GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham Hotspur slumped to their fifth defeat of the Premier League season prior to the international break, leaving them tenth in the table, and if Ange Postecoglou is unable to reverse the Lillywhites' fortunes, then the North London outfit should consider Ruud Van Nistelrooy as a potential replacement.

Goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap saw Ipswich take a commanding lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend, and Rodrigo Bentancur's second half header wasn't enough to turn things around, as Postecoglou's men were condemned to their most embarrassing loss thus far. The performance against the Tractor Boys encapsulated Spurs' season, bound by inconsistency and an inability to break down low blocks.

Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy left Manchester United this week, departing the north-west club as Ruben Amorim arrived to commence his tenure at Old Trafford. The Dutchman is now available on the market, and is evidently open to a managerial role, having applied for the Coventry City job.

Spurs Should Consider Van Nistelrooy

Postecoglou is under some pressure

Still just three points behind third-placed Chelsea, Spurs' season is far from over. The North Londoners are within touching distance of the coveted top four, and thus Postecoglou isn't under immediate pressure.

However, the Australian is certainly facing increasing scrutiny, and if results continue to spiral, then he could be given his marching orders. The former Celtic boss looked 'really down' after the defeat to Ipswich, suggesting that the team's struggles are certainly getting to him, and he may be feeling some pressure.

There's no doubt that the Tottenham hierarchy have some sort of succession plan in place for the scenario that Postecoglou isn't able to improve things. Van Nistelrooy, who impressed in his four-match cameo in the Old Trafford dugout, should be part of this succession planning.

Described as 'having everything' by BBC Sport's Stephen Kelly, the former PSV head coach is highly thought of, and reports suggesting the United squad wanted him to remain at the club under Amorim speaks to his popularity amongst players.

Aside from this recent praise, Van Nistelrooy led PSV to a KNVB-Cup triumph in 2023, demonstrating his clear managerial acumen. The Spurs job would certainly be a step-up, but he appears capable.

James Maddison’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur has become an intriguing one as the club gears up for the busy festive period.

Despite a good start to the season, Maddison’s role under manager Ange Postecoglou has recently diminished, partly due to the need for tactical changes in Tottenham’s midfield.

The shift in priorities, with a greater need for more work-rate and control, has seen Maddison fall down the pecking order with his playmaking style not always complementing Spurs’ approach when they are in tough moments. The result has been a less prominent role for Maddison, leading to some concerns growing about his future with the North London club.

Maddison 'Very Unlikely' to Leave Tottenham in January

He's been less favoured by Postecoglou in recent weeks

Maddison joined from Leicester City and has had some good spells in which he has been able to display his creativity and flair. His vision and technical skill seemed perfect for Postecoglou’s attack-minded philosophy yet, as the team has evolved, it has become clear that the style Maddison thrives in doesn’t always align with Tottenham’s most effective setup. Particularly in tough moments.

There is no indication yet that Maddison will be leaving Tottenham in the immediate future. Sources close to the club believe that a January transfer is very unlikely, giving Maddison a crucial opportunity to prove his worth as the season progresses.

After the international break, though, the period leading up to Christmas will be a key one for the midfielder. If he can demonstrate his value by contributing meaningfully in these games, he can secure a key role again in Tottenham’s long-term plans.

If not? There will be more serious doubt cast upon his future as we begin 2025. He is one of the club’s highest earners and at a time when they are being careful about bringing in new talent at that same wage level, he has to prove he is worth the outlay and fits into the system.

Maddison Will be Well Rested After International Break

Eyebrows will be raised if he doesn't start v Man City

In the coming weeks he needs a chance to show that he can adapt his style and make a positive impact within Postecoglou’s set up. Time will tell us which games he is trusted for.

Maddison started the recent Europa League game at Galatasaray but was on the bench for Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Ipswich. He was an unused sub for their recent Carabao Cup win over Manchester City, too.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: James Maddison has only played 14 minutes of Tottenham's previous two Premier League games.

