Football.London

Ange Postecoglou has defensive problems at Tottenham as Wolves come to town on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.

The Australian faces the prospect of being without all four of his centre-backs for Spurs' game against the resurgent visitors after Radu Dragusin limped off with an ankle injury and then Ben Davies had a hamstring setback in training this week, both joining Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven on the sidelines.

Postecoglou has not entirely ruled out Dragusin yet even if the sight of the big Romanian needing to come off in the final 10 minutes of the defeat at Nottingham Forest was not a promising sign.

On top of that, Spurs have Djed Spence out with a one-game suspension after the 24-year-old picked up two yellow cards at the City Ground and the subsequent red card.

With that in mind, the Tottenham boss must decide who goes in central defence and what that means for the rest of his team. Richarlison and Mikey Moore will soon provide further attacking options but not yet as they are expected to return to training next week.

Here's the Spurs team that we reckon Postecoglou will select to face Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

National League club Tamworth have been slammed after more than doubling their ticket prices for the lucrative FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur next month.

The non-league side have been on an incredible giant-killing streak so far this season having beaten League One clubs Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion to make it to the third round. Their prize is a glamour tie against Ange Postecoglou's men which exudes the spirit of the competition.

However, home fans have been left with a sour taste in their mouth after the Staffordshire club announced their ticket prices on Sunday morning. Adults wanting to sit in the main stand will be charged the most at £42 with the terrace priced at £38.

The cheapest available tickets are priced at £29 for under 10s in the main stand and £25 should they wish to stand on the terrace. These prices are more than double in comparison to how much Tamworth charged fans for Huddersfield Town's trip to The Lamb Ground earlier in the season.

On that night, an adult could get a ticket in the main stand for as little as £20. These prices, which have been slammed as 'disgusting' and 'short-sighted' on social media, come after the FA were widely criticised for scrapping replays in the FA Cup from the first round onwards.

This decision was made to combat the increased fixture schedule which mainly hinders clubs like Spurs who are playing in European competitions. Critics of the decision claimed clubs like Tamworth were missing out on potentially money-spinning replays at the likes of Tottenham but these concerns fell on deaf ears.

The midway point of the Premier League season is nearly upon us and Tottenham are not where they would have hoped to have been.

Ange Postecoglou's men currently lurk in 12th place in the table after 18 games, winning just seven and falling to nine defeats. Despite eye-catching victories over Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa, Spurs have lost to Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest.

The good news is that the north Londoners are six points behind Newcastle in fifth place and with so many points still up for grabs, the 2024/25 campaign could still play out to be a successful one.

Unfortunately, the injury list at Hotspur Way means Postecoglou is working with limited resources. Key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are all currently unavailable.

As we approach matchday 19, the entire Premier League is close to the suspension threshold. Yellow card cautions reaching a tally of five before matchday 20 face a one-match ban for players.

Yves Bissouma is the only Tottenham player who has been forced to miss a game after reaching five bookings but Spurs have three players currently on four. Van de Ven won't receive a suspension due to him being unavailable for the game against Wolves but Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison are walking a tightrope.

Both players are currently on four and should they receive a yellow card against Wolves, they will be suspended for the visit of the in-form Newcastle on January 4. Bentancur, of course, remains suspended anyway after the Football Association upheld his ban for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min on television.

Eddie Howe's men could face their own suspension worries for the trip to the capital. Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar both sit on four yellow cards and will be suspended if booked in Monday's trip to Manchester United.

The busy festive period continues for Tottenham on Sunday afternoon when they take on Wolves on home soil. Boxing Day proved to be one to forget for Ange Postecoglou and his side as they lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs will face another stern test this weekend when Wolves make the trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite a really poor start to the campaign, the West Midlands club have recorded back-to-back wins under new head coach Vitor Pereira after getting the better of Leicester City and Manchester United.

Postecoglou once again will have limited options to work with due to a number of players remaining in the treatment room. So who exactly will be in his team to face Wolves? Our Spurs writers at football.london have had their say below:

Rob Guest - Football writer

All eyes are going to be on who starts at centre-back this weekend following Radu Dragusin's late substitution at Nottingham Forest. Hopefully it's not a serious issue and the Romanian can take his place at the heart of defence.

