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Tottenham Hotspur have already "made a bid" to sign an attacking gem who's "flying" right now, with chairman Daniel Levy and the club's hierarchy attempting to build upon their long-term project with Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou endures mixed start to the season with Spurs

The Lilywhites appeared to have turned a corner before their dramatic 3-2 slump away at Brighton just before the international break, winning five games on the trot in all competitions, but their Amex defeat exposed the chinks remaining in Tottenham's armour.

Postecolgou's side were 2-0 up and cruising at half-time, and it looked at one point like they were set to extend their imperious winning run to six. Brennan Johnson continued his own exceptional run of scoring form with the opener against Brighton, with James Maddison doubling their lead just before the 40-minute mark, but a capitulation soon followed.

After the restart, and in the space of just 20 minutes, goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck handed the home side a surprise 3-2 lead and brought attention to Tottenham's very questionable defending.

The defeat is Postecoglou's third of the season already, and they next take on arch rivals West Ham in a fierce London derby clash this weekend. Tottenham will need to respond in convincing fashion, or questions will continue to be asked about their hopes of winning silverware this season.

The January window could represent a chance to strengthen in key areas and boost Postecoglou's hopes of making good on his promise to end Spurs' 16-year wait for a trophy. It is believed Tottenham are eyeing an alternative playmaker to Maddison, with Skakhtar Donetsk star Georgiy Sudakov a target for them.

Meanwhile, there are claims Spurs could move for a new forward in January, leading to their interest in Espanyol star Javi Puado as they ponder a future without star man Son Heung-min.

Tottenham have "made a bid" to sign Mason Melia

Levy and technical director Johan Lange are also always on the lookout for rising stars, with Republic of Ireland talent and St. Patrick's Athletic striker Mason Melia firmly on their agenda.

The 17-year-old striker is in demand right now, courted by "5/6" Premier League sides, and Spurs are among them. That is according to Irish journalist Conor McEvoy, who wrote via his "Rep of Ireland player tracker" feed on X that Tottenham have "made a bid" for Melia.

"Spurs have made a bid for Mason Melia with the asking price for Melia a million euro," wrote McEvoy.

"There are 5/6 Premier League clubs in the race for Melia’s signature and I expect something to formalise in the next few months with the race heating up. Mason can’t leave until he turns 18 next September so we have still a lot more time to witness his magic at home."

The teenager is earning rave reviews for his performances back home, and St. Pat's teammate Aidan Keena shared just how impressed he is with the attacking sensation.

"We have a good run of form going," said Keena.

"There's good competition for places in the squad. Mason started and showed that against Waterford, he's flying, we can all see the player he can be, if everything falls right for him,” said Keena, astonished at how quickly Wicklow native Melia has bedded in.

“When I was 16 I was in the St Pat's U-19s. So it's brilliant to see him in the first team at 16. He knows how good he is and how good he can be, he has a good head on his shoulders. He's playing men's football, and it's not just his goals, his overall game is getting better and better. I am there to give him any advice he needs but he doesn't need much, it will be me asking him for advice now.”

Tottenham Hotspur endured a tough final outing before the ongoing international break, losing 3-2 to Brighton despite holding a two-goal lead at the break.

The absence of Premier League football has undoubtedly given boss Ange Postecoglou an opportunity to mull over the embarrassing defeat, conjuring a plan to avoid such a result in the future.

Before the loss on the South Coast, Spurs were enjoying a five-game winning run, but it all came to a crashing end, either the supporters hoping that the result doesn’t derail their Champions League aspirations.

However, the international fixtures over the last few days have prevented Postecoglou from working with his side ahead of the return of club football this weekend.

It has allowed some players to star for their respective nations, potentially helping them arrive back in North London full of confidence ahead of the derby meeting with West Ham United.

Spurs' best players on international duty

Striker Dominic Solanke has already found the back of the net three times for Spurs since his club-record move this summer, allowing him to finally become part of the England national team.

The 27-year-old received his first call-up in seven years and whilst not starting the meeting with Greece last week, the forward did lay on the assist for Jude Bellingham, as Lee Carsley’s side fell to defeat at Wembley.

The international break couldn’t have come at a worse time for winger Brennan Johnson, after his career-best run of scoring in six consecutive games for Postecoglou’s side.

