The Telegraph

Jermaine Jenas has been sacked by the BBC over complaints about inappropriate communications including text messages.

The One Show and Match of the Day presenter, a former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, had been touted by some as a long-term replacement for Gary Lineker.

Jenas, 41, has now been dropped by the flagship football programme, the BBC confirmed.

“It followed allegations involving digital communications such as texts, which were raised with the corporation a few weeks ago,” the BBC reported.

A BBC spokesman said: “We can confirm that Jermain Jenas is no longer part of our presenting line-up.”

It is understood Jenas was cut from the presenting team following an internal process.

Alex Kay-Jelski, the head of BBC Sport, confirmed the decision in an email to staff on Thursday, informing them that “Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC”.

The former player covered this summer’s Euros in Germany, and acted as a co-commentator on the semi-final between Spain and France on July 9.

He last presented The One Show on July 22, having first joined the evening TV show in 2021. His various roles earned him between £190,000 and £194,999 per year, according to the BBC’s 2023 annual report.

As news broke of Jenas’s sacking from the BBC, he was on air in his role as talkSPORT pundit. Jenas, who earned 21 England caps, did not address it during the drivetime show.

He later said in a statement: “I am not happy about it. I’ll have to let the lawyers deal with it. There are two sides to every story.”

Alongside his BBC commitments, Jenas has a relationship with TNT Sport, formerly BT Sport. He has provided commentary for its football coverage, and presented its E Sport programming.

Jenas is not scheduled to appear on air again for a broadcaster for a number of weeks, it is understood.

TalkSPORT said it would pull Jenas from the air, adding in a statement: “We were made aware of a breaking news story involving Jermaine Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot on talkSPORT Drive. We made a decision, with Jermaine, that he should continue to present the show.

“Given the array of serious allegations being reported as the story continues to evolve, it’s for Jermaine as a private individual to address them in the way he chooses.

“There are no plans for Jermaine to broadcast as a presenter on talkSPORT in the immediate future.”

Jenas began his career with Nottingham Forest, where he quickly made his name as a promising young player. In 2002 he joined a youthful Newcastle United squad stewarded by the late manager Sir Bobby Robson, and soon won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

He joined Spurs in 2005, and Aston Villa in 2011, ending his career at Queens Park Rangers two years later.

Jenas moved into punditry, first with ITV and BT Sport, before securing appearances on Match of the Day.

In 2023, Lineker, the flagship show’s host, suggested his time at the helm of the programme was “nearly up” and hinted at his possible successor.

The former England striker suggested Jenas could succeed him, saying that he was “probably drifting more towards my role” and was “doing it really well, doing The One Show”.

Jenas has three children with wife Ellie Penfold, who he married in 2011, and one other child from a previous relationship.

His departure is the latest in a number of recent difficulties for the BBC. In July, Huw Edwards, the News at 10 presenter, pleaded guilty to possession of 41 indecent images of children, having initially been suspended from frontline duties in July last year.

An internal inquiry had been launched following reports that Edwards paid £35,000 to a man, who was 17 when the alleged relationship began, in exchange for sexually explicit images.

The BBC has asked Edwards to return the £200,000 of salary he received in the month following his arrest last November.

The corporation is also dealing with internal unrest over its HR system, which staff have claimed is not fit for purpose. Whistleblowers who came forward to raise concerns about Edwards said they felt their their complaints had been “swept under the carpet”.

The BBC has also been dealing with an ongoing Strictly row after former contestant Amanda Abbington accused her ex-dance partner Giovanni Pernice of abusive behaviour – claims he has resolutely denied.

Both parties are awaiting the findings of a BBC inquiry into the claims.

As he was substituted Jamie Vardy goaded the Tottenham Hotspur fans by making a 1-0 gesture. The score was 1-1 but the Leicester striker was referring to the Premier League title he has. Tottenham, of course, have none – pushing Leicester close in 2015-16 only to finish third.

Vardy again denied them here. There is still that edgy competitiveness and, despite being 38 next January, there is also that predatory instinct in front of goal. Just as it looked like Leicester would be overwhelmed on their return to the top flight, Vardy scored with their first attempt to earn a precious point.

They were transformed after he struck. Their talisman gave them that belief and, remarkably, they could even have gone on to win this. But how Spurs will rue their missed chances – just as they did last season – and that was summed up with just 20 seconds of the nine added minutes to go as substitute Dejan Kulusevski headed wastefully wide from a free-kick.

