Football.London

Micky van de Ven had little hesitation in taunting his fellow young Tottenham centre-back Ashley Phillips on social media after the friendly win against Hearts.

The Dutchman has been resting up after featuring for the Netherlands at the Euros ahead of re-joining Tottenham for pre-season. It appears that while relaxing the 23-year-old has been keeping a close eye on his club and watched Spurs' 5-1 win at Heart of Midlothian on Wednesday evening as he soon commented on Phillips' Instagram post on Thursday following the match.

Phillips impressed on the night with a solid performance in the second half and at first it looked like the 19-year-old had sealed his display with the final goal in the friendly victory in Edinburgh after strikes from Brennan Johnson, Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore and Djed Spence.

However it appears that Phillips, who was named Young Player of the Season at Plymouth Argyle last season following a brief loan spell, did not actually get the final touch and instead a Hearts defender knocked the ball into his own net under pressure from the Spurs man after Dane Scarlett's header from Lucas Bergvall's cross was parried.

When Phillips posted on Instagram on Thursday photos of himself from the game, including that moment, with the caption "Good start to pre-season", many of his team-mates such as new arrival Lucas Bergvall replied. However, Van de Ven took little time in quickly replying with the jokey taunt "Claiming an own goal....". The younger centre-back spotted the reply a little later and responded "Always my goal".

Phillips is the only natural centre-back at the club right now with Van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Cristian Romero all resting up after their international duty at the Euros and Copa America, meaning midfielders Archie Gray and Oliver Skipp played in defence for Ange Postecoglou in the first half in Edinburgh.

Dragusin is expected to return for Spurs' tour to Asia, which begins next week, although it remains to be seen whether Van de Ven will join him after finishing later at the tournament albeit playing less football than the Romanian before England knocked out the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley is said to be exploring her options in the football market after giving up her shares in the club earlier this month. It comes with reports that Tottenham are already catching her eye.

Spurs have made it public that they will do due diligence and consider any offer made for investments, with chairman Daniel Levy opening up on the plans regularly in the past 12 months. "ENIC owns approximately 87% of the club and we have 30,000 shareholders and most of them are fans who own the shares," he said last year.

"We have a duty to consider any proposal anyone wants to make. All I would say is we are not in negotiations with anybody, nor have we been in recent months."

Levy went on to add: "I've got no real interest to leave Tottenham, but I have a duty to consider anything that anyone may want to propose. It’s not about me, it’s about what’s right for the club.

"We have 30,000 shareholders who own approximately 13.5 per cent. We run this club as if it is a public company. If anyone wants to make a serious proposition to the board of Tottenham we would consider it, along with our advisers, and if we felt it was in the interests of the club we would be open to anything."

Spurs have been linked with a takeover - either minority or majority - for several years now. Staveley, as part of the team that purchased Newcastle from Mike Ashley three years ago, is now interested in a stake in the club herself.

According to Bloomberg, Staveley has generated around £500million through investment fund PCP Capital Partners, and is keen to put that into another football project. It is suggested that she has even gone as far as discussing initial details with Rothschild and Co, an advisor.

In April, Levy himself admitted as much. "The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors," he said. The aim? To "continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base."

Elsewhere, though, and Monaco are also mentioned as a team of interest to Staveley, who had her six per cent of shares at St James' Park bought out by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is thought that this was always part of the plan for the Magpies after Staveley helped to re-energise things.

Under her co-ownership, Newcastle went from relegation strugglers to Champions League qualifiers, spending big to sign Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and more. That spending far outweighs what Tottenham have shelled out in the same period.

Levy has often been criticised for not opening up the chequebook in the transfer market in North London during the past five years and extending back into the latter years of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure. As he steered the club through their move to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, also now managing to keep them financially compliant and comfortably within Premier League rules, the British businessman has also been rewarded at times for his work.

Last season Spurs improved on a disappointing 2022/23 campaign to finish fifth, securing Europa League qualification despite the sale of talisman Harry Kane. As they look to go further on with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, Levy has admitted once more that he is looking for more sporting success, something which may well be boosted by outside investment.

