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Tottenham keen on a January swoop for Club Brugge left-back Maxim de Cuyper

Despite Tottenham Hotspur’s emphatic 5-0 slaughtering of basement club Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

The shine of the Lilywhites’ big win at the St Mary’s Stadium was taken away slightly by Destiny Udogie’s first-half injury. Udogie was forced off the field with Ange Postecoglou confirming it to be a tight quad. While the Italian’s substitution was to prevent it from aggravating, Spurs cannot afford to let go of another transfer window without addressing the left-back position.

According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Tottenham are among the host of clubs to have scouted Club Brugge left-back Maxim de Cuyper.

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Maxim de Cuyper has been a standout performer for Club Brugge this season. The left-back, who has already earned six caps for Belgium, has scored once and registered four assists in 24 appearances this season for Club Brugge, demonstrating his attacking prowess. He is not slouch defensively either, with the Belgian more than capable of making important interceptions and tackles.

While primarily a left-back, De Cuyper is equally capable of playing as a left midfielder or winger, offering tactical flexibility that could be invaluable to Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs. The left-back area has been a concern for Postecoglou.

With the veteran Ben Davies into the final six months of his contract and used mostly as an emergency centre-back by Postecoglou, Udogie has had to cover most of Tottenham’s games from the left-back position. Now, with Udogie expected to miss a couple of games as a precautionary measure to avoid a quad problem and Davies already sidelined, the North Londoners don’t have a fit left-back right now.

Thus, De Cuyper’s signing would make a lot of sense for the club. At 23, the six-cap Belgium international is still not the finished article and would improve with the right coaching and guidance.

-> How Big Ange and board are shaping Tottenham Hotspur’s January transfer plans

Under Big Ange, he can perform the inverted full-back’s role to great effect and take his overall game to another level. Plus, the Knokke-Heist-born talent will be an exciting option to cover and challenge Udogie for a spot in Big Ange’s first XI at the Hotspur Way. However, the aforementioned report adds both Arsenal and Manchester City are working on a deal to sign De Cuyper.

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That said, if Tottenham is seriously interested in De Cuyper, we must start making plans to sign him from Club Brugge next month.

Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford to fire Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur face a massive decision if their results for the remainder of December do not improve drastically as far as Ange Postecoglou is concerned. The former Celtic boss’ position has come under grave scrutiny over recent weeks with the Lilywhites failing to impress in a number of outings now across all competitions.

A defeat against Manchester United in their upcoming fixture in the midweek round of the Carabao Cup could really put Postecoglou’s job at risk although it would come at a massive financial cost to Tottenham Hotspur, who would need to pay out the remainder of the Australian’s contract if they decide to fire him as opposed to mutually parting ways.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King believes that the club does not have enough money, however, as he was quoted saying the following to Tottenham Hotspur News when asked about Ange Postecoglou’s continuity at the club beyond the foreseeable future.

“I’m not sure whether Levy can afford to sack him. Postecoglou has quite a big team at the club. Therefore, I think it would require big money for him to be sacked.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been sacking managers left, right and centre for the last several years and though this time a fair share of the pressure on Postecoglou is justified, the main man under scrutiny should be Daniel Levy for his incompetent business for the football club and having more concentration on the club’s business unrelated to the sport for the last several years.

It is difficult to think, however, that Levy might not actually be ‘afford’ to sack Postecoglou. Spurs have not spent any good money in the past few years, apart from signing Dominic Solanke though even his signing was sanctioned using the fee the club yielded by selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for a record sum that exceeded Gareth Bale’s swoop to Real Madrid.

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Only time will tell what comes of Postecoglou’s future at Hotspur Way though it is fair to say that there are bigger problems than him within the club.

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking for defensive reinforcements when the winter transfer window comes around, with the Lilywhites being subject to links with a move for Leeds United centre back Pascal Struijk, who played with Spurs sensation Archie Gray during their shared time at Elland Road before the latter eventually moved to White Hart Lane last summer.