However, the Welsh star has continued his personal run, scoring in the 2-2 draw with Iceland and taking his run to seven games for club and country.

Full-back Pedro Porro has been handed a regular starting role for Spain during this round of fixtures after Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury - with the Spurs ace taking his opportunity with both hands.

The 25-year-old was hugely impressive on Tuesday night, registering an assist and helping the European Champions keep a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Serbia.

However, despite the aforementioned trio’s impressive performances, one other first-team star excelled last night - producing some mind-boggling stats in the process.

Spurs ace stars on the international stage

Midfielder Pape Sarr had already impressed at club level so far during the 2024/25 campaign, registering two goals and one assist - with both of his strikes coming in the Europa League.

He didn’t start the latest defeat to Brighton, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, but the international break has allowed the 22-year-old to star for Senegal, producing some incredible figures in their 1-0 win over Malawi on Tuesday.

Sarr featured for the entirety of the victory, registering a whopping total of 102 touches and completing 65 passes at a completion rate of 91%.

He also completed seven dribbles as he played a huge role in progressing the play in possession, but it was his numbers out of possession that caught the eye.

The midfielder won a staggering 17 duels during the victory, whilst also completing three tackles and making two interceptions - playing a vital role at the heart of the Senegal side.

Such figures will give the youngster a huge confidence boost ahead of the return to club football in the coming days, doing his chances of a start under Postecoglou no harm.

Sarr’s display showcased how capable he is as a box-to-box option, providing that solidity that the Spurs midfielder looked to have lacked before the recent international break.

After Tottenham's 3-2 defeat to Brighton a week and a half ago, Ange Postecoglou likely welcomed the international break.

However, things are now done and dusted. Phew. Truth be told, it wasn't the most boring of seasonal lulls with plenty of thrills and spills from the England camp.

It's a rarity there's much drama outside of a major tournament but drama we got with the Three Lions tasting defeat to Greece without their talisman and Spurs' all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane.

Lee Carsley didn't want the job and once his interim tenure is done, is set to be replaced by German Thomas Tuchel. Whatever next?

A host of Tottenham players will be hoping to get into the side under Tuchel, not least star striker Dominic Solanke. Can he, will he emulate Kane? Time will tell.

He did come off the bench in that defeat to the Greeks but didn't have too much time to make an impact, partnered in a two with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Spurs during the international break

So, Postecoglou's merry band of men have come through this pause of club action relatively unscathed. There was a knock for Brennan Johnson in Wales' 2-2 draw with Iceland but he did score in that match, firing home from a matter of inches out to make it seven goals in his last seven appearances for club and country.

There was also a dominating performance from right-back Pedro Porro who deputised for the injured Dani Carvajal.

Against Serbia on Tuesday night, a game the Euro 2024 champions won 3-0, Porro was exceptional, having amassed a whopping 114 touches, played six key passes and won five of his seven duels. For context, no player on the pitch had more touches or more key passes. Not a bad night's work indeed.

For his defensive colleague, Micky van de Ven, he did not cover himself in too much glory during the Netherlands' 1-0 defeat to Germany on Monday.

His failed clearance led to the game's only goal and was subsequently criticised by sections of the Dutch media, including former Spurs ace Rafael van der Vaart.

"Micky van de Ven.. it's all well and good but he ain't no Virgil van Dijk, of course we miss him."

Despite the defender's woes, there was a player at the opposite end of the pitch who starred. It wasn't in the same game but he did have a far greater break than the Dutch star.

That player is forgotten man Dane Scarlett.

Dane Scarlett's performances for England U21

It doesn't feel too long ago that Scarlett was being billed as someone capable of becoming the heir to Kane's throne at Tottenham.

Alas, a number of loan spells haven't quite gone according to plan for a young striker who found the net on 23 occasions in 23 matches for the club's U18 side.

Now 20, the Hotspur Way graduate still has plenty of time to grow into his skin but he must start performing on a more consistent basis in order to make it. He scored just six times on loan at Portsmouth, failed to find a goal at Ipswich and is currently goalless in six games on loan at Championship club Oxford United this season.

However, he returned to form in fine fashion for England U21s on Tuesday evening. No Carsley no problem was seemingly the message as the Three Lions' top youth side demolished Azerbaijan 7-0.

