spoken out amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Tottenham.

The Brazil star has been linked with an exit this summer after falling out of favour with Ange Postecoglou.

The 25-year-old defender made just 22 appearances - mainly from the bench - this term.

And now the Brazilian is lined up to leave North London this summer amid interest from AC Milan and Al-Nassr.

Speaking on his future at Tottenham, he told EPTV: "I've always made it clear. Every player likes to play. I'm very competitive.

"It bothers me a lot to be on the bench. I was upset and told the coach about it.

"But I've always been very professional. I've always been one of those who put the most intensity into training, but this situation doesn't work for me, so I don't know what my future will be.

"I'm not a player who sits on the bench. I want to play. If it's not here, I understand. But I want to go somewhere where I can play."

Last week, Milan made an offer for Royal but it was immediately rejected by Tottenham, who are looking for a fee of around £16m.

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According to reporter Ben Jacobs the full-back joining Milan "is a possibility" but Al-Nassr have also joined the race.

The Saudi Arabian club’s interest should enable Spurs to secure the price they are looking for, Jacobs reported.

Royal's lack of game time this season meant he was left out of Brazil's Copa America squad - which he hopes to return to next term.

He added: "We are talking. I want to play for the Brazilian national team, to play in a World Cup.

"In recent years I have always been called up, with Tite, with Diniz. But I understand that if you don't play for the club it is unlikely that you will play for the national team.

"So I have to look for new places or, if I stay at Tottenham, get a good offer to play. We will see what is best for me and for everyone else."

Tottenham signed Royal on a five-year deal for £25.8 million from Barcelona on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window.

But a number of injuries have plagued his time at Spurs and seen him replaced at right back by Pedro Porro.

Ndombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham's transfer record.

But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.

Richarlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane's back-up.

And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.

Johnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.

He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.

Romero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.

He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.

Maddison was handed Kane's No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.

But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness - managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England's final 26-man squad for the Euros.

Sanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.

But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.

Porro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.

He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.

Rapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.

His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou's best signing to date.

Sissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.

Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs' 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.

Lo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 - a deal that was made permanent the following season.

He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.

MANCHESTER UNITED, Chelsea and Tottenham are looking to immediately sign Rennes wonderkid Desire Doue.

Doue, 19, stood out last season with the Ligue 1 outfit as he amassed a total of four goals and five assists in 31 appearances in the French top flight.

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SunSport understand United, the Blues and Spurs have been embroiled in a major bidding war for the versatile winger's signature during the summer transfer window.

However, the Premier League trio are facing stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for the France Under-21 international.

Doue is a "top priority" for both Chelsea and Tottenham, who have already held talks with the player's camp as well as Rennes.

Negotiations are still "ongoing" between the Prem giants and the teenage sensation as well as his club.

Both London rivals are so keen on the Frenchman that they want a deal to be sealed by next week.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is especially big on the youngster, who has been named as part of France's squad for this summer's Olympics, and wants him to be his first signing of the window.

Meanwhile, United are also "hot" on Doue and continue to monitor his situation.

Doue has been with Rennes since 2011 when he joined the academy at the tender age of six years old.

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The forward made the second team in 2021 and was called up to the senior squad only a year later.

Doue is very versatile as he can cover a number of different positions on the pitch.

The France youth international can cover every position in midfield as well as both wings up front.

It’s no secret how much I enjoyed being here last season, so I’m delighted to officially become a Southampton player ahead of the new season.

The feeling of bringing this club back to the Premier League and playing in front of these fans week-in and week-out has been amazing.

To have the opportunity now to represent this club in the Premier League is really special and I can’t wait to get going and to see all the lads again.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

I'm not going to lie to you, I'm a massive Celtic fan so I love him and my whole family loves him.

He's also a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well. I've still got loads to learn because I'm only 18 so it's really important.

When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and Europa League this year I couldn't really say no.

I know so many players that are here, not so much the first team but the young lads and another thing is that it's a massive project under Ange and it's something that I want to be a part of.

Archie Gray

Well what can I say? What a journey it’s been. 17 years of my life devoted to this club and it’s been a pleasure. I’ve loved every minute of my time at this football club and created some memories & friendships I’ll never forget.

When we were relegated in the 22/23 season, I felt personally responsible for my part played in that. I made it my goal to ensure we got back to the Premier League within the first season, as I know how devastating a a position that can be for a club if it doesn’t happen.

