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Enzo Fernandez scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season to hand Chelsea a narrow 1-0 win over London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

The Argentine's 50th minute header restored Chelsea's place inside the Premier League top four, moving a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, who won 2-0 over Leicester on Wednesday.

Moises Caicedo thought he had doubled Chelsea's lead in sensational fashion midway through the second half, but his stunning volley was chalked off following a lengthy VAR review after Levi Colwill was found to be in an offside position.

Spurs substitute Pape Matar Sarr also found the back of Robert Sanchez's net with a speculative strike from distance, but referee Craig Pawson penalised the midfielder for a foul on Caicedo after a second look at the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Tottenham remained rooted in 14th place after the disappointing defeat at Stamford Bridge, three points behind Manchester United above them.

Mail Sport's AADAM PATEL was at Stamford Bridge on the night to assess the players' performances in the London derby.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sanchez 6

Was spared his blushes when Pape Sarr’s goal was controversially disallowed. The most relieved man inside Stamford Bridge. Then made a superb save late on to deny Son.

Malo Gusto 7.5

Preferred ahead of Reece James and was brilliant, keeping Son quiet for most of the evening. Came close to scoring too but his effort went into the side-netting.

Trevoh Chalobah 6.5

Played a brilliant long ball to Nicolas Jackson in the first minute and was defensively sound, though survived a handball shout in the second half.

Levi Colwill 6.5

Did well alongside Chalobah as Chelsea kept a clean sheet but was the reason why Caicedo’s brilliant volley was disallowed as he was marginally offside.

Marc Cucurella 7

A typically reliable display, up and down the left flank. Made sure he had the right boots on after his horror show last time against Spurs.

Moises Caicedo 7

Took an early blow but fought through it and scored a brilliant volley, only for it to be ruled out by VAR. Perhaps lucky to be awarded the foul for Sarr’s disallowed goal though.

Enzo Fernandez 7.5

Was comfortable in possession and timed his run to perfection for the opening goal with a bullet header. The match-winner.

Pedro Neto 6

Like Jadon Sancho, had some decent moments with the ball but needs to offer more in the final third.

Cole Palmer 8

Back from injury and looked refreshed, constantly getting on the ball and posing a threat. Played a lovely ball too to get the assist for Fernandez’s goal and was a class apart.

Jadon Sancho 6

Told by Enzo Maresca that he needed more goal invovlements and was denied by a brilliant stop from Vicario. Struggled to get the better of Spence and was replaced for Noni Madueke.

Nicolas Jackson 6.5

Another player back from injury and he bullied the Spurs defenders throughout but lacked that composure in front of goal, missing an early chance then blazing over.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke 6

Returned from injury and replaced Sancho in the 68th minute.

Reece James N/A

On for Jackson in the 82nd minute.

Tosin Adarabioyo N/A

Replaced Palmer in added time.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall N/A

Came on for Fernandez in injury time.

Tottenham (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Had a very shaky start, with some questionable distribution but made some good saves to keep Spurs in the game. Could do nothing to keep out Fernandez’s goal.

Djed Spence 6.5

Was very impressive down the right hand side and made it difficult for Sancho to have any real influence on the game. A rare positive for Spurs.

Cristian Romero 5.5

Struggled with the highline initially and was booked for shoving Colwill in the first half, which sparked a melee between both sets of players. Improved in the second-half.

Micky van de Ven 5.5

Returned from injury and was instantly involved, with his attempted clearance going off Jackson and crashing into the post. In no man’s land for Chelsea’s goal.

Destiny Udogie 5

Very sloppy and failed to track Fernandez’s run for the goal. Failed to link up at all with Son down the left flank too. A poor evening for the 22-year-old

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Another one who battled well defensively but hardly offered anything going forward, with Chelsea’s midfield so much more cohesive.

Lucas Bergvall 6

Battled but failed to really have any real say on the contest and was replaced for Pape Sarr just after the hour mark.

James Maddison 5.5

Back in the starting eleven and part of a Spurs midfield trio that simply couldn’t cope with Chelsea’s relentless pressure. Arguably should have been taken off instead of Bergvall.

Wilson Odobert 5.5

A bit of a nothing performance and replaced by Brennan Johnson in the 64th minute, who asked so much more questions of Chelsea.

Son Heung-min 6

Back in the starting eleven and largely quiet until his golden opportunity late on, when he was denied by a brilliant stop from Sanchez.

