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Nottingham Forest want to sign Dominic Solanke from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to a journalist, who has claimed that the striker will leave Roberto De Zerbi’s side this summer.

Solanke has been on the books of Tottenham since the summer of 2024, when he joined from Bournemouth.

Tottenham paid an initial fee of £55million for Solanke, with a further £10m in add-ons.

The 28-year-old’s spell at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been largely underwhelming, with the striker also having injury issues.

Solanke scored only three goals in 11 Premier League starts for Tottenham last season.

During the 2024/25 campaign, the England international striker scored nine goals in 25 Premier League starts for Spurs.

It has now emerged that Solanke’s days at Tottenham are numbered.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Nottingham Forest, whose owner Evangelos Marinakis appointed Oliver Glasner as the first-team manager last month, want to sign Solanke from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Longari, who has over 131,000 followers on X, has also said that the striker will leave Spurs.

The journalist wrote on X at 1:29pm on August 7: “Eye-catching

“Nottingham Forest #NFFC are keeping a close eye on the profile of Dominic Solanke, a striker leaving Tottenham.”

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Micky van de Ven to stay at Tottenham – sources

While Solanke is set to leave Tottenham, Micky van de Ven will stay at the north London club.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Van de Ven has agreed on a new five-year contract with Tottenham.

Sources have told us that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has played a crucial role in convincing Van de Ven to extend his stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bailey said: “Sources say Van de Ven has been one of the biggest believers in De Zerbi’s project after holding a number of conversations with the new head coach over the summer.

“TEAMtalk also understands that, with Argentine defender Cristian Romero expected to leave Tottenham in the coming days – most likely for Atletico Madrid – Van de Ven has held discussions with De Zerbi about taking on the captaincy.

“While no final decision has been made, the Netherlands international centre-back is understood to be one of the leading candidates to inherit the armband as the club enters a new era.”

A Tottenham insider feels a player who has “upset every single manager” who’s coached him at the club should be the first one let go by Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi has a big job on his hands in north London. He inherits a Spurs side just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, and who haven’t won in the league for 13 games.

Igor Tudor’s five-game spell was a disaster and De Zerbi has been tasked with picking up the pieces, on a five-year contract.

The hope from Tottenham is that their new boss leads them to safety, and then in the summer, he’ll have decisions to make on a fair few underperforming players.

Insider John Wenham feels Archie Gray is the only man safe from being let go, and he’s followed that up by suggesting Yves Bissouma absolutely has to be pushed out.

He told Tottenham News: “I’m still of the opinion that Yves Bissouma should be leaving Tottenham in seven weeks’ time when his contract is up and just being released on a free, that’s an easy decision to make.

“I mean, it will not be long until, as has happened with every single manager we’ve had since Bissouma joined the club, be that [Antonio] Conte, be that Ange [Postecoglou], be that Tudor, whoever, it’s not long until he upsets the managers because he turns up late.

“Ange made a big deal of trying to make him a leader, and then he filmed himself doing balloons and that sort of stuff, we just need to cut ties with Bissouma, have a fresh start.

“He’s an easy one, first one out the door in the summer because his contract’s up, there’s no need to renew it. Don’t worry about renewing it and trying to get six million euros from Galatasaray. Just move him on, just move him on.

“Clean slate, so I saw some people suggesting he’ll get a new start, and I think maybe they were just confused thinking that De Zerbi was his manager at Brighton, but he wasn’t.”

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Bissouma will be on way out

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham have been ready for some time to let Bissouma go, and with his contract up in the summer, they are not interested in retaining his services.

Though they paid £25million for the midfielder in 2022, they are not bothered about recouping that.

Bissouma is set to have options when he departs north London, though remaining in the Premier League is unlikely as West Ham and Everton have gone off him.

Sources have stated there is interest from Galatasaray, while Saudi Arabia and the United States are options, with MLS side Charlotte FC interested in Bissouma.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs stars playing for futures

Wenham has detailed how Tottenham’s players know they are “playing for their futures” for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk is aware Spurs and Manchester United are on the hunt for Blackburn’s “new Phil Jones,” Tom Atcheson.

There are also clubs across Europe, including in the Bundesliga and Serie A, in the mix for the defender.

Blackburn Rovers have moved to secure one of their brightest prospects, with Tom Atcheson signing a new long-term deal at Ewood Park – but TEAMtalk understands that growing interest from top clubs could still test their resolve.

