TBR Football

Mikey Moore’s loan spell at Rangers continues to go from strength to strength as the Tottenham Hotspur youngster impressed against AS Roma.

Rangers were beaten 2-0 at home by the Italian side, but Moore had another positive display in attack in the Europa League group stage clash.

Moore has a new position at Rangers, playing as an inside forward, and the central role under the newly appointed Danny Rohl looks to have done wonders.

Rangers are starting to love Moore following what was a rather rocky start under the previous manager, and his latest display was another step in the right direction.

Tottenham will love Mikey Moore’s confidence vs AS Roma

Mikey Moore looked really impressive against Roma in the Europa League, and Tottenham Hotspur will be so pleased with his progression.

The winger caused the Italian side plenty of misses throughout the clash at Ibbrox, but Rangers failed to take any of their chances.

Crucially, the 18-year-old’s confidence looks to have taken off over recent weeks and he has been taking responsibility in games for Rohl’s team.

Versus Roma, Moore had 35 touches, completed two dribbles, made two key passes and created one big chance in the Europa group stage clash.

Tottenham had considered recalling Moore, however, they will be so pleased to see the progress he is now making under the new management at Ibrox.

Mikey Moore wants to add goals and assists to his game

The winger has admitted that he wants to start adding goals and assists to his game, having produced just two assists in 16 games.

After the game against Roma, Moore told Rangers TV: “Yeah, I think we had chances, but including myself, I need to start scoring and assisting.

“So I think we had chances that we should have taken, and we were a lot better in the second half, out of possession and in possession. So we had chances, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.”

Rangers are back in action on Sunday when they face Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, and Moore will be eager to continue his good form.

Tottenham Hotspur are sweating over the fitness of Mohammed Kudus ahead of their clash against Manchester United, and the latest training footage doesn’t look positive.

Kudus missed training during the weekend ahead of FC Copenhagen and was unable to play any part in the Champions League clash.

Brennan Johnson replaced him in the European match, with the Welsh winger managing to score, but he was later shown a straight red card.

Tottenham’s chances of beating Manchester United would be significantly weakened if they are without Kudus, who has been a joy to watch this season.

Mohammed Kudus not pictured in training ahead of Man United

Tottenham Hotspur fans have all noticed that Mohammed Kudus was not spotted in training ahead of their clash with Man United.

Following the 4-0 win over Copenhagen, Kudus was hopeful of facing United, but now the 25-year-old looks unlikely to play a part.

Spurs’ injury list is already rather extensive as they are missing the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Kudus has been ‘unstoppable’ in certain matches this term, and the Lilywhites will be hopeful that he can recuperate over the international break.

Ahead of the match, Tottenham fans have taken to social media to share the same concerns about not seeing Kudus in training.

One fan said: “Gone man. He’s gone! Injured! And so our chances of defeating United this weekend.”

“I feel we’ve been too reliant on him recently. We need to see how we go without for a few games, getting back for the Arsenal game fit and fresh,” added another.

There was yet more concern for the winger: “Kudus not pictured in training again… I imagine Johnson starts again.”

Finally, another added: “No Kudus in training again. Another ‘slight knock’ seemingly worse than stated.”

Thomas Frank is unlikely to make any changes to the team against the Red Devils, with Johnson keeping his spot on the left wing.

Xavi Simons is going to be key for Tottenham against Man United

Xavi Simons is likely going to be a key player for Tottenham against Man United, and his response to Tuesday’s performance will be interesting.

Simons was superb versus Copenhagen, producing almost certainly his best performance in Lilywhites colours so far.

The winger created three big chances in the first half alone, which is the most by a Spurs player in the competition since the 2016/17 season.

Without Kudus, Frank’s team are going to have to create chances from elsewhere, and the Dutch attacker is going to have to be that player.

Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United on the weekend, but despite it being a rematch of last season’s Europa League final, both clubs have spent pretty poorly over recent times.

Rather shockingly, Tottenham Hotspur finished 17th in the Premier League; meanwhile, Manchester United ended up just a few places higher in 15th.

