The Mirror

Ange Postecoglou has urged James Maddison to use his England Euros heartache to relaunch his Tottenham career - starting against his former club Leicester on Monday.

And the Aussie boss admitted Spurs are a “more dangerous team” when Maddison is on his game. The Spurs playmaker was the star of his side’s dazzling start to last season as they topped the table after the first 10 games.

But Maddison suffered an ankle injury in the first defeat to Chelsea in November which ruled him out for two months - and he never recovered his early-season swagger. The ex-Fox admitted he was “devastated” to miss out on Gareth Southgate ’s 26-man squad for Germany and now faces a big year for his club.

“The disappointments of missing Euros, well that’s just part of being a footballer,” said Postecoglu. “You take all the good stuff, but you have setbacks and it’s how you react to those. I’m sure he’ll want to go out there and get himself back into the international frame and back playing for England.

“That’s up to him to find the right way to use that as a motivation. If you just deflect or at any point say, ‘It had nothing to do with me’ then you miss an opportunity to improve.

“I sense in Madders that he’s come back, he’s really determined to have a good season and hopefully that gets him back into the England frame. But more importantly for us, hopefully it gets him back to the form we know he can have.”

Postecoglou insisted Maddison’s lukewarm form this year - including pre-season - is more about his fitness than confidence.

“I don’t know what confidence a player really means,” he said. “As a player, you have got to be on it all the time. You can’t pick and chose. If you are physically fit and get selected, you should be buzzing. With Madders, he certainly doesn’t lack self-belief.

"He knows he can be a real dominant player. I just think with Madders last season a lot of it was the physical element where when he wasn’t 100% fit he couldn’t really perform at the levels he wanted to. When he came back from injury, I never felt he reached those physical levels he had earlier in the year. That is a real key for him.”

Maddison’s dart-throwing goal celebration - and his subsequent copyright spat with Neal Maupay - showed he can entertain not just with his football skills.

“It is the reason we signed him - he is an exciting player,” the head coach added. “When the ball is at his feet, he is one of those creative types. For most people, that is what rocks their boat. For others love a big tackle and a great save.

"He is definitely one of the players who can get punters off their seats. I think the players feed off that as well. Yes, it is important for us that he is playing at his best. I think he makes us a better team and a more dangerous team and hopefully that is what we see.”

Maddison has the potential of forming a fearsome attacking trident along with captain Son Heung-min and new £65m striker Dominic Solanke.

“My role in all signings is pretty small - I just make the decision mate,” smiled Postecoglou. “I’m the one that says yes or no. they’re here because I want them here and Dom certainly fits that. It’s no secret that we love to press and he has a great work ethic. And he can score goals. He’s a presence and he scores different types of goals. I think the way we play suits him.”

Ange Postecoglou has rubbished suggestions Tottenham defender Djed Spence has an 'attitude problem' as the defender pushes for a first Premier League outing in 19 months.

Spence joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022 after catching the eye during a loan spell with Nottingham Forest. He was only handed five league minutes by Antonio Conte, though, with the Italian sending him on loan to Rennes in January 2023.

Further loans followed after Postecoglou took over as manager. Spence spent the first half of last season on loan at Leeds, but that move was cut short and he finished the campaign in Serie A with Genoa.

Now, though, the 24-year-old has been handed a lifeline. Postecoglou has allowed Emerson Royal to leave this summer but Spence has been reintegrated, and the manager's comments offer hope ahead of Spurs' Premier League opener against Leicester on Monday.

“You would know about it if it was [a problem],” Postecoglou said of Spence's attitude. “He wouldn’t be part of it if it was, but that’s probably something that, whether that was right or wrong, as a person and as a player, Djed has taken responsibility for that and not allowed that to be part of the conversation this pre-season.

“For me and all the coaches, we’ve had absolutely zero issues with his attitude. He’s trained really well, he’s fit into the group really well. That’s on him. He’s the one who hasn’t allowed it to become an issue.

“With Djed, I had an open mind. I certainly think the kind of characteristics he has would fit into our football. It’s then more about, OK, well he obviously didn’t fit last year, will he fit this year?" the manager added. “He’s had a good pre-season. He’s trained really well. He seems to have fit into the group really well."