"Our turnover has exceeded half a billion pounds for the first time," he said in the breakdown of Tottenham's 2022/23 accounts. "Whilst UEFA monies contributed, this has also been driven by increased stadium revenues from both football and non-football events and additional revenue streams.

"This is the impact of our multi-use stadium and what our board has been focussed on delivering in order to invest in our football in a financially sustainable manner. The absolute priority for our club is to deliver on-pitch success."

Incidentally, Staveley has already spent time watching Tottenham and was in attendance at Stamford Bridge during their dramatic 2-2 draw with Chelsea on the second weekend of the 2022/23 season as well as at the Newcastle clash against Spurs in April 2022.

Newcastle's first game with Staveley was also against Tottenham.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham are open to new investors as Daniel Levy continues to plan for the future in north London. Having recorded losses of £86.8million in the 2022/23 financial period, the Englishman is keeping his options open.

In April, the club chairman went as far as admitting that talks with potential candidates to pump cash into the club had already started. "The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors," he said. With the plan to "deliver on-pitch success," Levy is now preparing to enter a second season under Ange Postecoglou after getting back into Europe following a fifth-place finish.

Spurs have attracted plenty of attention in recent years as one of the few remaining top-flight clubs not under the influence of either American or Middle Eastern owners. Given increased tension in the Premier League with regards to financial compliance and profitability and sustainability rules (PSRs), it is becoming harder to compete with the richest of the rich.

Levy himself has also been open about this and is a public advocate for stricter regulations in club football. It hasn't stopped him and his club from being linked with big-money takeovers, though.

Spurs were reportedly on the radar for previously prospective Manchester United buyer Sheikh Jassim, while 777 Partners, MSP, and even A-List celebrities have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

Any takeover - full or partial - will not come cheaply, though. Tottenham are thought to be worth over £3.5billion. They wouldn't be the only team at the top of the table to look for outside investment either. In September 2023, Liverpool generated £150million with the sale of a small stake.

Here, football.london has the latest on a possible takeover at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Amanda Staveley interest

British businesswoman Amanda Staveley is reportedly open to investing in Tottenham having had her minority stake in Newcastle bought out by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in July. According to Bloomberg, the former Magpies co-owner is already looking at new opportunities to get back into football.

Staveley helped PIF purchase Newcastle in 2021, taking on six per cent of the club, and had been a public-facing figure of the consortium until her departure was announced. She helped oversee Newcastle's rise from relegation candidates to European contenders.

With £500million raised by her investment fund PCP Capital Partners, it is said that she is already planning her next venture with Spurs one of several teams being considered. Monaco are also mentioned.

Staveley, 51, has been spotted at Tottenham matches in the past few years, watching on at Chelsea and St James' Park during matches involving the North Londoners. She is already said to have held talks with advisors, Rothschild and Co.

Summer investment claim made

Former Aston Villa and Everton CEO Keith Wyness has made a huge Tottenham takeover claim which includes clear investment timeline.

“I’ve been involved in discussions with several groups who have a genuine interest in trying to get minority ownership at Spurs," he told the Football Insider podcast. "But most groups want a view to buying a majority stake in the club.

“Some of the biggest names in the world of finance have been involved in the discussions. Rothschilds are the advisors for Spurs, and they’ve had a share on the market for years now – but no one has quite been able to find an agreement yet."

He added: "I’m sensing something big is coming up in the summer – when this deal for a minority stake could get much closer."

Investment talks

In Spurs' financial accounts, Levy confirmed: "the board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors" as the north London outfit needs to "continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base".

Liberty Media purchase

Formula One owners Liberty Media had been suggested as a potential investor for Tottenham last summer. Those reports did go quiet and they have now made their next move.

The US media conglomerate recently bought MotoGP in a deal valued at £3.6bn. The deal is expected to be officially completed by the end of the year.