Defenders Charlie Cresswell and Callum Doyle sent England into a two goal lead before Manchester City's James McAttee found a third and Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson added a fifth either side of an own goal.

It was then up to Scarlett and Ipswich Town's Omari Hutchinson to finish proceedings. The Tottenham academy star was only introduced as a substitute in the 60th minute but made a mighty fine impact, not only scoring but supplying an assist too.

To make matters even more impressive, Scarlett completed 100% of his passes and won his one and only duel.

The calibre of opposition must be taken into consideration but it was brilliant to see the young forward back among the goals either way. Here's hoping he rediscovers himself back at Oxford now.

After many years of discontent over the lack of spending from owner Daniel Levy, there’s no questioning his commitment to Tottenham Hotspur after his big spending this summer.

The 62-year-old splashed £40m on the signing of Archie Gray from Championship side Leeds United, investing in one of the very best young English talents in the country.

However, it was the addition of striker Dominic Solanke that caught the eye, with the club finally landing their Harry Kane replacement 12 months on from his departure.

Spurs forked out £65m for the 27-year-old from Bournemouth - a club-record deal - in the hopes of transforming the club’s fortunes in attacking areas.

Whilst the striker has made a solid start to life in North London, scoring three times since his big-money transfer, his limelight has been stolen by one player who has enjoyed a purple patch of form as of late.

Brennan Johnson’s stats for Spurs in 2024/25

No Spurs fan could’ve predicted the huge upturn in form from Brennan Johnson in recent weeks, especially after his early season form in North London.

The Welshman, who cost the club £47.5m from Nottingham Forest last summer, produced numerous below-par displays in the opening matches of the campaign, leading to vile abuse on social media.

Boss Ange Postecoglou condemned the abuse, standing by the 23-year-old and continuing to deploy the attacker in his starting lineup.

However, it’s a decision that appears to have paid off with Johnson scoring in each of his last six appearances for the club.

He made it seven consecutive games with a goal during the international break, scoring against Iceland during Wales’ 2-2 draw last week - continuing his excellent form of late.

Johnson could be further aided in his attempts in attacking areas by one player, with Spurs set to reignite interest in the forward after their efforts to sign him during the summer.

Spurs interested in landing attacking sensation

According to Inter Live, Spurs are one of a number of European sides in the race to sign Lille talisman Jonathan David ahead of the January transfer window.

The Canadian, who’s out of contract next summer, also has interest from fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle alongside Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

It’s not the first time Postecoglou’s side have been credited with an interest, with Spurs targeting a move for David during the recent summer transfer window.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a potential transfer would cost the club in January, any deal wouldn’t break the bank given the 24-year-old’s current contract situation.

He’s also enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season, scoring eight times in all competitions - including in the Champions League against defending champions Real Madrid earlier this month - with journalist Tony Marinaro previously dubbing him as "one of the best strikers in the world".

Given the mammoth fee spent on Solanke during the recent transfer fee, it’s unlikely that Postecoglou would bring the Canadian in to replace the Englishman, but his versatility could be key in any move.

David is able to operate anywhere across the frontline along with an attacking midfield role, providing added quality and depth to Postecoglou’s side.

He could potentially form a deadly partnership with the in-form Johnson, therefore, helping the club in their ambitions of gaining Champions League qualification once again this season.

Just imagine the number of goals if the pair featured together in the same attack-minded Postecoglou team. It's a scary proposition for Premier League defences, that's for sure.

Tottenham chiefs think signing a £29 million alternative to James Maddison could take them to another level, with some questions having surrounded the £170,000-per-week playmaker at points this season.

James Maddison lashes back at critics after Tottenham form

Lately, the former Leicester City star has got on the scoresheet more regularly - bagging a goal in each of Spurs' last two matches against Ferencvaros in the Europa League and Brighton in the Premier League - but Maddison's also had to face some critics so far this term.

Maddison missed out on a place at Euro 2024 and wasn't picked for Lee Carsley's latest Three Lions squad, with the 27-year-old arguably struggling overall since he sustained an injury against Chelsea last season, following an exhilarating start to his career at N17.

His first goal of the season came during a 3-1 win over Brentford late last month, and speaking after that contest, Maddison responded to critique over his lack of numbers in the final third this calendar year.