The 19-year-old defender only made his senior debut in December but has quickly established himself as a regular under Michael O’Neill, highlighting his rapid rise within the squad.

O’Neill’s faith in Atcheson has extended beyond club level too, with the teenager handed his full international debut for Northern Ireland last month – further underlining the manager’s belief in his potential.

Sources indicate O’Neill has played a key role in Blackburn’s decision to tie the youngster down to fresh terms, with Atcheson thriving under his guidance as well as working closely with former Rovers defender Phil Jones.

There are already comparisons being drawn between Atcheson and Jones, who famously progressed through Blackburn’s ranks before earning a high-profile move to Manchester United, and we understand a similar pathway could emerge.

United are among a number of clubs keeping a close eye on Atcheson’s development, but they are far from alone. We can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Everton, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have all made checks on the defender in recent weeks.

Interest is also building from across Europe. Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are tracking his progress, while Serie A outfits Atalanta and Napoli have been monitoring his situation, too.

Blackburn’s new deal reflects their determination to keep hold of Atcheson and continue his development at Ewood Park, but with elite clubs circling both domestically and abroad, they may yet face a major battle to retain one of their most promising young talents.

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More on Man Utd: Bayern starled eyed; top target ‘way off it’

Meanwhile, we can confirm that United scouts have been dazzled by Bayern Munich’s new Brazilian sensation.

INEOS have been warned their main transfer target for the summer is not as good as they think.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to rival a growing list of Premier League clubs for the signature of Harry Wilson, with TEAMtalk understanding that a move across London is now a concrete possibility.

The Fulham star, who recently turned 29, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, attracting widespread attention with his consistent attacking output. With 11 goals and seven assists to his name across the 2025/26 campaign, few stars have been able to match his impressive output.

Fulham are keen to retain the 69-times capped Wales international and have made their position clear, but sources indicate that the level of interest in Wilson makes a departure from Craven Cottage increasingly likely this summer.

As we previously revealed, Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Sunderland are all remain firmly in the mix for his signature.

However, the race is now intensifying, with Tottenham, under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, ready to re-shape their squad for next season, and Wilson has emerged as a key target – provided they secure their Premier League status.

Club sources believe that, despite his age, Wilson’s experience and current form make him an ideal addition who could deliver immediate impact.

There is a growing feeling within the Tottenham hierarchy that he would significantly strengthen their attacking options.

In an intriguing twist, we have also been informed by sources close to the player that Liverpool have not completely ruled out a move to bring Wilson back to Anfield.

The Welshman came through Liverpool’s system and remains highly regarded at the club, with his development since leaving only enhancing his reputation.

Wilson could provide some high-class competition, especially with Mohamed Salah heading out.

We are also told that Manchester United are keeping an eye on the situation. Wilson has truly emerged as one of the most intriguing free agents for a long time.

Wilson is now facing a major decision over his future, and his people are due to engage in talks in the coming weeks to lock down the options.

We revealed in February that Wrexham are plotting a ‘landmark’ deal for Wilson, who grew up supporting the club.

However, such a deal appears ambitious given the other clubs in the race for the star. The transfer would also be reliant on Wrexham gaining promotion from the play-offs.

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Tottenham: Brighton target; Serie A miss

Meanwhile, a report has claimed that Spurs could reunite De Zerbi with one of his top former Brighton stars.

Spurs look set to get their hands on an all-time great in a stunning second appointment.

The north London side could miss out on a long-term Serie A target to Liverpool, as per a report.

New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is now understood to be confident of bringing in a currently unattached World Cup-winning legend to boost his coaching staff at N17, while separate reports have also listed three transfer targets the Italian will look to sign this summer.

The north London outfit are hoping the appointment of the 46-year-old De Zerbi can spark their increasingly desperate season into life. Currently winless in the Premier League since December 28, their alarming run of just five points across a 13-game spell has seen Tottenham tumble into the relegation conversation – and they now sit just a point clear of West Ham in 18th.

While we understand the arrival of De Zerbi has been welcomed by Tottenham’s leadership team, comprising defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and playmaker James Maddison, the club will need to see instant results on the pitch as they look to avoid the ignominy of becoming the first Spurs side to suffer relegation in 49 years.

Having leaked a woeful 20 goals across Igor Tudor’s ill-fated seven-game spell, Tottenham’s defensive frailties have been badly exposed in recent weeks – and it is that area that De Zerbi is focusing on restoring first, knowing that by keeping things tight at the back will always stand you in good stead.

