TEAMtalk

Glenn Hoddle has bizarrely claimed that Tottenham’s last-16 Europa League loss to AZ Alkmaar is a “better result” for them than the Dutch side.

AZ were deserved 1-0 winners on Thursday night as Tottenham were undone by a comical own goal by Lucas Bergvall, with the visitors having just one shot on target.

The teenager miscued his clearance on the edge of the six-yard box and his team-mates were helpless as the ball flew into the top corner in the 18th minute.

At the time, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara said on Sky Sports that it was a “terrible” mistake by Bergvall, with Hoddle adding on TNT Sports that it was “very unfortunate” own goal.

And while things didn’t get much better for the north London outfit against the Eredivisie team, Hoddle – who played 490 times for Spurs – was taking the positives out of the result ahead of next week’s second leg.

“They [Tottenham] were lacklustre in their performance. But that’s a better result for Tottenham than it is for AZ,” he said. “To play so mediocre and come home with just a one-goal deficit, they’ll be happy with that. Not the performance, but the result.”

AZ may still fancy their chances with this one-goal advantage ahead of their trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week.

DON’T MISS: FOUR players Tottenham need to sign to end renewed talk of Ange Postecoglou sack

Tottenham ‘nowhere near’ the required level

After crashing out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2025, along with struggling in the Premier League, the Europa League is Tottenham’s last chance at silverware this season.

Despite this being a crucial fixture, head coach Postecoglou admitted his team were not at the races across the board. However, he did not criticise Bergvall as freak incidents like that can happen.

The Australian told TNT Sports: “It was a tricky pitch and we didn’t really handle it really well. Aside from that, we just weren’t aggressive enough and we were way too passive in terms of the way we pressed.

“Too many times we were just circulating the ball without any real intent to hurt them. No fault for the goal, it happens. It’s more about the collective tonight rather than the individuals.

“Collectively, we were nowhere near the level we needed to be and that’s the thing we need to address.”

Tottenham return to Premier League action on Sunday at home to Bournemouth, before hosting AZ in the return leg next Thursday.

This summer is expected to be an incredibly busy one for Tottenham, after their squad depth was exposed badly, and TT has looked at four players the club should sign who could also help finally silence talk over Ange Postecoglou’s future in north London.

The Australian has come under plenty of fire during the second half of the season as Spurs have struggled badly domestically, thanks in no small part to the number of players who have been sat on the sidelines.

Things had picked up with three successive league wins before defeats to Manchester City and then AZ in the Europa League, putting more pressure on Postecoglou after a terrible display from his side in Holland.

Money is expected to be available to make significant additions to the first-team squad though and avoid a similar scenario to this season happening again.

To that end, TEAMtalk have taken a look at four realistic signings Tottenham should make to give Postecoglou the best chance of keeping his job and succeeding next season…

Marc Guehi

It’s no secret that Spurs are firmly in the mix to bring the Crystal Palace centre-back to north London, having failed with a deadline day bid for the England star in the winter window.

Guehi would be a great fit in Tottenham’s back line alongside Micky Van de Ven, but it would almost certainly mean an exit for long-term Real Madrid target Cristian Romero as a result.

While that might come as a surprise for some watchers of Ange Postecoglou’s men, there is a feeling among many fans in north London that Romero produces his best performances in international colours with Argentina.

Indeed, some of the 26-year-old’s displays in a Tottenham shirt since Postecoglou took charge have been littered with errors in possession and awful positioning that has led to goals.

Yes, he remains a quality defender on his day, but there’s every chance he’s had his head turned by Real’s interest. To that end, recouping upwards of £50m for Romero now might end up being some of the best business Tottenham could do this summer, especially for a player who has also been proven to be injury-prone as well.

Reinvesting that sort of figure wisely on the centre-back position would then be paramount, especially with Radu Dragusin out until the end of the year with his ACL injury.

Kevin Danso has impressed since joining on loan and there is every expectation that the deal will be turned into a permanent one come the summer, but adding Guehi to that central defensive mix would be massive for Posetcoglou and Spurs.