For the two Premier League titans, it was a rather damning indication of how both clubs have really dropped the ball in terms of constructing suitable squads for the demands of European football.

Ahead of the weekend’s clash, TBR Football has spoken to the site’s Head of Football Finance, Adam Williams, to assess where it has gone wrong for Spurs and United in the spending department.

Tottenham and Man United’s spending compared

Whilst it’s key to note that squad value is subjective, CIES believe that Spurs’ squad is valued at around £907 million.

On the other hand, United’s squad is valued £197 million less than their Premier League counterparts at £710 million.

When asked about the difference in valuation between the two squads, Williams told TBR Football: “Ultimately, squad value is subjective. There are a few different research firms that try and quantify it, and that can be a useful entry point. CIES, for example, value Spurs’ squad at £907m, while they value United’s at £710m.

“But they would be the first to acknowledge that player value is about supply and demand, market forces and game theory.

“A player with a long throw, for example, is probably worth a fair bit more today than he would have been a season or two ago because of how tactics have evolved.

“Different clubs have different needs, and player value in the transfer market is decided based on that. Similarly, a club that desperately needs a centre-back will pay above the going rate. There’s a buy side and a sell side to valuation.”

Tottenham and Man United’s poor spending highlighted

But one thing which can be quantified is costs and investments, with neither club seeing positive results from their recruitment of players.

Combining Spurs and United’s wage bills and amortisation costs, they get the eye-watering figure of £864 million.

“What we can quantify is cost and investment. And here, we see that United and Spurs are miles ahead of every other club outside the so-called Big Six. For Spurs, the most up-to-date accounts we have are from 2023-24, when they spent £222m on wages and registered amortisation, which is how clubs account for transfer fees over a player’s contract length of £136m,” added Williams.

“For United, we’ve got their 2024-25 accounts. Their wage bill was £313m that season and amortisation was £193m, so they were considerably ahead of Spurs in both metrics.

Both squads have wasted big money on poor signings, with Tottenham spending £60m on Richarlison and Man United paying £72m for Rasmus Hojlund.

“Clearly, when you look at their outputs last season, neither club has got value for money for their investment. That is going to be reflected in how the market views United and Spurs players. Spurs obviously got out of jail with the Europa League win.

“But for United, that season has cost them over £100m in European revenue and might also have wiped, say, 5-10 per cent off the values of some of their players. Look at Antony, Hojlund, Sancho and so on. These players are wage black holes and have cost the club hundreds of millions all told.”

Two of Tottenham’s most valuable commercial properties are up for sale.

Spurs have been looking for a naming rights deal for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the best part of the decade since they left White Hart Lane.

Tottenham have sported the logo of AIA, the multinational insurance and finance firm, on the front of their shirts for all that time, but that will soon change.

This week, the North Londoners announced that AIA would be continuing their relationship with the club but as training wear sponsor, not front-of-shirt.

That’s still a significant deal. As Brand Finance valuations director Hugo Hensley told TBR Football earlier this year: “It’s got huge exposure, but it’s very personal. You get behind the scenes, watch the team hang out in the facility, pitch-side interviews – it’s valuable, complex engagement.”

So, from the expiry of the current AIA deal at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, Spurs will be generating significantly less revenue from the company than the current £40m-a-year deal.

The departure of Daniel Levy appears to have breathed fresh life into the club commercially, however, and chief revenue officer Ryan Norys will be confident of securing a front-of-shirt pact on improved terms.

In reality, the ‘£40m’ figure we see quoted in headlines probably doesn’t tell the full story in any case. There will be escalators in the contract that ensure it keeps pace with inflation, plus performance-related bonuses and other clauses that make putting a precise, rounded value on the deal nigh on impossible.

And while the Levy era was riotously successful in commercial terms (combined commercial and matchday income has almost quadrupled to £361m since the last season at White Hart Lane), ENIC believe there is more value to be extracted from sponsorship.