On the touchline head coach Ange Postecoglou slumped forward, bent double. His body language said it all. And who could blame him?

In effect, this was the tale of two strikers. Dominic Solanke, Spurs’ new £65 million centre-forward, played well but wasted opportunities and that proved to be the difference.

“He’s back in the big time,” Leicester posted on social media after Vardy’s goal and he is undeniably something of a force of nature. A freak – and that is meant as a compliment. Vardy has now scored 103 Premier League goals since turning 30 and he is not going quietly into the night.

To rub it in, he pointed to the Premier League badge on his sleeve as he walked off to a standing ovation and there were a few choice words for Spurs’ combative centre-half Cristian Romero. To add further salt to Tottenham’s wound, the Argentinian had lost Vardy for the close-range header that cancelled out another header, by Pedro Porro, that had given Spurs the lead.

At half-time Spurs should have been out of sight and the talk would have been of how Leicester could possibly compete in the Premier League with an ageing Vardy leading their attack. That was captured in the first minute when he fleetingly had the chance to run clear from the halfway line but was quickly caught by Porro, 13 years his junior. Not so long ago Vardy would have been away and Leicester would have been a goal up.

So do not write him off. No way. As he returned for the second half there was a swig of Red Bull for Vardy and a bit of a swagger. He was not taking this lying down and he set the tone for Leicester. What a difference a goal makes. After it they were a different beast; before it they looked almost terrified.

Leicester will surely still go into the transfer market – they cannot rely on Vardy, not at his age, despite his defiance. “I was fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes,” he later said and that is the point. To get the best out of him now, Leicester need back-up or to bring Vardy off the bench.

But his presence, his belief, his belligerence makes a difference. As does his desire to play. Injury has prevented Vardy from having a full pre-season and Leicester manager Steve Cooper revealed that had this fixture been on Saturday, rather than Monday, the striker would not have made it. “He did what he does,” Cooper said.

There is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing to fear. That was Vardy’s message and he has been here before, over-turning expectation and defying the odds. And his age.

Only Teddy Sheringham, at 39 years and 133 days, for West Ham United, has been older than Vardy in scoring in the opening round of games in the Premier League. Only Mohamed Salah – with nine goals – has more than Vardy in the first weekend of the season.

Vardy could have equalled that record. After scoring he was released on the left side of the penalty area, only for Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to repel his shot. The roof would have lifted off the stadium if that had gone in and, even so, an air of trepidation and a little fear was replaced by a sense that Leicester are back where they believe they belong.

The lengthy added time followed a horrible injury suffered by Rodrigo Bentancur with the Spurs midfielder appearing to be left unconscious after a clash of heads at a corner. He was given oxygen and taken off on a stretcher but was responsive and talking in the dressing room afterwards. “But obviously it’s a head injury and I’ll leave it in the hands of the medical team now,” Postecoglou said.

The Australian lamented the “poor decisions” and “lack of composure” shown by his own vaunted front three – Solanke, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson – and he was right as James Maddison, on his first return to Leicester, ran the first half. “We didn’t get the reward our football deserved,” Postecoglou claimed. That also was true. But only until Vardy scored. After that it was a different game and that is the difference he can – still – make and what he means.

Jamie Vardy is back in the Premier League and sealed a memorable return by taunting Tottenham Hotspur fans as he prepared to leave the field.

The 37-year-old was back scoring in the top flight again after a year in the Championship as his second-half strike earned Leicester a point.

Here Telegraph Sport breaks down Vardy’s memorable return and substitution:

Red Bull gives you wings

With Leicester 1-0 down, Vardy came out from the tunnel sipping a Red Bull and it seemed to work – just 12 minutes later, the forward produced a trademark goal with a far-post header to bring Leicester back into the contest under new head coach Steve Cooper. It seems Red Bull does give you wings.

Goads Tottenham fans over Premier League titles

Vardy was substituted 11 minutes from time and responded to the jeers of travelling supporters by pointing at the Premier League badge on his arm and raising one finger.

He then quickly made a zero sign and gestured back at the Tottenham fans to compare league-title wins between the two clubs.

