The Hard Tackle

Tottenham Hotspur will be eager to return to winning ways when they host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Gameweek 15 of the 2024/25 Premier League season continues on Sunday, which will witness four matches. The action on the day will start with three simultaneous games before ending with Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur would have hoped to compete for the UEFA Champions League spots. However, the North London giants have lost as many games as they have won thus far this term. That has left them 15 points behind the table-topping Liverpool, with second-placed Chelsea eight points ahead. So, the pressure is ramping up on Ange Postecoglou, with Tottenham interested in Kieran McKenna.

As for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has not taken long to make his mark at the West London club. While the Blues lost their season-opening game against Manchester City, they have only faced a defeat once in the 13 subsequent Premier League outings. The excellent run has lifted Maresca’s charges to second in the Premier League standings, leapfrogging Arsenal on goal difference after the 5-1 win over Southampton earlier this week.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Chelsea come from a goal down to beat Tottenham 4-1, with Nicolas Jackson scoring a match-winning hat-trick, while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie saw red. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture. The Tottenham Hotspur manager will be bereft of the services of seven first-team players vs Chelsea on Sunday.

Ben Davies is the latest absentee, adding to Tottenham’s injury crisis in the defensive unit. The Welshman has joined Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness), Rodrigo Bentancur (suspension), Wilson Odobert (thigh), and Richarlison (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Cristian Romero is closing in on returning from a toe injury, and Postecoglou might pick him straightaway. However, if the Argentine international is not fit enough to start, Archie Gray will pair up with Radu Dragusin at the heart of the defence. Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie will be the two full-backs, with Fraser Forster continuing to deputise for Vicario.

As for the midfield unit, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and Dejan Kulusevski are automatic picks, with the latter pulling the strings from the middle of the park. Dominic Solanke will lead the line for Tottenham vs Chelsea, with Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min completing the numbers in the final third.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Chelsea

Like his counterpart in the Tottenham dugout, Enzo Maresca has a new roster issue hampering his preparations ahead of the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Chelsea manager will be without four first-team players on Sunday.

Mykhailo Mudryk is the latest absentee due to an illness. The Ukrainian international has joined Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (thigh), and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The backline should feature Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.

As for the midfield unit, the resurgent Enzo Fernandez will likely pair up with Moises Caicedo in the double pivot. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers. Finally, there is no looking past Nicolas Jackson as the central striker for Chelsea.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Key Stats

Tottenham Hotspur have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League clashes vs Chelsea (D2 W1). The Blues have won on five of their seven visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions (D1 L1).

Tottenham have won just one of their six most recent games in all competitions (D2 L3). The Lilywhites have kept only one clean sheet in their last 22 top-flight home fixtures.

Chelsea are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, winning the four most recent matches. The Blues have scored 57 times in 22 games this season, the most of any top-flight club.

Five of Tottenham’s six Premier League wins in London derbies under Postecoglou have come at home. On the other hand, Chelsea lost only one of their last 11 top-flight London derbies, winning seven and drawing three.

Son Heung-min has scored only two goals in 19 appearances against Chelsea in all competitions, including none in his last 11 outings.

Player to Watch

Nicolas Jackson

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Nicolas Jackson has turned things around spectacularly this year, proving his naysayers wrong while allaying Chelsea’s need for a top-class striker. While the West London club might still sign another centre-forward, the former Villarreal attacker will start from a position of strength when he has another competitor for his spot.

Meanwhile, Jackson has a fantastic record against Tottenham, scoring four goals in two Premier League meetings, including a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season. The Senegalese international will be raring to go after getting some rest earlier this week. Expect another game-changing performance from Jackson.

Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Chelsea

The pressure is mounting on Ange Postecoglou, but winning a London derby might be the antidote to Tottenham’s struggles. However, the North London giants have struggled to keep their opponents at bay in home games this year, conceding the opening goal in 13 of their 16 Premier League matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024.

Chelsea will add to Tottenham’s woes, with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer running riot. While the home side will take the game to the Blues, Dejan Kulusevski might be the lone warrior for them. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Enzo Maresca and his charges, with the victory closing the gap to Liverpool to five points.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Son Heung-min has been linked with a move away from the North London club of late.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Son Heung-min is a target for Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are hoping to sign the Tottenham captain, who joined the North London club in a £22 million deal nearly a decade ago, in a Bosman move.

