Express

Ange Postecoglou has received an apology from ‘embarrassed’ Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens. The Tottenham manager was accused of making excuses for his side’s woeful form by Wellens on Saturday.

Orient share an excellent relationship with Spurs and Wellens admitted that he risked putting that in jeopardy. It came after the 44-year-old reacted to a 1-0 League One defeat against Stockport.

Wellens’ side have suffered from several injuries recently. Defenders Sean Clare and Omar Beckles have been particularly influential absentees.

But the Orient boss said afterwards: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse.”

The comment went down badly with Spurs fans on social media. Forward Jamie Donley and goalkeeper Josh Keeley are on loan with the third-tier side.

Later in the evening, Orient released a statement on behalf of Wellens, which read: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.

“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.

“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.

“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Postecoglou is under mounting pressure to improve Spurs’ results amid a sweeping injury crisis. The latest victim was Radu Dragusin in the 3-0 Europa League victory over Elfsborg on Thursday.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and sit only seven points above the relegation zone.

Postecoglou summed up the injury crisis on Friday as: "Every time I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it's usually been an oncoming train. We've had to deal with a real extreme situation, which unfortunately once we got hit with what we got hit with, it is then very hard to rectify on the run.

"We seem to be losing players as we get them back. We don't want to lose anyone else, but again, best laid plans. We obviously tried to shield Radu last night, because he had played a lot of football. He comes on and he gets injured.”

Aston Villa are expected to welcome Marcus Rashford on loan for the second half of the season.

But the Villans are also trying to sign former Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio in a separate temporary switch.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, PSG have accepted a loan offer for Asensio and the player will arrive in England today for a medical.

Unlike Rashford's move, there is no option for Villa to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku has been linked with an exit from Chelsea.

The Frenchman has struggled to win a regular place at Stamford Bridge, finding himself below Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order.

Man Utd have reportedly identified Nkunku as a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford.

A loan deal is said to have been discussed.

However, according to the Daily Mail, the 27-year-old would prefer a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge.

It remains unclear whether he will get his wish in the final two days of the transfer window.

Tottenham have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Kevin Danso from Lens.

A £21m agreement has been struck after Spurs hijacked the defender's switch to Wolves.

According to ESPN, Danso will sign a five-and-a-half-year deal in north London.

Ange Postecoglou has been desperate for defensive depth having seen Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven miss much of the campaign through injury.

There are also concerns that Radu Dragusin may miss an extended period.

Danso, 26, played 10 games for Southampton on loan in 2019-20.

Marcus Rashford will reportedly undergo a medical at Aston Villa today.

The forward is joining the Birmingham club on loan with a view to make the deal permanent in the summer.

In doing so, he will end his 20-year association with United and recent Old Trafford hell.

According to the Mirror, Rashford will undergo the required medical checks today but there remains difference in what both clubs are briefing.

United insist that the majority of Rashford's £315,000-per-week salary is being paid by Villa.

Villa, though, say that is not the case and that they would not go that far.

Man Utd will complete their signing of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce today, Express Sport understands.

The wing-back is set to become Ruben Amorim's first arrival in an initial £25m agreement.

Dorgu is understood to have flown to Manchester and completed a medical yesterday. The final touches of a deal for the 20-year-old are now set to be finalised.

Amorim has been desperate to sign attack-minded wing-backs and Dorgu certainly fits that mould.

It is a deal United expect to be announced today.

Tottenham are set to sign Lens centre-back Kevin Danso from under the noses of fellow Premier League side Wolves. The 26-year-old had reportedly been due at Molineux for a medical on a Sunday, having agreed personal terms with the club.

But that move has seemingly been scuppered just over 48 hours before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday night.

And now the Austrian international is expected to head to north London instead in a huge boost to Ange Postecoglou's squad.

According to the Telegraph, Danso has now agreed terms with Spurs and favours them over Wolves. That was despite the Midlands club launching a £16million bid last week before agreeing to a loan deal.

Coach Vitor Pereira is said to have been keen to make Danso his second January signing after Emmanuel Agbadou arrived from Reims for an initial £16 million. And the club appear to be shocked at the player's apparent change of heart.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the scheduled medical at Wolves has been cancelled with Spurs closing in on a deal with the Ligue 1 club. He wrote on social media that Daniel Levy and co had pulled off a "hijack."

Danso impressed for his country at Euro 2024 last summer, starting two of their four games. And he has previous Premier League experience, having played on loan for Southampton in the 2019/20 season.

He joined Lens from FC Augsburg the following year. And he's since gone to make 121 appearances for the French side, and has previously been linked with Roma.

Tottenham go to Brentford on Sunday, having struggled for centre-back cover this season. Teenage midfielder Archie Gray has been forced to fill in the unfamiliar role following injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Don't miss...