How big a part will Djed Spence have to play this season? Have your say in the comments section

Spence could even start the Leicester game at left-back, with Destiny Udogie working his way back from injury. While Postecoglou recognised the defender is more comfortable on the right, he was pleased to have more options.

Spurs have spent more than £100m on new signings this summer, and at least one is expected to feature on Monday. Postecoglou indicated Dominic Solanke should be ready to go after his big-money arrival from Bournemouth, while Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert have also joined permanently.

"Thankfully it is what we expected, he is a top pro, a good guy, he has sort of settled into the dressing room really well," Postecoglou said of Solanke. "Footballing wise you can see he has the attributes that kind of fit into what we want to do really well."

Opponents Leicester won't be at full-strength for the clash. Conor Coady, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka are all set to miss out through injury, with Zambia striker Daka set for a lengthy spell out after surgery.

Tottenham have suspended Yves Bissouma for their Premier League opener at Leicester after the Mali midfielder filmed himself inhaling laughing gas - and posted it on social media.

The North London club had opened an investigation into the incident at the weekend. And speaking in his pre-match press conference today, head coach Ange Postecoglou said: “He has made a really poor decision. You want to help him through that.

"There are sanctions involved, some of those including education. You always want to give people to learn from their mistakes. He won’t be available for Monday. We have suspended him from Monday’s game.”

Bissouma has already apologised for a "severe lack of judgement" over the incident after the footage became public after his appearance in the pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest updates in today's blog

Just having of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas or NOS - has been a criminal offence in this country since 2023 and can lead to a two-year prison sentence.

Bissouma said: “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgment. I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

Asked how Bissouma could rebuild trust with the club and his team-mates, the Aussie added: “Behaviour. It is quite simple. It is about him making better choices going forward. He is obviously very disappointed.

"He was very apologetic to the club that is the first part of the process. We all make mistakes. It is how we make our way back from those mistakes.”

Mauricio Pochettino is set to link-up with his former Tottenham player Cameron Carter-Vickers when his move as USA coach is confirmed - several years after being injured by the defender in training.

Mirror Football understands the Argentine has agreed terms with the USMNT side, just months after he left Chelsea, in what will be a surprise move after being linked with the England job following Gareth Southgate's resignation.

Pochettino only spent one season at Stamford Bridge as the Blues struggled with inconsistent form and injuries - though he still managed to secure a sixth-placed finish after an impressive finish to the campaign.

His new role at the USA team would see him take charge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be taking place in North America, Mexico and Canada - and it would lead to a reunion with Carter-Vickers following their spell together at Spurs.

Carter-Vickers did not feature heavily in Pochettino's plans when he was Spurs boss between 2014 and 2019 - with the English-born USA international making just four appearances under him in cup competitions and being loaned out a number of times.

But Pochettino will remember one incident during a training session in the 2016-17 season when he took part in a small-sided match - with the Argentine often keen to lead by example for his players - and encouraged them to be physical.

And on this occasion, he claimed in a memoir - serialised by the Telegraph in 2017 - that Carter-Vickers "crushed everyone" and injured his hand, writing: "I challenged with Cameron and hurt my hand. He crushed everyone in the box.

"You know I like to fight with the players to show them I am stronger than them, mentally and physically. Sometimes physically I lose the challenge because they are physically stronger, but I am stronger here (points to head)."

Carter-Vickers would end up being sent on seven loan spells before finally securing a permanent deal with Celtic in 2022. He has since made 72 appearances for the Glasgow side and is enjoying regular first team football - winning three SPL titles, and four domestic cups.

He has picked up 18 caps for the USA national side so far and was part of the group that went to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making one appearance in that tournament.

Carter-Vickers will be one of USA's high profile players with experience of playing in a top league - as well as captain and former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Juventus star Weston McKennie.

Mikey Moore will remain part of Ange Postecoglou's first team at Tottenham for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Having impressed for Spurs in pre-season, England Under-17s star Moore will be given a run in the senior side after signing his first professional contract with the club.

Postecoglou's men will now have Europa League football to contend with. And young stars are expected to be given minutes in the competition – like £30m recruit Archie Gray and Swedish playmaker Lucas Bergvall.