The 24-year-old would slot in perfectly alongside Van de Ven and give Tottenham one of the quickest centre-back pairings in European football – a perfect scenario for Postecoglou’s high line.

Palace are unlikely to do business for less than £70m though, which will be more than affordable for Spurs if they decide to part ways with Romero.

Johnny Cardoso

This is an absolute no-brainer of a deal for a player who can be signed for as little as £21million due to a clause that was inserted when Giovani Lo Celso was sold to Real Betis last summer.

The USMNT international has been outstanding for the LaLiga outfit this season and fills a big Tottenham need in terms of the defensive midfield role.

Postecoglou’s fluid midfield rotation means no one player is designated to sit and protect the back four, but that has left his side so exposed this season – especially when the Australian has been unable to pick his best defenders due to injuries.

Spurs actually looked their most solid under Postecoglou in that 10-match unbeaten run at the start of last term, when Yves Bissouma was sitting a bit deeper and providing a better base to build from while also enabling that defensive cover.

However, there is every chance that Bissouma will be offloaded this summer after falling out of favour with Postecoglou due to his inconsistent performances. Indeed, teenager Lucas Bergvall has often been preferred to the experienced Mali international.

Cardoso has played 31 times for Betis in all competitions this season, with more than 20 of those outings coming in the No.6 role, while he averages almost two tackles and two interceptions per game – clearly showcasing those defensive qualities.

To sign a 23-year-old who has won 18 caps for his country, and is playing regularly at a high level in Spain, is a deal that has to happen – although they will only have between June 30 and July 10 to get that contract signed.

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Marcus Thuram

Potentially a slight on Dominic Solanke here, but he’s not quite shown enough that he can be the elite presence as a No.9 that Spurs had for a decade with Harry Kane.

The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions but only seven in the Premier League, while Solanke has also had his fair share of injuries in north London after hardly ever missing a game during his time at Bournemouth. Indeed, he limped off again at AZ not long after making his return to action.

Tottenham were in the market for another striker in January, especially after Richarlison joined Solanke on the sidelines, and ended up bringing on Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich.

They do have an option to sign the young French forward on a permanent deal this summer but Tel has struggled to adapt to English football so far, while there’s also an argument that he is better playing on the left wing than as a central striker – a position has looked a little lost in.

Step forward Thuram, who has been performing at a high level for Inter since moving to Italy from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

The France international has scored 30 times in 70 games in total for Inter, with 15 of those goals coming this season for an Inter side who currently sit top of Serie A and also have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Thuram’s strengths are his explosive pace, power and movement, while he is particularly strong at isolating defenders and creating one-on-one situations.

That fact that Thuram could also play wide is another bonus and a way of getting Solanke in the team as well, in what could end up being a destructive forward line for Postecoglou.

Reports in Italy have previously reported that the 27-year-old could be available for around €80million (£67m / $84m).

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Tyler Dibling

The Southampton attacker is only 19 years of age but plays well beyond his years, something Tottenham have already unearthed this season with the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Adding Dibling to that mix would give Spurs another explosive young talent to go along with the club’s current remit of building for the future.

The right winger has only scored four goals and provided two assists this season, but his overall play has been outstanding in a side that has just nine points on the board at the bottom of the Premier League.

Dibling’s direct style and dribbling ability would see him become an immediate option in the Tottenham attack, with Brennan Johnson currently occupying that role on the right.

While there can be arguments with Johnson’s goals and assists output this season, his overall play still leaves plenty to be desired at times and Spurs adding Dibling could see him forced to take his game to another level.

The talented teenager will almost certainly be on the move at the end of the campaign, as Saints stare relegation in the face, and currently has a £50m valuation.

Tottenham, however, are confident they can snap up Dibling for less than that, while the player himself is said to be sold on a switch to north London.

Tottenham are reportedly willing to enter the race for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko even if they complete the signing of Mathys Tel in the summer.

Spurs could have a very different look to their attack next season to the options they’ve had this season. For a start, it’s almost certain Timo Werner won’t be there, and Son Heung-min’s form dropping has Tottenham wary he’ll not feature as often next term.