“They could go down the same route as Man City, whereby they have naming rights and front-of-shirt under the same deal,” says Liverpool University football finance lecturer Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to TBR Football.

“By scaling back the AIA deal, they may be trying to size up another company for that kind of deal.

“I remember being in a meeting with someone from Spurs pre-Covid and they were very bullish that a deal was about to be finalised. I assume that Levy had the final say and, in the end, didn’t want it.

“It may be that AIA have said they aren’t interested at the quoted prices for a combined stadium and front-of-shirt deal, and this might clear the decks for a new sponsor that unites those two.

“The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sounds too clunky. If they don’t strike relatively soon, the opportunity to strike a name that will actually stick in the public consciousness will evaporate.

“It will have to be a very long deal. Spurs are too big a club to go for a short-term deal. If they go for that, they’ll be looking for at least £50m per year, which is going to be £500m over 10 years.”

As TBR Football has previously exclusively reported, Spurs have held talks with DHL and Allianz about a potential naming rights arrangement. Elsewhere, Google and Amazon have been linked.

Spurs are also planning to unite an overall naming rights deal under four stand-specific deals in an initiative christened ‘The Collective’.

Sports Illustrated have already claimed one spot with their 12-year deal for the East Stand. The value of that agreement isn’t yet known.

AIA’s continuation as training wear partner means that, whoever claims Tottenham’s front-of-shirt rights, it almost certainly won’t be a financial services or insurance brand.

As sponsorship dealmaker Richard Busby told TBR Football last week: “A cardinal rule of sponsorship is sell the top of the pyramid first and then primary sponsors afterwards.

“The problem will come if they are negotiating with primary sponsors in the consumer, tech or high net worth areas [sectors targeted in The Collective’ as that will make it very difficult to get a stadium naming rights deal from any of those sectors. Naming rights and primary sponsors will all expect category exclusivity.”

Time and time again we’ve seen Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head in the transfer market, but the Nico Paz battle is one that Spurs should let their rivals win.

Over the years, the London clubs have pursued the likes of Willian — who famously changed his mind after completing a Tottenham medical — and more recently Xavi Simons, who appeared destined for Chelsea before choosing Spurs.

The lure of both clubs is clear: based in the capital, part of the Big Six, with big money and grand ambitions aplenty. Now, they’re fighting over a target once more.

Nico Paz is wanted by Spurs and Chelsea, but there can only be one winner. In Tottenham’s case, though, losing that particular race would not be a bad thing.

Chelsea can chase Nico Paz while Spurs eye other targets

With four goals and four assists for Paz at Como this season, there’s no denying the Spanish-born Argentina international is a top quality young talent.

The 21-year-old joined the Italian side last summer from Real Madrid, but it’s now thought the Spanish giants want him back and it sounds like the player himself is keen to prove himself in La Liga.

Ultimately, Chelsea will be wasting their time pursuing the attacking midfielder; something Tottenham learned when they enquired about Paz previously.

Still, if Chelsea do go after Paz, it’ll open the door for Spurs to get a deal done for a player they desperately want: Morgan Rogers.

It is believed Rogers won’t leave Aston Villa in January, but a summer move looks far more likely. So, in this transfer tug-of-war, Spurs could and should be laying their cards down early for Rogers and lining up a summer switch while their West London rivals get themselves tied up with a futile transfer battle against Real Madrid.

Obviously, Chelsea will come looking for alternatives once they give up on Paz, but Spurs may have already bagged Rogers and moved on by that point.

Why Morgan Rogers is a great fit for Spurs

Whether Spurs or Chelsea can win the race for Nico Paz is irrelevant, really. One thing should stick out to Tottenham, and that’s the fact that signing a very young, relatively unproven player from abroad isn’t quite right for the Thomas Frank project.

While Lucas Bergvall, for example, really worked for Spurs, there’s no guarantee that Paz would. Indeed, looking at his physical profile and the vast difference in the game in Italy (or Spain) and England, there’s a high likelihood it would take time for Paz to adjust to the Premier League.