Leicester famously lifted the title under Claudio Ranieri in the 2015/16 season ahead of Tottenham – who finished third – and Vardy was in no mood to let them forget it.

Sweary exchange with Cristian Romero

Vardy also appeared to confront Tottenham defender Cristian Romero as he left the field, with a rude gesture obscured by the Argentine’s back.

“You take a bit of stick during the game, but it’s part of football,” Vardy said. “As long as they can take it when I’m giving it back, that’s all that matters.”

After his exchange with the Tottenham fans, Vardy went back to showing his admiration to the Leicester fans who were giving him a standing ovation. He then exchanged words with team-mate Abdul Fatawu before eventually leaving the field.

Age is just a number

Vardy will be 38 in January and agreed a new contract over the summer to extend his fairy-tale career at King Power Stadium.

After dutifully shaking hands with the whole Tottenham bench after the game, the Leicester striker was keen to remind his doubters not to judge him by his age.

“I see it [age] as just a number. As long as I keep looking after myself and my legs keep feeling great, then I will carry on for as long as is physically possible,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I am doing anything differently playing-wise. Probably adapted a bit by dropping in but I think the main thing is I am looking after myself recovery-wise to the maximum.

“I was as fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes, if I’m honest!”

You can have the player’s word that he wants to join. You can reach an agreement on the transfer fee with his club. You can put him through a medical examination. You can even house him in a plush hotel overnight, ahead of the final details of his move being completed the following day.

You can do all this with efficiency and precision, and you can go to bed happy that the deal is tantalisingly close to being done. But as every football executive knows, you cannot be truly certain the player is yours until he has signed his name on that precious piece of paper. Until that critical moment, the dreaded “hijacking” is always a lurking possibility.

It is the scenario that every club fears and, for Brentford, their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray was another reminder of how quickly these situations can change in the transfer window.

Everything was in place for Gray to join Brentford earlier this summer. The player had been convinced, the £40 million deal had been agreed, the medical had been passed. And then, just as it was about to be done, the teenager was gone. To another part of the city, and another club. In those final hours, Tottenham Hotspur had snatched him away.

“As soon as I heard Tottenham were coming in, I was like ‘I need to go there,’” Gray told Football London after his move. “It’s a huge club and my dad said that, too. He came to my room one morning and said: ‘Look, you’ve got to go to Spurs.’”

Those with knowledge of the deal suspect there were additional factors at play. Spurs are understood to have offered a more favourable payment structure, for example. There is also a sense that it was more palatable to Leeds for Gray – a fan favourite, with strong family ties to the club – to be sold to a team the size of Spurs, rather than to Brentford. It is relevant, too, that Spurs defender Joe Rodon moved the other way.

Whatever the reasons, the end result was a source of significant excitement within the Spurs fanbase and inside the club. Despite only turning 18 in March, Gray made 52 appearances in all competitions for Leeds last season. He is, without question, one of the finest young talents in the country.

In pre-season, Gray demonstrated that he is so much more than a prospect for the future. This is a player for the present, capable of operating in midfield and defence, and he has settled quickly in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Even more excitingly for Spurs, who face Leicester City in their season opener on Monday, Gray is not alone. His arrival is part of a wider strategy, now overseen by technical director Johan Lange, which has seen the club move out of one cycle and into the thrilling start of the next.

Since last summer’s transfer window, when Postecoglou was appointed as head coach, the average age of the new signings at Spurs has been younger than 22. This season, alongside Gray, they have added promising Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is also 18, and winger Wilson Odobert, 19, who has joined from Burnley.

Spurs are betting on young talent. Micky van de Ven (£43 million), Brennan Johnson (£47.5 million) and Radu Dragusin (£25 million) all arrived in the last year, aged 22 or younger. There are others to come: Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, 17, joins the club next year, as does South Korean forward Yang Min-Hyeok, 18.

The summer arrivals of Gray, Odobert and Bergvall, and the emergence of 17-year-old academy sensation Mikey Moore as a genuine first-team option, have strengthened the sense that something fun is stirring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Many of the old guard — Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Lucas Moura, Hugo Lloris, Davinson Sanchez — have left in the past year, and now a fresh set of players are looking to make their mark.

Mid-August is a time of optimism at almost every club, of course. Everyone dreams big at this time of year. But at Spurs, the feeling of excitement is not just for the coming season, but also for what might be possible over the next few campaigns. If last season marked the stirrings of a new era, then this season could be the year it truly begins.