To further those chances, Italian newspaper Tuttosport claims De Zerbi wants to bring in Italian legend Alessandro Nesta into his coaching team, with the 50-year-old regarded as one of his country’s greatest defenders of all time.

Since his retirement, Nesta has embarked on a management career around some lesser lights in Italy, his last role ending last year after he failed to keep Monza in Serie A.

Currently unattached, but seen as a specialist defensive coach, it’s reported that De Zerbi wants to bring in Nesta to help instil new ideas and belief into the Spurs rearguard in an effort to gain an additional helping hand in the battle to beat the drop.

Nesta is currently thought to be ready to accept De Zerbi’s offer to become his assistant manager, having spent close to a year out of the game, and will hope to arrive in north London as soon as possible, subject to the usual work-permit protocols.

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De Zerbi identifies three transfer targets

While much of Tottenham’s transfer business this summer will depend entirely on what division the club finds itself in, that has not stopped a number of outlets from speculating on several players they believe the new Spurs manager has already targeted ahead of the summer window.

And according to a report on Wednesday, De Zerbi ‘remains a huge fan’ of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from his time at the Amex, and the goalkeeper could resultantly arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Spurs are keen to offload Guglielmo Vicario, who has reportedly said ‘yes’ to joining a Serie A giant.

Such a move would make room for Verbruggen to arrive as De Zerbi’s new No 1. However, it’s understood that Spurs will face competition from Bayern Munich for the Dutchman.

TEAMtalk sources exclusively revealed back in December that Spurs are making checks on the shot-stopper ahead of a potential 2026 move.

In addition, it was claimed on Wednesday morning that De Zerbi could initiate shock talks for a former Arsenal attacker, who has scored a staggering 367 career goals, with the veteran star backed to become a big star at Spurs despite his advancing years.

Reports in the Italian press claim De Zerbi has also urged Spurs to bid for Juventus skipper Manuel Locatelli once the transfer window reopens.

The midfielder has long been linked with a Premier League switch, having rejected Arsenal to sign for Juve in August 2021.

Tottenham brushed aside for top Italian defender; how relegation would impact wages

Meanwhile, Liverpool have reportedly overtaken Tottenham in the chase for an elite Juventus defender, after it was revealed the enticing fee the Brazilian star will be available for this summer.

In other news, Liverpool chiefs are also reported to have ‘discussed’ a sensational raid on Tottenham for a £52m-rated ‘mega talent’ yet to see a minute’s action for the north London side.

Elsewhere, sources have explained in detail how relegation would affect Tottenham’s multi-millionaire squad and their weekly wages.

Tottenham Hotspur are intensifying their pursuit of a new head coach following the decision to part ways with Igor Tudor, though a move for Sean Dyche will not be straightforward.

Tottenham confirmed Tudor’s departure earlier on Sunday, with the decision agreed earlier this week, as previously revealed by TEAMtalk.

Sources confirmed on Monday that Tudor would leave by mutual consent, and Tottenham have now formalised that exit. We understand the Croatian has walked away without receiving a pay-off.

Tudor’s tenure lasted just 44 days, during which he failed to register a win in five Premier League matches. Tottenham currently sit 17th in the table – just one place and one point above the relegation zone.

With his departure already anticipated internally, the club have spent much of the past week working on potential replacements.

We can confirm that significant efforts were made to convince Roberto De Zerbi to take charge but, as reported on Friday, he has made it clear he will not consider the role until the summer.

In the meantime, Tudor’s assistant, Bruno Saltor, will oversee training as Spurs continue their search.

However, members of Tudor’s backroom staff – including goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci – have also departed the club.

We understand that Dyche remains under consideration, but complications surrounding his compensation package with Nottingham Forest are currently proving a stumbling block.

Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter is another active candidate, with sources indicating Spurs are confident of appointing a new head coach within the coming days.

TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey, who first revealed Tudor’s impending exit earlier this week, has provided further insight into the situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I am told once they decided to part company with Tudor, which as we revealed was a decision they made nearly a week ago, they spent almost all week working on De Zerbi, but he has made it clear he would not consider it until the summer,” Bailey said.

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Tottenham in Sean Dyche, Roberto De Zerbi conundrum

“Dyche was someone we confirmed was a contender and still is, but that is not easy – there are issues with his pay-off from Forest if he took the job, and he would ideally want a contract until next year.