TalkingPoints

Poll: Who would be a better signing?

We’ve seen it this season with Xavi Simons, who has struggled to get a feel for the English game thus far. And that’s why, if Spurs are looking for a new midfielder to bolster their ranks, it should be someone who knows what it takes to thrive in this division.

Rogers has a lot of experience here, and has flourished in recent years to become one of the most exciting and adept playmakers in the league. Signing him would present zero risk for Tottenham, as he’s a player that can glide straight into the team and make an impact.

Paz may well become a world class player. But, he also might not, and that’s not something Tottenham should be gambling with.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur have promised to put Micky van de Ven on level contract terms with his defensive partner, Cristian Romero.

Romero signed a new Tottenham contract during the summer, making him the club’s highest earner at just shy of £200k-per-week.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for talks with Van de Ven next week and are expecting significant progress to be made over a new deal.

The Dutch defender scored an extraordinary goal during the week as he carried the ball over 60 meters to find the back of the net against FC Copenhagen.

After the 4-0 win, Glenn Hoddle said he was worried about van de Ven leaving, but Spurs are moving quickly to ensure the defender doesn’t become a key target for Europe’s biggest clubs.

Sources: Micky van de Ven is loving life at Tottenham

Micky van de Ven is loving life at Tottenham, as he is living in London, working under Thomas Frank and playing alongside Cristian Romero, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Should the 24-year-old sign his new contract, the Lilywhites believe Romero’s fresh terms will have been key towards agreeing a deal.

The World Cup winner committing his future to Spurs was a real show of intent from the club, and Van de Ven undoubtedly loves playing alongside him.

Despite Bayern Munich and Real Madrid’s interest in Van de Ven, the defender is showing no signs of being unhappy or wanting to leave.

Bailey told TBR Football: “A new deal for Van de Ven is emerging as one of Tottenham’s priorities under Vinai Venkatesham’s reign, and talks have already been taking place since the summer.

“But this is both ways, Van de Ven is very happy at Tottenham, he has settled in brilliantly since he arrived, having now emerged as one of the Premier League’s best, and his partnership with Cristian Romero is on par with anything in the game.

“Romero plays a part here; his decision not to seek a move in the summer has an impact on Van de Ven, who is ready to follow in his steps and sign, and he will be rewarded with similar terms to those of his Argentine colleague.

“Yes, both Spurs and Van de Ven are aware of interest; there is no denying that. Spurs believe he is one of the best anywhere in Europe, and they are recognising this with this prospective new deal. Talks are set to accelerate this month.”

Son Heung-min reacts to Micky van de Ven’s sensational goal

Son Heung-min has just reacted to Van de Ven’s sensational goal in the Champions League.

The South Korean legend scored a very similar goal back in 2019 as he ran through Burnley’s defence to find the back of the net.

The former Tottenham captain took to social media to comment on Van de Ven’s post: “Wow… Just wow”.

Back in September, one of the biggest Premier League stories of the year broke as Daniel Levy stepped down at Tottenham, and Mauricio Pochettino has given his reaction to the decision.

Last summer, Levy left Tottenham after 25 years as the club’s chairman, with the North London club’s owners opting to restructure the hierarchy.

During the former chairman’s tenure, Mauricio Pochettino’s stint as manager was by far the most successful, as the team were consistently fighting at the top of the Premier League.

But that ended after Levy sacked Pochettino in 2019, and now the Argentine has given his honest take on the 63-year-old and his departure from Spurs.

Mauricio Pochettino was shocked by Daniel Levy’s leaving Tottenham

Pochettino has admitted that he was shocked by Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer.

The Argentine claims to have had a strong relationship with the Spurs chairman, even after he was sacked by Levy back in 2019.

Asked whether he was surprised by Levy’s departure, Pochettino told TalkSPORT: “Of course. I think everyone was surprised by that. I keep a very good relationship with him.

“I think we had a very good relationship when I was there in Tottenham. When I left Tottenham, we always kept in touch, and now we are in touch.