Postecoglou didn't rule him out of the game and the fact that it is just a "tweak" could possibly signal that it is nothing too serious. However, this is Tottenham Hotspur we're talking about...

Keeping Dragusin in the team alongside Archie Gray for the time being, I would give Alfie Dorrington the nod at centre-back if Spurs' only out-and-out centre-back is in no position to play. Rather than dropping another midfielder into the backline, the academy ace should be given a go as he is a centre-back by trade. After all, if he is not going to start in Tottenham's hour of need then when is he ever going to start?

In midfield, James Maddison should come back into the team and the same goes for Yves Bissouma. With the Mali international reinstated, Rodrigo Bentancur can operate as a No.8 as Pape Matar Sarr really could do with a breather.

Son Heung-min is another player who may benefit from some time out of the side, thus seeing Dejan Kulusevski pushed into the front three alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

Guest's team: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson.

Joe Doyle - Content editor

Well, where do you start with Spurs at the moment? First choice keeper out, first choice centre-backs out, second choice centre-backs potentially both out as well. It's not exactly glad tidings over the festive period.

Fraser Forster starts again in goal, and I think it'll have to be Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie right-back and left-back respectively. Then comes the centre. Archie Gray pretty much has to start at the moment. I get the feeling that Radu Dragusin will be able to shake off the "tweak" to his ankle as Ange Postecoglou called it - and then hopefully either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven will be ready to return by the time Spurs face Newcastle on January 4.

There's a bit of a conundrum in midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur should probably start after returning from his seven-game ban against Nottingham Forest, but I'd be tempted to rest Pape Matar Sarr for this one; he's started every game recently, and if Dragusin does need to come off, Yves Bissouma could slot back in at centre-back with Sarr coming off the bench.

Ahead of them, I'd also be tempted to give Son Heung-min a rest. He wasn't great at the City Ground, and while Timo Werner isn't exactly a great option to replace him, I'd fancy Brennan Johnson to give it a good go off the left. That means Dejan Kulusevski goes to the right, with James Maddison in the centre and Dominic Solanke up front. If you're going to go attacking, you might as well attack.

Doyle's team: Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Udogie; Bentancur, Bissouma, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson.

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

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ryan Sessegnon has offered his verdict on all five of the Spurs coaches he has played under.

Sessegnon, 24, who is now back at Fulham, was signed from the Cottagers by Mauricio Pochettino in the summer of 2019. Injuries tormented his time in north London and as a result of those and a loan spell at Hoffenheim, he did not play too many games for Tottenham and rejoined Fulham in the summer.

He does, though, hold an opinion on all of the coaches who tried their luck managing Spurs after Pochettino was sacked by the club in November 2019 – with none of them fortunate enough to end the club's trophy drought.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino loved Sessegnon's dynamic performances for Fulham in the Championship and the Premier League so much, Tottenham snapped him up for £25million. However, he suffered an injury almost immediately, and with Pochettino preferring to keep crocked players separated from those who are playing, Sessegnon admitted he found himself on the outside.

In an interview with Rising Ballers, Sessegnon said: "I turned up to the club and I am not training, I’m in the physio room. At that time, not having too much contact with Pochettino and the team, because at that time, he did not want injured players to be in meetings and stuff like that. We were kept separate from that.

"Obviously, he welcomed me to the club and that kind of stuff, but I was not in and around the players at the time because I was injured. By the time I got fit, I went to England U21s camp in November 2019, that season, and when I came back, Poch had got sacked. I did not really have too much of a relationship with him, even though he brought me to the club, because I was never fit for him.”

Jose Mourinho

In terms of first-team action, Mourinho was the first Tottenham manager to really involve Sessegnon. The versatile left-back, who also starred as a left-winger, scored on his Tottenham debut against Bayern Munich. While appearances would soon dry up as a result of injuries again, Sessegnon saw enough of Mourinho to be impressed.