Dominic Solanke 6

Just the 21 touches across 90 minutes but in fairness, he had minimal service all evening.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson 6.5

Replaced Odobert in the 64th minute.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Came on for Bergvall and so unlucky not to get the leveller.

Pedro Porro N/A

Came on in the 88th minute for Van de Ven.

Mathys Tel N/A

Replaced Maddison in the 88th minute.

Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Chelsea welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Newcastle are in talks over a lucrative pre-season friendly against Tottenham at what would be a sold-out stadium in the South Korean capital of Seoul, Confidential can reveal.

Given the presence of Spurs and South Korea captain Son Heung-min, a capacity crowd of 66,000 would be expected at the World Cup Stadium, which hosted the country’s semi-final defeat by Germany in 2002.

We understand Spurs are in discussions over a return to Korea and a game against Newcastle is now a strong possibility.

The Magpies were in talks with organisers in Hong Kong over playing matches at the new Kai Tak Stadium this summer. Staff visited Hong Kong to check out facilities on more than one occasion.

However, it was confirmed this week that Liverpool, AC Milan, Spurs and Arsenal will feature instead, meaning Newcastle have re-routed to South Korea and Singapore in late July.

It is thought they will play two matches in Korea, most likely versus Spurs and an All-Star XI. They will play one game in Singapore, with Arsenal in the frame, but confirmation is still awaited on all fixture.

HURRICANE PARTY!

Newcastle’s Town Moor on-stage party was in danger of being scrapped right up until 3pm on Saturday because of high winds, Confidential can reveal.

With the players due to leave St James’ Park on their open-top bus at 4.30pm, officials and safety staff on the Moor were concerned about the gusts that were battering the stage area, where Eddie Howe and his team were due to appear after 6pm. I can vouch for this, because my laptop was blown straight off the stool that doubled as my desk!

The contingency plan was for the bus to drive onto the Moor and for Ant and Dec to deliver the show from the top deck - and that was in play until late in the day.

But, as it was, the winds eased - even if only ever so slightly - and that allowed the team to present the trophy to 150,000 fans on the Moor from the main stage.

The lights show organised by front-of-shirt sponsor Sela was also at risk of cancellation, given that drones cannot fly in extremely high winds. But, again, organisers found a way around a series of issues presented to them on the day, and what played out was a truly memorable occasion.

ROOFTOP PARTY!

Saturday’s after-show celebration took place at Above, the trendy rooftop bar at the Vermont Hotel on Newcastle’s Quayside.

But it did so without the stars of the show, for Newcastle’s players had training the following day and were told that alcohol and partying were off limits.

Given the non-internationals had a fair crack at all of that in Dubai in the days after the cup final, there were very few complaints.

But it did make me smile this week when I was told that, upon his later arrival in Dubai, Eddie Howe very quickly made his players swap their dancing shoes for football boots!

PARTY POLITICS!

It did not go unnoticed that some key political figures were enjoying themselves alongside Newcastle chiefs and club legends at the parade party - for they will be needed in getting plans for a new stadium signed off.

Confidential exclusively reported last month how the Saudi owners, hierarchy and some stakeholders had seen plans for a new build on Leazes Park. The capacity proposed then was 65,000.

This presentation included a video of how the stadium and surrounding area would look, and club chiefs are said to be super excited by the vision they have seen for a new home.

To that end, they know the importance of local political support and, as one source said: ‘This will be about the community working together.’

So, to see North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Labour MP Chi Onwurah backstage and in VIP areas with the club’s top brass - including those driving the move to Leazes Park - was not lost on some observers.

Chief executive Darren Eales is said to be among the key players proposing the capacity does not go much beyond 65,000, given the need to maintain demand and protect the pricing model. He has experience of launching football teams in new stadiums from his time in MLS with Atlanta United.

Club sources insist PIF are yet to sign off on final plans, but developments of the past few weeks tell us that all roads currently lead towards a new build on Leazes Park.

NO PADEL PARTY!

The squad’s plans for a padel tournament in Dubai were scuppered at the last minute - because the courts were under renovation!

Instead, padel enthusiasts among the group - and that is most of them - had to settle for what they consider second best, a more traditional game of tennis.

A PARTY TOO FAR…

I have seen quite a bit of young midfielder Travis Hernes for the Under 21s and have always been impressed.

However, reports from Denmark this week would suggest the 19-year-old has not done himself any favours during his loan stay with Aalborg.