Son’s current contract expires in the summer and Tottenham have not been able to secure an extension with him, even though the veteran attacker wants to remain at the North London club.

The 32-year-old is a proven performer in the Premier League, and he could be an exceptional addition to the Spanish outfit. He will add goals and creativity to the side. Real Madrid need more depth in the side, and the South Korean would be the ideal acquisition. Even though he is on the wrong side of 30, is capable of performing at a high level.

The opportunity to move to Real Madrid could be quite exciting for the player. Los Blancos are widely regarded as the biggest club in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to push for major trophies. The veteran forward has not won trophies since his move to Tottenham, and he could be excited about the idea of joining the Spanish champions.

Son could be tempted by Real Madrid

The South Korean has already proven his worth at Tottenham, and he might feel that this is the right time for him to take up a new challenge. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham offer him a new contract in the coming months.

The opportunity to join Real Madrid can be quite exciting for any player, and the 32-year-old could be tempted to join them. This will be his final opportunity to join a big club and compete at the highest level. Real Madrid have a proven track record of winning major trophies. Any player will find it hard to turn down the opportunity to join them.

Meanwhile, the Premier League attacker is a proven performer at the highest level, and signing him on a free transfer would represent an excellent bargain for Real Madrid. He will add goals, creativity and experience to the side for a nominal outlay.

AFC Bournemouth are set to host Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium, as these are two sides in inconsistent form eager to get a foothold in their season.

Andoni Iraola will have been relieved, surprised and, more importantly, content with his team’s performance at the weekend as Bournemouth celebrated their first away win since August. The Cherries beat Wolves at the Molineux with a 4-2 scoreline, with the game creating two stellar records for Bournemouth, who host Tottenham up next.

Justin Kluivert became the first-ever player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties in one game. Evanilson also etched his name in the record books for becoming the first-ever player in the top flight to win three penalties in one game, as left-back Milos Kerkez was also on the scoresheet as the Cherries secured a 4-2 reverse win.

This victory came at the back of back-to-back defeats against Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, as Iraola will now target yet another big scalp at the Vitality. Bournemouth have built a reputation for being one of the tough teams on home soil, having already beaten the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City at this venue, the Spanish manager will hope it is Tottenham’s turn next.

Speaking of inconsistent form, Tottenham’s current run does make their fanbase wonder how their team can perform in the way they have. Having gone to probably the toughest away ground in the league at Manchester City and come out of there with a 4-0 reverse scoreline, Spurs have since managed to only draw games.

The first of those draws came in the Europa League as they conceded a late equaliser at home to Roma, and then at the weekend where it was a fairly similar story. Tottenham hosted London rivals Fulham at home, and Brennan Johnson’s second-half striker was cancelled out by Tom Cairney’s equaliser midway through the period. The latter was also sent off with a decent chunk of time left, but Spurs could not capitalise.

Tottenham are posing some serious questions to their top four contenders with performances like the one at the Etihad, but also giving away mixed signals about their form with some dreadful performances in general. For Ange Postecoglou, the primary objective would be to get his team performing on a consistent basis, as he will target a win at the Vitality.

Team News & Tactics

Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola will have a few key selection decisions to make, as he does have some key members of his first team missing through various injury issues. Alex Scott has a knee issue, while Julian Araujo and Luis Sinisterra are both out with hamstring problems, and midfielder Lewis Cook is also likely to miss out with a muscle complaint.

The latter’s expected absence could see the manager stick with Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie in his central midfield setup. The good news comes with the return of Antoine Semenyo, who served a suspension at the weekend and is now back in contention.

The Ghanaian international is likely to replace David Brooks on the right side of the attack. However, he could come on the left side to allow Iraola to accommodate Dango Ouattara on the right wing.

Kluivert, after his stellar hattrick is not likely to lose his spot in the side, and the same goes for Evanilson, with the Brazilian set to lead the line for Bournemouth against Tottenham. Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi are expected to feature in the heart of the defence. Adam Smith and the in-demand Milos Kerkez will take up the full-back roles on either flank.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Ouattara, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou will certainly hope for Dominic Solanke to make a return after missing out at the weekend with an illness. It will be a blow for the ex-Bournemouth striker personally to miss out on a reunion with his former side, as Tottenham fare better with the England international leading the line.

On the other hand, there are a number of issues for Postecoglou to deal with ahead of this trip to the Vitality Stadium. Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-match ban means the Uruguayan international is unavailable for a third game running, while keeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss months after ankle surgery.