“The team is always the most important," said Maddison on his goalscoring record. "I would have been happy with my performance and how I played regardless of whether I got the goal. It obviously helped us in the game because we got that little cushion.

"It kind of shuts up a few people in the background who think the goals and assists do matter more than what they probably do. I am an attacking player who has always scored goals and always got assists, that’s my job.

“So when you are not doing that and even if you feel like you are playing well personally, helping the team, the gaffer is happy with what I’m doing, for some games you have it where I feel like I play really well in the build-up and help the team progress but you don’t get a goal or assist to show for that.

“And then people start questioning the numbers, so sometimes you have to take the outside noise with a pinch of salt, but on the other hand I love scoring goals, and it was a nice feeling."

In any case, if manager Ange Postecoglou wishes to make good on his promise of silverware in north London, it could be wise for chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange to weigh up quality stand-ins for Maddison - in the event of injury or a drop in form.

All the Premier League's elite title contenders, Man City especially, have one thing in common - significant strength in depth.

Tottenham see Georgiy Sudakov as next-level signing

With this in mind, Spanish media are reporting that Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov is on Lange's radar as different option to Maddison. Indeed, it is believed Tottenham chiefs view Sudakov as a signing which could "raise the level of their game", with Shakhtar apparently valuing the Ukranian starlet at around £29 million.

The price tag is an encouraging one, especially considering the 22-year-old's phenomenal start to 2024/2025. Sudakov boasts seven goals from nine league starts already this term, impressive numbers for a midfield player, and he's been called an "exceptionally talented" player by his coach, Marino Pusic.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer. Talent comes from nature or God, but you have to do something with it to develop it," said Pusic.

"As we always say, hard work beats talent. Sudakov is a player who can and wants to work hard, develops every day, is a smart footballer, and can learn very quickly. All these are characteristics that will make him better."

The less said about Tottenham's horrific 3-2 defeat to Brighton the better, right? Quite. Either way, Spurs did enter this international break off the back of a mini-revival.

Prior to that meeting on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou's men had won five games on the spin after being defeated by rivals Arsenal.

Brennan Johnson has been a sizeable part of that, and in a good way too, with the former Nottingham Forest man scoring six games in a row for the Lilywhites.

It marks quite the turnaround for the Welshman who was forced to deactivate his social media accounts after receiving vile abuse for his poor display in the north London derby.

Did his fortunes continue for Wales over the break? You bet it did.

Brennan Johnson's performances for Wales

The fear when a player heads off on international duty for their country is colossal. They will either get injured or it'll mark the end of an impressive run of form.

Well, although Johnson was injured during Wales' 2-2 draw with Iceland last Friday night, the Spurs winger did get on the scoresheet again to make it seven goals in seven matches.

It's safe to say he is rampant right now, although he won't score many easier goals than the one against the Icelandic national side last week.

Harry Wilson fired an effort towards goal that was saved and then clawed off the line by the goalkeeper. Who was waiting? Johnson, of course, who tapped the ball home from a matter of yards out.

Sadly, the bad news was that he only played 45 minutes in the match and was withdrawn as a 'precaution' due to injury.

It's unknown whether he'll be fit to face West Ham at the weekend but Postecoglou will be keeping all his fingers and toes crossed that the winger is fit and firing. He has been vital this term.

Despite Johnson's goal, it wasn't all plain sailing for Spurs players over the break, something Micky van de Ven will testify to.

Micky van de Ven's performances for Netherlands

The Dutchman started the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Hungary last week at left-back where defensively he put in a strong performance, winning four duels, completing 97% of his passes and amassing 112 touches.

That said, unlike that infamous assist against Manchester United a few weeks ago, he did not offer much going forward having failed to register a single attempted cross or key pass.

Matters can't have been helped by Virgil van Dijk's red card in the clash but that moment did present the defender with a massive opportunity against Germany on Monday night.

Due to the Liverpool star's suspension, it meant that Van de Ven started at centre-back but it's safe to say he didn't leave too many impressed.

The stats actually suggest that the Tottenham ace had an impressive night, completing 91% of his passes and winning three of his four duels, but he was slightly at fault for the goal. He failed to clear a corner, merely handing the ball straight to Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling who lashed home a thunderous strike.

