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Dele Alli played with George Baldock as the two came up through the MK Dons youth academy.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton midfielder Dele Alli has paid tribute to George Baldock following his tragic death in Greece on Wednesday evening.

The ex Sheffield United defender was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, Athens at 22:30 local time October 9. The BBC reports that police tried to resuscitate Baldock at the scene but he could not be revived and medical emergency units confirmed his death.

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The 31-year-old joined Greek side Panathinaikos this summer following the expiry of his contract at Bramall Lane. Baldock had spent seven years at Sheffield United, winning promotion to the Premier League twice with the Blades.

A family statement read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss."

Dele Alli pays tribute to ‘my brother’ after Baldock passing

Tributes to the player have been pouring in from across the footballing world today and former Tottenham Hotspur man Dele Alli took to social media platform Instagram to share his condolences. Both Alli and Baldock came through the youth system at MK Dons and were close friends from a young age.

Sharing a post made by Baldock in August 2020 of the two players, on what appears to be a holiday together, Alli wrote: "I love you! Rest in peace, my brother."

In a statement, Baldock's club Panathinaikos said: "We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."

Given their links with the player, Sheffield United also issued a statement following the tragic news on Wednesday. The Blades said: "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends."

Baldock, who was a Greek international, had made four appearances for Panathinaikos since joining and played in the 0-0 draw with Olympiakos on Sunday. The defender played 12 times for Greece but was not in the nation's squad to play England on Thursday night.

Greek national team ‘sadness and sorrow’

The Greece national team said: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.

"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."

Manchester City could face transfer rivalry from Tottenham Hotspur for the Italy international.

Tottenham Hotspur are working on a potential transfer to bring Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci to London, in what would be a blow for Manchester City and potential boost for North London rivals Arsenal.

Football Insider reports that Spurs' ambitions to sign the Italy international are increased by working with former managing director Fabio Paratici. The 52-year-old stepped down from his role at Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 but is still thought to have strong links to the recruitment system he built in London.

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Man City linked with £30m move for Rodri replacement

Paratici has a particular knack for brokering Serie A deals, which could be good news for Ange Postecoglou in trying to convince the in-demand Ricci to sign for the side. The Torino midfielder has been heavily linked with a £30 million move to Manchester City, Fichajes carrying that report in September, with the Championsin need of a Rodri replacement.

The Ballon d'Or nominee and heartbeat of the Manchester City midfield won't play again this season after sustaining an ACL injury when playing the Gunners in September. Finding a replacement for the Spaniard in January is likely to be a priority and Italy international Ricci had emerged as an ideal candidate.

Should Spurs manage to hijack any Manchester City deal for the player, that would certainly hand a knock-on boost to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side no doubt hold a greater chance of catching Pep Guardiola's men this season should their rivals fail to fill the chasm left by that Rodri injury.

Spurs ‘certainly interested’ in Italy international

Football Insider spoke to ex Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson about the links, teasing that the former shot-stopper 'remains very well-connected at the club'. Robinson said: "I think it’ll be a tough one to do in the winter. If you look at the way the team’s played in recent weeks in more of a 4-3-3 formation, I’m not sure whether the midfield will be a pressing position.

“But he’s a young player, he’s only 23 years old and he’s already got four caps for Italy. Tottenham are certainly interested in signing him. I think it’ll be tough to do in the winter but that is potentially one they’ll explore in the summer.

“We know that Spurs like to do their business in Italy.They’ve had a lot of success from players who have come to the club from the Serie A, and maybe that’s why Ricci is the latest name to be mentioned. It’s still got the fingerprints of Fabio Paratici working with Tottenham’s recruitment team.”

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Mikey Moore has become a breakthrough star for Tottenham Hotspur this year and has a bright future ahead of him.

Tottenham Hotspur teenager Mikey Moore became the talk of the footballing world on Thursday evening as he dazzled in Europa League action against Ferencvaros.

The London outfit won that midweek clash against the Hungarian champions 2-1 in Budapest as Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou fielded a young side on Thursday night. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, both 18 years old, were named in the starting XI but it was 17-year-old Moore who put in a purring display.