Liverpool 'lucky' in Bournemouth win as Arne Slot gives verdict on penalty [LATEST]

Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa agreed as Man Utd as key clause included in deal [LATEST]

Wolves boss drops Matheus Cunha to Arsenal transfer hint after Aston Villa win [LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Ven de Ven did return for the Europa League win over Elfsborg on Thursday, only for Postecoglou to be hit with another defensive blow. Radu Draguisin limped off during the clash with his Aussie manager admitting the club would have to wait to find out the extent of the problem.

The issue has seen Spurs linked with late moves in the window for the likes of Chelsea's of Axel Disasi. But it now appears that Danso will fill the void at the expense of Wolves.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the club's intent to bolster their ranks with an additional signing beyond Mathys Tel within the January window — nevertheless, there's a catch.

Amidst a challenging string of injuries that originated back in November, Spurs have brought in one new player this month.

Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky arrived right on cue, marking his start by keeping a clean sheet against Premier League leaders Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

But without any further additions since, Tottenham are eager to wrap up further deals before the looming Monday deadline, with Postecoglou stating during his press conference that details on the chase for Bayern Munich's whiz kid Tel are somewhat scarce to him.

"Not a great deal," the Spurs chief remarked when quizzed about potential updates on the youngster's move, adding: "I usually find out at the tail end of this stuff. We're exploring opportunities at the tail end of this window."

Additionally, a pivotal factor guiding Tottenham's transfer activity could hinge upon the severity of Radu Dragusin's injury sustained in the Europa League triumph over Elfsborg. The extent of the defender's knee issue remains uncertain.

"Still not sure," Postecoglou stated concerning the centre-back's condition. "We'll let it settle down and get more information over the weekend. He's obviously not available for this weekend."

"In terms of others, Djed Spence should be available for the weekend, Sergio Reguilon should be ok."

However, when probed about whether Dragusin's long-term injury might prompt Tottenham to dip back into the transfer market before Monday's deadline, Postecoglou said that the club is considering adding another player to their ranks.

This article first appeared on Football.London.

Tottenham Hotspur have been alerted to Mathys Tel's prowess by none other than Harry Kane as they aim to finalise a move for the youthful talent. Bayern Munich's young star has caught the eye of several Premier League outfits, including Manchester United and Aston Villa, with just a handful of days left until the January transfer window comes to a close on Monday.

The Frenchman has not scored yet this season and has struggled for game time at the Bundesliga heavyweights, tallying 13 appearances and being handed just two league starts. With Spurs in the midst of an injury predicament that sees five forwards sidelined, they've pounced on the 19-year-old.

Whilst Tel has yet to announce his next club, it's reported that Spurs have come to a verbal agreement for a transfer thought to be in the region of £50million - though Manchester United and other interested clubs could still hijack the deal. If things do progress smoothly, Spurs will secure a prospect highly rated by their own legendary figure, Kane, who shares the dressing room with Tel in Bayern.

The England skipper praised the youngster's attitude last term, saying: "He's started the season really well. I like the way he trains. He's always pushing himself and is fully committed. Every time he came in he made a difference and is very confident. We'll need all players," reports the Mirror.

Jamie Redknapp has revealed insights from a conversation with Kane regarding the forward. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Spurs skipper shared: "He's a very talented player, that's for sure. 19 years of age and Tottenham have obviously signed a lot of good young players in the last few years. That seems to be the profile of what they are trying to get.

"I messaged Harry Kane earlier on and he was very complimentary about him. First of all, he said he was a great guy; wants to work, good trainer, a good finisher and has a lot of potential."

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Tel himself has not shied away from revealing his admiration for Kane during his tenure in Germany, stating that he looks up to the striker as an exemplar. "He's a great striker. He has shown that across his career. I'm a striker too, so he's a role model for me," he expressed.

"It's important to have people to learn from technically and in terms of finishing. Often I don't even have to ask him. He just comes over to me and tells me: 'Mathys, you can do that, or that'. He's a role model to me, and he is helping me a lot."

Amid the ongoing rumours about Tel's future, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou remained tight-lipped following their Europa League victory over Elfsborg, which ended in a 3-0 win on Thursday. Postecoglou stated: "I can't tell you anything about Tel. I am focusing on getting the team ready [to face Brentford on Sunday]... other people are working in the background."

The youngster, who can up front or on the left wing, has registered 16 goals and seven assists from 83 matches for Bayern.

Dejan Kulusevski has admitted he doesn't see any harm in the Tottenham fans' chant about him and Daniel Levy.

Spurs supporters have made their opinions clear on Levy in recent weeks, with the north Londoners continuing to struggle in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou's side are winless in their previous seven league outings and while cup competitions have provided some respite, the pressure has started to mount on the Australian coach.