He added: “Mourinho was a very good manager. [He was] a good guy, very straightforward and honest guy. I remember at the time when he came in, everyone was buzzing. Everyone was sad that Poch had left, but bringing in a manager of his stature to the club, was very exciting for everyone around the club.

“He started off the season very well when he first came in, he was winning most games, all that kind of stuff, but I wasn’t really involved. Much of his time there I wasn’t really involved, to be honest with you, I was kind of left out. It was more just training with me and him.”

Nuno Espirito Santo

Sessegnon thought he had the perfect manager to play under in Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese boss had previously tried to sign him at Wolverhampton Wanderers and his style of football utilised dynamic full-backs who can defend and attack.

A promising meeting started their relationship, but things took a turn for both parties when injuries struck down Sessegnon again. "I came back to a new manager and it was Nuno Espirito Santo. He was a very good manager, he also wanted me when he was at Wolves so we had a good relationship straight away. When I came back to pre-season, I think it was the second or third session, I got injured.

"He did not really get to see me train or play or anything like that. It was frustrating, I really wanted to prove myself to this new coach. By the time I was ready to come back, he got sacked and he was gone. He got sacked in November and it was like that cycle from Poch to Mourinho. It was the same thing again.”

Antonio Conte

Out of all the managers Sessegnon had at Spurs, Conte was the one who believed in him most. While he only made 14 appearances under Ange Postecoglou, Pochettino, Mourinho and Santo, Sessegnon made 42 appearances under the Italian manager.

When asked about the ex-Chelsea manager's methods, Sessegnon did not hesitate to answer. While laughing, Sessegnon said: "He [Santo] went and then Conte came in. He was intense, in a good way. I loved him to be honest with you. He was a very good coach, honest and he helped me a lot.

"He just made us run. Tactically, he was one of the best coaches I have worked under.”

Ange Postecoglou

Injuries and the arrival of Destiny Udogie immediately restricted Sessegnon's opportunities under the Australian. The defender only made two appearances under Postecoglou last season.

However, Sessegnon still managed to work with the ex-Celtic manager enough to get an opinion on him. Sessegnon said: "When he [Conte] went, they brought in Ange Postecoglou. He is a very good coach, a very good guy. I’ve come back the following season, ready again. I’ve gone away, done my stuff, ready to go again. In pre-season, in one of the training sessions, I got injured again.

"That’s how it kind of started with me under him. I think I was in training, I took a shot and I remember it was crazy, because we was doing this transition and I was playing right wing. I cut inside, shot, into the top corner, but because I felt something, I didn’t care about the shot. When it happened, I knew the feeling of how it felt. I remember walking out of the session, going to the physio and that kind of stuff. I was devastated."

Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Tottenham are looking at why a number of his squad are suffering fresh setbacks upon their return from injury. Revealing ahead of the Boxing Day game against Nottingham Forest that Ben Davies had returned to training and would potentially be available for Sunday's fixture at home to Wolves, the Australian confirmed on Friday morning that the experienced centre-back had sustained another issue in training and would now face another couple of weeks on the sidelines.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are also in the same boat at present and are not due back until the new year. Spurs' first-choice centre-backs returned to the team against Chelsea at the beginning of December but both made way in the 4-3 defeat with injury unfortunately striking Tottenham once again.

That in turn has left Postecoglou without any real experience at the heart of defence, with the head coach now potentially having no senior centre-backs available for the Wolves fixture after Radu Dragusin came off with an ankle issue in the defeat at Nottingham Forest. Postecoglou has issued a positive update on the injury front, though, after confirming that Mikey Moore and Richarlison are set to return to first-team training next week.

"Yeah him and Richy in the final phases. Next week they can start training," revealed the 59-year-old. "We've got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week."

Due to the amount of injuries Tottenham have picked up this season and with players unfortunately sustaining further setbacks, Postecoglou was asked if he looks at his methods and the medical department when the same injuries are happening so often.

"Yeah. That's been our major problem this year - guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such," he said. "Knock on wood but the core group of players who are training and playing game have no issues.