Tottenham could once again be without first choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with the latter the more likely to make a return soon, but this trip might come too soon for his liking. Wilson Odobert is also unavailable alongside Richarlison, with the pair out with hamstring problems. Young stars Mikey Moore and Archie Gray are doubts for this one.

Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin will keep their places in central defence, as Destiny Udogie will retain his place at left-back. Postecoglou will persist with Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison in his midfield. At the same time, Solanke’s return could see Timo Werner relegated to the bench and allow Son Heung-min to return to the left flank.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Key Stats

Bournemouth have won three of their last four home games in the Premier League.

Bournemouth have conceded at least two goals in their last three Premier League matches.

Tottenham have scored at least two goals in their last four matches against Bournemouth in all competitions.

Tottenham have won 10 of their last 14 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth.

Justin Kluivert has been involved in six goals in his last six Premier League appearances (5 goals, 1 assist), becoming the first player in the competition’s history to score a hat-trick of penalties last time out against Wolves.

Player to Watch

Evanilson

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The Brazilian striker has consistently grown in his role since making the big summer move from FC Porto. Last weekend, he made history by becoming the first-ever player in Premier League history to win three penalties in one game, all of which Justin Kluivert scored to etch his name in the record books for scoring as many spot kicks in a single game.

However, ahead of Tottenham’s visit here, Evanilson is the story to look forward to. While all the limelight will be on the returning Dominic Solanke, it is Evanilson who is the in-form frontman and, incidentally, the player who replaced the English striker at the Vitality.

The Brazilian’s current stats read four goals in the Premier League, and games like these are chances for him to improve on those numbers, as he will be the man in focus as Bournemouth host Tottenham Hotspur this midweek.

Prediction

AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham fans might still have fresh memories of their most recent away trip to Manchester City, but they are facing a different animal in Bournemouth. Spurs’ unpredictable and inconsistent form will play a role in this game, as they could suffer another disappointing result.

Bournemouth have shown the knack of making the best out of their home ground this season, and Andoni Iraola could target another big scalp at the Vitality. The Cherries are coming into this game in a superior vein of form compared to Spurs, as they might have a sharper attack to exploit the otherwise weak-looking Tottenham defence, as Bournemouth are expected to take all three points here.

PSG are ready to rival Chelsea and Tottenham for young Uzbeki centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for RC Lens.

According to Le 10 Sport, PSG are in the race for the signing of RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov. Chelsea and Tottenham are also keen on the 20-year-old Ligue 1 prodigy, as he’s seen as a viable addition that would suit these clubs financially compared to some of the alternatives.

Top clubs across England and Europe are constantly looking at younger additions in the market to keep their sides competitive. Bringing in young, inexperienced players who are capable of first-team football will help maintain the quality and add to the depth.

PSG are one of the clubs in the mix to bring the best young talents from around. Like Chelsea or Tottenham, PSG are building a project suited for the future. The Parisians are now targeting a young centre-back from Ligue 1 as Abdukodir Khusanov emerges on the radar.

The 20-year-old Ligue 1 prodigy has emerged at RC Lens and has been making a name for himself over the last year or so. The French club values him at €20 million, and if they get that fee for him, it will represent a significant profit on their €100,000 investment made just 18 months ago.

The report states PSG view Khusanov as a viable replacement for troubled defender Milan Skriniar, who is tipped to leave in the January window. The Parisians are looking at impressive centre-backs who are able to make up their project in the future, although the French giants face big competition from English sides. Moreover, they also view the 20-year-old as a much cheaper alternative to the expensive Tomas Araujo.

PSG face Chelsea and Tottenham in competition for Khusanov

Chelsea and Tottenham have been interested in Khusanov, as they view the young Uzbeki defender as a good opportunity to bolster their defence. The RC Lens star will have to decide on his next big move, as a transfer within Ligue 1 cannot be ruled out as he’s settled in France, although the lure of England could also play its part.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on Malik Tillman, but the USMNT international will not leave PSV Eindhoven until the summer transfer windiw.

According to an update by reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Malik Tillman. PSV Eindhoven will demand around €30-40 million to part ways with the young midfielder. However, the USMNT international will not leave the Eredivisie champions until the summer transfer window.

Malik Tillman has landed on his feet since joining PSV Eindhoven from Bayern Munich. A native of Nurnberg, the young midfielder spent his formative years in Germany, passing through the academies at three clubs and graduating from the youth division at Bayern Munich.