They were beaten 4-0 at home last weekend and Hernes was among a group of three players who then made an ill-advised visit to a local nightclub.

The Norwegian and his team-mates have since issued a public apology and will be disciplined by the club.

PROMOTION PARTY?

Finally, the ambition of Newcastle United Women’s boss, Becky Langley, appears to be limitless, writes Tara Anson-Walsh.

Langley says she is desperate for the team to reach the WSL ‘as quickly as possible’. Since being promoted last season, Newcastle have gone from strength to strength under Langley’s leadership and at just 29, she is the youngest coach in the second tier.

This growth included victory in the Tyne-Wear derby in front of a record Championship crowd last month. The team sit sixth in the league, comfortably clear of relegation, with a promotion push for next season looking increasingly likely.

Langley told Confidential: ‘A safe answer for me could be that I'd like a couple of seasons in the Championship to adjust and grow as a coach, because if we get there too quickly, it puts me in a position of vulnerability, but I'm probably the absolute polar opposite.

‘I want to get there now. I’m desperately disappointed that it’s not going to be this season because there’s been a lot of hard work to ensure that we are pushing into the top three and competing with the likes of London City and Birmingham.

‘I think the bit that gives me a bit of perspective is that we're competing against teams that have played 11, 12 years in the Championship.

'But we know we've got the potential to do it. We’ve beaten Sunderland twice in our derbies in front of huge crowds, so we know about the potential it's just showing that consistency every day.’

TOON TEASER

It’s Toon Teaser time.

Our last puzzler was a little complicated. We had previously asked you to name the 10 England internationals that Newcastle used across four Wembley appearances between 1996 and 2000 (Charity Shield, two FA Cup finals and one FA Cup semi-final).

The answers were; Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, David Batty, Peter Beardsley, Warren Barton, Steve Howey, Stuart Pearce, John Barnes, Kieron Dyer and Les Ferdinand.

Since then, 14 Newcastle players had appeared for England… and the answers were; Jermaine Jenas, Jonathan Woodgate, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen, Scott Parker, Alan Smith, Andy Carroll, Andros Townsend, Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

However, 14 became 15 when Dan Burn made his debut the day after we posed our Teaser!

This week’s question is (and this is the last one on this theme)… There you have every Newcastle player who has appeared for England since 1996.

Remarkably, between winning the FA Cup in 1955 and 1996, only four others who aren’t listed above were capped by the Three Lions while a Newcastle player. Name them!

Chelsea entertain Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday evening

The London rivals have been involved in several iconic moments over the years

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

Tottenham take on Chelsea in the last match of the Premier League game week on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sit in sixth chasing Champions League football whilst visitors Spurs languish in 14th after a bad second season under Ange Postecoglou.

The international break has been kind to Chelsea with the likes of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson back in contention to start, according to Enzo Maresca.

For Spurs, only Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and recent Ballers League feature commentator Kevin Danso are set to miss out as the Lilywhites have seemingly shrugged off most of their fitness woes.

Ange Postecoglou's job is still on the line after poor performances in the league with the Australian hoping for glory in the Europa League.

Former Chelsea and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino's comments on a return to Tottenham will have only put more pressure on the Australian who may be sacked in the summer if results don't improve.

This London derby is steeped in history and drama, producing some of the most exciting and intense moments the Premier League has ever seen.

Prior to the game under the lights at Stamford Bridge, it's worth going down memory lane to see some of the craziest games and incidents between the two sides.

From off the pitch brawls to peculiar tactics, this famous all-London affair has had some memorable moments throughout the years.

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (2022) – Tuchel and Conte's fierce handshake

Now England manager Thomas Tuchel and current Napoli boss Antonio Conte were locked in an infamous moment during a hotly contested London derby in August 2022.

Tuchel's Chelsea went ahead first through Kalidou Koulibaly before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg equalised just after the hour mark.

Things began to get heated when Conte and Tuchel were booked following a disagreement over Rodrigo Bentancur's tackle on Kai Havertz before the equaliser which didn't result in a free kick.

Then, when Reece James put the ball in the back of the net, the German set off down the touchline running past Conte in celebration, infuriating the Italian.

Harry Kane's 96th minute equaliser added to the drama before the match culminated in a gripping handshake.

The clash was provoked by Tuchel and captured Conte's open-mouthed reaction, as the German appeared to hold onto his rival's hand for a second too long.