"So we're looking at those things and why they're happening. It's certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they're the ones who are missing. I think just about all of them, apart from Vic, are recurrences of an injury. Even with Romero, it was a different injury, but it's still a guy coming back, so it's something we're looking at."

Tottenham's jam-packed calendar is rather different to 12 months ago when the team were not involved in Europe and exited the domestic cup competitions very early on. With very little time for his players to have a much-needed breather this time around, it was put to Postecoglou if everything including their sports science has had to change.

"It is challenging. All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it," he admitted. "One of two need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn't seem feasible or you allow clubs bigger squads.

"Then you have other issues with that, as well. The attrition rate you're seeing -- and it's not just us, we're going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly, they were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn't have the squad to cope with it.

"It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent and for all of us it's a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy. It's not just a physical thing, it's a mental thing. For us it's been constant since August and we're not even halfway through the year, and they're not going to get a break now. So these things we're constantly assessing."

The quick turnaround continues this weekend with Tottenham back in action three days after their defeat at Nottingham Forest. Spurs will have the luxury of having a six-day break between the Wolves and Newcastle United games but it will only be a one-off with January set to be another hectic month with the midweek slots filled up by Carabao Cup and Europa League matches.

When asked if Tottenham can appeal the fixture schedule, with another Thursday game against Liverpool recently pencilled in, Postecoglou said: "Not really. We’ve always for some bizarre reasons seemed to have a day less than every opponent we’ve played so far so it affects us both ways… we all know how it works.

"We’re at the behest of higher authorities and broadcasters when it comes to fixturing. There’s very little say we have apart from accepting the fact this is going to be our schedule."

Amid all the injuries hitting Tottenham hard right now and with their form so up and down, it would be easy for the players to use the club's current woes as an excuse. That isn't the case, though.

"To be fair, credit to the players, they haven’t. They are still trying so hard," confessed the former Celtic boss. "That’s the first thing you look at as a manager: are the players still responding to this, or are they looking to an alternative out there? I haven’t sensed that at all.

"It’s very easy to, because it’s human nature to think we need to do something different or we’re obviously undermanned, let’s change something. I haven’t sensed that. The players still want to tackle this the way that we are tackling it. It’s a credit to them.

"But it’s up to me to guide them through that and show them all these things are temporary, you will get through it. If we do get through them in a positive way, the bonus and the benefit of us getting through it in the way I want us to is that t makes you stronger. Because you know whatever you face in the future, you’ve been through worse and overcome it."

Postecoglou is known for his emotional pre-match team meetings and they have proved to be very successful at his former clubs going on what they have achieved in the game. They are perhaps more important than ever for all concerned right now.

“I hope they’re still important because I think they are," outlined the Spurs boss. "They’ve been a big part of the way I coach and manage people.

“I think the ability to engage with people and tell stories, get them to believe in something is important. I think if something resonates with someone then they are more likely to go that extra level in terms of effort, in terms of commitment if they can understand why we’re doing it.

“It’s an important part of what I do. I still put a lot of stock in that, I think a lot about what I’m going to say to players, why I’m saying it, especially in tough times so the players still feel they are connected with what we are trying to build and trying to create. It’s really important.”

Pushed on if his messages steer away from football, he added: “Yes, very often. Some of it is lost on them because of the generation gap but that doesn’t stop me and I still keep going. I talk about whatever. There’s always things in life that you can relate to in terms of what we’re trying to do as a club, even the way we’re playing.

“There’s always people in life, people look at a bit curiously because they do things a bit differently and they’re a bit of a joke until they get it right then all of a sudden they’re a genius. That’s probably relevant to us right now.”

The full-time whistle in Sunday's game will mark the halfway stage of the Premier League season. Tottenham may not be where they want to be in the league table right now but that could soon change if they can string a run of results together as it is rather congested in the battle for European football. So is Postecoglou still confident that the club can get something out of this season?