Liverpool plan

Rivals Liverpool have already secured recent investment into the club after announcing that they would also be looking for added funds. In September it was confirmed that New York-based firm Dynasty Equity had put in between $100million (£80m) and $200million (£163m) in order to improve the club's cash flow.

This ended rumours of an overall sale of the club whilst Fenway Sports Group (FSG) pivot their own focus towards other investments elsewhere. The Liverpool Echo now suggests that they are keen to acquire an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, though that is a longer-term ambition.

FSG are also reportedly said to be keen in pursuing the golf market, investing in the PGA Tour with a bid that could rival Newcastle's Private Investment Fund (PIF). After months of disagreements following the creation of LIV Golf there is yet to be a properly ratified deal between PIF, PGA Tour and DP World Tour and this could open the door to firms interested in investing.

Although it does not have a direct impact on Tottenham, as one of their Premier League rivals it is certainly of interest that FSG are reportedly willing to to compete with WWE and UFC owners Endeavour for this way in with PGA Tour.

Sheikh Jassim decision

Sheikh Jassim will not look to buy another football club amid links with a move to takeover Tottenham, claims reporter Ben Jacobs. The Qatari-based Nine Two Foundation have been rumoured with potentially making a bid for Spurs following their failed move for Manchester United, however that now seems unlikely.

Offer confirmed

Tottenham have turned down offers in the past for the club, Levy has confirmed. "Over the years many people have made offers but there's never been offer that's been..." he started when asked by Bloomberg before being cut off. He was the quizzed on where the offers have come from.

"All parts of the world, the far East, the Middle East, America. Nothing has been put on our table that we feel has been of the interest to the shareholders."

As for why nothing has materialised, the English businessman added: "Lots of reasons. For us as a board we are only custodians of this club. We want to take it to another level. We've shown progression over the last 20 years, we've made a big investment in our capital projects, in our team and if someone came along and we felt they could take us to another level we'd look at it."

"If we get the right naming rights partner — and when I say that, I mean somebody who pays the right money in the right sector — then we are willing to consider doing it," said Levy. "But we’re not as tied to doing it now as perhaps we would’ve been when we first looked at building the stadium."

Levy admission

Levy has admitted that he would consider selling a stake in the club if the right offer came about. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg he said: "I've got no real interest to leave Tottenham, but I have a duty to consider anything that anyone may want to propose. It’s not about me, it’s about what’s right for the club.

"We have 30,000 shareholders who own approximately 13.5 per cent. We run this club as if it is a public company. If anyone wants to make a serious proposition to the board of Tottenham we would consider it, along with our advisers, and if we felt it was in the interests of the club we would be open to anything."

Sheikh Jassim interest

Spurs may be an option for Sheikh Jassim, who is said to have had five bids for Manchester United, now he has failed in his bid to take control at Old Trafford.

According to ESPN journalist Mark Ogden, Sheikh Jassim and his entourage earmarked Spurs as a potential option.

"They want the Premier League footprint," Ogden told The United Stand. "Somebody told me recently, they said that if the Qataris don't buy Man United, they'll be back and they might end up buying Tottenham.

"He said, look, if you've got Manchester City owned by Abu Dhabi, you've got Newcastle owned by Saudi Arabia, if Qataris maybe buy Tottenham, then you've got three clubs who can pull away."

Jay-Z 'preparing bid' for Spurs

Shock claims have emerged regarding a potential bid for Spurs by the rapper Jay-Z. The New York native, famous for his hits including 'H to the Izzo' and '99 Problems' is backed by US investors, according to the Express.

Jay-Z, who himself has a net worth of around £2billion, has dabbled in sports having previously held a share in the Brooklyn Nets basketball team while his Roc Nation empire had Manchester United star Marcus Rashford on its books.

Levy contact

Levy and PSG predident Nasser Al-Khelaifi are said to have a close relationship since QSI's interest in buying Spurs emerged with contact reportedly being maintained.

Levy and Al-Khelaifi are said to have 'regular exchanges', according to L'Equipe, with the potential for a takeover to develop if PSG are sold with The Telegraph reporting that Spurs have a £3.5 billion price tag after an approach to the club in September 2021.