The two coaches went head-to-head, sparking a mass brawl among both sets of players before referee Anthony Taylor handed out a red card to both of them.

Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea (2023) – the nine-men high line

Monday night football served up a treat as Spurs and Chelsea engaged in a bizarre encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in November 2023 that left both sets of fans perplexed over proceedings.

The Lilywhites raced into an early lead after Dejan Kulusevski's effort found the back of the net, but it all went downhill from there.

There were numerous goals ruled out by VAR but when Raheem Sterling's goal was disallowed, replays showed Cristian Romero's reckless and stupid penalty-area tackle on Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea were awarded with a penalty that was converted by ice cold Cole Palmer with Spurs down to 10 men following Romero's dismissal.

A flurry of injuries to James Maddison and Micky van de Ven saw Spurs without their first choice back centre back pairing and caution should have been urged for Spurs who were holding on for dear life.

In the second half, Tottenham then went down to nine men when Destiny Udogie's second yellow card.

Yet, in bold fashion, Postecoglou opted for his nine men of Spurs to hold a ludicrously high line on the halfway line.

Inevitably, Chelsea began to break the high line with runs from their own half, culminating in a first Nicholas Jackson hat-trick for the Blues, sealing the win.

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (2016) – Battle of the Bridge

The 2015-16 season was a year that nobody could have predicted as Leicester City lifted the Premier League title after an incredible campaign.

Yet, Tottenham were chasing down Leicester for the title with the contest against Chelsea in May of 2016 a pivotal moment that could end their title dreams.

The now coined 'Battle of the Bridge' took place at Stamford Bridge and featured 12 yellow cards and both teams engaging in scraps all over the pitch.

Spurs were much the better side, racing into a 2-0 lead through Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son before half time.

Superb sub Eden Hazard came on to produce a masterclass, grabbing a stunning 83rd minute equaliser which secured a point for the Blues and destroyed Tottenham's title hopes.

On the full-time whistle, emotions spilled onto the pitch as players, managers and coaching staff alike were reeled into brawls including renowned Chelsea troublemaker Diego Costa.

It was an iconic match that the Premier League hadn't seen for years and was a joy to behold for the neutral – the same cannot be said for Spurs fans.

Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea (2012) – Goal-line technology drama

After Frank Lampard's long-range effort against Germany in the 2010 World Cup that crossed the line but didn't count, a huge debate over goal-line technology ensued.

This discussion continued in the 2011-12 season during Spurs and Chelsea' semi final clash in the FA Cup.

It was a dominant display from Chelsea nonetheless as Juan Mata notched their second goal of the game just after half time.

However, replays showed the ball hadn't crossed the line despite Martin Atkinson awarding the goal, putting the hot topic of goal line technology back on the menu.

Chelsea, who were then coached by Roberto Di Matteo, went onto win 5-1 against Harry Redknapp's side, but their passage to the final was not without controversy.

Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham (2008) – Spurs win a trophy

Life as a Spurs fan has usually been a painful affair with heartbreak.

But back in 2008 Spurs did the unthinkable, they won the EFL Cup, beating Chelsea in an emphatic final.

Striker Didier Drogba put Chelsea in the lead as his free kick took advantage of a poorly positioned Paul Robinson in goal.

Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the spot for the Lilywhites as Wayne Bridge had been adjudged to have handled the ball.

In disastrous fashion, Jonathan Woodgate sealed Spurs' victory in extra-time after Petr Cech punched the ball on to his head.

The victory was Spurs' first since 1999 and 17 arduous later it still remains their only major trophy win.

'Aussie Ange' will reportedly battle to keep his job beyond May

Opened up about Spurs' horrible season in chat with fellow Aussie

Under-pressure Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has outlined why his team has failed to fire this season in the Premier League - and accepts some long-suffering fans have 'lost faith' in his squad.

Spurs sit 14th on the table after 15 defeats from 29 games - a far cry from last season, when 'Aussie Ange' guided his team to fifth spot.

And while Tottenham reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and are into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the playing group are clearly fatigued.

Injuries have also played their part in the series of poor domestic results, but Postecoglou, 59, believes the seemingly never-ending fixture list has seen his players take their eyes off the main prize - performing across 38 games in the Premier League.

He faces an uphill battle to keep his job in north London beyond next month, with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola the rumoured first-choice target to take over.

Postecoglou told Socceroos great and former Middlesborough and Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer he understands why many rusted-on supporters are frustrated.