But since the start of this season, they’ve recruited Tel, who’s looked promising and could be signed permanently for £45million in the summer should they choose.

They could also look to sign Leipzig’s Sesko, as per GIVEMESPORT. That report states the north Londoners are ‘refusing to rule out the possibility’ of entering the race for Sesko even if they sign Tel permanently.

Sesko has a release clause in his deal which could rise to £66.95million (€80m/$86.3m) by the end of the season.

Spurs are aware attempting to get the striker could be an ‘uphill battle’ with his form gaining him widespread interest.

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Spurs could shell big money

If they were to get both Sesko and Tel, though, Tottenham would be paying approximately £112million, but could transform their attack.

Tel, having played often as a central striker, would likely play out on the left if Sesko – who has 17 goals and five assists this season – joined to play through the middle.

The Leipzig man would be competition for Dominic Solanke, who’s been out injured for some time and could benefit from being pushed hard by a competitor, helping him get back up to speed.

It would be good for Spurs to have a wealth of attacking options, and they believe recruiting Sesko ‘matches the ambition’ they’re planning to show.

There is no pressure on a move for Tel currently, as Fabrizio Romano has stated: “Tel situation is quiet now, full focus on the pitch. He just arrived one month ago, so Spurs want to give him time to adapt, perform and then discuss his future.”

Tottenham round-up: Dibling confidence

Tottenham believe there will be no issues with a deal for Tyler Dibling, as he’s ‘sold on’ a move already, and will be available for potentially as low as £30million in the summer.

A separate report has stated that a move will begin to take shape as soon as Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League is confirmed.

Meanwhile, a Tottenham fan has described Jack Grealish as “the man” to replace Son at the club.

In response, Darren Bent suggested 28-year-old Grealish looks in “unbelievable nick” which suggests he could indeed do so, as Son wavers.

Tottenham reportedly believe that Tyler Dibling is ‘sold on’ becoming a Spurs player, and the Southampton man is likely to become cheaper in the summer window.

Dibling, 19, has shown a fearlessness in his first Premier League campaign which has put the big boys on notice. His desire to get at defenders and drive past them with the ball is admirable at a young age.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are among the sides who have been linked with him.

It’s Spurs who feel they’ve got the best chance of ending up with Dibling, though.

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that after making contact with his entourage, Spurs feel the winger is ‘sold on’ moving to them.

There is confidence that Ange Postecoglou is the right manager to get the best from him, and Tottenham feel there will be no problems in coming to personal terms with Dibling.

What’s more, they feel Southampton will drop their asking price ‘significantly’ from in excess of £50million to £30-35million, with Dibling unlikely to pen a new contract, and his deal entering its final year in the summer.

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Dibling transfer looming

A recent report stated that Tottenham will fully put the wheels in motion for Dibling’s transfer once Southampton are relegated from the Premier League.

They are dead bottom on just nine points with only 11 games remaining, and there’s a 13-point gap to the first safe side.

If that gap remains by the time there are only four games left, they’ll be down, but the gap could be increased by then, so the drop could come much sooner for the Saints.

And while it’s stated ‘half of Europe’ have eyes on Dibling, Spurs are confident they’re the side who’ll get him.

Tottenham round-up: Grealish told he could replace Son

A Tottenham fan has suggested that Jack Grealish is “the man” to replace Son Heung-min at Tottenham, with the iconic winger fading, and the City man capable of having his best brought out by Postecoglou.

In response, Darren Bent stated Grealish looks “in unbelievable nick” at 28, suggesting he could continue at the top level for a while.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the release clause for Eberechi Eze is very expensive, and Tottenham have other clubs to contend with for him, potentially making the move tough.

And Cristian Romero has been included in the provisional Argentina squad for the next international break, despite Spurs not playing him all year due to injury.

One Tottenham fan has told Jack Grealish that he is “the man” to replace a Premier League icon who has begun to fade at Spurs of late.

Grealish has struggled to replicate his Aston Villa impact since his £100million move to City. In only two season at City – he’s now in his fourth – has the attacker been directly involved in 10 goals in all competitions.