F1 owner hint

Greg Maffei, CEO of Formula One owners Liberty Media, has hinted that his next sporting venture could be in the Premier League. The American-based mass media company also owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team.

Speaking on the Walker Webcast, he said: "You mention the Premier League teams; there isn't an asset we haven't looked at. "That doesn't mean we've been ready to buy them all but we look at everything because we do think sports in general is attractive, we do think there are upsides and do think those things that management teams have taught up can help apply perhaps in other sports situations."

The Telegraph reported that Liberty Media have been 'mooted by one insider' as a potential option but they would not comment on reports.

MSP interest

The Financial Times claimed back in February last year that MSP Sports Capital chief Jahm Najafi was 'set to launch' a $3.75 billion (£3bn) bid for Spurs. With Najafi chairing MSP Sports Capital, he would lead an approach for the club but a consortium made up of other investors would also provide funding.

It was also reported that the other investors would be from the Middle East with MSP contributing 70% of the funds for the takeover. The Telegraph reported that Najafi, who now looks set to move for Everton, 'was expected to table a total buyout offer'

Levy's stance

Levy recently broke his silence on a potential takeover during a talk at the Cambridge Union in April last year. "ENIC owns approximately 87% of the club and we have 30,000 shareholders and most of them are fans who own the shares," he said.

"We have a duty to consider any proposal anyone wants to make. "All I would say is we are not in negotiations with anybody, nor have we been in recent months."

Jermain Defoe has announced he will be leaving his coaching role at Tottenham to focus on the next stage of his career.

The 41-year-old, who retired from professional football back in March 2022, began his transition into coaching later that summer and started working in the Spurs academy system. Defoe coached across the Under 17s to Under 21s at Tottenham, helping develop the next crop of young talent including Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett.

However, Defoe has now brought the end on his time at Tottenham in a heartfelt statement as he prepares to possibly take the step into senior management. "For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at THFC," said Defoe on social media.

"Today I leave this incredible club, and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow. It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs including reaching UEFA A coaching status which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career.

"Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me. However, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career, nevertheless I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly.

"All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future. Until next time."

This comes a matter of months after Defoe revealed to Sky Sports that he is ready to take that step into management, having sought the advice of Gareth Southgate.

Defoe enjoyed a stellar playing career spanning over 20 years. He scored 305 goals in 763 club appearances, with the majority of them coming across two spells at Tottenham.

Jermain Defoe has announced he will be leaving his coaching role at Tottenham to focus on the next stage of his career.

The 41-year-old, who retired from professional football back in March 2022, began his transition into coaching later that summer and started working in the Spurs academy system. Defoe coached across the Under 17s to Under 21s at Tottenham, helping develop the next crop of young talent including Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett.

However, Defoe has now brought the end on his time at Tottenham in a heartfelt statement as he prepares to possibly take the step into senior management. "For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at THFC," said Defoe on social media.

"Today I leave this incredible club, and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow. It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs including reaching UEFA A coaching status which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career.

"Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me. However, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career, nevertheless I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly.

"All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future. Until next time."

This comes a matter of months after Defoe revealed to Sky Sports that he is ready to take that step into management, having sought the advice of Gareth Southgate.

Defoe enjoyed a stellar playing career spanning over 20 years. He scored 305 goals in 763 club appearances, with the majority of them coming across two spells at Tottenham.

Harry Kane sent Gareth Southgate a heartwarming message after the 53-year-old stepped down as England head coach. In an emotional statement, the Bayern Munich striker, who helped the Three Lions reach the Euro 2024 final this summer, described his former boss as one of the 'greatest ever'.

Southgate handed Kane 81 caps for England, where he scored 61 goals and provided 17 assists. Not only did the former Tottenham Hotspur captain become a staple in the Three Lions starting lineup, but he was also given the responsibility of leading his country.