According to the Evening Standard, 17-year-old Moore will be part of the set-up. But some of his fellow prospects are set for different paths, as Ashley Phillips, Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley will all be loaned out.

Spurs reportedly fended off interest from a range of top European clubs – including Manchester City – to keep hold of academy graduate Moore, and they intend to test him this term.

“It’s fair to say, it’s incredible that he’s turning 17," Postecoglou stated before Moore signed is first pro deal. "He handles it really well, and that’s part of the process when you’re a young footballer if you’re going well.

"We can’t protect him from all of it. But, he’s been great. We brought him into the first-team environment at the back end of last year. He’d had some injuries earlier in the year.

"Every time he’s played for the Under-18s or Under-21s, he’d had an impact. For a very young guy, he adjusted really quickly. He’s come back pre-season and done really well in the games and in training. It’s great for this football club that’s come through our academy and is already showing great promise.

"But, he’s a young man," continued Postecoglou. "Our role is to have the best possible environment for him to be the best footballer he can be."

Moore has been touted as one of the brightest young sparks to emerge from the north London club in recent memory. But not all of Spurs' prospects are in a similar position.

Tottenham signed 19-year-old centre-back Ashley Phillips from Blackburn in the summer of 2022, and then loaned him out to Plymouth Argyle in January, where he was impressive. The young defender is now set for another temporary move, with La Liga outfit Getafe reportedly interested in giving the Englishman a taste of top-flight European football.

Midfielder Alfie Devine is another player Spurs signed to their academy ranks, as the youngster arrived from Wigan Athletic in July 2020 for a reported £300,000. He enjoyed a successful spell with Port Vale last season before joining Phillips at Plymouth in January. Another move is on the cards for Devine this summer.

Jamie Donley is the third and final youngster set for a loan move, which would be his first. The 19-year-old has been with the club since the age of eight and has clubs in the Championship and League One supposedly vying for his signature.

Young striking pair Alejo Veliz and Dane Scarlett have already been shipped out this summer and have joined Espanyol and Oxford United on loan, respectively.

Harry Kane reckons Dominic Solanke will be a huge success at Tottenham following his record £65million move from Bournemouth.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker, 26, completed the formalities of his transfer over the weekend and was unveiled to fans at Spurs' final pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Solanke will attempt to fill the void left by Kane, who was the club's leading goalscorer before completing a blockbuster transfer of his own to Bayern last summer.

And after returning to Tottenham briefly on Saturday, Kane tipped Solanke to be a hit for Ange Postecoglou's side before wishing him all the best.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Yeah, he should be great. Dom is a great player and plays with high intensity and high speed, For sure, he's going to get chances in this team with the way Ange [Postecoglou] plays. You saw that today, two top teams going at it.

"I think it's a really good signing. I've seen him in the dressing room there and I just wished him all the best and of course I hope he has a great season."

Solanke plundered 19 Premier League goals for the Cherries last season and joins a Tottenham side who finished fifth under Postecoglou.

Join the debate! Do you think Solanke will be a success at Tottenham after his transfer? Let us know here.

While Kane feels Solanke will thrive under Spurs' head coach, Postecoglou stressed that the striker's attributes meant he was the club's top summer transfer target. He said: "He was one I was very keen to get in. It took a while to get over the line. I think he'll be a great fit for us, where he's at in his career. We identified him because he's got the attributes we're looking for.

"He's had to work his way up and I always think that's a good thing. If it's all positive in their career, you wonder how they'll deal with setbacks and he's had his quite early in his career and pushed on.

"I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be in a position to [start against Leicester]. He's done most of pre-season."

Solanke and Spurs start the new Premier League season with an away fixture against Leicester City on Monday August 19 before hosting Everton six days later. They then face Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United in September in a tough start to the season.

'Everton away' are two words which would still make Harry Redknapp shudder.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth manager's discomfort with the blue side of Merseyside is not down to football reasons, though. Back on May 9, 2009, Redknapp came downstairs for breakfast to find then Spurs star Wilson Palacios sitting with his bags packed.

Redknapp, 77, was not expecting to find the dynamic midfielder waiting in the hotel lobby ahead of the game. Palacios would reveal, though, the devastating news that rendered football meaningless.

