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If Tottenham Hotspur face relegation this season then Liverpool could take advantage and swoop for this one player

Should Tottenham Hotspur suffer relegation this season, Liverpool must make a play for Dutch defender Micky van de Ven. Spurs are currently languishing in the drop zone, two points adrift of West Ham in 17th, following a catastrophic campaign.

After Igor Tudor's rotten spell and subsequent dismissal, Roberto De Zerbi has been handed the responsibility of keeping Spurs in the top flight. The Italian will also need to persuade the club's star players that their futures lie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While not to the same extent, Arne Slot's side have also endured difficulties this season, with an unreliable and injury-ravaged backline contributing to their troubles. A deal has already been struck for Jeremy Jacquet to arrive from Rennes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, but further defensive additions remain necessary.

Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future is a worry, Joe Gomez could depart this summer, while Virgil van Dijk will be 35 by the start of next season. Van de Ven, who has been strongly linked with the Reds, is contracted to Spurs until 2029.

According to talkSPORT, the club have placed a £100 million valuation on the defender. Yet should De Zerbi's squad drop into the Championship, the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be available for a bargain price.

Is the Spurs star worth investing in? Opinion remains divided following Van de Ven's patchy campaign with Spurs. But former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes Liverpool require a player with Van de Ven's speed.

He said: "We know in football how important pace is going forward... I think Micky van de Ven is one of the quickest, if not the quickest, in the Premier League. So, yeah, he'd certainly be one who's on the radar."

Ex-Spurs manager Tim Sherwood also reckons it's the sensible decision for everyone involved. "Micky van de Ven is the obvious choice for Liverpool this summer in that left centre-back position," he said.

Concerns exist, though. Former Liverpool player Dean Saunders has raised questions over whether Van de Ven has the footballing intelligence required to succeed at Anfield. Previous Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has similarly expressed reservations about Van de Ven's fit for the Reds.

"When speaking about Micky van de Ven, he is lightning quick, but I have played against defenders like him," Saunders told aceodds.com. "I have played against the quickest centre-backs in the world, but it was never a problem for me. Being a top defender is all about your brain.

"It doesn't matter being quick if you don't have the brain. It helps you recover from mistakes, but you shouldn't make those mistakes to start. I am just not sure if Van de Ven's football brain is that good and if he can read the game. At this level, everything is about speed of thought."

Van de Ven is, remarkably and officially, the quickest player in Premier League history, recording a top speed of 37.38 against Brentford in January 2024. While he has found things difficult this season, it would be challenging to identify a Spurs player who hasn't.

The Dutch international wins 53.62 per cent of his aerial duels, while his passing accuracy sits at an impressive 89 per cent, suggesting there would be plenty for Slot to develop.

His seven goals across all competitions this season is one more than Liverpool's highest-scoring defender Virgil Van Dijk, and the Spurs centre-half would provide the advantage of having a left-footed central defender in the squad.

Van de Ven himself also appears to be keen on his potential suitors. Speaking in June 2023, shortly before his £43m transfer to Spurs, he told Voetbal International: "It's true that the director (then Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, previously worked for Wolfsburg) went there and I know that Liverpool followed me before. But at the moment, I don't know anything. Do I think Liverpool is a nice club? Naturally."

Tottenham Hotspur are advertising for a new performance psychologist to support their players as Roberto De Zerbi's side fight to avoid Premier League relegation

Tottenham Hotspur are searching for a new club psychologist to 'help heal the minds' of their mentally exhausted players.

Spurs find themselves embroiled in an unexpected relegation battle, with Roberto De Zerbi's squad currently sitting 18th in the Premier League, following the new manager's appointment after the exits of Thomas Frank of Igor Tudor. And they're now resorting to new measures in a bid to stave off relegation to the Championship.

Xavi Simons' goal believed he had dragged Spurs out of the drop zone with a long-range effort against Brighton, only for a stoppage-time leveller from the Seagulls to see Tottenham drop two points on home soil.

The club are now hunting for a sports psychologist as they attempt to address the mentality of their underperforming squad, reports the Daily Star.

In a job listing, Spurs stated: "Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is committed to building a world-class performance environment for our Men’s First Team.

"As part of this ambition, we are seeking an outstanding Performance Psychologist to join our Performance Team. This is a high-impact role embedded within the Men’s First Team environment at Hotspur Way.

“Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team you will lead the delivery of evidence-based psychological support to elite professional players.

"The role encompasses individual player support, systemic work across the coaching and performance staff, and the ongoing development of a psychologically informed performance culture throughout the team.

“This role demands a practitioner who is credible, discreet, and highly effective in a Premier League environment, capable of building trust with players and coaches while operating with the professional rigor expected at the highest level of the game.”