Spurs’ next fixture is an away trip to the Etihad Stadium and if Maddison is not in the line-up, it may be time to start studying his role more closely - given he has not been on international duty during this break and will be well rested and in tune with any game plan being prepared.

Matches against Roma, Fulham and Bournemouth follow that City one. A telling time to discover just when Postecoglou looks to use him.

Tottenham Have Been Linked With Buonanotte and Grealish

Daniel Levy is favouring good value deals moving forward

Interestingly, too, Tottenham have recently been linked with Brighton’s young midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, which will fuel further speculation about Maddison’s future.

Though a deal for Buonanotte is far from certain, the connection hints at Tottenham’s interest in adding another attacking midfielder and would add doubt to Maddison's status within the squad.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Tottenham are planning to strengthen their midfield with a player who brings a complementary skill set to the team.

This winter, the midfield does not seem to be a priority. Tottenham are expected to target a defender and possibly a wide forward in January. However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is not planning to make any big-money signings, favouring good value deals instead.

Speculation about a move for Jack Grealish has been dismissed as unrealistic, given the club’s current approach to wages and transfer fees.

Their cautious spending policy suggests that any additions to Tottenham’s squad will need to fit both financially and tactically - and Maddison faces a test of how he is judged on both those fronts too.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are all interested in signing out of favour Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on loan, with the Blues open to allowing him to leave temporarily, according to the Daily Briefing.

Dewsbury-Hall, described as 'amazing', has endured a difficult start to life in West London since arriving from Leicester City in the summer, managing just three short cameos off the bench in the league, totalling a combined 46 minutes. Behind the likes of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku and João Félix in the pecking order, the creative midfielder has seen his minutes in other competitions diminish in recent weeks.

As a result of this lack of game-time, Chelsea are understood to be willing to sanction a loan move for the 26-year-old, so that he can revive his career, with a host of Premier League sides said to be interested in a potential deal. Spurs, Newcastle and Villa have emerged as three of the more likely suitors, with the trio of clubs all in the market for an additional playmaker.

Spurs, Newcastle and Villa Interested in Dewsbury-Hall

He needs more minutes

After scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists in 44 Championship appearances for Leicester under Enzo Maresca last season, Chelsea opted to fork out £30 million for Dewsbury-Hall's services. Likely expecting a prominent role at Stamford Bridge under the stewardship of the coach who had given him the platform to thrive in the East Midlands, the Englishman has certainly not been granted such responsibilities.

Not starting yet in the league, the Nottingham-born man has been limited to Europa Conference League and EFL Cup outings. However, hooked against Newcastle in the latter competition after just 56 minutes, and only given the second half against FC Noah in the former, even at this level, his role is being reduced.

Subsequently, the Daily Briefing report that Chelsea are pondering allowing Dewsbury-Hall to leave on loan. The Blues hope that during a potential spell away, he'll either showcase his talents to the extent that Maresca will start using him, or he'll put himself in the shop window, and the West Londoners are thus then able to reclaim their investment.

Tottenham want to sign another creative player to reduce the burden on out of form James Maddison, while Newcastle feel an additional central midfielder is required to aid their push for the top four. Meanwhile, Unai Emery is an admirer of Dewsbury-Hall, and wants greater depth so that his side can compete on multiple fronts.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero produced a below-par display during Argentina's loss to Paraguay, described as not having 'his usual solvency', and he was ultimately forced off with injury at half-time.

Lautaro Martínez gave the 2022 World Cup winners the lead early on in Asunción, tucking home neatly after being played through by Enzo Fernandez. However, Paraguay launched a comeback, as Antonio Sanabria's spectacular bicycle kick drew them level, before Omar Alderte's header shortly after the break proved to be the winner.