Van de Ven was subsequently handed a 4.5/10 match rating by Dutch publication Football Oranje, who wrote: 'Where was the strong, confident Van de Ven that we see at Tottenham? He froze in the centre and was guilty of constant ball loss'.

Former Tottenham star Rafael van de Vaart wasn't too complimentary either, stating on punditry after the game: "Micky van de Ven.. it's all well and good but he ain't no Virgil van Dijk, of course we miss him."

So, perhaps he's actually better at left-back? Time will tell, of course, but he's certainly been an excellent asset for Spurs in the centre of defence.

Tottenham Hotspur's momentum was curbed before the October international break, with Ange Postecoglou's side squandering a two-goal lead on the South Coast and falling against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The patchy start to the Premier League term looked to have been cast into the background but it's clear that Spurs have plenty of work to do if they are to battle their way back into the Champions League.

Postecoglou has a talented squad at his disposal, but the most exciting part about the project might be the rich spring of youth talent that suggests the club is set for a prosperous new era.

Spurs' biggest talents

There has been a concerted effort toward strengthening the younger generation emerging from N17 over the past few years, with Postecoglou's willingness to work with youth bearing dividends for Tottenham's talented teenagers.

This summer, Lucas Bergvall was welcomed from Sweden, a talented midfielder with a range of passing and maturity that belies his age. Archie Gray, 2023/24 Championship Young Player of the Year with Leeds United, joined in a £30m transfer.

Moreover, there's a whole host of talent out on loan - such as Jamie Donley, Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips and Dane Scarlett - while an existing crop of potential continues to make headway in the youth scene. Indeed, Spurs won the Premier League 2 last term.

Postecoglou is relishing his younger crop and promoting them this season, which makes a telling comment on the calibre of quality that sits beneath the surface at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As you can see, the Australian unleashed four full debutants against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, with all four yet to reach their 20th year.

There's some real quality there, but Mikey Moore is surely the cream of the crop. He's earning quite the reputation and might even prove to be the latest prodigy to emerge from north London.

Spurs' very own Bukayo Saka

Sometimes, you just know. Those at Tottenham certainly know that they've got a potential gem on their hands, but it is oh-so-important that he is managed deftly and not thrust into a starring role

Moore, after all, is still a 17-year-old, earning action for the first team simply because he carries the trappings of a world-class "superstar", something that he has already been called by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Last season, the winger burst onto the stage and obliterated the competition at youth level, posting 14 goals and eight assists across just 12 matches in the U18 Premier League and also scoring two goals and adding an assist across two matches in the FA Youth Cup.

Against Ferencvaros, Moore's first start as a senior, he showcased some impressive qualities, winning six duels and attempting seven dribbles, as per Sofascore. It was an imperfect display but one that highlighted the giddy potential, with football.london awarding the youngster an 8/10 match rating and hailing the 'thrilling' debut.

With such glittering potential discernible from the offing, Moore might prove to be Hotspur Way's answer to Bukayo Saka, with the Arsenal sensation proving himself to be one of the Premier League's superstars over the past few seasons.

Like Moore, the homegrown Gunners star was handed his Premier League debut as a teenager and made impressive early strides, although initially at full-back before bursting into life in forward areas.

As you can see, Saka's getting better with age - naturally. The England international has been praised as the Gunners' "living legend" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, despite the fact that he's still only 23.

With Harry Kane plying his trade over in Germany with Bayern Munich and Heung-min Son out injured, the timing has never been more apt for a precocious youngster to stake their claim for a starring place in the Tottenham senior squad.

Moore has the athleticism and natural potency to make significant headway under Postecoglou's wing over the next several years, and he might just rise to rival a player of Saka's stature for the crown in north London.

The weight of the goodbye merely drew attention to the connection that Harry Kane forged with Tottenham Hotspur across the lion's share of his career.

England and Spurs' all-time top goalscorer now plies his craft with Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga, having completed a £100m transfer to the Bavarian outfit in August 2023 after many years of service on the white patch of England's capital, notching 280 goals and 61 assists across 235 fixtures.

He might not have won any silverware with Tottenham but Kane certainly etched his name into English history, arguably the country's finest-ever striker, absurdly clinical in the Premier League.