There have been ample injuries at Hotspur Way at the moment, and with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven serving the sidelines, Ange Postecoglou has had to rely on makeshift options like Archie Grey (who started at the heart of defence in the Lilywhites 1-1 draw against Rangers in the midweek and in 5-0 over Southampton yesterday), which has left defensive depth exposed and the Australian head coach short of options.

Levy eyes Leeds defender Pascal Struijk

Daniel Levy has been looking at a possible replacement for Struijk, who has been an integral figure in Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, where he is not only marshalling the troops but also excelling as a distributor, with the latter being an asset that the former Celtic manager in charge of Tottenham will love to use in an all-attacking style of play.

The Belgium-born defender who went on to represent the Netherlands in U17s is primarily a left-footed centre-back who is versatile enough to be deployed in the left-back as well as defensive midfield role, and he brings a blend of defensive solidity and technical ability to the side, both of the qualities that suit Postecoglou’s high-tempo playing style.

The 25-year-old is only entering his prime and not only offers Premier League experience but also tactical depth and flexibility to the Lilywhites if they are to snap his signature. Moreover, his ability to play as a left-sided centre-back would complement Spurs’ existing setup while providing much-needed cover for Van de Ven, who has a bit of hamstring problems every now and then.

Graeme Bailey backs Tottenham move for Leeds defender

And transfer expert Graeme Bailey has backed the Lilywhites to move for the defender in 2025, saying (via. Leeds United News):

“Struijk is coming into his prime and has really been under the radar to a lot of people—not Leeds fans—but he is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs.

“A left-sided defender, and he is real quality, and I am told Tottenham are amongst those who have checked on him. Clearly Leeds want him to stay and will look to tie him down to a new deal, but him staying long-term will be dictated by Leeds getting back to the Premier League.”

It is to be seen if Daniel Levy can sit down with Leeds United and negotiate a deal for the defender, given the Whites are also keen to tie down the 25-year-old to a new contract.

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Will you take Struijk at White Hart Lane in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham told to consider Thomas Frank appointment

Tottenham Hotspur have been started to be linked with a number of other managers following their poor run of form, which might see Ange Postecoglou lose his job. The Australian’s position in the immediate future is unlikely to be very fragile, though there could be a decision on the board’s hands if there is no marked change in proceedings by the time 2025 gets underway.

Jan Molby, a former Liverpool player, has advised Tottenham Hotspur to consider the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou if indeed he were to be shown the door. Frank has done a fantastic job with Brentford, who have become a regular team in the Premier League in recent seasons and have played some attractive football alongside that.

TBR Football quoted Molby saying the following words about his compatriot, Thomas Frank.

“I have no more doubts, he is the right man for Tottenham. he squad they have fits Thomas Frank, 100 per cent. Look at the players and the way Thomas Frank plays. I think it’s perfect.”

Much of Brentford’s success in the past few years can be attributed to Thomas Frank, who has gotten the job done with limited resources. His tactical brilliance has been visible this season in particular as well after Ivan Toney’s departure for Saudi Arabia, thus prompting links with bigger clubs, including Manchester United before they eventually ended up hiring Ruben Amorim.

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For him to join Tottenham, however, would be a backward step as in a few more years, he could be on the verge of joining someone far bigger and better. At Hotspur Way, he will join a long list of managers who have been deemed as failures solely due to the board’s terrible business in building the squad, like they are seeming to do with Postecoglou in due course.

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking at a possible move for 6ft 5in goalkeeper from Botafogo, John Victor, ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window, with the North Londoners looking to revamp their goalkeeping department amid recent injury concerns.

Victor is someone who not only brings much-needed physical dominance but also has the technical ability to play all attacking football under Ange Postecoglou. The fact that the Lilywhites have also been looking at Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson shows how Daniel Levy is prioritising recruiting in the position ahead of January, especially given how the North Londoners have relied on veteran Fraser Forster of late following Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle surgery that has kept him on the sidelines.