"We’re not that far off. A week ago I was sitting here after winning a Carabao Cup quarter-final and having beaten Southampton 5-0 so it just seems like at the moment we can’t get a lot of traction in anything, in terms of getting healthy players or hitting a run of form but I think we have the capability of doing that," he said.

"We need some reinforcements. Some will come when we get some injuries back but I still think if you look at some of the teams four or five points above us in the league and I don’t think that’s going to stretch by any great lengths over the next period because all teams you see are suffering at some point. Ours is probably a bit more extreme than others but I’m confident we’ll work through that and once we’re through will be stronger for it."

Postecoglou's approach and football philosophy is so often a talking point, especially when his side are on the losing side. The Australian may have suggested after the Liverpool game that he's not going to talk about his approach any more but that isn't necessarily the case.

"Look, I'm going to get asked about it," said Postecoglou. "I think some people just aren't genuine about it, they just use it to poke me and after a loss I'm going to react. I understand that. It's part of the game.

"If there's genuine questions, I'm happy to answer them. But some people go, 'You know what, he's not going to be happy, let's ask him whether he's got a plan B'. They think they're clever and I'm a human being, I don't like losing so they're going to get a reaction out of me.

"They're happy, they go home and tell their friends about it and say, 'look what I made Ange Postecoglou say!'. But life goes on mate, it's fine. I'm happy to cop that. I'm always open to talk about my beliefs and my methodology to anyone who has got genuine questions about it."

So how much of a challenge is it for Postecoglou to find new things to say when he keeps getting asked the same questions?

"That’s a challenge of the role, It’s what I love about the role," revealed the former Australia boss. "As much as people think there’s a set way of doing this job, what I love about it is that it’s one where you just don’t know what’s around the corner. It’s never run a smooth past, whether that’s during a season, during a week, during a day or during a game.

"You have to always kind of be mentally alert to deal with what’s in front of you, to not get bogged down in things that you cannot really influence or control. There’s always things that come along.

"You ask any manager how he feels after a win and he’ll tell you that he feels good for about a second and then his mind is racing about what is going to come next. You never get up and know it’s going to run smooth today. Because of that I’m always prepared for these kind of situations.

"It is important, the way I am. My body language and how I speak are really important at this time because other people take a lead off that, and rightly so. I’ve often said in the past, we’re in a tough spot and there is a big fight at hand. But I love that. I love that I’m right in the middle of it and my job is to try to get us out of it."

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

With the January transfer window right around the corner, it could provide Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham the perfect chance to add some depth and quality to the squad. TEAMtalk claim Spurs have their eyes on PSG's Milan Skriniar as a potential target.

Spurs have no fit senior centre-backs as it stands with Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies all out through injury. Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma has had to fill in recently the the back - the latter just for three minutes against Nottingham Forest.

Head coach Postecoglou has been very vocal about the club's recruitment strategy heading into 2025. He claims that they have to remain 'disciplined' and not rush into any decisions.

"I still think you can be disciplined," Postecoglou said. "It will depend where we’re at when the window opens and we're getting close to that now, so we've got a clearer picture of where we're at. I still think we have to be disciplined, it's not just about just bringing anybody in.

"There's certainly a need to reinforce if we can. Everyone knows January's not an easy time to do that. But the club's working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we've got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through.

"We need some reinforcements and the club is working hard to make that happen and we'll see where we get to."

Skriniar's contract at the Parisian club doesn't come to an end until the summer of 2028. However, a lack of game time has led to frustration and a possible exit route mapped out.

After joining in July 2023 from Inter Milan, he made 32 appearances last campaign and would have made more if it wasn't for an ankle injury that kept him out for two months. The defender helped the club to a Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions.

The Slovakian has been restricted to minutes of the pitch this term, making just five appearances in the league. He has been on the bench for all six of PSG's Champions League games so far, not playing. a minute in the competition.

If Spurs are to win the race for Skriniar's signature, then they will have to fight off several other clubs. Newcastle United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are three Premier League clubs reportedly interested.

Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen Roma and Napoli round off the European interest. The 29-year-old could also join up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, with Al Nassr being a potential destination.

The centre-half would add a wealth of experience to Spurs' backline and bolster a depleted backline.