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The identical position has also been advertised for their women's squad.

The job opening has been posted days after De Zerbi referenced the mentality of the Tottenham players in the battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

"My job is not now to change the style of play. I did two or three things with the ball, two or three things without the ball, but the crucial part is not with the ball or without the ball. It's in our mentality to be positive," De Zerbi said after the defeat to Sunderland earlier this month.

"We have to find the right energy, the right spirit. When they stay with me during the week, they will find a positive coach because I believe in them. They are human and ‌maybe they are suffering too much.

"We have to stay all together and close and improve in the details of the football, but to be better as a mentality."

Tottenham return to action on Saturday against an already relegated Wolves outfit. Dropping further points could drag Spurs closer to a drop into the Championship.

De Zerbi's side then travel to Aston Villa before hosting Leeds United, followed by fixtures against Chelsea and Everton.

The former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss has been sampling Champions League football after returning to work

Ange Postecoglou has ventured back into Premier League territory to assess Liverpool as part of his new role. It has been a bruising period for the Australian since he guided Tottenham to Europa League glory last season.

Postecoglou paid the price for Spurs' 17th-place Premier League finish, being shown the door just weeks after that final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao. He subsequently lost his position at Nottingham Forest after 39 days in charge.

However, the former Celtic manager has returned to work after being appointed as a UEFA technical observer. Among his first duties, he was sent to assess Arsenal in the Champions League in January, while one of his most recent assignments brought him to Anfield for Liverpool's second leg encounter with Paris Saint-Germain.

Postecoglou's breakdown of the match, which PSG won 2-0 to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory, has been made available on the UEFA website. The 60-year-old opens the piece by commending Liverpool's pressing style, saying: "Ryan Gravenberch and Dominic Szoboszlai did a really good job of closing down the midfield space. They denied PSG that central area they like to play in."

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He then praised the manner in which Luis Enrique's outfit adjusted by opting for a more direct style of play. Postecoglou said: "Liverpool's approach really made it difficult for them and if they'd just persisted in trying to play like they normally do, they may have got unstuck."

During his time at Spurs, Postecoglou was frequently criticised for not reining in his attacking approach when circumstances called for it. Yet, as he reflected on PSG's victory, he insisted that Tottenham showed flexibility when needed throughout their Europa League campaign.

He said: "A key thing is to understand that, rather than having a predetermined idea about how things could transpire, you need to understand the game in front of you and the immediate task at hand. For coaches, experience teaches you that.

"The reality of it is, whether it's pragmatism or simply understanding what the actual challenge is on the day, the paramount thing is being successful, particularly in Champions League knockout football because the margins are so fine.

"You can't abandon your foundations, and if you look at Luis Enrique's approach, there were still the elements you always see. But there was also a recognition that there was a different challenge to overcome.

"There's a difference to knockout football in Europe, and the approach you take and recognising that, at certain stages, it's not an abandonment of philosophy, it's an acknowledgement of the challenge that's before you and doing what's required.

"And that certainly was our approach with Tottenham in the Europa League final last year, and it wasn't saying that everything we've done up till now doesn't matter."

Viktor Gyokeres has endured a mixed first season with Arsenal following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon and could potentially have landed himself in the bad books with supporters

Viktor Gyokeres has hailed TWO former Tottenham heroes to potentially land himself in hot water with Arsenal fans. The Swedish forward, signed from Sporting Lisbon in the summer, has had a mixed debut season in North London.

He has scored 18 goals in all competitions, 12 in the Premier League. But his contributions elsewhere have earned criticism from some quarters.

Gyokeres might also be in trouble with supporters, having praised two former Tottenham frontmen. Tasked with building his ultimate striker by TNT Sports, he was asked who’s finishing in world football was the best.

He subsequently chose Spurs’ record goalscorer Harry Kane - the England captain having scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for the North London side before a move to Bayern Munich. Kane has continued his stunning goalscoring rate in Germany with 136 goals in just three seasons, while he was recently crowned Bundesliga champion for the second time.

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Another former Tottenham striker was also picked when it came to first touches, with Dimitar Berbatov right at the top of the list. The Bulgarian joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 and netted 46 goals in two seasons before a move to Manchester United.

Gyokeres however did back himself when it came to penalties, having claimed that particular skill. Meanwhile, he selected Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe for his pace and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for strength.

Ronaldo Nazario was Gyokeres' pick for dribbling, while current Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo earned his selection when it came to composure. Gyokeres will certainly be hoping to harness the skills of some of his selections as he aims to fire Arsenal to the Premier League title over the closing weeks of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit top but just three points clear of Manchester City following their defeat at the Etihad Stadium. Wayne Rooney slammed Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench Gyokeres for that crucial game.