Yves Bissouma has been suspended by Tottenham for one match after the player filmed himself inhaling nitrous oxide, with manager Ange Postecoglou admitting he must now win back the trust of his team-mates.

Bissouma, 27, posted a video of himself on social media on Saturday showing him inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon, a class C drug known as laughing gas or NOS, recreational use of which was made a criminal offence last year.

The player quickly issued an apology but Spurs manager Postecoglou revealed he had been removed from the squad for Monday’s trip to Leicester City, the club’s opening game of the Premier League season.

“He has responsibilities,” the Australian said. “Responsibility to the club, his team-mates, to our supporters and everyone associated with the club — and he failed in those duties.

“There have got to be sanctions for that. He won’t be available for Monday, we have suspended him for Monday’s game.

“Beyond that there is also some trust-building that needs to happen between Biss [Bissouma] and me, and Biss and the group. That’s what he needs to work hard at from now on to try and win that back, and that has nothing to do with just one game.

“He may be suspended for one game but he is going to have to earn that. The door is open for him and, hopefully, we can help him to realise the decisions he makes impact more than just him and, hopefully, allows him to make better decisions going forward.”

It is not clear whether a criminal investigation will be launched as a result. “It’s not my area, mate, and I wouldn’t even bother having a discussion around that because that’s totally out of my control,” Postegoclou added.

Postecoglou made it clear he and the club would be making efforts to help Bissouma avoid getting himself into future strife. “From hereon, it is about trying to help him both as a person and as a footballer to make better decisions,” he said.

“There is a person involved and in this case it’s Biss and he has made a really poor decision. You want to understand that and try to help him through that and, as a club, what we can do to make sure he doesn’t make those kinds of choices and decisions in the future.

“Within that context there are still sanctions that are involved and some of those sanctions include education and giving him a clearer understanding of why he did what he did and how wrong it was. Hopefully through that, he comes out of it — you always want to give people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.”

Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton for £30 million in 2022, made it clear earlier in the week that he understood the severity of his error. “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgment,” he said.

“I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

‘He has a professional responsibility’

Bissouma is not the first high-profile footballer known to have used the substance. “How prevalent it is, I don’t know, because it’s a world away from my life,” Postecoglou added. “But I think the best way is awareness and education, and understanding the ramifications of making those kinds of decisions.

“There’s the personal ramifications because it’s illegal. There’s a significant price to pay there. I’m sure Biss is like every other human being, he’s got people in his life who love him, parents, and they certainly wouldn’t want to see that.

“Then there’s the professional responsibility. The image of the game. Not the image, but the example you set as a professional footballer, because there are so many people who follow the Premier League and we’re all in a pretty privileged position.

“We get well-rewarded for that. But there is a responsibility in what you do. Hopefully with education and awareness… there’s a reason it’s illegal.

“It’s not just because somebody thought, ‘Let’s just ban this for no particular reason’. There’s some science behind why it is.

“He’s made a poor choice. But within that context, we all make mistakes, there should always be an opportunity there for rehabilitation and redemption for every human being, including footballers.”

The thought of Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou hiring professional pickpockets to steal the phones of his players prompts hoots of laughter from some of those that know him best.

Not out of disrespect for Mikel Arteta’s trick to teach his Arsenal players to stay alert or any derision of the idea, but because, to put it bluntly, Postecoglou does not do gimmicks.

If Postecoglou needs his players to be on their toes, then he tells them to be - as was clear when the television microphones picked up the Australian laying into his players during a drinks break in the pre-season friendly against a K League XI.

There wasn’t anything friendly about Postecoglou’s X-rated rant, as he instructed his players to press man-for-man. But communication is one of his strong points and those who witnessed some of his squad meetings and pre-match team-talks last season rate them among the very best they have heard.

Despite momentarily losing his temper in Korea, Postecoglou was far happier with Tottenham’s pre-season this year. Given Spurs had a game cancelled and ended up playing Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors instead of Roma 12 months ago, a few complaints about the quality of the hotel WiFi this time around could be easily forgiven.

And rather than starting the season on the back of selling Tottenham’s record goalscorer, Harry Kane, Postecoglou can look forward to this campaign - which starts against Leicester City on Monday night - with his No 1 transfer target for the summer in his squad.