Tottenham and Manchester United eye Botafogo’s John Victor for January move

Spurs will be met by competition from English top-tier rivals Manchester United for the 28-year-old Brazilian, per Football Insider. However, by the current needs (owing to injuries), a potential move to Spurs gives the player an opportunity to establish himself as the first choice given how he will play as a backup to Andre Onana at Old Trafford.

John Victor has decent numbers for his current employers with 22 clean sheets in 51 appearances, and Spurs could do a bit with those nil on the conceding at the moment.

That being said, there is nothing concrete about the rumours as of now except interests from Premier League clubs. There should be much along the lines of price range coming out if the clubs fortify interest in the 28-year-old ahead of January.

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Given the necessity to bring in another goalkeeper this winter, would you take John Victor at Hotspur Way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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LOSC Lille star Jonathan David has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to bring in a new striker in the upcoming winter transfer window. They are trying to add a quality backup for club-record signing Dominic Solanke, and the Lilywhites have identified LOSC Lille star Jonathan David as a potential target to take up that spot at Hotspur Way.

Richarlison has struggled to make a significant impact at Spurs ever since arriving from Everton in the summer of 2022. The South American’s lack of availability complemented by his inconsistent performances in front of goal have frustrated the chiefs at the Hotspur Way. As a result, a potential exit is very much possible next month if he attains full fitness in time.

The North Londoners are looking at current Lille striker Jonathan David as a potential replacement for Richarlison. They have supposedly opened talks for the Canadian international for a possible free transfer in the summer (Transfermarkt).

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David has continued delivering the goods this season and currently sits on 17 goals and three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. The 24-year-old has been one of Ligue 1’s prolific goalscorers in recent years and deserves a big move away from Lille in 2025, with several European bigwigs vying for his signature.

John Wenham—the owner of the Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose—thinks David would demand at least £150,000-a-week to sign for Tottenham. He believes the cost of operation to bring the centre-forward to White Hart Lane would be significant.

The North American star currently earns €37,500 per week at Lillie, and having been a consistent goalscorer over the years in French football, he is in a position to ask for a lucrative contract.

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At 24, he is yet to enter the peak years and would expect potential suitors to fulfil his wage demands. And given his contract situation with Les Dogues, David will be in an advantageous spot to eye a bumper deal as any club signing him would not have to pay a transfer fee in the summer.

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Tottenham need a forward or two, and they could do a lot worse than putting all their effort into a free summer move for David. A two-footed operator who has been a consistent source of goals for Lille, David would be a fantastic signing for the Lilywhites. While he might demand hefty wages, considering they won’t have a pay a transfer fee, bringing in the Canadian to North London would be a sensible move.

Mikey Moore has not featured for Tottenham since the Carabao Cup win over Man City

Tottenham Hotspur are going through a real rough patch at the moment. Ange Postecoglou’s side sit 11th in the table, and they’ve failed to win any of their last three Premier League games since thrashing Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Greek-Aussie tactician has come under intense pressure from certain sections of the fanbase and the media, but he is still being backed by the board. While results have been far from desired, one cannot deny the fact that Ange Postecoglou has been dealing with lots of injury problems.

The likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are all out, while Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve a seven-game domestic ban. In addition, Yves Bissouma picked up his fifth yellow card during the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday and will miss the game against Southampton.

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The absence of homegrown talent Mikey Moore for this long is suspicious, to say the least. The teenage prodigy was enjoying game time this season thanks to Richarlison and Odobert’s injuries, but unluckily, he’s been sidelined with a bad virus for over a month now.

The Southwark-born talent’s last outing in a Tottenham shirt came in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. And it sounds like Moore’s absence is set to continue in another blow for Big Ange’s side.