He said: “I think these decisions if he comes on and scores the winner or scores the equalising goal obviously it’s the right decision.

“I thought with him not starting, Arsenal would’ve tried to sit in there. It was a strange one him not starting because you bring a No.9 in which they’ve been looking for all season, and I actually think he’s done OK, to not start him in such a big game I think that might affect him.”

Tottenham release statement after star faces racist abuse - 'League position no excuse'

Tottenham have released a statement defending Kevin Danso in the aftermath of racist abuse he suffered, insisting their poor Premier League form is no excuse

Tottenham have come out and defended Kevin Danso after the centre-half was subjected to racial abuse in the aftermath of his side's draw with Brighton - which further harmed their survival hopes.

The north Londoners remain in the bottom three after letting their lead slip against the Seagulls. It was Georginio Rutter who scored their equaliser in stoppage time, with his goal coming after Danso was dispossessed inside his own box.

The Tottenham defender was criticised for taking a touch rather than clearing his lines first time, and he's been subjected to the brunt of anger on social media, with some comments crossing the line.

Tottenham have come out and hammered the "abhorrent racist abuse," as they signalled their intent to take immediate action and work with the Metropolitan Police to find those responsible.

A club statement read: "Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media. We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.

"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms. We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify."

Tottenham had twice led and, with less than 15 minutes to go, thought they'd landed a winner when Xavi Simons scored to put them 2-1 in front. They couldn't hold on and remain a point behind West Ham, who are still to play on matchweek 32, with Roberto De Zerbi still seeking his first win.

Regardless of their dire season, Tottenham made it clear that racism is not tolerated. They said: "Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not."

De Zerbi remains confident Tottenham can ensure they don't suffer relegation for the first time since 1977. He said: "If you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row."

Tottenham were left feeling sick after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser at home to Brighton, having been on the cusp of jumping out of the Premier League relegation zone

Defiant Roberto De Zerbi has reminded Tottenham's players that 'it's not finished yet' after they were left heartbroken against Brighton. Spurs were on course to move out of the relegation zone before conceding in the 95th minute on Saturday.

Georginio Rutter capitalised on a mistake from Kevin Danso to snatch an equaliser after Xavi Simons had given Tottenham a precious lead in the second half. Brighton had fought back earlier in the game when Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Pedro Porro's opening goal.

It was, though, a much-improved performance from Spurs compared to last Sunday's drab 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, De Zerbi's first game in charge. The Italian was happy with his side's display and felt 'positive' despite the late goal.

"If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet," De Zerbi told Sky Sports post-match. "I said to (the players) be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them.

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"They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them."

De Zerbi added: "I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again."

Goalscorer Porro echoed his manager's sentiment, telling BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.

Will Tottenham avoid relegation? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

"I think the team today was very good. I think first half was very good for us. The team pressed very well. I think the most important thing now is staying positive."

On Danso's error, Porro added: "I think Kevin had a great game today. This is the point now, we don't have time for mistakes. This is football, it happens. For me, today Kevin was instrumental on the pitch."

Tottenham return to action next Saturday away to Wolves, who could already be relegated. Spurs are currently one point from safety.

Diego Gomez sustained a serious-looking injury playing for Brighton & Hove Albion against Tottenham Hotspur months before the World Cup in North America this summer

Diego Gomez left the pitch in tears after sustaining a serious-looking injury playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. The Paraguay international landed awkwardly after challenging for a header and seemed in some distress, presumably because it could be a serious setback before the World Cup.

Gomez, 23, saw his left leg buckle under his weight after rising highest on the halfway line. Danny Welbeck came over to support his stricken teammate.

The midfielder hobbled off, looking in pain, after Brighton staff helped him off. Karou Mitoma replaced Gomez in the 20th minute.

Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith said at the time: "It's clearly a genuine injury, and you feel for him, but maybe the stoppage won't hurt Brighton too much. Mitoma's introduction shouldn't unduly disturb them, the same shape."

Over on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Spurs player Andy Reid said: "Gomez has been in great form. You hope it's not too serious, but the distress on his face, it doesn't look great."

Mitoma went on to equalise for Brighton just before half-time after Pedro Porro had given Tottenham the lead. The substitute fired a first-time volley past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

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That impact helped soften the blow for Brighton. However, it will be of little solace to Gomez or Paraguay less than two months before the World Cup begins.

He scored his third international goal against Greece during the last international break, which proved to be the winner. Gomez also played the full 90 minutes in their other March friendly with Morocco.