Tottenham head into their final game of 2024 against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a selection dilemma given the amount of injuries at the back.

Radu Dragusin was forced off with a knock during the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ben Davies, who has only played a handful of times this season, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Ange Postecoglou is also without Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero after they had to be taken off in the 4-2 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month. Both should be back in the New Year, but Spurs still have to navigate through some games before they do return.

The Australian has spoken about the options that he has in the position ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash. Simply, he said: "Not many."

"We’re in a tough spot and have been for a while, we've been getting through it for quite a while now and keeping fingers crossed that we don't get more issues but the nature of football and fixture scheduling we’ve had means we've always been on a fine line of being able to get through, Postecoglu said. "It's another test for us but whatever we need to deal with, we'll deal with and get ready for Sunday.

Currently, this leaves Archie Gray, who isn't a natural centre-back, as the only fit central defender. So, who comes in to partner the 19-year-old against Wolves? Football.London takes a look at three possible options...

Possible Return

Tottenham's luck with injuries this season has been pretty rotten, hasn't it? However, Postecoglou revealed in his pre-match press conference that Dragusin's injury may not be as bad as first thought - the key word there is 'may'.

"Bit early to tell, he obviously tweaked his ankle and felt like he couldn't continue, we'll just have to wait and see," he said. "Wait until he gets in today and then assess it from there."

In a perfect world, Spurs would hope to get some good news before Sunday and at least be able to name Dragusin in the starting XI. This, though, might be the option that is the least likely to happen.

Bissouma to CB

With no centre-backs on the bench against Nottingham Forest, Yves Bissouma was called upon when Dragusin had to go off. The midfielder filled in for the last three minutes.

The 28-year-old's physical presence on a football pitch could help make a decision for Postecoglou. It would also allow Spurs to have two centre-backs who are comfortable in carrying the ball out of defence.

When questioned earlier about playing Bissouma in the position, the head coach claimed that it was his only option. He also hinted that he might be needed there again.

"I mean Yves has never played there so I am not sure why I would put him there. I had to put him there last night because I had no one else, but we’ll see. We’ll see what happens."

Calling on a youngster

If no fit senior centre-backs are available and Postecoglou doesn't want to put a square peg in a round hole, then what's the next step? Could Tottenham call on one of their youngsters?

Alfie Dorrington made his Premier League debut from the bench in the 5-0 win at Southampton a couple of weeks ago. He has also been on the bench for the league game against Liverpool and Carabao Cup fixture against Manchester United.

He was not named in the matchday squad on Boxing Day. However, he might be Spurs' only centre-back choice to play against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

Sheikh Jassim will reportedly not rush to buy another Premier League club after failing in his attempt to complete the takeover of Manchester United, according to a report from the Daily Mail. The Qatari businessman saw his efforts to buy the Red Devils in vain as Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a minority takeover of the club last December.

It has been made public recently that Spurs will do their due diligence and consider any offers made for investments, with Daniel Levy speaking openly about their plans over the last two years. Former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley, a financier well-known for helping broker Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also been linked with bringing Saudi Arabian investment to North London - following Levy's comments.

Sheikh Jassim offered £5billion in cash to wipe Glazers' debt and provide new facilities for United, in exchange for the club in its entirety. However, the tabled bid was rejected before Ratcliffe earned a route into the club with Ineos - receiving 25 per cent stake following their £1.3bn agreement.

In an excerpt from an article on the Daily Mail, it is claimed that after suffering a setback in pursuit of Man United, Sheikh Jassim will not look to invest into another Premier League club with plans remaining at Old Trafford should the opportunity arise. It read: 'He is still a United fan. He is not going to rush off and try another Premier League club.

"If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest. The plans are still there."

Should summer reports in financial outlet Bloomberg be believed, Staveley - who has generated around £500million through investment fund, PCP Capital Partners - is said to be keen to invest into another football project after leaving the Magpies at the end of last season.