Palacios' 16-year-old brother Edwin, who had been kidnapped and held for ransom in their native Honduras since 2007, had been murdered. That was despite Honduran police claiming a ransom fee of $500,000 (£331,500 at the time) had been paid to the captors.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, Redknapp looked back on that fateful day on Merseyside. He said: "We were playing away at Everton when the message came through. They had paid ransom money to the kidnappers. But they killed him.

"When he (Palacios) got that news, I'll never forget that. Early in the morning, I came down into the lobby, and he was sitting there with a bag that had his stuff in.

"He found out at about 2 in the morning. He got a phone call, but he didn't want to disturb me in the night, which was unbelievable. You know, he was that respectful of a person.

"It was only when I came down at 8 o'clock in the morning for breakfast that he told me what had happened and that he had to leave. He couldn't play that day, he travelled back to his family. Wilson was one incredible guy."

At the time, Redknapp had to face the media to explain what had happened. He confirmed the club arranged for a car to drive Palacios back to London so he could get the next flight.

He also said that Palacios' mother had also been visiting the UK from Honduras for the first time when the news first emerged. In interviews after the devastation, Palacios revealed he considered quitting football following the tragedy.

In January 2010, he said: “Yes, it’s true, I did come close to retiring. But there were two reasons why I carried on. Firstly it’s always been my dream to be a footballer.

"But mainly it was down to taking advice from my family and friends." He added: “You never get over it. Edwin is with God now and in a better place."

Palacios would go on to move to Stoke City in 2011, where he spent four seasons, before playing for Miami FC and Argentine sides CD Olimpia and Real Sociedad.

De Ligt set for Man Utd medical

Manchester United will sign Matthijs de Ligt for £42.8m after agreeing terms with Bayern Munich, according to The Athletic.

The Dutch international will undergo a medical before being reunited with Erik ten Hag, who managed him at Ajax.

United are also reported to have agreed a fee for Noussair Mazraoui, around £17m including add-ons, while fellow right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is close to a move to West Ham for a similar sum.

DONE DEAL: Leicester loan Brighton's Buonanotte

Facundo Buonanotte has joined Leicester City on a season-long loan from Brighton.

The Argentina international, 19, agreed a contract extension with the Seagulls - keeping him on the south coast until 2028 - before making the temporary switch.

“I’m very happy to be here at this incredible and important Club. I hope to show my best for the group and that we achieve great things," the teenager told club media.

"I spoke a lot with the manager, and he filled me with confidence - it was an easy decision for me to come here."

DONE DEAL: Spurs confirm Solanke arrival

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

The striker has signed a deal until the summer of 2030.

Solanke, 26, scored 19 Premier League goals for Bournemouth last season.

"We can announce the departure of @DomSolanke for a club-record fee," Bournemouth wrote on social media.

"Everyone at #afcb wishes Dom nothing but the best as he moves to Spurs"

Liverpool make Zubimendi decision

Liverpool are ready to go all out to sign Martin Zubimendi.

Mundo Deportivo in Spain reports that the Reds are ready and willing to pay his €60million (£51m) release clause in full to get the deal done.

Zubimendi has been courted by Arsenal and Barcelona and is happy to stay with his boyhood club, so Liverpool need to pull out all the stops.

Chelsea trio demoted to under-21s

Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku have all been told to train with the under-21s as Chelsea attempt to sell them, the Telegraph reports.

Enzo Maresca has decided that the trio aren't part of his plans and has taken action to speed up their exits.

Lukaku has been of interest to Napoli, who have his old Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte in charge. Chalobah had been keen to stay and fight for his place, but now looks poised to leave, with Crystal Palace among his admirers. Broja had a failed loan at Fulham last season.

Man Utd desperate for a left-back

Manchester United want a new left-back and have explored the possibility of signing Fenerbahce's Ferdi Kadioglu and ex-Atletico Madrid star Mario Hermoso, Mirror Football understands.

Kadioglu is the subject of £25million talks with Brighton, but United have also enquired about a deal, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both unavailable at present.

Hermoso has left Atletico Madrid and is a free agent, but at 29 he is not considered a top option and is likely to head to Saudi Arabia instead. United have also scouted Girona's Miguel Gutierrez.

DONE DEAL: West Ham sign Todibo

West Ham United have signed Jean-Clair Todibo on a season-long loan from Nice.