His sale was not so much necessary as forced by the club's failings over the seasons leading up to that fateful moment - but why would he have stayed, given the direction, or lack thereof?

Ange Postecoglou has since spun Tottenham back around and there's a restored identity and bite to the Lilywhites, but flawed football confirms that there is plenty of work still to do, and it's paramount that the Australian manager does not lose another star man.

Spurs could lose important player

Cristian Romero has risen to prominence as one of the game's finest centre-halves over the past several years in the Premier League, and Real Madrid have taken note.

Carlo Ancelotti's imperious outfit appear to be surveying the market for a new central defender and Romero has been earmarked.

That said, reports from Spain over the summer suggested that the north Londoners have immediately slapped a jaw-dropping £175m price tag on the 6 foot 1 titan's name, hoping to dissuade the La Liga and Champions League title holders from advancing their intrigue.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has placated in recent days the fear at the fanbase's collective heart after confirming that, despite reports from Argentina, there is indeed no €65m (£54m) release clause in Romero's contract.

Still, Los Blancos usually get what they want, but Daniel Levy and his senior office will need to work overtime to convince the 26-year-old that his place is in Postecoglou's backline.

Why Spurs must not sell Cristian Romero

Romero has been at Tottenham for a few years now, moving from Italian side Atalanta in a deal worth around £42m in 2021. He's completed 106 matches, scoring seven goals, and has been praised for his "incredible" technical quality by Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold.

As per FBref, Romero ranks among the top 8% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 19% for blocks and the top 16% for tackles and aerial battles won per 90.

A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.

He's infamous for his aggressive, tough-tackling defensive game but Romero expertly adds a dimension from deep in the final third, drifting forward to latch onto set-piece deliveries, while he's also blessed with a ball-playing game that allows Postecoglou's fast-flowing style of football to operate to the nth degree.

Losing him would be cataclysmic, akin to that of Kane's sale. The Argentina international, champion at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been pronounced the "best defender in the world" by his compatriot Lionel Messi and simply will not be replaced effectively, for players of his category are scanty.

Oh sure, there's plenty of defensive talent stubbled across the face of the footballing landscape, but Romero's skillset is a singular thing, and his captaincy of the Lilywhites across the past two Premier League matches - including the extraordinary 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford - only underscores further the importance of keeping him down N17.

Micky van de Ven, athletic and imposing, earns plenty of plaudits for his flashy movements and loping strides, but he's not on Romero's level, not if you look a little closer. You can take a peek now, and see how Romero is far crisper, far more influential, far more involved and assertive.

We looked earlier at Kane's brilliance at Tottenham, and though his sale was somewhat inevitable, for he had concluded the penultimate year of his contract and Spurs had finished eighth in the Premier League, closing the door on European competition, it still shouldn't have happened.

Tottenham should not have fallen so heavily by the wayside after losing the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019, a bitter defeat that knocked the project askew for several years onward.

Postecoglou, let's not forget, took the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the misery of Antonio Conte's tenure, with so many loose parts creating an air of negativity and helplessness.

Now, there's light at the end of the tunnel, with a cautiously tangible sense that Tottenham might actually win something, this year, next year - who knows?

The drought will end, but only if linchpins such as Romero are kept on the books. If Romero leaves, it sets a precedent that could topple the work that is being forged.

Romero has just under three years left on his £165k-per-week contract, and Romano has indeed quashed rumours that a £65m release clause is embedded in that tome of contractual terms and conditions.

Tottenham's fast start under Postecoglou last season showcased a level of attacking quality that could have achieved great things, had it been sustained and injury issues not boiled up.

Kane would have been sensational at the spearhead. Instead, he plundered 44 goals and 12 assists across 45 appearances for Bayern.

Now that framework has been placed and held in the Tottenham squad, Postecoglou must throw the kitchen sink at keeping Romero at the core of his plans over the coming years, lest Spurs suffer a regression and fail to realise their trophy-triumphing potential.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing Premier League defeat to Brighton when they welcome West Ham United to North London on October 19.

Against the Seagulls, Ange Postecoglou's side threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2, conceding three within just 21 second-half minutes.

Postecoglou described the defeat as unacceptable. "Disappointing, frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I've been here," the 59-year-old, who took over as Tottenham manager in June 2023, said after the match. “Nowhere near where we should be," he added.

