CaughtOffside

It’s not been the greatest season for Tottenham Hotspur so far, and though Ange Postecoglou has reasons for his team’s poor form, he’s still on the brink of losing his job according to reports.

The Australian is known for his brand of attacking football that’s pleasing on the eye, and that was certainly in evidence during his first season.

Ange Postecoglou could be sacked by Daniel Levy

Unfortunately, injuries have decimated the Spurs squad in 24/25, and whilst that’s a legitimate excuse as to why the North Londoners have been dumped out of both domestic cups and find themselves in 14th position in the Premier League, the cut throat world of elite football means that his job is on the line.

Jamie O’Hara wants Postecoglou out, with the former Spurs man rounding on the current manager during a recent radio rant.

Sources even recently indicated how many games Postecoglou had left to save himself from the sack.

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Reports from Italy now suggest that Fabio Paratici is pushing Daniel Levy to go after progressive Italian coach, Simone Inzaghi.

Inter Live note that the board of the Neroazzurri are fast becoming concerned by the team’s lack of spirit in certain games, and this is despite the fact that Inter are just a point behind Napoli at the top of Serie A.

Tottenham already have their Ange Postecoglou replacement

Were the Milanese giants to go on and pip the Partnopei to the Scudetto, it would be difficult for the club to then decide on dispensing with Inzaghi’s services.

Of course, the 48-year-old may instead decide that his purpose has been served at the club, and might look to further his career elsewhere.

Given that his entire playing and managerial career has been spent in Italy, moving to Tottenham would be a huge departure for Inzaghi, but Spurs remain an interesting project for many.

Virgil van Dijk is one of three big-name Liverpool players that are out of contract in the summer, and Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the Dutchman’s contract situation.

Given that Liverpool are closely monitoring a Chelsea defensive target, it might be said that the club have already jumped the gun and made their decision on what happens next.

It’s also been reported that Liverpool have “serious interest” in an £80m warhorse who could only be being watched and potentially signed to replace the Dutchman.

What next for Virgil van Dijk?

Everything therefore points to next season being sans van Dijk, and potentially Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah too.

However, renowned football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, has offered an update which puts a slightly different spin on things.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel he said: “It is true that the agents of Virgil van Dijk were sitting next to the director of football at Liverpool, Richard Hughes, for the game against Tottenham.

“There is still a very good conversation, a very good relationship between Liverpool and the agents of Virgil van Dijk.

“At the moment, the decision has still not been made. But the conversations continue.”

It isn’t clear in any event if the reason for any potential stalling of contract signing is down to the money involved or if the player is seeking pastures new.

Virgil van Dijk has no reason to leave Liverpool from a playing perspective

If it’s the latter, then questions would surely need to be asked of his motivation should the Reds go on and win the Premier League title and potentially more this season.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have been imperious for the most part and certainly the most consistent team in Europe.

Van Dijk, as team captain, has played the fullest part in that, and clearly has more to give at the current level.

If Ange Postecoglou is still in charge at Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, the chances are he’ll make a move for a €100m-rated player that’s been described as “impressive.”

Sources have already indicated how many games Postecoglou has to save his job, so it isn’t a foregone conclusion that he will remain in situ.

Tottenham want to land ‘proper, proper player’

Fabrizio Romano also offered an update on the Spurs manager after the North Londoners went crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Notwithstanding Tottenham’s current woes, they still want to be considered as the new employers for a player that CaughtOffside sources have called “impressive.”

Richard Rios has only recently signed a new contract with Palmeiras which runs until 2028 (transfermarkt), and which is believed to include a €100m release clause.

“It ended BADLY with Wenger” – this nightmare Arsenal legend “had problems with EVERYONE”, his former teammate reveals!

Though sources have indicated to CaughtOffside that West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham will be closely monitoring the development of the Colombian midfielder, and are ready to make a move in the summer transfer window, it’s understood that all three Premier League clubs are not willing to approach that figure.

Richard Rios will cost Tottenham €100m

Spurs were, apparently, determined to land Rios in the January window, however, the transfer didn’t get much further than initial talks given Palmeiras’ determination to hold out for the full amount of the player’s release clause.

Alternative transfer strategies, potentially including players plus cash, will have to be a consideration if Rios is to be signed in the summer transfer window.

Given that Rios has emerged as a cornerstone of the Palmeiras project, it’s safe to say that it’s going to be a difficult deal to do.

The Athletic (subscription required), once described him in a live blog as a ‘proper, proper player’ and ‘a wizard.’

It’s completely understandable therefore why the Brazilian outfit would be playing hard ball on this occasion.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his defensive options ahead of next season.