Todibo had been linked with Manchester United, but they were told they couldn't sign him as INEOS own both clubs. The 24-year-old centre-back has now joined Julen Lopetegui's side instead - and they will have the option to make it permanent.

West Ham can sign him next summer for £34million, while Nice will retain a sell-on clause.

Chelsea close to another deal

Chelsea are close to signing Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid after landing Pedro Neto from Wolves.

Neto has joined in a £54million move to become the Blues' 10th summer signing - and in true Chelsea fashion they're already lining up another.

Atleti striker Omorodion will cost around £34m. He's agreed a seven-year contract with the club and has arrived in London to complete a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Guardiola aims dig at Man Utd and Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has once again pointed out the big spending on Manchester City's rivals.

Guardiola has long had a bee in his bonnet about what he sees as double standards, with City's transfer spend spoken about more than their rivals. He's now taken a swing at Manchester United and Arsenal, who have been busy this summer so far.

"Yes, many years they have done it," Guardiola told reporters ahead of today's Community Shield vs United. "Many years but it's not news. It's just when City spend money. Of course I am concerned for many years [about] how good they are. Because every year they are better and getting better.

Wan-Bissaka heading to West Ham

Manchester United are close to signing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich - and that will spell the end of Aaron Wan-Bissaka's five-year stay at the club.

Wan-Bissaka was made available for transfer this summer and West Ham are set to sign the former Crystal Palace right-back. The Hammers had been chasing Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters for the position but have now settled on Wan-Bissaka.

Race for Zaha

Wilfried Zaha looks set to return to the Premier League, but his destination is currently unclear.

Crystal Palace are keen to sign the winger for a third time, but Leicester are also in the picture for the Galatasaray player.

Toney's future still up in the air

Ivan Toney came into the summer transfer window hoping to secure a move away from Brentford, but so far nothing has materialised.

Arsenal are known admirers of the striker yet have been put off by his price tag. With Tottenham now deciding to shell out £65million on Dominic Solanke, his chances of leaving have grown smaller perhaps.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has previously admitted Toney's exit was likely but is now expecting him to be ready to face Crystal Palace next weekend.

“Let’s see, but I’m pretty confident [Toney could start]. I think he looked good, so that’s positive," he said after Toney played the second half of Brentford's 4-4 pre-season draw against Wolfsburg. “We have said many times that Ivan is a key player for us, he’s one of our best players and he looked sharp so I’m confident he’ll be in a good place for Palace.”

Gordon focused on Newcastle

Anthony Gordon scored on his return to Newcastle last night.

Gordon was offered to Liverpool earlier in the summer but is now focused on playing for the Magpies, according to Eddie Howe.

Progress for Man Utd on double deal

Manchester United have made progress in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Sky Sports Germany says that Erik ten Hag wants to land both of his former Ajax players and negotiations are progressing.

De Ligt is a long-term target for United and his arrival would surely mean no move for Jarrad Branthwaite, while Mazraoui could spell the end of Aaron Wan-Bissaka's stay at United.

Nketiah nears Arsenal exit

Eddie Nketiah is close to joining Marseille on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.

The Athletic reports that after prolonged negotiations, Arsenal have agreed to send their striker to France for the season. Marseille, who have already signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, will have the opportunity to make the move permanent for €30million (£25m).

He will play under former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi this season.

Tottenham complete £65m Solanke deal

Tottenham have signed Dominic Solanke in a £65million deal, according to The Athletic.

Solanke has reportedly signed a six-year deal with Spurs after completing a medical on Friday night. He will become Tottenham's record signing, eclipsing Tanguy Ndombele and Richarlison.

Liverpool face Zubimendi issue

Liverpool want Martin Zubimendi - but it won't be easy to land him from Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi is from San Sebastian, has spent his entire career at his boyhood club and is happy to stay put. His £51million release clause is there, but La Real have lunched a charm offensive to keep him, with Mikel Merino also attracting attention.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and his team have their work cut out.

Harry Redknapp sent Ange Postecoglou a firm message about Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Mikey Moore.