Tottenham started behind-the-scenes work on signing Dominic Solanke in June and while the deal was far from straightforward, it put a smile on the face of Postecoglou, who had been unequivocal in his determination for the club to sign an out-and-out No 9.

Given Tottenham’s immediate need for someone to put the ball in the back of the net, Postecoglou told the rest of the club’s transfer committee that he wanted somebody with experience of playing in the Premier League, who could handle playing 40 to 45 games with a Europa League campaign on the horizon and who could fit into his tactical plan.

It was quickly agreed that Solanke ticked every box and Tottenham have undoubtedly signed somebody for now by agreeing to a deal worth £65 million for a 26-year-old, which shows that the Postecoglou project is about trying to win things as quickly as possible.

Whether or not those on the outside believe it is realistic, Postecoglou will send his team out for the season with the intention of winning every competition - including the Premier League title - they enter.

There are theories around the league that there may be an opportunity for clubs to profit from the uncertainty of Pep Guardiola’s future past this season and the 115 charges against Manchester City, which could prove to be a distraction. Liverpool could be set for a period of transition under a new head coach, while Arsenal must deal with the pressure of going so close on two successive occasions.

It might all prove to be wishful thinking, but Postecoglou’s Tottenham team must be ready to take advantage if some of their rivals trip up.

Tottenham’s players simply ran out of steam at the end of their first season under Postecoglou and they must now combine the domestic calendar with Europe. But there is confidence they will now be in better physical shape to last the course and that the squad is better suited to him.

Postecoglou would have ideally liked to team Solanke with Conor Gallagher, but Chelsea never quoted Spurs less than £45 million, despite agreeing to sell him to Atletico Madrid for £33.7 million.

The priority for Postecoglou was Solanke and he accepted that it would have been difficult for Spurs to finance the signing of two players for a combined £110 million when there is work to be done elsewhere in the squad, either in this transfer window or in future windows.

Postecoglou was similarly understanding that a move for Nico Williams was never particularly realistic. Tottenham were one of a clutch of clubs to enquire what the conditions of a deal would be and were told that the winger’s £50 million Athletic Bilbao release clause could only be triggered by one immediate payment.

Tottenham’s strategy has been to shape the squad into a closer image of their head coach and what he demands from players. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - who joined Marseille - is still recognised inside the club as being an excellent midfielder, but he simply does not suit Postecoglou’s style. Emerson Royal, who moved to AC Milan, did not want to be Pedro Porro’s distant understudy while he retains ambitions to play for Brazil.

The plan is for more exits before the transfer window shuts and just who leaves may dictate any remaining incoming business, which, other than Solanke, has seen two young talents of enormous potential arrive at Tottenham this summer.

Archie Gray was not viewed as a priority target at the start of the window, but when Tottenham got wind that the 18-year-old could be joining Brentford the club quickly made their move.

The feeling within Spurs is that Gray is ready to help provide cover at right-back this season, but will eventually develop into a top-class midfielder and that versatility and promise was attractive to Postecoglou.

Tottenham agreed a deal to sign another 18-year-old, Lucas Bergvall, in February but the midfielder has only joined Postecoglou’s squad this summer and it is fair to say that everybody has been impressed with what they have seen.

Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, has been credited with beating Barcelona to the signing of Bergvall, who is rated as one of the best young European talents in the game. Those who have seen him close up are excited about what the Swede can achieve once he can get fit enough to carry out Postecoglou’s instructions for full games.

The structured and methodical way in which Lange works has helped chairman Daniel Levy get on with what he is good at, negotiating. The pair have been joined in recruitment meetings by Postecoglou and chief football officer Scott Munn.

Fabio Paratici remains close to Levy, but has not been present in meetings or played a role in any of the major incomings or outgoings to date, which marks a shift in Tottenham’s approach to the transfer window.

The biggest change, however, is that Tottenham are a team that go into the season wanting to win with Postecoglou looking to pick the pockets of the opposition, rather than his own players.

Oxford United are hoping to sign the Tottenham Hotspur striker Dane Scarlett on a season-long loan.

Talks are ongoing between Tottenham and the newly-promoted Championship club over the highly-rated 20-year-old. It is understood that Spurs are prepared to loan Scarlett out for the campaign so he can gain further experience.