Previously, it has been stated that Levy believes that investment will make Spurs a powerful entity to be reckoned with in the global game. He said at a fans' forum: "We announced with our last results that we believe this club needs a bigger capital base because we've got a lot of exciting projects on the horizon and we want to make further investment in the teams.

"Some form of minority investment is what we're looking for. We've got nothing to announce at the moment but we are in the market."

Ange Postecoglou has spoken to the media ahead of Tottenham's Premier League encounter against Wolves. Spurs will go into Sunday's game in north London needing to bounce back after losing their last two league fixtures.

Wolves, on the other hand, have won their past two league encounters after Vito Pereira replaced Gary O'Neil at the helm. With Sunday's fixture marking the final game of 2024 for both teams, Spurs and Wolves will be intent on bringing the curtain down on the year in the best way possible.

Speaking to the media in his latest pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way, Postecoglou reflected on some key moments in the Boxing Day defeat at Nottingham Forest and also looked ahead to the Wolves match. The Australian also gave the latest on the injury front, revealed an injury setback for Ben Davies and discussed possible centre-back options for this weekend's game.

You can read a full transcript of what Postecoglou had to say in his press conference below:

How is Radu Dragusin?

Bit early to tell, he obviously tweaked his ankle and felt like he couldn't continue, we'll just have to wait and see. Wait until he gets in today and then assess it from there.

Any other issues?

Djed got sent off obviously so we'll miss Djed but from physical perspective tired bodies but no further issues.

You mentioned before that Ben Davies was close and Sunday is a possibility, is it now a necessity to get him back?

No he’s ruled out, unfortunately he had a setback in training so he's out for another couple of weeks. He's gone.

So what options does that leave you at the back?

Not many. We’re in a tough spot and have been for a while, we've been getting through it for quite a while now and keeping fingers crossed that we don't get more issues but the nature of football and fixture scheduling we’ve had means we've always been on a fine line of being able to get through. It's another test for us but whatever we need to deal with, we'll deal with and get ready for Sunday.

Have you ever experienced anything like this?

No, not at this level and for this extended period of time. There's always been issues at different times but not to this extent. I think we’ve had close to pretty consistently 10 first team players not available for a significant run of games. Definitely a first for me.

Recruitment strategy need to be tweaked?

I still think you can be disciplined. It will depend where we’re at when the window opens and we're getting close to that now, so we've got a clearer picture of where we're at. I still think we have to be disciplined, it's not just about just bringing anybody in. There's certainly a need to reinforce if we can.

Everyone knows January's not an easy time to do that. But the club's working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we've got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through.

Different areas?

I just think we need to help some of these guys. At least two or three who are fairly long term injuries so you know you're going to be short there. Others are coming back from significant injuries and you don’t know how long they’ll take to get up to speed. We need some reinforcements and the club is working hard to make that happen and we'll see where we get to.

Last season Wolves really challenged you, what do you expect from them this weekend?

Another good game for us, good challenge for us. Obviously a new manager in Vitor [Pereira] who I know pretty well as we crossed paths in Asia a couple of times. They had a great result last night. They definitely have some quality players in there who can hurt you in there and we saw that last year so a good challenge for us.

A really important game for us back at home, we're getting through this period as best we can but we certainly need to go out there on Sunday, play our football and get a result to make sure we get some momentum going into the new year.

How you seen anything different about Wolves under the new manager?

I don't think you ever do, I think it’s more sometimes the new manager comes in and gets a reaction from the players and they kind of realise they get a new opportunity to show themselves and I think you just see the best version of them I guess. Like I said, irrespective of their form, you always knew they had quality players in there who could hurt any team.

We were coming back last night so we didn't have a good look at the game but they had an impressive victory and I'm sure they'll be coming here full of confidence.

Every transfer window is important but do you consider this one the most important one the club has had in years?

Not in years but I think in the context of where we're at at the moment I think it is an important one. I think if we add what we need to add and it fits the bill in what we're trying to do… Our league position is not great but it’s super tight and we’re not that far off. Like I say, we're in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and still in great position in Europe and there's the FA Cup.

There's still everything to play for for us this year to make it a season where we can have success. But we need some help, the players need some help more importantly, and the club is working really hard to try make that happen.