This season, Grealish has perhaps had the most trouble, assisting just once in the Premier League, with no goals alongside that.

He has been given just six starts in the league, and has only twice completed 90 minutes.

Speculation is rife regarding his future, with Pep Guardiola requesting more from him, and a number of attacking options performing better than him.

If Grealish is to be shown the door at City, a Spurs fan calling in to talkSPORT – where former Tottenham man Darren Bent was co-presenting – feels the north London club would be the best landing spot.

“I think the best team for him is Spurs because [Ange] Postecoglou will let him play and that’s what he needs,” he said.

“At the moment I would because Son’s not as good as he was and I think you need someone who’s slightly better and I think Jack Grealish is the man to replace Son.”

Spurs were said to be weighing up a move for Grealish in December, so it’s not as if there’s no chance of that transfer happening.

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Son on the decline

In response, Bent reviewed Son‘s recent form, stating: “You can’t hide the fact he hasn’t been as effective as he usually is, that comes with age. Grealish is 29, though, he looks in unbelievable nick.”

Spurs are clearly aware that Son will not continue on top form forever, with the decline already underway.

Recently, it was stated the club are ‘worried’ by what they’ve seen from Son of late, and there are ‘question marks’ over whether he’ll remain a first-team player over the next year of his contract.

Amid Mathys Tel’s loan, it’s been suggested he could simply take Son’s place going forwards, but other options have been reported, with Grealish a player looked at in north London on occasions in the past.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs leading Dibling race

Spurs are one of the main suitors for Southampton forward Tyler Dibling, and a recent report has stated they are confident they are ‘leading the race’ for him.

Another potential attacking reinforcement is Eberechi Eze, though Fabrizio Romano has stated there are more clubs lining up for the Crystal Palace man.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s caution regarding the fitness of Cristian Romero – who’s not played this year – could be taken out of their hands, with Argentina including him in their squad for World Cup qualifying matches in March.

And Johnny Cardoso – who Spurs have the priority option for in the summer – has suggested he is not thinking about the move, which is in the hands of people other than himself.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer chiefs are reportedly confident that they are ‘leading the race’ to sign a top Premier League talent who is being tracked by a number of top clubs ahead of the summer window.

Southampton star Tyler Dibling is the player in question, with the winger excelling in the top flight despite his side languishing down at the bottom of the table and already being doomed to relegation back to the Championship.

Dibling has scored four goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances in all competitions but those stats do not tell the full story of his season, with the 19-year-old having caused top-flight defenders nightmares with his direct attacking style.

And now talkSPORT has provided an update on Dibling’s future, with the forward also having been linked with Newcastle and Aston Villa, amongst others.

They claim that Tottenham believe they are ‘leading the race’ to snatch Dibling away from the south coast, with the wheels likely to be set in motion as soon as Southampton’s relegation is confirmed.

Dibling is also out of contract next summer and, having been ‘unhappy’ with the new deal that he has been offered to him, Saints will be hoping to snap up a sizeable fee before his deal starts to run down.

The report adds that Daniel Levy is confident the St Mary’s outfit will drop below their £50m valuation of Dibling, given the club’s imminent relegation and the fact that his contract is running down.

The potential problem for Tottenham is that reputed journalist Florian Plettenberg claims ‘half of Europe’ currently have eyes on Dibling, especially after he excelled in games against Liverpool and Manchester United this term.

Dibling earmarked for Johnson spot

Dibling is said to have been earmarked for the right side of Tottenham’s attack, despite Brennan Johnson making that position his own this season.

Johnson has been the preferred option when Dejan Kulusevski has been utilised in the No.10 role and has notched an impressive 14 goals and three assists in 35 games in all competitions.

However, despite those impressive stats, there is still a feeling that the Wales international needs to be doing more in games and providing for his teammates. Indeed, he often appears to lack the confidence to try and beat his opposing full-back – although there are not many better at timing and finishing off far-post runs.