The result doesn't impact Argentina's position at the summit of the COMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifying group, with Lionel Scaloni's men still three points clear. However, it was a disappointing night all round for the Argentines, and Romero's meek performance and his injury set-back will be a concern for Spurs ahead of a crucial set of fixtures.

Romero Forced off at Half-Time

He'd been playing poorly

Joining Tottenham from Atalanta in the summer of 2022 for £42 million, Romero has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League since his arrival in North London, and has been described as 'outstanding'. Making over 100 appearances for the Lillywhites, the 26-year-old has become a pivotal figure at the back for Ange Postecoglou's men, forming an impressive partnership with Micky van de Ven.

Thus, news of a potential injury will be a worry for the Australian manager. Deployed alongside Nicolas Otamendi for Argentina last night in Paraguay, the Spurs man only lasted 45 minutes.

Criticised for his lack of aerial dominance in the game, Argentine outlet La Voz slammed the defender for his performance, whilst confirming the injury news, giving him a five out of ten in their player ratings:

"Like the entire defense, he had a hard time with the home team's aerial play. He is injured and came off in the ET."

Winning no tackles, just one aerial duel and making just one clearance, it certainly wasn't Romero's most assured outing. Attributing the player's ball watching as a cause for Paraguay's first goal, Clarin gave the former Atalanta man a four:

"He did not have his usual solvency. He was left standing in Paraguay's first goal."

Postecoglou will hope that the set-back is nothing serious, as he prepares his team for a trip to champions Manchester City after the break.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who has a £51 million release clause, according to Fichajes.

Kubo enjoyed an exceptional 2023/24 season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 24 La Liga starts, as La Real secured a Europa League spot. The Japanese wide man has begun the new campaign in a similarly rich vein of form, scoring three times in just nine league starts, prompting a host of clubs to monitor his situation.

Named by Japan teammate Wataru Endo as the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, the Reds' interest in the 23-year-old has been well documented. However, Fichajes have revealed that Spurs, as well as Bayern Munich, have joined the race to land Kubo, with Sociedad said to be only willing to sanction a departure for one of their star players if potential suitors meet the £51 million release clause.

Spurs Interested in Kubo

They need attacking reinforcements

Joining Barcelona's academy at the age of ten, Kubo spent time at Tokyo FC and Yokohoma F. Marinos before completing a switch to the Catalan giants' rivals Real Madrid in 2019. After several loan spells at various Spanish clubs, the Japan international finally settled in San Sebastián with Sociedad, signing for the Basque outfit in 2022.

Making over 100 appearances for La Real already, Kubo has enjoyed two productive campaigns in La Liga and could now be ready for a step-up to one of Europe's biggest clubs, having been compared to the legendary Lionel Messi.Liverpool's interest in the winger as a replacement for Salah has been well established, but Fichajes report that Tottenham are very much in the picture and ready to move for the player.

Ange Postecoglou is reportedly in the market for adding a direct wide man to his ranks, and wants a long-term solution to his team's right-sided issues. Dejan Kulusevski has demonstrated that he's more effective in a central role, while Brennan Johnson continues to display inconsistency.

Thus, the North Londoners believe Kubo could be the perfect option to take this mantle, and they're currently exploring the possibility of signing him. Sociedad are keen on extracting maximum value for the former Mallorca loanee, and won't settle for anything less than his £51 million release clause.

Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy are expecting Ange Postecoglou to return the club to the Champions League in the 2024/25 campaign, journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed.

Missing out on Europe’s prestigious club competition for a second year running would be seen as a ‘blow’ to the Australian’s long-term future in North London, with his contract set to run until the summer of 2027.

Postecoglou, who has spoken publicly about his desire to finally win a trophy for Spurs, is primarily expected to deliver Champions League qualification after failing to do so last season.

Tottenham are sitting 10th in the Premier League, having shockingly lost 2-1 at home to bottom-five strugglers Ipswich Town last weekend, with goals from Liam Delap and Sammie Szmodics making the difference for the visitors.