'It's been a tough season. There's no hiding from it. It hasn't gone anywhere near the levels we wanted,' he told Optus Sport.

'There's frustration in that we've seen glimpses of what we want, but then [there have been] enormous setbacks.

'But in the league, we have been nowhere near it, it has been disappointing.'

The former Celtic boss added the football schedule for players - many of whom also play international football for their nations - is far too draining.

Asked to name the biggest challenge his team has faced this season, he went back to the very beginning of their campaign.

'I think we got the start of the year wrong,' Postecoglou admitted.

'It's become increasingly challenging for footballers, they don't get the traditional break.

'I think we went into the season really hard and underestimated the challenges of Europe with the two extra games, having a cup run... all those things.'

The 59-year-old remains 'bullish' about his team, but given Spurs must win the Europa League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, Postecoglou appears to be on borrowed time.

Postecoglou's declaration he always wins silverware in his second season at the helm will also more than likely come back to haunt him.

But as always, Postecoglou remains defiant.

'Surviving tough times can often unite people,' he said.

'Because you think there's nothing down the track which will be anywhere near as bad as what we've gone through. We've survived and we've stuck together.

'I guess the biggest way we can influence our fans is by giving them hope, I know some have lost faith in what we are trying to do.

'We have still got things to play for in Europe and we've got to try and finish the season off in a positive way.'

Richarlison will give Ange Postecoglou a boost by returning to action next week - as it emerged Tottenham have turned down an approach for the striker from Brazilian side Flamengo.

The 27-year-old has been absent since limping off in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Liverpool in February. He cut a dejected figure as he was forced off only weeks after returning from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since November.

He has managed just 14 appearances for Spurs this season but manager Postecoglou should have him available for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt a week on Thursday.

Spurs were approached in the January window by Flamengo, who were keen to take the injury-hit striker in a permanent £16million deal or on loan.

Tottenham would only consider a permanent deal, and wanted around double the money they were offered.

Richarlison's former club, Fluminense, were interested, too, but the forward is reluctant to go home to Brazil, believing it would make it hard to return to any of Europe's big five leagues.

He wants another chance to fulfil his potential at Spurs, where he is under contract until June 2027.

Richarlison is desperate to return from injury to help his club finish the season strongly - as well as boosting his prospects of returning to the Brazil national team, for whom he has not featured since October 2023.

Several Spurs fans expressed frustration over the lack of signings in January

Daniel Levy has hit back by urging the importance of long-term sustainability

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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has hit back at fans amid claims he is not investing enough in the club.

The north London outfit have endured a nightmare season under Ange Postecoglou, slipping to 14th in the Premier League with a grim tally of just 34 points ahead of the March international break.

Prior to the January transfer window, Postecoglou persistently attributed his side's struggles to an availability crisis within his squad, with several top stars such as Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie out injured.

A glut of Tottenham fans called for Levy to invest heavily in the squad during the January transfer window in the hope of turning the team's fortunes, but Spurs only brought in a few stars including back-up goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, former Lens centre-half Kevin Danso and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel on loan.

Disappointed that Levy opted against splashing out on high-profile players in the January window, several fans expressed frustration at the Tottenham chairman over his cautious approach to recruitment.

But Levy has now hit back at those fans by publishing Tottenham's financial results for 2024, outlining just how much he and the club have spent since moving to their new stadium back in 2019.

The financial report showed that Spurs' total revenue has decreased by four per cent since 2023, contributing to a total loss of £26.2million after tax.

'As we announce our financial results for the year to 30 June 2024, we currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch,' Levy said in his statement, via the club website.

'We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages.

'Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions. Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means.

'I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world. However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues.

'Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power. We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club – indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.

'I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. We are resilient and passionate about our Club. We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch.'

Since Postecoglou's arrival in the summer of 2023, Tottenham have signed six players for individual fees worth more than £25m.

Those six players include Dominic Solanke (£54m), Brennan Johnson (£46m), James Maddison (£39m), Archie Gray (£35m), Micky van de Ven (£33m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£25m).

Fan anger has threatened to boil over in recent weeks, with Postecoglou forced to tell a supporter to 'behave themselves' in a fiery clash after Spurs' dismal 2-0 defeat by Fulham earlier this month.

The loss proved too much for one supporter to handle and they voiced their displeasure at the Australian when he walked back towards the dressing room.