If Dibling does arrive in north London, he could provide cover on both wings and there is a stronger argument that he could end up replacing Spurs skipper Son Heung-min long term.

The South Korean has just over 18 months left on his contract but is not the attacking force he once was, and there is every chance he will be allowed to walk away on a free transfer in 2026.

Latest Tottenham news: Two Eze signing issues arise / Spurs join midfielder hunt

🔵 Romano raises two major issues for Tottenham in two-year long chase to sign Eberechi Eze

🔵 Johnny Cardoso drops tantalising hint over Tottenham taking up bargain summer clause

🔵 Tottenham join trio of Prem rivals in race to sign destructive defensive midfield talent

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s efforts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with two issues potentially proving problematic for the north London club in the race to get a deal done this summer.

The 26-year-old England playmaker has established himself as a key player at Selhurst Park, with his performances attracting plenty of interest in his signature as a result – including admiration from Spurs that goes back two years.

Eze‘s versatility is of particular interest to Tottenham chiefs, given that he can play on both wings and also as a No.10 in more of an attacking midfield role.

The majority of his appearances have come in an advanced central role this season, with Eze contributing six goals and seven assists in his 29 games in all competitions.

And, while that is not exactly a position of need for Tottenham – given they already have James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski who can feature in that role – signing Eze would still be considered a massive coup in north London.

To that end, Romano has delivered an update on Spurs’s chase for the player, confirming just how long they courted Eze while also pointing out two issues that may stand in the way of a deal – his price and how long teams will have to pay up.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “He’s on Spurs list since 2023, he’s always been highly rated at the club. But the release clause is very expensive and the payment for the clause is not allowed in 3/4 years as usually happens, so that’s what makes the deal difficult – and there are more clubs also keen.”

The release clause that Romano speaks of is believed to sit at around £68million (€82m / $86m) for the England international, although that’s not expected to be a huge issue for Tottenham given that they have significant funds to spend.

Eze is already a proven performer at Premier League level, although it would be intriguing to see where he fits into Tottenham’s starting XI if he does make the switch.

He might not be the only player to join Spurs this summer though, with the north London outfit also after Eagles centre-back Marc Guehi after failing with a late January window raid for the England man.

Eze tipped to dovetail with Maddison

As Eze continued to be linked with Tottenham last summer, former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara spoke on how he thinks the Palace man and Maddison can play in the same team together.

Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara said: “I think Eze and Maddison would work well together and maybe dovetail off each other.”

Fellow talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend agreed with O’Hara, adding: “He’s a really lovely footballer, who’s got a goal in him and maybe all he needs now to really stretch himself is by surrounding himself with better players.”

Eze saw Eagles teammate Michael Olise leave for Bayern Munich last summer, where he has flourished this season, while Guehi continues to be linked with a number of top Premier League clubs. There is even talk of midfielder Adam Wharton, who is another Spurs target, potentially heading to Real Madrid.

To that end, there is every chance that the playmaker could have his head turned, as long as any potential suitor is willing to pay that release clause for a player who remains under contract until 2027.

Latest Tottenham news: Cardoso drops Spurs hint / Bissouma exit destination

🔵 Johnny Cardoso drops tantalising hint over Tottenham taking up bargain summer clause

🔵 Tottenham prepared to dump £25m signing as Crystal Palace battle Ligue 1 sides for transfer

🔵 Tottenham heading for potential collision course over surprise Romero return twist

Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has dropped a hint over his future with the LaLiga outfit, given the deal that is in place for him to potentially join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

The north London outfit currently have a £21million (€25m /$26m) clause to buy the USMNT star in the summer, which they acquired while negotiating Giovani Lo Celso’s return to Betis last summer.

Striking that a deal at the time came as somewhat of a surprise for a player who was not particularly heralded, although that’s all changed now given Cardoso‘s outstanding performances at the heart of the Betis midfield this season.

However, Tottenham only have a short window to activate that clause, which is valid between June 30 and July 10 for the 24-year-old talent.

If Cardoso keeps up his current levels it will be hard to ignore what could turn out to be one of the bargains of the summer for a player who is also being courted by other clubs.