According to the Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick, Moore is going to be out until the New Year due to the virus. He claims that the teenager’s current illness is ‘energy-sapping’ and that he will miss the rest of the year’s action.

Young Moore clearly needs good rest for the next few weeks to recover from the illness that has disrupted the rhythm with which he was performing. Him missing the rest of the year’s action is a big blow considering the talented English attacker was quickly becoming a key part of the first-team squad.

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Big Ange really needed the services of Moore for this busy fixture schedule, as Tottenham are extremely thin in the forward department and it came to the fore when our gaffer didn’t have game-changing options to bring off the bench in the recent 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.

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Moore will need to be closely monitored across the coming weeks to help him fully recover from a bad bug.

VAR recording reveals why Caicedo was not red-carded against Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur were defeated 4-3 by Chelsea in their London Derby at the weekend in the Premier League as Ange Postecoglou’s misery was compounded on home soil. To make matters worse, Cristian Romero has also suffered a fresh setback and will miss the next six weeks of action with Spurs playing nearly once in three days in that period.

As far as the Chelsea game was concerned, the referee Anthony Taylor’s performance was under the spotlight once again. He awarded two penalties to the Blues – though both of them seemed fair decisions – as Cole Palmer converted each of them to secure the win. There was another incident, which many debated should have seen Moises Caicedo receive a red card.

The former Brighton midfielder challenged Pape Mata Sarr in the middle of park and received just a yellow card. A VAR check did occur as the Premier League’s official website shared the audio of the officials conversing. Those sitting in front of the monitor advised the on-field ref that they was not ‘any evidence of serious foul play’.

It is crucial to note that while VAR checks occur more quite frequently, the job of the people sitting behind the computer is to only overrule a decision that may be deemed as a ‘clear and obvious’ error. In this case, the foul play was subjective as Caicedo made a genuine attempt to play the ball while there was a bit of involvement for Romeo Lavia too.

Postecoglou, as he usually does, gave a very diplomatic answer when asked about the play and a potential red card, although he said that in his opinion, a few decisions went against the Lilywhites. In hindsight, the result of the match would have been in Spurs’ favour if their opponents were down to 10 men although not much can be seen about a challenge that VAR did not see much fault in.

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The best Tottenham can do is look after their own form, which will be put to the test in the Premier League over the coming weekend against Southampton after the team’s midweek trip to Rangers in the Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur have several key players sidelined at the moment and injury problems doesn’t look like easing up.

Guglielmo Vicario remains injured after picking up an ankle problem against Manchester City last month, Cristian Romero re-injured himself in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at home at the weekend, while Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are very unlikely to play again this year.

Spurs are currently in the midst of an injury crisis that is affecting the club on the results front, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having won only once in their last seven games across all competitions. In addition to Romero on Sunday, Postecoglou also dealt with a blow that saw Micky van de Ven forced off with a suspected hamstring problem.

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The Dutch defender was only returning on Sunday after being out for over a month with a hamstring injury. This saw him miss six games, and having worked so hard to regain full fitness, it was a shame that Micky van de Ven had to go off in the 79th minute against Chelsea.

Now, transfer insider Paul O Keefe has dropped the latest update on Van de Ven’s injury and for how long he could be out.

To lose Van de Ven for the next few weeks on top of Romero is a body blow for Postecoglou, who doesn’t seem to catch a break from injury problems at the moment. Injuries and suspensions are just piling up, and it is pure agony to see the Netherlands international suffer a reoccurrence of a hamstring problem.

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The 23-year-old would be absolutely gutted to pull up again, and if he is not back until three weeks from midweek, the defender will miss games against Rangers, Southampton, Manchester United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. His returning game could be at home against Newcastle United on January 4.

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Without the likes of Van de Ven, Romero and Davies in defence, it will be an uphill task for Spurs to beat Rangers in the Europa League. Big Ange’s side have to play out of their skins to get a positive result at the Ibrox.