The 16-year-old has been turning heads in the pre-season, netting goals against Hearts and scoring the winner in a 3-2 victory over Vissel Kobe. Fresh from his GCSEs, Moore has enjoyed a promising six months, which also saw him star for England at the UEFA Under-17 European Championships.

While the step up to Premier League action is significant, Postecoglou acknowledged the teen's potential during Spurs' tour of South Korea. Comparisons have been drawn between Moore and former Spurs talent Adel Taarabt, who was considered to be one of the most technically gifted players to emerge from the Lilywhites' academy.

Despite some fans' nerves about exposing Moore to the ruthless challenges of Premier League football, Redknapp is optimistic. If Moore keeps making waves in North London, Redknapp thinks Postecoglou must back him.

In an interview with Football.London, Redknapp, who was in Portsmouth to visit Kellogg's Football Camps – a UK-wide summer football programme for local kids – said: "If he's good enough, stick him in.

"The kid who played for Spain in the European Championship final (Lamine Yamal) was only 16. We've had Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole, they all came in the team around that age. If he's as good as everyone thinks he is, hopefully we will see him in the first team this year."

Moore has already had a taste of first-team action. Last year, he made history by becoming the youngest player to represent Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League when he took to the pitch against Manchester City.

Postecoglou has been vocal about his admiration for the young talent this summer. He also admitted that his challenge now is to create an environment that allows Moore to flourish.

In a recent press conference, he said: "In coaching terms and working with young players, the most important thing is the environment you set up for them and what they came into.

"That means the moment they come into the dressing room, the kind of dressing room you have with the senior players and the way we train and the way we talk.

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"We try to teach them as much about life as we do about football because obviously for a lot of them and you mention Mikey Moore, he's only 16. He's got so much growth as a footballer but also as a person.

"We try to provide the environment which allows him to be the best that he can be and then it's up to the player. Once you provide that environment it's up to the player to keep driving on and not be satisfied."

Redknapp was at a Kellogg’s Football Camps session in Portsmouth. The fun-filled camps are operating nationwide this summer for kids aged 5-15, with 73 locations around the UK as Kellogg’s keeps kids active and entertained during the school holidays thanks to partnerships with the EFL, Manchester City, Celtic, and Rangers. Parents can still sign kids up for their local camp by heading to the Kellogg’s Football Camps website. 30,000 free spaces are being offered throughout the summer, which can be redeemed using code 4567 until 12 August at kelloggsfc.com.

Manchester United have been given a free run at Ivan Toney amid news Tottenham are on the verge of signing Dominic Solanke.

With Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for six weeks, the Red Devils are considering bringing in another striker and are eying up a move for Toney. The Brentford star, 28, could be up for grabs for as little as £40million as his contract with the Bees expires next summer.

Previously, Toney had been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, but with Arsenal pursuing other options, Chelsea on the brink of signing Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion, and Spurs keen on Solanke, United's hopes of landing the England international have been given a major boost.

According to The Athletic, Solanke has agreed personal terms with Tottenham, who are close to finalising a potential club-record deal for the 26-year-old. The ex-Chelsea and Liverpool forward has a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract and it's believed Spurs are willing to offer a sum near that figure.

The north London side have yet to find a replacement for Harry Kane a year after his £100m transfer to Bayern Munich. However, based on recent comments by Ange Postecoglou, the delay appears to be due to Tottenham simply waiting for the right candidate.

"What's important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way," the Spurs boss said during their pre-season tour of Japan. "We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould.

"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

United, meanwhile, aren't in dire need of a new centre forward, especially after shelling out £36m on Joshua Zirkzee last month. However, with Hojlund sidelined for a couple of months, Erik ten Hag only has one fit striker at his disposal and the club might deem a £40m offer for Toney too good to refuse.

Ten Hag usually prefers to field a team with a single centre forward, which suggests that Hojlund, Zirkzee and Toney would all be vying for the same role. But considering Hojlund's patchy performances last season, there's no reason why either Toney or Zirkzee couldn't snatch that spot from him.

Last season, Toney scored just four goals in 17 games for Brentford, though his season was hampered by an eight-month betting ban, which ran from May 2023 until January 2024. He played a bit-part role for England at Euro 2024, though came off the bench to set up Kane's winner in the last-16 against Slovakia, and also scored a penalty in the quarter-final shootout victory over Switzerland.