Indeed, recent reports suggest Tottenham do plan on activating Cardoso’s clause and bringing him to N17, as they look to improve a midfield that has often underperformed as a whole this term.

The player himself refused to discuss specifics when asked about his future, although he did drop a hint that a move could be on the cards if he carries on his good form.

When asked about potentially joining Spurs in the summer, he told AS: “I don’t think about it; it’s in the hands of my father and my agent.

“I try to enjoy myself and to evolve. Things will happen if my performance in the team is good.”

One in, one out in Tottenham midfield

If Cardoso does arrive in north London though, there is every chance that he will replace Yves Bissouma in Tottenham’s first-team squad.

It’s growing increasingly likely that the Mali international will move on this summer, given that he is out of contract in 2026 and has not fulfilled his potential during his time with Spurs.

Latest reports suggest that Bissouma could be on his way to Crystal Palace, especially given Tottenham’s interest in Eagles duo Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.

Given Bissouma’s struggles and Cardoso’s standout displays for Betis this season, the USA star would be considered an upgrade in the defensive midfield position – where he would work in tandem with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Archie Gray, who will be hoping to revert to his natural position next term.

Cardoso has scored twice and laid on one assist in 31 games in all competitions this season, but that’s not really his game. Indeed, he is more of a destructive force who is strong at breaking up play and keeping things simple in possession – as is evidenced by his 84.8% passing success rate this season.

Latest Tottenham news: Romero collision course / Spurs join midfielder chase

🔵 Tottenham heading for potential collision course over surprise Romero return twist

🔵 Tottenham target record-shattering £138m double summer raid on Premier League rival

🔵 Tottenham join trio of Prem rivals in race to sign destructive defensive midfield talent

Tottenham could end up on a potential collision course with the Argentina national team after Cristian Romero was called up to their preliminary squad for their World Cup qualifying matches later in March, despite not playing competitively this year.

Romero has been sidelined with a Grade 3 muscular injury since he limped off during Spurs’ 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea back in early December, a match in which centre-back partner Micky van de Ven also suffered hamstring issues again.

Despite a 45-minute appearance in the Europa League from the Dutchman, both players have been missing from Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI for almost three months.

That has left the Australian having to rely on the likes of Radu Dragusin, who has since suffered a serious knee injury, alongside the likes of Archie Gray, Ben Davies and January signing Kevin Danso – in terms of covering for the first-choice pairing.

Indeed, Tottenham have been incredibly cautious in rushing Romero and Van de Ven back too early, hence the continued delay that has left Spurs fans frustrated in what’s been a tough season domestically in N17.

And the latest news regarding Romero is unlikely to go down well, given the feeling among many Tottenham fans that the 26-year-old has a major preference over playing for his country anyway – where his form has been considerably better than it has been at club level.

Argentina are clearly hopeful that Romero will be fit to play a part in big World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 26), although Tottenham will surely be keeping a very close eye on the situation.

Postecoglou continues to preach caution over Romero, Van de Ven

Speaking last Tuesday, Postecoglou explained how Romero was likely to be available for Sunday’s visit of Bournemouth or the second leg of the Europa League last-16 second leg with AZ Alkmaar.

Both players are expected to be absent in the Netherlands this Thursday, along with Dominic Solanke, with Postecoglou admitting: “The first European game I’d say outside chance for any three of them.

“Certainly they’ll be back training fully by then and then we’ve got Bournemouth on the weekend and I reckon much better odds for that.

“And definitely, by the second European game they should all be available to play.’

Postecoglou later added: “We’ve a little window where hopefully we can get something into them and still got two European games and three league games between now and the international break, so I really want them up and running by then.”

The return of all three could have a huge bearing on how Tottenham end what’s been a hugely disappointing season, bar their success in Europe so far.

While Romero and Van de Ven, when fully fit, have proven to be one of the better defensive partnerships in the Premier League, Solanke’s absence has also been felt.

The former Bournemouth man has been sorely missed at the point of attack, with January loan signing Mathys Tel struggling to make his mark in that role after Brazilian Richarlison also went down.