Postecoglou chose not to let the swipe pass and confronted the fan, promoting a commotion that attracted players and support staff.

The fan could be heard saying 'what was that?', at least three times, by which point Postecoglou had stopped in his tracks and faced the supporter.

Tottenham stars Djed Spence and Mathys Tel both attempted to usher their manager away from the conflict before Postecoglou replied: 'Behave yourself, you're a young man just have some values okay.'

Tottenham's next match comes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has broken his silence amid speculation he could replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Postecoglou has been under pressure for the majority of this season, with Spurs seriously underperforming and sitting 14th in the Premier League table with 15 defeats in 29 games.

Fans have generally been split on his future but a new report has suggested his position could be considered in the summer with other targets already being sounded out.

Postecoglou earlier this year vowed to win a trophy in his second year in charge - this season - but has just one shot left at fulfilling that promise in a campaign to forget.

Spurs have endured a dismal Premier League season, while the north London club also suffered exits in both domestic cups, leaving the Europa League as their only trophy to play for.

Iraola has been tipped to become the north London club's new manager should they fail their bid to end their long trophy drought this term.

However, the Cherries boss says he's 'really happy' in the South Coast and wants to take the club to the next level.

'I want to do my job the best I can. I don't know how far we can go, where we will finish,' Iraola said ahead of Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City.

'If I don't do the job very well, they (Bournemouth's owners) will find someone else who does the job – it is like this in every job.

'I am really happy here. We have a great opportunity for the first time in the (club's) history to go to (the FA Cup) semi-finals. That would be amazing for me personally and for the club to achieve new heights.

'But we know that we have to also be realistic, that there are better teams than us and we have to fight against teams that are very good, so we will try to give the best level we have.'

Iraola has overseen an impressive transformation at Bournemouth since he joined the club at the start of last season. After leading them to 12th in the table last term, they are currently in 10th, just four points off the Champions League spots.

He will be a man in demand in the near future, and his team are 10 points ahead of Spurs in the table while also having an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to this weekend.

The Spaniard has one year left on his deal with the Cherries, meaning Spurs would have to pay his £10million release clause if they want to secure his services.

A LaLiga star has spoken for the first time on a summer move to Tottenham that has been in the works for several months.

After leading Spurs to fifth in his first Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou set about reshaping his squad last summer, with eight players leaving on permanent deals.

One of those to depart was Giovani Lo Celso, who moved on to Real Betis after a stuttering four-year spell in north London.

As part of the deal to send the Argentina international to the Estadio Benito Villamarin, Spurs negotiated a clause that would allow them to sign Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso when the summer transfer window opens.

According to Standard Sport, the clause can be activated in the first two weeks of the transfer window and would allow Spurs to sign the 23-year-old for a fee of £21million.

Speaking for the first time regarding his slated move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Cardoso insisted the interest makes him feel 'valued'.

'I can't lie, and it's true that it's something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I'm doing a good job,' Cardoso told Diario de Sevilla.

'But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field.

'However, right now my focus is only on Betis. This season we have important things to think about.'

Under the stewardship of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini Betis have enjoyed a impressive campaign thus far and currently sit just eight points behind the Champions League places with ten games remaining,

The club have also enjoyed success in Europe, and are set to face Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League next month.

Asked whether he would like to represent Betis in the Champions League next season should they qualify Cardoso replied: 'Of course.'

Cole Palmer is training with Chelsea on Friday for the first time since picking up his muscular problem, as he aims to take on Tottenham Hotspur in six days.

Mail Sport reported yesterday how Palmer had not yet taken part in a session since suffering his setback, leaving fans worried that he might miss next week’s seismic showdown with Spurs, but the playmaker is at Cobham today to participate.

The injury had forced Palmer to miss their last Premier League loss at Arsenal nearly two weeks ago, as he was then unable to join up with Thomas Tuchel’s and England for the World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca has also been boosted by the return of Nicolas Jackson, finally giving him a striker to work with.

Despite being out of form by his high standards, Palmer is vitally important to Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish, and his numbers could be helped by having a centre forward in Jackson to feed.

It has been a demanding season for the 22-year-old Englishman, who had started every other Premier League game for Chelsea prior to their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Chelsea are looking for a strong run-in to confirm a return to the Champions League.

They currently sit fourth in the table, and beat Spurs 4-3 away from home earlier in the season in a comeback in which Palmer scored twice, including a Panenka penalty.