But Spurs fans have also directed plenty of anger in the direction of Levy, with "We want Levy out" ringing around the stadium during their recent defeat to Leicester City.

Another one of the ways they've decided to vent that frustration has been through a chant that goes: "We don't care about Levy, he don't care about me, all I care about is Kulusevski."

It's a clear pointed dig sent the way of the Tottenham fans, but when quizzed on his thoughts around the chant, Kulusevski kept a straight bat and toed the line with his response.

Speaking ahead of Thursday night's Europa League action, the Swedish international said: "I’m just playing football. If they see what I give, and they appreciate it, then I’m happy. That’s it."

Read more... Ange Postecoglou given clear verdict on Tottenham future with 'review' pending [LATEST]

While the debates around Spurs' ownership are likely to rumble on in the background, Postecoglou remains on thin ice after a shaky start to 2025.

The Tottenham board are still backing the ex-Celtic boss, as is Kulusevski himself, with the former Juventus ace stating: "I agree with him [on Postecoglou's style of play]. I think we can do big things in these last four months.

"Because we had games where we showed perfect football and football, not many teams can play in the world.

"We played beautiful against [Manchester] United, [Manchester] City away 4-0 and we're behind him."

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Postecoglou has shown no signs of backing down during Spurs' recent rut, even though Tottenham fans have expressed concerns about the trajectory of the club under his tutelage.

Addressing the anger, Postecoglou said: "My message would be to all Spurs fans because I represent them all not just the angry ones that you are referring to or maybe talking to. All Spurs fans, we are working hard to turn this around.

"Obviously we know the situation, notwithstanding the fact the possibilities and opportunities in the second half of this season are still very much in our hands to capitalise on and still make it a successful season."

Tottenham take on IF Elfsborg in the final league phase fixture of this year's Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham may bring in a new attacker after reportedly agreeing to loan 18-year-old winger Yang Min-hyeok to QPR. Spurs will be desperate to bolster their squad ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline after enduring a woeful run of form.

Tottenham suffered their 13th Premier League defeat of the campaign on Sunday when they threw away a lead in a 2-1 home defeat against Leicester.

Incredibly, the north London giants had accumulated more points after 10 games last season than they have managed in their first 23 league matches this time around.

According to football.london, Spurs will give Yang the opportunity to get experience of the pace and physical nature of the English game at Loftus Road and will complete the deal with QPR today (Wednesday).

And the report states that the transfer could indicate Spurs are confident of bringing in an attacker in the coming days.

Tottenham are currently missing a host of attacking players, with Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner all sidelined.

The injury crisis goes even deeper than the forward line, with key players including Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie also missing action in recent weeks.

Read more... Man Utd have dream welcome gift for Patrick Dorgu with £34m transfer 'agreed'

If Tottenham can bring in a new attacker before the deadline, it would give boss Ange Postecoglou a better chance of getting his team's season back on track.

The Australian has come under huge pressure in recent weeks due to his side’s woeful form, with Spurs falling to 15th in the Premier League table.

Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Ipswich genius Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David and Feyenoord ace Santiago Gimenez this month. But they would have to work quickly to tie up any of those deals, with the deadline fast approaching.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Tottenham signed Yang from South Korean club Gangwon FC in July, with the teenager arriving in north London just before Christmas.

The youngster bagged 12 goals and six assists in 36 matches for Gangwon this term ahead of his move to England. He was also called up to the South Korea squad last year, although he is yet to win his first cap for his country.

And ahead of his transfer to Spurs, the forward explained: “I am excited to be joining the club. It would be an honour to play with Son [Heung-min] and I would be grateful for that opportunity.

“I have pictured myself in that situation. I can't wait to get there and show people what I am capable of, and have a chance to play next to him in the same match.”

Ange Postecoglou was involved in a frosty exchange with a reporter following Tottenham's 3-2 defeat away to Spurs.

Tottenham remain marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League table, just eight points above the bottom three.

Spurs are yet to win a Premier League match this calendar year, with Everton having torn their backline to shreds during a chastening first half.

Strikes from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye saw Everton race to a 2-0 lead, with an Archie Gray own-goal adding salt to their wounds just before the break.

The capital club did at least bite back in the second half, but goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison came too little too late.

It's another disappointing result for Spurs and it was clear Postecoglou was feeling the heat in his post-match debrief.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Australian was asked if the loss against Everton was a "familiar story" - a reference to Tottenham's wretched form of late.

Unhappy with the interviewer's suggestion, Postecoglou responded: "Familiar story? Yeah okay. Great way to start an interview."

The ex-Celtic manager did go on to address the question, adding: "It was a tough result for us, obviously first half we struggled to get control of the game.