PSV Eindhoven signed the 22-year-old from Bayern Munich in August 2023 before completing a permanent move this past summer. Tillman has enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season thus far, chipping in with eight goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

Tillman represented Germany in age-group football but has picked the USMNT as his national side. Meanwhile, the young midfield prospect’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham are considering different goalkeeping targets in the market, including Burnley’s James Trafford ahead of January.

According to The Sun, Burnley’s James Trafford emerged as a target for Tottenham ahead of January. Ange Postecoglou wants a new keeper after losing Guglielmo Vicario to a serious injury last week, but the Burnley star will be a costly acquisition.

Ange Postecoglu will revisit the Guglielmo Vicario situation and decide whether to bring in a new keeper after the Italian’s ankle injury and subsequent surgery will keep him out of action at least until early March.

Experienced keeper Fraser Forster has stepped in for the Italian, although the keeper depth could be better for the season. Hence, there are links to many new stoppers ahead of the January window, as Angers star Yahia Fofana is a target.

Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson is also a target, as Postecoglou seemingly wants to bring someone who can compete with Forster and then with Vicario in the long term. Hence, the idea of bringing in someone young would make sense from Tottenham’s perspective, as they have also identified Burnley’s James Trafford ahead of January.

Is James Trafford the right target for Tottenham?

Trafford has shown that he is ready for top-flight football, although he had no serious suitors back in the summer. There were reports of many clubs chasing him, including Newcastle United; however, he ended up staying at Burnley to continue playing for the Championship club.

He already had Premier League experience with Burnley last season and could see the move to Tottenham as a good enough opportunity. This could be his chance to stake a claim at the No.1 spot in north London, as initially, he would be targeting Forster’s place between the sticks.

In the long-term future, Postecoglou could have two competitive keepers in Vicario and Trafford to compete for the No.1 spot, and that remains the case in how other top teams operate at the very top. The 22-year-old ace will cost a lot of money, as Burnley is likely to keep him from leaving on the cheap.

Tottenham are eying a move for Stade Reims midfielder Valentin Atangana ahead of January to strengthen their squad depth.

According to The Sun, Stade Reims star Valentin Atangana is a potential target for Tottenham ahead of the January window. The north Londoners are eager to add to their squad depth in the winter window, with the costs associated with the 19-year-old Ligue 1 defensive midfield prodigy remain unclear at this point.

France continues to produce some of the best defensive and midfield talents among the top five leagues in Europe. Plenty of young talents are coming through various Ligue 1 clubs, and Stade Reims has its own to boast about.

Young midfielder Valentin Atangana is the name that many clubs rave about. The report states that around 26 clubs have watched him play at different stages. Tottenham is among those, as they have eyes set on signing the 19-year-old Ligue 1 defensive midfield prodigy ahead of January.

Atangana has been playing Ligue 1 football with Reims since the 2022-23 season and has become a regular in the following campaigns. This season, he has played in 12 Ligue 1 games and is one of their key stars in the squad.

Tottenham are angling a move for the 19-year-old Ligue 1 defensive midfield prodigy as Ange Postecoglou wants to add more depth to their midfield. The costs associated with the signing of the Reims star remain unknown, although the French side is likely to demand a significant sum, given the player is tied to the club until 2027.

Tottenham’s January plans

Tottenham are in the market with different ideas, as Postecoglou wants some defensive reinforcements as well as some in the attacking zones. There are links to Facundo Buonanotte ahead of the next market, while there are also rumours of a wide attacker or a new striker.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur are considering making a move for the services of Angers SCO goalkeeping sensation Yahia Fofana.

Tottenham are on the lookout for a new shot-stopper as they look to bring in a cover for the injured Guglielmo Vicario. According to a report from The Sun, the North London club are interested in the services of Yahia Fofana who has made quite a name for himself with his consistent performances in Ligue 1.

Spurs didn’t have the best of starts to the 2024/25 season. Just when it felt like Ange Postecoglou’s team were turning things around they suffered a massive blow as Vicario picked up a major injury which will keep him out for months.

Vicario’s injury forces Spurs to look for a goalkeeper

In their impressive 4-0 win over Manchester City, the Italian shot-stopper fractured his ankle. He picked up the injury in the first half and despite that went on to complete the game. However, scans later revealed that it wasn’t just a knock, he had done serious damage to his ankle.