In all but three starts and a handful of second-half appearances off the bench, Kane donned the armband for England under the former Crystal Palace defender's stewardship. Leading from the front, the 30-year-old fired Southgate's side to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a World Cup quarter-final in 2022 and a pair of European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.

Following the FA's announcement, Kane took to Instagram to thank his former manager. He wrote: "Boss. Thank you for everything you have done for me and our country! You have been one of England’s greatest ever managers and it has been a pleasure to have served as your captain throughout.

"You helped our nation connect and believe in our team again. There have been so many highlights and we’ve made memories together that will last forever! Good luck with your next chapter and I’m sure we’ll see each other around. Thanks Boss!"

Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford also paid their respects to Southgate on social media. The Real Madrid midfielder said: “I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure.

"From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a roller coaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.

“It was a privilege to be led by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being. Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, gaffer."

Rice, who posted on his Instagram story, added: "Thank you gaffer. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure."

Meanwhile, Pickford wrote: "Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while. Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my team-mates and staff for their work throughout.

"I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you Gareth."

Kane, and his England teammates, have certainly shown their true colours following the Euro 2024 final. Having come so close to clinching silverware in recent times, the Three Lions will surely be determined to build from the sturdy foundations that Southgate established at St George's Park.

Tottenham target Desire Doue has what it takes to become a phenomenon, at least according to one of his Rennes team-mates.

Baptiste Santamaria, who played with Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe, labelled the 19-year-old as "one of a kind" amid surging interest from several of Europe's top clubs. Doue has been making waves for the best part of a year, having blossomed into one of French football's most exciting prospects.

The silky trickster, who can play both in midfield and on the wing, is high on Spurs' wish-list, but Ange Postecoglou's side will have to outbid the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich to nab him.

Speaking to TNT Sports back in April, Santamaria, 29, tipped Doue to reach for the stars and land a big-money move in the near future. He also branded him "the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career" and said he'll become "unplayable" in a few years.

"He's a very talented player with a great sense of football," the midfielder said. "He's a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He's one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he's solid on his feet. Desire's technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he'll be unplayable. For his age, he's the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career."

That's quite a statement considering Santamaria shared a dressing room with a young Pepe while at Angers, shortly before the Ivorian sealed a record £72million move to Arsenal. Ultimately, Pepe failed to show his true ability at the Emirates Stadium, and left after three disappointing seasons, but few could deny the bags of potential he once had.

According to reports, Bayern submitted a £29m bid for Doue earlier this month, which was rejected. PSG have also sent an informal proposal to Rennes, and plan to make a big push for the youngster in the coming days.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are keen to bulk out their attack, with Doue seen as the ideal candidate to push both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot. Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to sign a right-footed winger before the window shuts, with Doue one of a several names on their shortlist.

It's understood Rennes are holding out for around £52m, though prospective buyers are reportedly reluctant to go above the £40m mark. Doue has just 63 senior appearances under his belt, as well as seven goals. He's yet to make his international debut, but has featured for several of France's youth sides.

Tottenham target Desire Doue has what it takes to become a phenomenon, at least according to one of his Rennes team-mates.

Baptiste Santamaria, who played with Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe, labelled the 19-year-old as "one of a kind" amid surging interest from several of Europe's top clubs. Doue has been making waves for the best part of a year, having blossomed into one of French football's most exciting prospects.

The silky trickster, who can play both in midfield and on the wing, is high on Spurs' wish-list, but Ange Postecoglou's side will have to outbid the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich to nab him.

Speaking to TNT Sports back in April, Santamaria, 29, tipped Doue to reach for the stars and land a big-money move in the near future. He also branded him "the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career" and said he'll become "unplayable" in a few years.

"He's a very talented player with a great sense of football," the midfielder said. "He's a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He's one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he's solid on his feet. Desire's technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he'll be unplayable. For his age, he's the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career."

That's quite a statement considering Santamaria shared a dressing room with a young Pepe while at Angers, shortly before the Ivorian sealed a record £72million move to Arsenal. Ultimately, Pepe failed to show his true ability at the Emirates Stadium, and left after three disappointing seasons, but few could deny the bags of potential he once had.