“Of course, I think not only me, I think everyone, if you ask the same question to our fans, for the fans of Tottenham and for everyone, they were surprised about the part of the club.”

Pochettino has spoken about returning to Tottenham one day in an attempt to finish what he started at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Under Pochettino, Spurs finished second in the Premier League, runners-up in the Champions League, runners-up in the League Cup and reached two FA Cup semi-finals.

Mauricio Pochettino on returning to the Premier League

Pochettino has also revealed his ambition to return to the Premier League after his time managing the United States national team.

The 53-year-old said he was ‘so close’ to winning the Premier League and the Champions League with Tottenham, and he would like to be competitive at that level again.

When asked whether he would like to return to the Premier League one day, Pochettino added: “We were so close to winning the Premier League and the Champions League with Tottenham.

“I think in that case we wanted to win the Premier League and the Champions League, because Tottenham is a club that deserves this type of titles, you know, this type of trophies.

“Yes, why not one day come back to the Premier League? For me, the Premier League is the best in the world, the most competitive.

“I don’t say that it’s unfinished business, but I think why not have the possibility again to challenge and to be involved in the Premier League and to challenge for the big things.”

TBR Football can reveal that Chelsea have asked about Nico Paz, who is one of the most wanted players in Europe, but Real Madrid are insistent that he is returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Paz was a target for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but despite being at Como, his future is in the hands of his former club, Real Madrid.

Madrid have several clauses tied into the deal for the Argentine, who moved to Como in 2024.

Paz has been nothing short of sensational since joining up with Cesc Fabregas’s side, and this season alone has arguably been Serie A’s standout player with eight goal contributions from his 10 games.

Spurs tried to sign Paz, and Real were willing to let him go to London, but it would have been a glorified loan as the Spanish giants insisted on retaining a £40million buy-back clause.

Exclusive: Chelsea ask about Nico Paz but Real Madrid plan return

We can now reveal that Chelsea, who are in the market for a new attacking midfielder heading into 2026, have made enquiries.

We have previously revealed that Morgan Rogers is one of Chelsea’s top targets, with club chief Joe Shields looking to be reunited with the England star after he signed him for Manchester City.

However, Rogers aside, Chelsea are doing work on other options, and we can confirm that one of those is Paz.

Chelsea have been watching Paz, and they have been hugely impressed, underlining what they already knew about the 21-year-old.

The Blues have subsequently made enquiries, but like with Spurs, they have found out they are basically wasting their time.

And the main reason is not just because of Real Madrid’s stance, but the player’s – Paz wants to prove himself at the Santiago Bernabeu, having only played a handful of first-team games.

Our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, confirmed: “Nico Paz is standing firm. Real have told him he is coming back, and he believes he is going to be a key player for them in the near future.

“But I can confirm that Paz is really attracting interest now. Spurs have never gone away, but now Chelsea have asked about him. They have really liked what they have seen, but the message back was that he has his heart set on Real.

“We know that Liverpool and Manchester City have also looked, so safe to say if Paz does not head back to the Spanish capital, there is a very good chance he would be EPL-bound.”

It appears time is running out for Richarlison at Tottenham Hotspur, and we can now reveal how the club feel about selling the Brazilian striker.

Since making the move to Tottenham in 2022, Richarlison has endured ups and downs during his time in North London, including long spells on the sidelines due to injury and goalscoring purple patches.

On his best day, the 28-year-old is a dangerous striker who works hard for the team, but he has fallen foul of criticism lately for a slew of missed opportunities.

Richarlison struggled against Newcastle United last week and was lambasted by fans for his performance in the win over Copenhagen this week.

So, what does the future hold for Richarlison under Thomas Frank, and will Spurs be looking to sell him at the first opportunity?

Richarlison sale may have to wait

TBR Football has the latest on Richarlison’s situation courtesy of our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, who tells us clubs are keen on signing the Spurs man, but it may be a move to watch in the summer rather than in January.