The 28-year-old was forced to undergo surgery and will be on the sidelines for months. Postecoglou will now have to bank on 36-year-old Fraser Forster. While the Australian manager trusts the English goalkeeper, they are also considering bringing in a new shot-stopper in the winter window.

The idea is to bring in someone who can help them cope with Vicario’s loss and eventually be their second choice behind the Italian goalkeeper. The North London club have quite a few names on their shortlist and they closely monitoring them.

Fofana could join Tottenham to cover for Vicario

Yahia Fofana is one of the names on their shortlist. The 24-year-old Ivorian international came up the ranks at Le Havre AC before making the move to Angers in the summer of 2022. He hasn’t looked back since joining them and has gone on to establish himself as a key figure in their first team.

Tottenham are looking at Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool defensive target Lutsharel Geertruida as an ideal replacement for Pedro Porro.

With Pedro Porro’s future uncertain, Tottenham are looking to prepare for life without the Spanish full-backs. According to a report from CaughtOffside, the North London club are interested in the services of Lutsharel Geertruida as they consider him an ideal replacement for Porro.

The 25-year-old right-back has been a consistent performer for Spurs. His impressive work has put him on the radar of Real Madrid who are looking to bring in a new right-sided full-back with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez both in the final phase of their career.

While they are looking to strike a deal for soon-to-be free-agent Trent Alexander-Arnold, Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be a big admirer of Porro and they could look to bring him back to Spain if they fail to sign the English international.

Porro’s contract at Spurs runs until the summer of 2028 but people at the club are worried about his future as Spanish giants Real Madrid prepare to knock on their door. Given his importance to their team, Tottenham will have to bring in a world-class replacement.

Tottenham are interested in signing Geertruida

The North London club are already on the lookout for someone who can help replace Porro and they feel RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida could help their cause. The Dutch international who joined the German club from Feyenoord in the summer has made quite a name for himself.

He has been a consistent performer for Leipzig and his work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He is on the wishlist of Chelsea, Liverpool as well as Arsenal. Reece James’ fitness concerns have forced the Blues to look at the Dutch international while the Reds are keen on signing him amidst uncertainty around Alexander-Arnold’s future.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta also seeks more quality on the right flank and the Dutch full-back is quite high on his wishlist. Tottenham have a concrete interest in Geertruida and they are all set to battle all three English giants to sign him. While the former Feyenoord star recently made the move to Leipzig, the Bundesliga giants will be open to a transfer for a decent fee.

Their initial demands could be a touch on the higher side but with the player keen on moving to the Premier League, they could lower their asking price to around €40-45 million.

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has backed Leon Goretzka to be a success at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Leon Goretzka has struggled for regular game time at Bayern Munich, and he needs to move on in search of regular playing time. And Lothar Matthaus believes that the 29-year-old has the physical and technical attributes to do well in English football and that he could be a key player for Manchester United and Tottenham.

“Yes: Inter Milan,” Matthaus said on Sport BILD via Sport Witness before adding, “The Italian league would be a good fit. Consistency is required there, toughness, physical play. I don’t necessarily see him at a top 5 club in Europe, but he can help all the other clubs. Inter, Man United, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid: He would fit in very well there.”

Leon Goretzka could be attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League at this stage of his career. He has proven himself in the Bundesliga, and a fresh challenge could be ideal for him at this stage of his career.

At 29, he is at the peak of his powers, and he has the experience and the quality to adapt to a new league quickly. Tottenham and Manchester United have an exciting project, and they will be attractive destinations for most players. However, it is fair to assume that they might need to secure Champions League qualification to attract players of his quality.

Tottenham and Manchester United could use Goretzka

Tottenham could use more quality in the midfield, and the German powerhouse would be a quality addition. He will add physicality, presence and defensive cover to the side. He will also help drive the midfield forward.

Leon Goretzka knows what it takes to complete the highest level, and he has won major trophies at Bayern Munich. His winning experience could be a bonus for Tottenham if they can get the deal done.

The player is nearing the end of his contract at Bayern Munich, and he is likely to be available for a reasonable amount of money. The signing seems like a no-brainer, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham pursue a move for him.

Similarly, Manchester United need a combative presence in the midfield as well, and the 29-year-old seems like the ideal fit on paper. It will be interesting to see if they step up their pursuit of the player in the coming weeks.

Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them could be hard to turn down for the German international. This could be an exciting opportunity for him and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.