I’m very proud of what we achieved together last season - creating memories of a lifetime for us all. But bigger than that, hopefully going some way to righting the wrongs of that relegation season.

The overwhelming amount of messages I’ve received in the past few days has honestly touched me and I thank each and every person for taking the time to do so, it means so much to me and my family.

I want to thank all of the team mates I’ve played with, the coaches that l’ve worked with and fans that l’ve grown with.

I’m glad I’m leaving the club with them in the Premier League, where they belong, and wish Leicester City all the best in the upcoming season and further on.

I’m one of your own, Leicester. But it’s time for me to go now…

Thanks for the ride. KDH

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

LEEDS UNITED have confirmed that Archie Gray joined Tottenham due a special release clause in his contract.

The 18-year-old completed a £30million move to North London on Tuesday, with centre-back Joe Rodon heading to Elland Road in exchange.

Gray was initially in talks to join Brentford, but negotiations broke down last week AFTER he completed a medical.

Spurs subsequently swooped in to hijack the move and managed to wrap it up within just a few days.

Leeds have since confirmed that Tottenham triggered a release clause that came into play following the club's failed promotion push.

An official statement read: "Leeds United can confirm Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the North London outfit met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt."

The statement continued: "Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.

"Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.

"Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism.

"He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home."

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Leeds qualified for the Championship Play-Offs by finishing third in the table.

They beat Norwich 4-0 across two legs in the semi-finals but lost out on a Premier League place following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.

Gray has signed a long-term contract with Spurs that will run until 2030.

He will wear the number 14 shirt and can also play as a right-back.

SOUTHAMPTON will back away from a deal for Jack Clarke because Sunderland want £18million.

Saints have been tracking the exciting 23-year-old left winger for months and fancy him for the Premier League.

But the valuation is putting the Prem new boys off.

And a big price tag may also be an obstacle for a move to land Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.

Saints are already looking at alternative stoppers.

Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham initially on loan in 2022.

But the winger's impressive performances led to a permanent move a few months later.

Since then the England youth international has amassed a total of 27 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances for the Black Cats.

Clarke impressed last season in the Championship with 15 goals and four assists in 42 appearances.

Sunderland finished 16th in the second division with 16 wins and 22 defeats in 46 matches.

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Southampton, on the other hand, returned to the Premier League only a year after their relegation.

Saints made it to the play-off final where they defeated Leeds 1-0 at Wembley.

Russel Martin's side returned to the top flight alongside Leicester and Ipswich.

CANNY Crystal Palace will keep a keen eye on Michael Olise’s Bayern Munich form — because they are due a 15 per cent sell-on if he moves.

The Frenchman, 22, has chosen the Bundesliga giants with a £50million fee expected. But any further big deals will see the Eagles cash in again.

Palace fancy free agent Ryan Sessegnon, too.

The former England youth international, 24, was released by Tottenham last month after playing just seven minutes last season.

He missed the first chunk of the campaign with a hamstring injury, before briefly returning in January.

Sessegnon came on during the latter stages of his side's 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley.

He then featured in an Under-21s match in a bid to build fitness, only to suffer another hamstring injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Upon his release, Sessegnon issued a heartfelt message to fans on social media.

He wrote: "Thank you, Spurs.

"I would like to thank everyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

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"I joined at 19, and have met some very special people along the way that have supported and guided me.

"From my team-mates, to the back-room staff, to my coaches - thank you!

"I've got memories and friends for life.

"From making my debut to scoring in the Champions League. I'll always cherish these moments.

"Unfortunately things didn't work out the way I or the club wanted during my time here.

"It broke my heart that I couldn't play more in front of you, a lot more.

"I want to wish you all the best for the future.

"Thank you. Sess."

Sessegnon joined Spurs from Fulham in the summer of 2019.

He went on to play just 57 times for the Lilywhites in five years, scoring three goals.

TOTTENHAM chief Ange Postecoglou sparked hysterics live on ITV - by suggesting Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko snubs a Premier League move this summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the RB Leipzig striker, who is celebrating Slovenia making history in reaching the last-16 at Euro 2024.

The Gunners remain frontrunners should the 21-year-old opt to move.

But Sesko has a reported £55.3million release clause and the latest expectation from Germany is that he will extend his Leipzig contract.