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Moore ‘outstanding’ in Europa League action

The winger was hailed as 'outstanding' by Postecoglou after the match, having played an important part in the build-up for both of his sides' goals, as well as working a golden opportunity for Timo Werner at 1-0.

Speaking after the victory in Europe, Postecoglou said: "I thought he was outstanding. It's brilliant for a 17-year-old to play 90 plus minutes in a European away tie.

"He just handled it superbly, I kind of knew he would and I think it'll help his growth as a footballer once you get through a sort of experience like that. I think he'll grow and evolve and I didn't feel like I needed to take him off. He still looked strong at the end and was still contributing."

Tottenham Hotspur teen compared to Euro 2024 wonderkid

The Tottenham Hotspur manager went as far as to liken Moore to Spanish talent Lamine Yamal. Also 17, the Barcelona prodigy sparkled at Euro 2024 and was named Young Player of the Tournament, as well as picking up Goal of the Tournament.

Postecoglou added: "How many 17-year-olds are playing in the Premier League? Yeah, Yamal is brilliant but it's not a common thing.

"It's still pretty rare because you have to take into account, not just their physical maturity at 17 of being able to handle it, their emotional maturity, you've got to be really careful. There are always exceptions to the rule and Yamal is certainly one of them, but if you look at the Premier League, how many 17-year-olds are actually contributing?

“Mikey is already to us, which shows that he's got something special, but we've just got to be really careful about how we develop that. I think because it's too easy just to say, oh, you know, he's a great young player just throw him in there, especially in the Premier League because of all the leagues probably in Europe, it's the most physically challenging.

“So young players, the first thing I want to see is can they handle it and to be fair, Mike handles it pretty well, and certainly Archie and Lucas have that, but we've got to be careful with them. But at the same time, we've brought some really talented young players to the club and part of my pitch to them was that we will develop them and they will play and it's my responsibility to make sure they do that.

“I can't shy away from that because the next 18 or 17-year-old who I sign will point to recent experience. So it's important we give them the game time they deserve."

Mikey More is record-breaking Spurs star

Moore's outing against Ferencvaros was not his first for the Tottenham Hotspur first team. The player has six appearances to his name and made his debut in May against Manchester City.

The winger became the youngest player to represent the club in the Premier League when coming off the bench against the Champions in that 2-0 defeat. Moore surpassed the record set by Dane Scarlett at the age of 16 years and 277 days.

The teenager has enjoyed top flight cameos against Sheffield United, Brentford and Manchester United, as well as featuring in both Europa League matches this season. Thursday was Moore's first time in the senior side's starting XI.

The winger is also a member of the England youth set-up and has played for three Lions at under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-19 level.

The North London derby is upon us and both teams can not afford to lose even if it’s just the fourth game of the season.

Tottenham have the chance not only to take three points against their sworn rivals but also to build up confidence and get their season back on track. The Lilywhites have only four points from a possible nine, and even though they were the better side against Newcastle before the international break, they left St James’ Park empty-handed.

The visitors have a number of injury and suspension issues, with Declan Rice ruled out, while the biggest blow will be captain Martin Ødegaard, who has picked up an ankle injury and is set to be out for a number of weeks.

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Spurs have their own issues, but they are on track to welcome back record summer signing Dominic Solanke into the starting eleven this weekend. Manager Ange Postecoglou revealed Solanke was very close to returning before the international break but erred on the side of caution to ensure he would be fresh for this game.

LondonWorld, who reported that midfielder Bissouma had made it a priority to return to London after being on the receiving end of a wild tackle during international duty, has been told the midfielder escaped a major injury and will likely start.

In other areas of the field, there are big decisions to make, with the manager having to decide between Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr in midfield, and up top, a choice between starting the electric Brennan Johnson or bringing in the often unpredictable Dejan Kulusevski.

The only players certain to start at this point are captain Son Heung-min and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. But LondonWorld, who has been monitoring training videos and pictures from the Tottenham Hotspur Way training ground, can predict the starting lineup.

The midfielder achieved promotions with Ipswich Town in each of the last two seasons.

Former Tottenham Hotspur academy product and QPR midfielder Dominic Ball has signed for League One outfit Leyton Orient to end his hunt for a new club as a free agent following release from Ipswich Town this summer.