With the Gunners competing on multiple fronts, Arteta is keen to add depth to his backline. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership, but with injuries always a concern and the likes of Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White often deployed in different roles, Arsenal see Guehi as the perfect reinforcement.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal view the 23-year-old – who is also liked by Newcastle and Tottenham – as a reliable addition to their squad. His leadership, composure on the ball, and experience in the Premier League make him a prime candidate to slot into Arteta’s system seamlessly.

Guehi has been one of Palace’s standout performers this season, making 23 appearances while scoring three goals.

His commanding presence at the back has attracted attention from other Premier League heavyweights, with Tottenham and Newcastle reportedly having bids turned down earlier in the season.

Marc Guehi liked by several Premier League clubs

It’s thought that Liverpool are also monitoring him as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, while Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping close tabs on his situation. A return to Stamford Bridge, where he came through the youth academy but never played a league game, could also be an appealing prospect.

With Arsenal aiming to push for major trophies, securing defensive reinforcements will be key. Guehi’s ability to handle high-pressure situations was evident during EURO 2024, where he shone on the international stage for England. At just 24 years old and already boasting 121 Premier League appearances and 22 England caps, it’s easy to see why Guehi has attracted so much attention.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to ramp up their pursuit of young talent in the summer transfer window, with Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton emerging as key targets, according to reports.

A report from FootballTransfers has revealed that internal discussions are already underway – and Spurs are expected to push aggressively to bring both players in as part of their long-term strategy which sees them attempt to lure in some of the best young players in the world today.

Dibling has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in English football, with the former Chelsea man enjoying a breakout season with the Saints. Known for his technical ability and composure on the ball, the 18-year-old has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Spurs. While Southampton’s asking price remains unclear, the level of interest in him suggests it will take a significant offer to secure his services – perhaps around £60 million withstanding relegation.

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Meanwhile, Wharton has already earned an England cap and is considered one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League. Crystal Palace signed him for €21.1 million in January 2024, but his stock has since risen dramatically.

Tottenham to continue approach of targeting youth players

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have made it clear that youth development is at the core of their project – which is why they signed four players aged 19 and under last summer.

Seventeen-year-old Mikey Moore made history in May 2024 as Tottenham’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant and has since continued to impress. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have injected fresh energy and technical quality into the midfield, providing Postecoglou with exciting long-term options.

A late transfer window move for Mathys Tel was the sum total of Tottenham’s transfer business, and they’ve been slammed for a “PR stunt.”

Yang Min-hyeok, Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel were the sum total of Tottenham’s incoming transfer business in January.

After a verbal agreement with Tottenham was originally agreed for Tel, the player apparently turned down the move, only to renege when it seemed clear he couldn’t engineer a move elsewhere.

Tottenham slammed by ex-Premier League CEO

Suggestions that the smooth-talking Ange Postecoglou helped to swing the deal Spurs’ way are almost certainly PR hype to get media onside whilst the club is going through another tough period.

Indeed, the North Londoners have been slammed by a former Premier League club CEO for another attempt at a PR stunt during January.

“They’ve got the lowest wage-to-turnover ratio of the top clubs, so Daniel had been saving the (transfer) money for a rainy day,” ex-Everton chief, Keith Wyness, told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

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“The pressure has come on him, and this Guehi move seemed to be a statement – but it didn’t get done.

“You would be angry as a Spurs fan, seeing that there was £70million behind the sofa when the problems have gone on for the last few weeks.

“I think it has come from the fan pressure. It should have been prepared for and sorted out in the few months before the window.

“It did smack of desperation. It looked like a PR stunt, to be honest.

“There are some questions about a £70million deal like that. It’s the soap opera that is Spurs, and they are the gift that keeps on giving at the moment.”

Tottenham craving success on and off the pitch

From Daniel Levy’s point of view, beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final, to set up a Wembley date with Newcastle, is now a must.

Doing so would take the heat away from him personally and likely give Postecoglou some breathing space too.

At present, Spurs find themselves way down in 14th position in the Premier League, and some 16 points behind Chelsea in the final Champions League spot.

After an FA Cup tie away at Aston Villa at the weekend, the Lilywhites play Man United, Man City and Chelsea in their next six English top-flight games.

Things aren’t going to get any easier for the team and the club, so it’s little wonder that Levy might be trying to get some ‘wins’ in the media in the meantime.

Harry Kane does have a release clause in his Bayern Munich deal, according to reports.

The Telegraph say that even though the player’s representatives have remained tight-lipped following a report by Bild, such a clause does exist, potentially paving the way for a Premier League return in the future.