Solanke has only scored 11 goals in 29 games in all competitions this season, but his aggressive pressing from the front and all-round link-up play have also been badly missed.

Latest Tottenham news: Palace chasing Spurs midfield misfit as double raid on Eagles mooted

🔵 Tottenham prepared to dump £25m signing as Crystal Palace battle Ligue 1 sides for transfer

🔵 Tottenham target record-shattering £138m double summer raid on Premier League rival

🔵 Tottenham join trio of Prem rivals in race to sign destructive defensive midfield talent

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma will reportedly be allowed to leave the club this summer amid interest from Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 sides.

The star swapped Brighton for Tottenham for around £25m (€30.3m, $31.7m) in the summer of 2022 but injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent form have, arguably, overshadowed his time there.

Bissouma, whose contract runs until 2026, has made 32 appearances in all competitions this season but 20 of those have been starts as questions over his long-term future at the club grow.

On the face of it, Spurs won’t want to let the Mali international leave for free in the summer of 2026 so trying to recoup some of their original outlay may be a shrewd move.

Now, GIVEMESPORT claims there are no indications the north London team will offer him a new contract and may entertain bids for him after the season ends.

The report adds that Palace are monitoring the situation closely but the player is said to be open to heading back to Ligue 1.

Bissouma, who was signed by Brighton from Lille in 2018, is reportedly a target for Marseille and Nice but a Premier League move is not out of the question.

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Tottenham urged to sell Bissouma

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Tottenham need to ditch Bissouma and midfield team-mate Pape Matar Sarr as they are not good enough for the club.

He said last month: “Daniel Levy must look to invest in midfield for Tottenham. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have been very inconsistent and that’s where the main problem lies for them.”

Indeed, after Spurs’ 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg loss to Liverpool at Anfield, ex-England defender Jamie Carragher tore into Bissouma and team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur.

“When I look at those three midfield players I thought they were a disgrace. No matter who your manager is you’re playing the semi-final. Talk about them getting on the ball,” he said.

“We all come into this game and if you’re a Tottenham man you know first 15 minutes, half an hour, Liverpool will be on the ball, you’ve gotta put them under pressure, get after them, be aggressive. It was still so easy for them.

“We’ve criticised Ange Postecoglou. Let’s not forget we’ve called him naive at times, putting full-backs into midfield and leaving themselves open. That looked like a team that was picked before the game saying, ‘We’re gonna try and make it difficult for Liverpool’. I thought that was a team to try and stop Liverpool and nullify Liverpool but those midfield players they didn’t put a challenge in.”

Tottenham transfer roundup: £138m raid planned, Camara transfer target

Spurs are reportedly eyeing summer moves for Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, with the pair said to be valued at a combined £138m (€167m, $175m).

But whether or not they are able to sign the two in-demand England internationals is another matter entirely.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for highly-rated Monaco star Lamine Camara, who has been credited with interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old talent is considered by many to be Senegal’s best prospect since Sadio Mane and could be on the move soon, despite only signing from FC Metz last summer.

Finally, Fabrizio Romano says it is very unlikely that the north London team will trigger their loan-to-buy option for Timo Werner.

Bissouma among Spurs players fighting for future

As a Tottenham fan, this one is particularly galling to write up as Bissouma could and should have been the mainstay of Spurs’ engine room for years to come.

However, the former Brighton man – bar Postecoglou’s first 10 games in charge last season – has looked a complete shadow of the player who excelled down on the south coast at Brighton.

Indeed, that fact was compounded by his latest mistake in possession that cost Tottenham their first goal in the 4-0 mauling at Liverpool and opened the floodgates for the eventual rout.

The frustrating part is that Bissouma was often the best player on the pitch when playing for the Seagulls in clashes against Tottenham and got fans from the white half of north London understandably excited when he arrived in the summer of 2022.

However, Bissouma has never really been able to establish himself as a regular starter. Add in the fact that Gray will eventually get a shot at playing in the front of the back four, along with the agreement that is in place to sign Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso early in the summer, and Bissouma’s days could well be numbered.