The 29-year-old was part of the Tractor Boys squad that won promotion from League One in 2023 and the side which clinched a back-to-back promotion into the Premier League last season. Ball made 10 Championship appearances for Keiran McKenna's squad last season.

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The player was released at the expiration of his contract in June and praised by Ipswich Town as an 'an important member of the dressing room' and thanked by the manager for his 'vital contributions'.

The transfer deadline for the EFL passed at the end of August but clubs are still able to recruit players as free agents, which is how Leyton Orient have moved to bring the player in for the 2024/25 season. The O's have endured a tricky start to the third tier this term, losing all four of their opening fixtures and sitting rock bottom of the table at this early stage.

On signing for the club, Leyton Orient Richie Wellens welcomed Ball. He said: "We’re delighted to welcome Dom here to Leyton Orient, with him adding both real quality and depth to our squad.

“He has played the majority of his career in the Championship to date, and not only does he add some more experience to our midfield, he is a real leader, and someone Kieran McKenna has given great credit to regarding the excellent team spirit which saw Ipswich gain back-to-back promotions in recent years.”

The former Ipswich Town man is a familiar name for football fans in London. Ball began his youth career with Watford before moving to Spurs in 2011. The midfielder never made a senior appearance for Tottenham Hotspur as he was sent on loan to Cambridge United and Rangers.

Rotherham United signed the player in 2016 and three years later Ball moved back to the capital to play for QPR. Over three years he racked up 99 appearances for the R's before making the move to Ipswich Town in 2022.

The Spurs midfielder could face a ban of up to 12 games according to FA rules.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur could be banned for up to 12 games after being charged by the FA over comments made about teammate Son Heung-min.

The 27-year-old appeared on Uruguayan TV in June and was asked by a presenter for a Tottenham Hotspur shirt. He replied: "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."

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Bentancur later apologised on Instagram for the comment and labelled the interaction a 'very bad joke'. The player has since featured in two of Spurs' Premier League games this season, against Leicester City and Newcastle United, missing the Everton fixture due to a head injury.

The FA has now said that the player has been "charged with an alleged breach of FA rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview".

"It's alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought into disrepute," said an FA statement.

The FA are regarding the moment from June as an "aggravated breach... as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin".

The length of a potential ban remain to be seen with Bentancur given until Thursday, September 19 to respond to the charge. FA Laws say that "match-based sanctions of 6-12 games will be recommended to regulatory commissions for almost all acts of discrimination by individual participants".

Bentancur, who joined Spurs for £21.5 million from Juventus in 2022, remains eligible to play against Arsenal in the North London derby this weekend but a lengthy lay-off would see him miss key matches in the top flight this season. After taking on the Gunners, Ange Postecoglou's side face Brentford, Manchester United, Brighton, West Ham and Crystal Palace in their next six league outings.

Speaking about the incident in June, Son said: "I've spoken to Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.

"Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all. We're past this, we're united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one."

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that one of his star players is fit for the derby.

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was on the first plane back to London after picking up a knock during Mali’s AFCON qualifier against Eswatini on Tuesday night. The Mali midfielder has already had a stop-start season, having been left out of the game against Leicester for disciplinary reasons after being caught inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons.

He was then brought back for the game against Everton and played in the defeat to Newcastle before the international break. LondonWorld has been told Bissouma is desperate to impress and returned to London immediately after the game to manage the pain and have the Spurs medical team assess him ahead of the Arsenal match.

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He scored the opening goal in the game before being forced off in the 65th minute following a heavy tackle. This has been a challenging week for Arsenal as well, as they have lost Captain Martin Ødegaard to an ankle injury. He also flew straight back to London to be assessed, with reports suggesting he will be out for at least three weeks.

The Gunners were already without Declan Rice, who was sent off against Brighton, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with more headaches.

Need for Consistency

Tottenham need to find consistency on the field, having been incredibly inconsistent in the first month of the league season. They face an Arsenal side that have won two and drawn one of their first three league games.

However, Spurs have experienced every possible outcome a football match can offer. They began the season with a draw at newly-promoted Leicester, followed by an emphatic victory over Everton, which was supposed to be a springboard. But a defeat to Newcastle means they go into the derby with their backs already against the wall.