The midfielder has started all six of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup last September and is now up to 23 caps for them. He also scored in Paraguay's second goal in a 2-2 draw with Japan.

Gomez has 10 for Brighton thus far this season across all competitions. He recently scored in back-to-back Premier League matches against Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Danny Welbeck's opener versus Liverpool at Anfield was also assisted by the Paraguayan. Gomez has started all of Brighton's last eight league matches.

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Tottenham in 'advanced talks' for Roberto De Zerbi's first signing - but there's a catch

Tottenham's Premier League status is now precarious to say the least, but that hasn't stopped the Spurs hierarchy from planning for the upcoming summer transfer window

Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi - but they'll have to stay in the Premier League. Senesi, 28, is out of contract at the end of this season and plans to join a new club as a free agent.

The Argentine will leave Bournemouth at the same time as his manager, Andoni Iraola, who the club confirmed earlier this week would be leaving upon the expiry of his own contract in June. Senesi has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus, but Tottenham are leading the race.

A report from the Athletic states that Spurs are in advanced talks to sign him on a free transfer. However, Senesi's switch hinges on whether or not Roberto De Zerbi's side avoid relegation.

Tottenham are currently 18th in the Premier League table, languishing two points from safety with five games to go. Although De Zerbi has vowed to stay if they go down to the Championship, attracting players of Senesi's calibre will be difficult.

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Spurs are also in talks to sign Andy Robertson when he leaves Liverpool on a free, but again the move is likely to depend on whether they're still a Premier League club by the time the summer transfer window opens. Senesi's impending arrival also puts the spotlight on Cristian Romero's future in North Kondon.

The Tottenham captain has been linked with an exit and came off in tears after suffering an injury during Sunday's 1-0 loss at Sunderland. Romero will now miss the remainder of this season and faces a race against time in order to be available for Argentina at the World Cup.

"First of all, Romero loves Tottenham, people have to know he's suffering for this injury, suffering because he can't play for us again this season," De Zerbi told a press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with his former club, Brighton.

Should Marcos Senesi join Tottenham? Have your say in the comments section.

"He's a great captain for us. We have to be positive. We have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are able to play, to play well, to give us the quality with the ball and to be strong in the defensive space so we can win. We want to win."

Senesi joined Bournemouth from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2022 for £10.5million and he's gone on to make more than 100 appearances on the south coast. The 28-year-old helped the Cherries achieve their joint-highest Premier League finish (ninth) last season.

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly treated the Tottenham Hotspur squad to a luxury meal in a team bonding attempt for the run-in

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly treated the Tottenham Hotspur squad to a lavish dinner in a bid to unite the group ahead of their crucial run-in. De Zerbi was appointed by Spurs as their new head coach earlier this month, tasked with steering the club away from the Premier League relegation zone.

The Italian's first match in the dugout ended in a 1-0 loss away at Sunderland on Sunday – a result that leaves Tottenham rooted in 18th place, two points from safety with just six matches remaining.

This Saturday sees Tottenham take on De Zerbi's former side Brighton in the Premier League, and ahead of that clash it appears the new Spurs chief has already moved to lift spirits within the dressing room. The Telegraph has reported that De Zerbi treated the Spurs squad at the Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair on Wednesday evening.

The report suggests the outing was designed to strengthen team spirit amongst the Tottenham players, with De Zerbi also urging his squad to communicate more effectively as the high-stakes run-in approaches. The Bacchanalia boasts sculptures crafted by Damien Hirst, alongside a lavish menu featuring a leg of lamb priced at £130.

De Zerbi's team bonding gesture mirrors a tactic employed by his predecessor Igor Tudor, who also took the Tottenham squad out for a meal before his first game in charge back in February. The new Spurs boss has already delivered a passionate rallying call to his players ahead of the final six matches of the season as they battle to preserve their top-flight status.

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“First of all, the players of Tottenham are all good guys, and they are suffering for this moment,” De Zerbi stated after the defeat to Sunderland. “They are not happy when we lose the game or they are not happy to see Tottenham at the bottom of the table, for sure.

“But we have to find the energy, we have to find the right spirit to be positive, to think during the week when they stay with me. For sure, they will see a positive coach because I believe in their qualities.

"Because we are Tottenham, but we have not (got the right) to win the game just because we are Tottenham. You can't win the game with the paper. You have to win the game showing the quality on the pitch, the fighting on the pitch.

“You have to score the goal, and you have not to concede the goal, for sure. But they are human, and they are suffering maybe too much and altogether we have to stay close, to be positive, to work, to improve in the details, in the football, but to be better as a mentality."