Oxford are in the market for a No 9 to provide competition for Mark Harris. Their need has become more pressing after another injury set-back suffered by Will Goodwin, who has damaged ankle ligaments.

Signing Scarlett, who is wanted by other Championship clubs, would be something of a coup for Oxford who got their first season back in the Championship in 25 years off to a flying start on Saturday with a hugely impressive 2-0 win over promotion hopefuls Norwich City, with Harris among the scorers.

Scarlett has been a prolific goal-scorer for Spurs at youth level with 29 goals in 42 games and has also had two previous loan spells – at Ipswich Town, in the first half of last season, and Portsmouth, previous to that, who were promoted along with Oxford.

Spurs want Scarlett’s next move to be at a club that not only plays progressive football but where he has a chance to feature regularly in his preferred position of centre-forward.

Scarlett’s exciting potential has been discussed for the past few seasons with Jose Mourinho, when he was in charge of Spurs, tipping him as a future England international. He was a key member of the England Under-19 squad that won the European Championships in 2022.

Scarlett has already made 10 appearances for Spurs first-team but it has been decided that the best option for his development is another period on loan, especially after the £65 million signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

If Scarlett signs for Oxford it will be the ambitious club’s 12 signing of the summer transfer window as they have moved decisively to strengthen their squad in a bid to remain in the Championship. They have just taken promising winger Malcolm Ebiowei, also on loan, from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is facing an internal investigation after filming himself inhaling nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas” or “hippy crack”.

In footage Bissouma could be seen taking hits from a balloon. The Sun has reported that the videos were filmed on Saturday evening, after Spurs had played Bayern Munich in their final pre-season match.

In a statement, Bissouma said: “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement. I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

A Tottenham spokesman told The Sun: “We are looking into the events. This will be dealt with as an internal matter.”

Bissouma must wait to see if he faces any punishment from his club or indeed a police investigation, as it is now a criminal offence to possess nitrous oxide with intent to inhale it for a psychoactive effect.

The ban on “laughing gas” came into place in November last year as part of the government’s anti-social behaviour action plan. Potential consequences include an unlimited fine, a “visible community punishment” and a prison sentence for repeat serious offenders.

It is still possible to use the gas for legitimate reasons, such as in catering or pain relief during labour.

Bissouma’s apology comes just a week before Spurs begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Leicester City on Monday, Aug 19. The 27-year-old has become a key player for Spurs following his £25 million move from Brighton in 2022.

Last month, Manchester City and England goalkeeper Khiara Keating appeared in court charged with possession of canisters of nitrous oxide.

The 20-year-old, of Manchester, was jointly charged alongside her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, with possession of a Class C drug on June 18 after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police. They pleaded not guilty and have been granted unconditional bail ahead of a further hearing next month.

Harry Kane appeared to refuse to lift the trophy after Bayern Munich beat his former side Tottenham Hotspur to win the Visit Malta Cup.

The England captain, who is yet to win a major trophy for club or country, returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since securing a move to Germany last summer.

Kane, 31, came off the bench to a standing ovation from Spurs fans before helping guide Vincent Kompany’s side to a 3-2 victory in the pre-season friendly.

But in what appears to be an act of respect to the club where he spent 14 years, Kane refused to lift the trophy after the match.

Camera footage appears to show Kane continuously nodding his head and whispering to German international Joshua Kimmich as he hands over the armband at full-time. The striker is also seen mouthing ‘no’. It is also unknown whether Kane joined his team to lift the trophy.

Kane, who is Tottenham’s leading goalscorer with 280 goals, was presented with a special commemorative gift by fellow club legend Ledley King before the match alongside Eric Dier, who also left Spurs to join Bayern Munich.

“I am so used to coming here as the home player, so it was strange and putting this shirt on, being in the away dressing room, but I like to enjoy these occasions,” Kane said.

“I had an amazing career at Spurs, so many great memories and it’s just great to see the fans again, so many players and staff I have a lot of relationships with.

“The game itself, I probably shouldn’t have been playing. I only trained yesterday but I was always going to play 10 minutes and it was good.

“Everything was really rushed through last year, so we didn’t have a chance [to say goodbye], but it was great way to say thank you to all of them.