The versatile Serie A full-back is said to have all the attributed needed to develop into a player such as Spurs hero Gareth Bale.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as frontrunners to bring talented Lecce youngster Patrick Dorgu to the Premier League in the near future, but that move won't come cheap for either of the London clubs.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Blues and Spurs are in 'pole position' to sign the Denmark international. The outlet adds that any transfer is now likely to cost €40 million, which is equivalent to approximately £34 million.

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There was talk of the 19-year-old leaving the Serie A club this summer for €30 million but a deal did not emerge and the outfit are now prepared to charge more as the full-back continues to develop. It is thought that Tottenham Hotspur provided more serious transfer interest during the summer but that Chelsea could rekindle old hopes of signing the player come January.

Dorgu enjoyed a breakthrough season at Lecce last term having been brought into the club's youth academy from Nordsjaelland in Denmark in 2022. The teenager made 32 Serie A appearances last season as he impressed in the league.

The defender was handed his first and second senior Denmark caps during the recent international break as his stock continues to rise. The versatile player, who can be deployed on both wings as well as at left-back, came off the bench in wins against Switzerland and Serbia - scoring against the former of the two.

Lecce manager Luca Gotti had previously tipped the full-back to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale thanks to his dynamism and versatility. Gotti said: “He seems to have great adaptability. He enjoys playing on the pitch.

“Important people from the football world are starting to call me to ask me what I see. [Gareth Bale] becomes a forward. He could have played as a full-back. This could happen with Dorgu.”

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The defensive star was reportedly wanted by three of Europe’s top clubs this summer

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romeo reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United with three of Europe’s biggest football clubs said to have wanted to sign the 26-year-old in the recently ended transfer window.

According to reports from TyC Sports, via the Mail, Ange Postecoglou’s side received enquiries from United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain over the summer but made it clear that their vice-captain was not for sale.

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The centre-back was previously with Juventus and Atalanta before moving to Spurs initially on a loan deal in August 2021. His deal was then made permanent with the overall cost of the transaction reportedly worth £42m. He has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for the north London club and is thought to be rated very highly by his manager.

So far this Premier League season, United have let in five goals. It is thought that had Erik ten Hag been able to sign the Argentinian star, he would have paired him with his compatriot and international teammate Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence. However, the Red Devils instead brought in Leny Yoro from Lille and Bayern Munich stars Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

The report from TyC Sport continues by suggesting that interest in Romero is likely to once again resurface next summer when Spurs could be in a weaker negotiating position. The 26-year-old World Cup winner’s contract will then only have two years left on it - unless a new deal is penned in the meantime - meaning the N17 club could be keen to offload a valuable star for a significant fee rather than risking losing him for free.

The ex-Juve defender is currently on international duty with Argentina and most recently featured in the side’s 3-0 win over Chile. He was also a key member of the squads that won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Fifa World Cup and most recently the 2024 Copa America.

The Gunners will be without their midfield linchpin for the North London derby this weekend.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was right to have seen red in the Premier League meeting with Brighton last month, the Key Match Incidents panel has ruled after Mikel Arteta poured scorn on the decision.

The England international was already on a booking when he flicked the ball away from Seagulls man Joel Veltman, who was about to take a free-kick. The incident in the 49th minute brought about a second yellow card for Rice, who will now serve a one match ban and miss this weekend's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

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That was the first red card that the player, who cost Arsenal £100 million just over a year ago, had ever received by the panel agreed that his actions were 'clear, deliberate and impactful'. The Key Match Incidents group unanimously backed the decision and wrote: "Rice knows what he's doing - it's a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it he has no choice."

The independent panel is made up of three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative and one person from the Professional Game Match Officials Board, the referees' body. The decision comes after Mikel Arteta said he was 'amazed' at the decision reached by Chris Kavanagh.

After the match, the Spaniard said: "I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.

"Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball. By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card so we play 10 vs 10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing."

Arteta will have to make do without Rice this weekend as he takes on Ange Postecoglou. That blow is worsened by news this week of an injury to captain Martin Odegaard, as well as summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.