It was Spurs’ fifth loss of the new league campaign and second in a row across all competitions, having lost to Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Europa League last week.

However, Postecoglou’s side are well-placed to progress from the league phase to the knockout rounds, having won their first three matches and now sitting seventh in the table.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tottenham have scored 23 goals in 11 league games this season – more than any other team in the Premier League.

Postecoglou had a much stronger start to his first season at Spurs in 2023/24, going unbeaten in his first 10 Premier League matches and leading the table in October.

However, the Australian tactician won only 12 of the next 28 league matches, falling short of a top-four finish and finishing his debut season in North London in fifth place.

While questions over his future at Tottenham have already resurfaced, signs currently suggest he is under no imminent danger of losing his job, despite growing frustration around the club with recent results.

Spurs return to action following the international break with a league clash against Manchester City on 23 November, before taking on Roma in the Europa League five days later.

Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to trigger a one-year extension clause in Son Heung-min's contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season, Fabrizio Romano has reported.

The Lilywhites are said to be prepared to address the situation of their captain’s expiring agreement imminently and are willing to secure his future at the club for at least the next 18 months.

The 32-year-old, who joined the club in 2015, has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal, having last signed fresh terms back in July 2021.

According to Romano, Spurs are already in the process of triggering a one-year contract extension to Son’s agreement, with no updates on a brand-new deal yet:

“I have something to say about Heung-min Son, a top player of Tottenham Hotspur. It's important to say that, according to my information, Tottenham are prepared to take the option to extend the contract of Son.

“So if you check on Son, on all the websites, for example, Transfermarkt, you can see that his contract is expiring in the summer of 2025.

“But Tottenham have an option, have a clause in the contract to extend the deal for one more season, 25/26, and they are in the process, from what I'm hearing, of extending this contract for one more year.”

Son is coming off his second-best Premier League season in 2023/24, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists in the wake of Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich.

The South Korean’s efforts saw Tottenham finish fifth in the Premier League and narrowly miss out on Champions League football.

Playing under his eighth different manager in North London, Ange Postecoglou, Son had a somewhat slow start to the 2024/25 campaign, dealing with multiple injury problems last month.

The 'world-class' 32-year-old still managed to be productive for Spurs, scoring three and assisting three in his first eight appearances in the league.

Aside from Son, the Lilywhites will have several contract decisions to make in early 2025, with Sergio Reguilon, Ben Davies, Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman’s deals all expiring at the end of the season.

Spurs will also be presented with a chance to trigger an option to buy Timo Werner permanently, however, at the moment, all signs are leading to his departure.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, who is currently on loan at Leicester City, but the Seagulls are insistent that the player isn't up for sale, according to TBR Football.

Buonanotte has impressed so far this season for the Foxes, scoring three goals and providing two assists in ten Premier League appearances, and has subsequently been named as one of the most improved players in the division. This form has alerted several top clubs throughout Europe, including the aforementioned Spurs, as well as German sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, and Serie A champions Inter Milan.

However, Brighton have no interest in allowing the Argentine to leave the Amex, and have already made plans for him to re-integrate back into Fabian Hurzeler's team when he returns at the end of his temporary stint in the Midlands. Having said that, given the south coast outfit's track record of selling players for substantial fees, Spurs could look to test Tony Bloom's resolve on Buonanotte, as the North Londoners look for a solution to their creative issues.

Spurs Interested in Buonanotte

Brighton will be stubborn over him

Leaving his home nation in January 2023 for Brighton, Buonanotte has been limited to a largely sporadic squad role in his time on the south coast. Starting just 23 league games in his first 18 months at the Amex, the Argentina international left for Leicester on loan in the summer, in the hope of playing more regularly and thus continuing his gradual development.

Nominated as Steve Cooper's side's chief creative force, the 19-year-old has produced some accomplished attacking displays in a Foxes shirt, and has been described as a 'certified gem'. Second only to Jamie Vardy in Leicester's goal-scoring charts so far this season, the playmaker, who Gary Lineker believes 'has got something', has caught the eye of Tottenham.