"[I] made some changes to the team that probably weren't helpful in the end. I had players struggling to come to terms with it. Everton capitalised on it. Second half, the players put in the right response. Yeah credit to them but we obviously fell short."

Read more... Postecoglou shares view on Spurs future as sack fears grow after Everton loss [LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Given Spurs' last league win came in mid-December, talk about Postecoglou's future has started to heat up in recent weeks.

But when quizzed by Sky Sports on his approach, the unwavering Aussie doubled down on his expansive style of play. He stated: "If you look at the situation we're in, it will eventually dissipate.

"I certainly hope and believe it will. We'll give ourselves the opportunity to get consistency in performance and results. I certainly haven't lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half that they haven't either."

Don't miss...

Tottenham player ratings vs Everton as trio score 3/10 and Postecoglou fails [READ]

Postecoglou shares view on Spurs future as sack fears grow after Everton loss [FOOTBALL]

Arsenal star Thomas Partey has message for Liverpool after Aston Villa setback [NEWS]

On Spurs' performance in general, he added: "We are pretty stretched. We literally had 11 players fit enough to start the game. We weren't in total control of our organisation and Everton capitalised on that and we paid the price for it. Radu [Dragusin] had to come off because of the deep cut and restructure.

"Second half we had the fair share of the game. We started strongly and I thought Richarlison made a difference and a presence and Mikey Moore gave us something on the left."

Spurs return to action against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Former Tottenham defender Eric Dier once claimed that Ange Postecoglou does no tactical training at Tottenham. The ex-England star briefly played under the Australian at Spurs before joining Bayern Munich in January 2024.

Postecoglou’s tactical approach has been scrutinised amid Spurs’ inconsistency this season. The North Londoners have at times been criticised for being too open, toothless in attack, and error-prone defensively.

Dier was a peripheral figure during his time playing for Postecoglou, making only four appearances during the first half of last season. However, he was present for training sessions and divulged that the 59-year-old barely works on tactics.

The 31-year-old then slightly contradicted that claim, though, insisting that Postecoglou works on “the way he wants to play” from Monday to Friday.

"Interestingly, he really doesn't do any tactical work (in training)," Dier told Gary Neville on The Overlap last April.

"What he does is, every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way that he wants to play.

"[Antonio] Conte, I could do it blind, but that was a lot of tactical work Monday to Friday, a lot of 10 versus zero, walkthroughs. You were so well drilled, it would be engrained in you."

Postecoglou was quick to shut down Dier’s claim, insisting that Spurs’ training focuses on the way they approach matches.

The Spurs head coach said a few days later: "It's probably something you'd have to ask Eric, I don't know what you mean by tactical work. Everything we do is geared on how we are going to play our football, so for me by extension is tactical work.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"Whether that's on us, or whether it's on the opposition. In fact I would probably say we don't do anything apart from tactical work.

"That's all we do every day. If we're working on our fitness, we're still trying to play our football.

"But I haven't seen the interview so I'm not sure what he's referencing. If you're talking about do we do training where we're standing around and working on how we're going to stop an opposition, how we're going to break down, no we don't do that.

"But I don't think that's the only kind of tactical work that exists. I think anyone who trains with us will tell you that all we do is train the way we play. Maybe that's not tactical work, I don't know!"

Tottenham Hotspur legend Garry Brooke, a two-time FA Cup winner with the club, has passed away aged 64 after a prolonged illness, Spurs have confirmed.

The club announced Brooke's passing on Saturday morning with a statement which read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Garry Brooke this morning, following a lengthy battle with illness. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time."

Brooke, who was a lifelong fan of Tottenham, made 101 appearances and scored 18 goals for the club before playing for various teams including Norwich, Groningen, Wimbledon, Stoke City, Brentford, Colchester United, Reading, and St Albans City.

Norwich City also honoured their ex-player, stating: "All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Garry Brooke after a battle with illness. We pass on our sincere condolences to Garry's loved ones at this sad time."

Brooke's former teammate at Tottenham, Ossie Ardiles, paid tribute on social media, saying: "Very very sad news. Gary was a wonderful player and even more a wonderful friend.

Don't miss... Declan Rice singles out two Tottenham players after Arsenal seal huge win

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"My thoughts and prayers with your family and friends. Very honoured to have played football with you and been your friend. Rest in peace dear Brooksy."

Born in Bethnal Green in 1960, Brooke joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1978. Before making his debut in the 1980-81 season, he had a loan spell with Swedish side GAIS.

His first season was a triumph as he helped Spurs to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City in a thrilling 3-2 final, coming off the bench to contribute. The subsequent year, Brooke repeated the feat, securing another FA Cup win for Spurs in the 1981-82 season, once again making an impact as a substitute in extra time.

This article originally appeared on the Mirror