According to reports, Bayern submitted a £29m bid for Doue earlier this month, which was rejected. PSG have also sent an informal proposal to Rennes, and plan to make a big push for the youngster in the coming days.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are keen to bulk out their attack, with Doue seen as the ideal candidate to push both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot. Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to sign a right-footed winger before the window shuts, with Doue one of a several names on their shortlist.

It's understood Rennes are holding out for around £52m, though prospective buyers are reportedly reluctant to go above the £40m mark. Doue has just 63 senior appearances under his belt, as well as seven goals. He's yet to make his international debut, but has featured for several of France's youth sides.

All eyes will be on Tynecastle on Wednesday evening as Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham side return to the pitch. Spurs' first pre-season friendly of the summer comes against Scottish Premiership side Hearts, with the game kicking off at 7pm in Edinburgh.

It will be a good first test for the Lilywhites as they prepare for their upcoming pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. Hearts, now under the guidance of former Rangers and Everton player Steven Naismith, did enjoy a very good 2023/24 campaign as they finished third in the standings, qualifying for the Europa League play-off round in the process.

Although it is Tottenham's first official pre-season friendly of the summer, the team were in action last Saturday as they played in a behind-closed-doors game against League One side Cambridge United. Postecoglou did field two different sides in the contest, with those playing in the first half running out 5-0 winners and those involved in the second 45 minutes playing out a 2-2 draw.

The Spurs boss does have a host of first-team regulars to select in his XI at present but he is still without a handful of players due to their participation in this summer's international tournaments. New additions Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall were handed their first minutes in a Tottenham shirt last weekend, with the duo both in line to play in Edinburgh once again this evening.

Destiny Udogie is one player not expected to play after undergoing surgery to his left quadriceps towards the end of last season. There are also question marks over where Richarlison is with his fitness levels as he was spotted watching on at the training ground against Cambridge from the bench, although it unclear whether he entered the fray at any point after his recent injury rehab work.

Very much a chance for the team to step up their fitness against Hearts and also put what they have been working on on the training ground into practice, it should be a very interesting evening at Tynecastle. So how exactly could Tottenham line up against Hearts?

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Kraken as the official sleeve partner for both the club's men's and women's teams from the start of the 2024/25 season. Kraken, who were founded in 2011 and are one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, also become Spurs' first-ever official crypto and Web3 partner.

football.london understands that it is a three-year deal that has been agreed between Tottenham and their new global brand partner. football.london reported last week that the club were in advanced negotiations over a huge new matchday shirt sleeve sponsorship. Tottenham's previous shirt sleeve partnership with Cinch, which was signed in 2021, was meant to last five years but the online car-selling company is believed to have exercised an early exit option as it pulls back on its sponsorship commitments, having done the same with its Scottish Premiership Football League deal.

That early exit has benefited Tottenham as a result, with football.london reporting last Tuesday that the club made the most of rising sponsorship valuations and were in advanced talks to agree a matchday shirt sleeve deal with a new partner that will dwarf the £10million a year they were getting from the Cinch deal. After agreeing on terms with Kraken to become their new sponsor ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season, Spurs, earlier this month, also announced a new three-year training wear sponsorship deal with BetMGM, which is worth a reported £10million a year.

Ryan Norys, Tottenham Hotspur's chief revenue officer, said on the Kraken deal: "As a club that aims to drive innovation in everything we do, we are delighted to partner with yet another forward-thinking brand in Kraken – a true leader in its field, recognised throughout the Web3 industry for its emphasis on education around the crypto ecosystem. We look forward to bringing our fans a range of exciting events and experiences throughout the course of the partnership."

Mayur Gupta, Kraken’s chief marketing officer, added: "Spurs supporters and the crypto community both have an undeterred and relentless passion for what they believe in. Kraken has a vision that crypto, like football, should be accessible to everyone. We’re therefore thrilled to partner with Tottenham Hotspur to bring this inclusive financial technology to a larger audience of football fans."