The 31-year-old is reportedly very happy in Germany and has no intention of activating the clause anytime soon. But with top English clubs already aware of its existence, it could become a key factor should he ever consider a move back to the Premier League.

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One major twist in the situation is Tottenham’s involvement. Spurs have a matching right, meaning that if a rival club triggers Kane’s release clause, they would have the opportunity to match the offer. Ultimately, the decision would rest with Kane himself, who would have to choose between a fresh challenge or a return to North London, where he spent nearly two decades and became the club’s all-time leading scorer.

For now, though, Kane is fully focused on his first season with Bayern, where he has made an instant impact in the Bundesliga. But with Premier League interest brewing, his long-term future may not be as clear-cut as it once seemed.

Harry Kane could head back to Tottenham Hotspurs

Tottenham are expected to target a move for one of their former players who left the club back in 2020 for more first team football.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are already thinking about their business of the summer transfer window this year.

Their main focus has been to strengthen their defense and their signing of Kevin Danso from Lens has shown exactly that.

Spurs have struggled at the back this season with injuries and the manager is keen to add depth to his squad.

According to TBR Football, Tottenham are targeting a move for Southampton right-back Kyle-Peters.

The defender left Spurs because he wanted more playing time and at Southampton, he has managed to become one of the most important players for them.

Walker-Peters has entered the final year of his contract at the club and Spurs are ready to take advantage of this situation to sign the player at the end of the season.

Since his departure from the club, they have monitored the defender and his progress and their interest in signing him is not new.

The 27-year-old has now gained valuable experience in the last four years away from the North London club and he is now ready to challenge for a place in the starting line up at Spurs if he is given the chance.

Tottenham face competition to sign their former player

The player was being pursued by Galatasaray but he rejected a move to Turkey and is now keen on returning to Spurs and prove himself there under Postecoglou.

Walker-Peters made only 24 appearances for the club during his time in North London and now he wants to increase that tally by making a move to the Premier League club.

Tottenham face competition from Leicester City and Crystal Palace to sign the defender.

Ideally, Southampton were looking to offload the defender in the winter transfer window since they want to avoid the prospect of losing him for free in the summer.

However, with nothing advanced on his move away from the Premier League strugglers at the moment, an exit at the end of the season is the most likely option now.

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has been linked with a move away from the club this month and Tottenham Hotspur have agreed on a deal to sign him on loan.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have not included a buy option clause in the deal and Spurs will pay a loan fee for the 26-year-old French defender.

The defender has not accepted the move to Tottenham yet and he has already agreed terms with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Chelsea have indicated that they are not willing to let the player join Aston Villa, who are competitors for the Champions League qualification spots.

It will be interesting to see if the player decides to change his mind and move to Tottenham instead.

The 26-year-old has struggled for regular gametime at Chelsea, and he needs to play more often at this stage of his career.

Tottenham could provide him with the opportunity he needs right now. The North London club needed to add more quality and depth to their defensive unit and they have already signed Kevin Danso earlier today. It seems that they are now looking to complete a deal for Disasi before the January window closes.

Spurs needed defensive additions

They have had a disappointing season so far, and they have been particularly vulnerable at the back. Signing two quality defenders before the window closes would be a wise decision. It could help them bounce back strongly during the second half of the season.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few hours. It is evident that Chelsea will not sanction his departure to Aston Villa and the player could be forced to accept a move to Tottenham. He will be desperate for gametime and he cannot afford to sit on the bench at Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the AC Milan winger Noah Okafor.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the club and AC Milan are prepared to move him on before the window closes.

The player has been linked with West Ham United as well, but the move has not gone through yet.

According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport via SportWitness, Tottenham and West Ham are in contact with the Italian club regarding a move before the January window closes.

Milan were hoping to sell the player permanently in January. They are now ready to send him out on loan. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Tottenham could use Noah Okafor

Tottenham need more depth in the wide areas and the Swiss International could be a useful acquisition. He has not been at his best this season and perhaps a fresh start could be ideal for him. The player scored six goals last season and he picked up three assists along the way. He is versatile enough to operate anywhere across the front three and his versatility will be a bonus if Tottenham can get the deal done.

They need more quality in the final third if they want to finish the season strongly. The 24-year-old will be desperate to get his career back on track and his hunger to succeed will be a bonus for the North London side. Okafor has been previously described as a player with “magnificent technical qualities, speed and power”.

Meanwhile, West Ham are looking to add more depth to the attacking unit as well. They will be able to provide Okafor with ample game time, and it remains to be seen whether they can win the race for his signature. Whoever ends up signing him on loan this month would be able to pull off a bargain acquisition. If he manages to regain his peak form, he could transform them in the attack.