You said two weeks ago that the job of a football manager is more difficult than that of a Prime Minister...

Can I say with that obviously sarcasm and irony is lost in this country because if people actually believe I was serious when I said that... There are far more difficult jobs than being a manager or even being a Prime Minister of a country.

Do you feel in the two weeks that you said that sarcastically that maybe there is a different way people would look at you now in terms of the Spurs fanbase because you've lost four in five and it's become more difficult this job?

I keep saying fanbase, they love their football club, they care about their football club and want their football club to succeed. They made those feelings and emotions seen. I haven't felt anything but support since I have been here and I still feel that support is there. I keep doing what I think is the right thing to get success to this football club and that doesn't change.

The task is difficult at the moment because of our situation but like most things that are fairly difficult to traverse, it's only temporary and we'll get through it and come out stronger.

Do you feel under pressure and is this the most difficult period of your career?

No and no. It is what it is. It’s not what motivates or drives me. I have always, my motivation for what I do is try to create teams who win things and have success and make an impact. That doesn’t really change. I will keep doing what I am doing.

It doesn’t add any pressure or I don’t feel any extra anxiety about anything. I firmly believe we will get through this and come out stronger and create the team we want to be.

You have always said that ‘winning a trophy is not the be all and end all’ but the start. But if you win a trophy this year will it prove that everything you went through was worth it?

Only if it is sustainable and if it’s not a one off. That doesn’t change. I get where people kind of look at my situation and think ‘jheeze, he needs to do something or else he is in trouble’ but I don’t think that way. It’s not how I am wired. I’m not concerned about that aspect of this role.

Like I said, what excites me about this role and what I love about doing what I do is the possibilities you can create something special and that’s what I am going to try and do.

Is Ben Davies' setback the same injury or is it a new one?

Yeah, similar injury. He tried to come back in training but it didn’t work out.

How do you reflect on the calendar year?

Mixed I guess. I thought last year we finished fifth which was a fair effort considering the changes we made. We were all understanding that it was going to be a real challenge to rebuild the club, the squad, the playing style and stay competitive which I think we did.

This year it’s been mixed in the sense that obviously the results, I don’t think they have reflected our growth. I think our best football this year has been better than last year which is what you’re looking for, you’re looking for improvement but we haven’t been consistent with that and we’ve also had the challenges of what’s been happening around the squad over recent times which taints things for us a little bit in terms of the progress we want to have made at this point but I still believe we are on the trajectory to becoming the team we want to become and like I said we will get through this difficult period.

Two wins out of nine in league games where you have had more than 60% possession, how can you improve against teams who defend deep?

I think it just depends on different games, different outcomes. Last night was, look Forest you go there and you are not going to create bags of chances but we still had moments in the game to execute. There is a bit of fatigue in that front third because the guys are continually playing and it means they are probably not as sharp as they need to be. They had their moment and took their moment.

I guess every game is different. I don’t think it is that we struggle to break teams down it’s just that every game has different moments. And last night was always going to be a game where there weren’t many chances for either side. We didn’t take ours and it wasn’t a great goal from our perspective. We did most of things well last night but that moment we lost concentration and paid the price.

Will it be Yves Bissouma at centre-back?

I don’t know. I mean Yves has never played there so I am not sure why I would put him there. I had to put him there last night because I had no one else, but we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.

Djed Spence played four games in a row and done well, do you not got too hard on him last night with sending off?

A little bit and again it’s another game where I struggle with the cautions at the moment. Who gets cautioned and who doesn’t get cautioned. It was the second time we’ve had that amount of cautions, but no blame on Djed, he’s been fantastic.

Sure you would have welcomed a winter break this season – can you understand why that weekend off was scrapped this season?

I addressed that last week and as I said, we’re not the only ones. I think you are seeing with the league this year and that’s probably why it is so congested because a lot of teams – probably not to our extent – are affected by injuries. It is quite easy to pinpoint why...the workload players are expected to perform at, but I guess that's one for the authorities to sort out.

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