TBR Football report that Brighton believe in Buonanotte's potential, and that they want him to be a prominent part of Hurzeler's plans heading into the future. However, the emergence of Spurs as a potential suitor could perhaps tempt the Seagulls to cash in, if they can extract a significant free from the Lillywhites.

Ange Postecoglou is said to be keen on acquiring a creative midfielder, due to James Maddison's recent poor form, and has identified Buonanotte as a potential option.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is ‘desperate’ not to be seen as ‘an Australian caricature’ in England, says journalist Sam Matterface.

The Lilywhites tactician has endured an up-and-down start to his second season in North London, winning only five of his opening 11 games in the Premier League.

Last weekend’s shocking 2-1 loss at home to Ipswich Town has only deepened the scrutiny on Postecoglou, whose side dropped to 10th in the table before the international break.

Amid a tumultuous start, the Australian tactician’s mood in the press conferences has definitely changed, and now Matterface has explained the reasoning behind that.

Speaking on the Premier League All Access podcast, he revealed that Postecoglou is keen to avoid adopting the playful character and being seen as ‘an Australian caricature’:

“What I've been told is, is that he's so desperate not to be seen as sort of an Australian caricature.

“He doesn't want to be Jesse Marsch 2, he doesn't want people to throw the sort of Australian Ted Lasso thing at him.

“So he tries to sort of not be the playful, happy character and tries to be serious, that's what I’ve been told.

“It doesn't come across very well. And Mark Scott of Match of the Day has had two rather difficult exchanges with him in a couple of weeks. I know Crook and I have both had interesting exchanges with him as well over the last year.”

Postecoglou, who signed a four-year contract with Tottenham in the summer of 2023, had a strong start to his first season, going unbeaten in his first 10 Premier League matches and leading the table in October.

However, he won only 12 of the next 28 league matches in 2023/24, falling short of a top-four finish and finishing his debut season in North London in fifth place.

This season’s beginning has also been rocky, and now questions over Postecoglou’s long-term future at Spurs have resurfaced, with the club sitting in the middle of the table after almost a third of the campaign has passed.

However, signs currently suggest the Australian is under no imminent danger of losing his job in England, despite those around the club growing frustrated with recent results.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is set to miss seven games due to suspension, according to insider Paul O Keefe.

Bentancur was charged by the FA back in September after allegedly using a racial slut about Tottenham team-mate Heung-min Son. The FA confirmed that Bentancur has been charged with an 'alleged breach of FA rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview'.

The South American star has been playing for Spurs since the incident as he awaits his punishment, and according to insider O Keefe, it looks as though Bentancur will be banned for seven games...

"Rodrigo Bentancur will be hit with a domestic ban of 7 games by The FA."

Bentancur's ban could last until the end of 2024 based on the fixtures currently scheduled until then. The Uruguayan featured for Tottenham against Ipswich at the weekend, scoring in the defeat, but that could be his last game for the club for over a month.

MailOnline's Sami Mokbel later also reported the news, again suggesting that it is likely to be a seven-game ban for Bentancur. The respected reporter adds that the FA are expected to confirm his suspension soon.

Bentancur, who earns £100k-a-week at Hotspur Way, did previously apologise to Son, but the FA decided to take action. The midfielder said...

"Sonny brother. I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke. You know I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you, brother!"

Son responded to Bentancur's apology, handling the situation gracefully as he insists nothing has changed between the two players. The South Korean international addressed the fact that Bentancur made a mistake, but the duo have spoken and an apology was given...

"I've spoken with Lolo [Bentancur]. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all."

If Bentancur's suspension takes place with immediate effect, then next game he will be available for his on Boxing Day against Nottingham Forest. Given he's going to be lacking in match fitness, it won't be a surprise if we don't see the former Juventus man until January 2025.