“The reception I got was amazing and [it was] great to clap them around the pitch after, those who stayed behind, and I will always be thankful for every Spurs fan for the support they’ve given me through my whole career. It’s been incredible.”

Bayern had to come from behind to win the pre-season Visit Malta Cup after Dejan Kulusevski gave the hosts the lead inside the first minute following a slick exchange with Brennan Johnson. But Tottenham’s weakness of failing to defend set-pieces last season was shown once more after Dayot Upamecano turned in Mathys Tel’s header back across goal from a free-kick.

Former Arsenal academy product Serge Gnabry put Kompany’s side ahead before Thomas Muller added a third to seal the victory just ahead of half-time. Kulusevski scored his and Tottenham’s second in the 61st minute but it only proved to be a consolation as Kane and Bayern saw out victory.

Postecoglou keen to start Solanke in opener

Tottenham announced the £65 million signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth ahead of kick-off and paraded the striker to fans alongside fellow new signings Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Spurs start their Premier League campaign next Monday away at Leicester and manager Ange Postecoglou did not rule Solanke out starting the match.

“[Dominic] Solanke was one I was very keen to get in,” Postecoglou said after the match. “It took a while to get over the line but he’ll be a great fit for us, I’m sure.

“He’s played most of pre-season, had a slight knock in his last game Bournemouth played. Considering he’s played most of pre-season, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be available [to start against Leicester].”

Tottenham are in talks over the payment terms for a deal to land Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

As reported by Telegraph Sport earlier this week, Spurs have been attempting to make progress on a deal for the 26-year-old to become Ange Postecoglou’s main forward signing this summer.

Solanke has a buyout clause, thought to be worth around £65 million, that can be triggered and allow clubs to discuss the personal terms of a contract.

However, Tottenham are understood to be in negotiations over a deal that could eventually be worth up to £60million with a significant initial payment.

A departure would recoup a record fee for Bournemouth that would eclipse the £41 million they received from Manchester City for Nathan Ake in 2020.

Many clubs recently have looked at negotiating the structure of set fees so they can be paid over a longer period of time. For instance, Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee for slightly more than his €40million release clause so they could pay Bologna’s fee over three years.

Solanke was at the top of a striker shortlist at Spurs, with the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker expected to fit into Postecoglou’s system next season.

Cole Palmer was the only English player to score more Premier League goals than Solanke last season, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney taken to Euro 2024 as back-up to Harry Kane.

Despite Spurs targeting a striker, Brazil forward Richarlison insists he wants to stay at the club rather than move to Saudi Arabia.

“There has been an offer but my dream of playing for the Brazilian Selecao and in the Premier League speaks louder,” Richarlison told ESPN Brazil.

Steve Cooper looking for attacking additions

Leicester have explored a loan deal for Atalanta striker Bilal Toure to bolster Steve Cooper’s attack before the start of the club’s return to the Premier League.

Cooper has been looking for a No 9 to lead his attack and has looked at Toure, 22, as an option. The Mali striker was not a regular starter in Serie A last season, having caught the eye with Almeria in the previous campaign where he scored seven goals in 15 starts in La Liga.

Facundo Buonanotte has undergone a medical with Leicester ahead of a loan move from Brighton for the season.

Bournemouth go shopping in Barcelona

Bournemouth are on the brink of pulling off an ambitious move for Barcelona full-back Julian Araujo to bolster their squad for Andoni Iraola ahead of the Premier League season.

Araujo, 22, has been targeted by Iraola as a right-back to compete for a regular first-team place next season and the clubs have been negotiating a fee and now coming close to an agreement.

Spanish sources say Barca have wanted at least £8.5 million for the Mexico international who arrived from MLS club LA Galaxy last year and was loaned out to Las Palmas, where he played regularly in La Liga.

Bournemouth have bought Dean Huijsen from Juventus as a young centre-back, while Enes Unal’s loan has been converted and Daniel Jebbison has been bought but is expected to be loaned immediately.

Right-back was a position Iraola wanted to strengthen with Adam Smith and Max Aarons sharing duties last season. Aarons has been subject of interest from other clubs and Araujo would be in line to fight for starts.

Former Liverpool winger heading to Humberside

Hull have agreed a deal for Canada winger Liam Millar from Swiss club Basel. The 24-year-old former Liverpool player was wanted by Preston, where he was on loan last season but a deal was agreed with Hull in the last day