Bailey said: “There is interest in Richarlison — he decided not to leave last summer, as he focused on game time for Tottenham and winning his spot in the Brazilian squad. Thomas Frank likes the player and he has five goal contributions in five league starts — showing he is capable of operating in Frank’s style.

“Tottenham are looking at new strikers, but whether it happens in January remains to be seen. We believe the left wing and centre-back positions to be priorities at this point, but very much next summer [they could sign a striker].”

It’s thought Tottenham are keen for Dominic Solanke to return to boost their striking options. How that comeback goes could well influence how quickly Richarlison is moved on.

Bailey added: “As it stands, Tottenham are not convinced by their current options, both Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, and we are yet to see if Randal Kolo Muani will be their answer. But I am told Tottenham are still in that place of assessing their squad and the forward line is a big part of that.”

As for where Richarlison could go, Bailey told us he “remains a long-term target” for Everton. It’s said his former club would “happily” take the Brazilian back, and that the player himself does love the club.

Richarlison now has competition from Dane Scarlett

While some have tipped Kolo Muani to become key for Spurs, the performance of young Dane Scarlett in the Champions League on Tuesday night certainly got Tottenham fans excited.

The 21-year-old has endured a couple of disappointing loan spells in the last two seasons, but has remained with the senior squad this term.

He looked lively against Copenhagen in a ten-minute cameo, including winning a penalty in the dying moments. Ironically, Richarlison took that spot-kick and missed. Now, he could well find himself falling down the pecking order below the academy graduate.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven stepped aside from his Champions League wonder goal to settle the score over his Thomas Frank snub over the weekend.

Tottenham returned to winning ways at home for the first time in six weeks with a 4-0 drubbing of Copenhagen in the Champions League, pushing them into the top eight of the league phase table.

It was Micky van de Ven who stole the show, however, with his run from the edge of his own box seeing him take on five players before lashing the ball past Dominik Kotarski. It’s already been touted to win the Puskas Award.

However, despite his heroics, fans haven’t forgotten Van de Ven’s snub of Thomas Frank in the Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, and he’s set the record straight.

Micky van de Ven opens up on Thomas Frank snub vs Chelsea

Footage emerged at full-time in the 1-0 defeat to the Blues of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence both heading down the tunnel at full-time.

Van de Ven appeared to snub his boss, who was left blanked after heading over to talk to his defensive stars after the defeat.

The clip went viral, with Micah Richards stating the Dutchman should be dropped if there was bad blood between Van de Ven and Frank after such a sub-par performance.

But the Dutchman has nipped that in the bud, revealing the real reason to simply be that he was frustrated with his own performance, wanting to get down the tunnel as soon as possible. Van de Ven said: “To be honest, it’s in the past so I don’t want to make it bigger than it is.

“Djed [Spence] and I walked off, we were just frustrated after the game and everything got really exploded by the media, it was nothing big.

“Everyone thinks it was the gaffer — there was nothing to do with the gaffer. We were just frustrated after the game because of a bad performance, from myself as well.

“We want to play well and I didn’t play well in my opinion, so I was just frustrated and I just wanted to go quick inside.

“As I said, it got exploded by the media out of nowhere.”

Whatever the feeling was after their London derby defeat, that will have been forgotten about after his wonder goal.

It’s not Micky van de Ven’s first rodeo in terms of outstanding goals

Micky van de Ven has shown he can take players on in such an emphatic fashion before.

He weaved his way through Manchester United at the start of last season in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, squaring for Brennan Johnson to score, rightfully earning plaudits for his run.

But he went one better this time, scoring past Copenhagen just minutes after Brennan Johnson had been sent off.

It’s potentially the third time a Tottenham player wins the Puskas Award, with Son Heung-min winning the award for a similar goal in 2020, and Erik Lamela won the season after for his rabona strike against Arsenal.

Richarlison came third in the 2022 award for his overhead kick at the FIFA World Cup, and it appears Tottenham players have a real knack for scoring wonder goals.

Van de Ven is already on six goals for the campaign this season, almost doubling his entire club career tally of 13, since making his professional debut in 2019.