And when ITV discussed exciting footage of the hot prospect following England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Postecoglou delivered a verdict that had his fellow pundits bursting into laughter.

The straight-faced Aussie said: "I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it's a smart move for him to stay there for another year.

"I think there's still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure."

Presenter Mark Pougatch gleefully responded: "Is that the Tottenham manager saying it's a smart move not to go to Arsenal?"

Postecoglou quickly replied: "No comment, mate."

Cue great amusement from the studio's other experts - Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane."

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After holding Gareth Southgate's Three Lions to a stalemate, Sesko and Co launched the type of crazy rejoicing rarely seen by a team who had merely secured third place in their group.

But Slovenia's joy was understandable as it's the first time they have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament.

Sesko bagged 14 German top-flight goals for Leipzig in the domestic season just finished.

That placed him joint eighth overall in the Bundesliga - way behind 36-goal top man Harry Kane in his first campaign for Bayern Munich.

Second in the scoring table was Serhou Guirassy, who also looms large on Arsenal's summer wish-list.

Guirassy hit 28 goals in helping Stuttgart to a surprise runners-up spot.

And the Guinea ace, 28, has reportedly told his club he wants a transfer.

TOTTENHAM chief Ange Postecoglou sparked hysterics live on ITV - by suggesting Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko snubs a Premier League move this summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the RB Leipzig striker, who is celebrating Slovenia making history in reaching the last-16 at Euro 2024.

The Gunners remain frontrunners should the 21-year-old opt to move.

But Sesko has a reported £55.3million release clause and the latest expectation from Germany is that he will extend his Leipzig contract.

And when ITV discussed exciting footage of the hot prospect following England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Postecoglou delivered a verdict that had his fellow pundits bursting into laughter.

The straight-faced Aussie said: "I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it's a smart move for him to stay there for another year.

"I think there's still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure."

Presenter Mark Pougatch gleefully responded: "Is that the Tottenham manager saying it's a smart move not to go to Arsenal?"

Postecoglou quickly replied: "No comment, mate."

Cue great amusement from the studio's other experts - Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane."

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After holding Gareth Southgate's Three Lions to a stalemate, Sesko and Co launched the type of crazy rejoicing rarely seen by a team who had merely secured third place in their group.

But Slovenia's joy was understandable as it's the first time they have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament.

Sesko bagged 14 German top-flight goals for Leipzig in the domestic season just finished.

That placed him joint eighth overall in the Bundesliga - way behind 36-goal top man Harry Kane in his first campaign for Bayern Munich.

Second in the scoring table was Serhou Guirassy, who also looms large on Arsenal's summer wish-list.

Guirassy hit 28 goals in helping Stuttgart to a surprise runners-up spot.

And the Guinea ace, 28, has reportedly told his club he wants a transfer.

TOTTENHAM'S 2024-25 season away kit has been leaked and the first impressions are giving mixed reviews.

Fans even came up with a clever theory as the new strip looks very similar to a World Cup-winning sides shirt.

Earlier this month Spurs unveiled their home kit for next season with an updated look featuring a navy collar, sleeve and side panels on the Nike shirt.

But the away jersey has gone for a light blue vintage striped kit similar to what the Lilywhites repped back in the 80s.

A club statement said: "The kit is inspired by the iconic second shirts worn in the early 80s.

"The light blue stripes bring back a pattern that is synonymous with away kits from some of the most iconic eras in the club’s history.

"The club crest features in the centre of the jersey, providing a futuristic twist to a classic Nike design.

"The sleeves and neckline include a yellow and white tape which runs as a consistent theme through all of this season's jerseys."

But fans have likened the new kit to World Cup 2022 champs Argentina's iconic stripes.

Supporters eagerly anticipate that the good fortune of the South American nation will extend to Ange Postecoglou's squad next season.

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One fan said: "Tottenham really wants to win a trophy by making a Jersey of Argentina colour."

While another added: "They are trying to look like Argentina maybe then they’ll win a trophy."

However, some fans were not so keen on the vintage look and referred to the kit as "horrid" with "grandads PJs vibe".

But some fans were concerned about the price of the shirt which will set you back an eye-watering £125 for an elite shirt that replicates what the players wear.

For the stadium version, it will still cost you a hefty £85.

One fan tweeted: "Can it be EVEN more expensive?"

A second then added: "£300+ it would cost for a family of four, absolutely ridiculous."