Tottenham star could be missing again vs West Ham

If Tottenham are to bounce back against West Ham, they may once again have to do so without striker Richarlison.

The Brazilian, who is on £90,000-per-week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has missed Spurs' last five Premier League matches with injury. According to injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar, his spell on the sidelines could last longer.

“Difficult to say if he’s on track to return right after the break as it all depends on what’s going on behind the scenes,” Brar told Tottenham News after what he previously heard from the Spurs boss.

“Based on what Ange said on September 19 – stop asking until I give an update – I imagine that he’s still somewhat away from returning from what seems to be a serious concern. Unless he’s back in training over the coming days, I think he’s likely to miss the next game," he added.

Brar was reacting to Postecoglou's previous comments on Richarlison's injury, to which he said: "Richarlison is a fair way off. He’s not close to returning yet.

“You're better off not asking about him until I give an update because he's not with the first team…”

Real Madrid eyeing two Spurs stars

In other Spurs news, two of the club's most important players are reportedly being eyed by Real Madrid. The first is central defender Cristian Romero. According to reports from Spain, Madrid sent their chief scout Juni Calafat to watch both Romero play in the North London Derby against Arsenal last month.

The second Spurs player Real Madrid are also interested in signing is Pedro Porro, according to The Mirror.

"Spurs' Pedro Porro is another player of interest but again, he remains a focal part of Ange Postecoglou's plans and Daniel Levy is expected to drive a hard bargain, should Los Blancos come calling," The Mirror's Ryan Taylor wrote.

Both Porro and Romero look likely to feature under Postecoglou again this weekend as Spurs face West Ham, but by the looks of it, there will be no Richarlison. The forward has only played twice in all competitions, with both appearances coming from the bench and his last coming against former club Everton on August 24.

The Brazil international will be hoping to make a comeback as quickly as he can, but after Brar's recent claim, he may still be far away in what is a "serious concern".

In what would be a surprise move, Amanda Staveley could look to replace Ange Postecoglou with one particular manager at Tottenham Hotspur if she's successful in her investment in the North London club.

Staveley plotting to buy Tottenham stake

After leaving Newcastle United in the summer, Staveley is reportedly keen to buy a stake in North London giants Spurs in what would see her take a minority percentage of the club. Seemingly backed by serious money, Staveley's investment would likely be quite the positive for Spurs, who will be desperate to match their Premier League rivals on a financial basis in search of finally ending their search for silverware.

Under Daniel Levy, of course, Spurs have been incredibly limited at times. It was only during the summer that they managed to welcome a replacement for Harry Kane one year on from his departure for Bayern Munich. Splashing out a reported £65m to sign Dominic Solanke, the forward has since started to reward their investment with goals on both the European and Premier League stage.

As Staveley's potential investment arrives, however, it may not be Postecoglou who reaps the rewards. According to The Sun, Staveley may now target Eddie Howe to replace Postecoglou in a surprise move if she successfully buys a stake in the Lilywhites and the Australian's current struggles escalate.

So far this season, it's been one step forward and two steps back for Postecoglou's side, who brushed Manchester United aside only to capitulate when two goals to the good to eventually suffer a 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion just one week later.

Dubbed "brilliant" by Gary Neville, meanwhile, Howe has continued to impress at Newcastle even after the Magpies failed to hand their manager significant reinforcements during the summer window. A fan of the former Bournemouth boss, Staveley's Spurs arrival may commence quite the managerial merry-go-round.

Tottenham must trust Postecoglou

Although results remain inconsistent, Postecoglou needs Tottenham's trust and patience if they want things to work out under the Australian. Those in North London have seen just how good things can be when Postecoglou's side are firing on all cylinders against the likes of Manchester United. Now, it's just about handing him the tools to turn that form consistent.

Hiring serial winners in Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho proved to be the wrong move for the Lilywhites in the past, but turning to a manager who will oversee a project that takes time in the form of Postecoglou was a step in the right direction. To now scrap that project could be taking the North London club back to square one.

Instead, Staveley's investment should centre around completing that project and building on arrivals such as Solanke and Archie Gray. Howe would no doubt be an interesting option, but maintaining faith in a manager who is only into the second season of his tenure should be the route that Levy, and potentially Staveley, head towards.