“They are still looking at options and working hard. Ideally they did not want to announce Tudor leaving without having his replacement in place but that has not been possible due their failed pursuit of De Zerbi. But they knew Tudor would not be coming back to work on Monday so had to.

“I am told they believe someone will be in by Tuesday at the latest, but they do have some flexibility given they don’t play Sunderland until April 12.”

The fact Dyche wants a contract running into 2027 is a clear issue for Spurs as they have made De Zerbi a top target to join ready for next season.

More on Tottenham…

Tottenham to take £15m hit on player signed two years ago as major upgrade targeted

Sean Dyche shuts down fan with comical response on ‘talks’ for Tottenham manager job

A second source has backed up our exclusive reveal on Tottenham moving for a German international midfielder, with the new report insisting a €60m / £52m bid will ‘probably’ see the deal completed.

There’s no shortage of weaknesses in the Tottenham squad right now, though perhaps few are as pressing as central midfield.

Thomas Frank doesn’t lack for options and on their day, the likes of Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur can be match-winners. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are developing nicely, though in truth, the latter barely features in his preferred central midfield role.

Then there’s Joao Pahinha – probably Tottenham’s pick of the bunch in the engine room this term – who is on loan from Bayern Munich.

Spurs face a decision on whether to turn his loan spell permanent by taking up their £27m option to buy in the summer.

His performances this term suggest it’d be money well spent, though Spurs will obviously take into consideration Palhinha turns 31 in the summer and he’ll have virtually no re-sale value given his advancing age.

TEAMtalk broke news back in January of Tottenham lining up a Germany international who if arriving, would nullify the need to sign Palhinha outright.

Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha – the brother of Leeds United forward, Lukas Nmecha – is adored by Tottenham chiefs.

Spurs are extremely keen on bringing the 25-year-old all-action midfielder to England. He’s bagged five goals and three assists this season, and of his six caps for Germany, three were earned in 2025.

For obvious reasons, Dortmund don’t wish to sell one of their best. Nevertheless, we’ve been informed bids of around €60m / £52m would be enough to twist the club’s arm.

Now, a fresh update from BILD (as relayed by SportWitness), has echoed our reporting, and also moved the story on.

They state Nmecha ‘would probably leave’ Dortmund if an offer of €60m were received. What’s more, Dortmund are already bracing themselves for bids for the spine of their team, which includes players like centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck and of course, Nmecha.

BILD then declared Nmecha’s future in the yellow and black ‘hangs in the balance’.

Clearly, this is one to keep an eye on as we slowly march closer to the summer window, and Tottenham’s decision on whether to sign Palhinha outright could offer a huge clue as to whether they’ll act on their interest in Nmecha.

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Latest Tottenham news – Rudiger opportunity / Pochettino return ON?

In other news, Antonio Rudiger is open to a return to England this summer, with intermediaries already sounding out Premier League clubs about a potential deal for the Real Madrid defender, and TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are among his potential suitors.

Elsewhere, the chances of Mauricio Pochettino returning to Spurs to succeed Thomas Frank as manager are gathering significant pace after the Argentine revealed the warm affection he still feels from the club, and with a broadcaster dropping a tantalising four-word tease that suggests a move is well and truly ON.

It’s been a nightmarish season for Tottenham, but have any of the players who escaped in the summer been faring any better?

Until last season’s victory in the Europa League, lists were often circulated on social media of the vast number of former Tottenham players who had won a trophy elsewhere since they last had. It served as a painful reminder of Spurs’ negative fortunes.

There were hopes for a new era this summer on the back of their return to Champions League football, with the appointment of Thomas Frank as head coach, but he has been ill suited to the role and the shortfalls of their squad have been clear to see.

With Tottenham now unable to say they aren’t in a relegation battle, it’s proving to be another miserable season in the Premier League after last season’s 17th-place finish.

But has the grass been any greener for the players who left Spurs in the summer?

Focusing on those who made 10 appearances or more for the club, here’s how they have been getting on.

Fraser Forster

Third choice by the end of his time with Tottenham, Forster was released at the end of his contract and it took the veteran goalkeeper until halfway into the new season to find a new club.

Bournemouth signed Forster in January to provide backup to Djordje Petrovic, with Will Dennis injured at the time and then moving on loan to Leyton Orient.

Only on a six-month contract, Forster is yet to make his debut for Bournemouth and their subsequent signing of Christos Mandas from Lazio means he is unlikely to, having found himself third in command again.

Sergio Reguilon

Reguilon only played six times in his final season as a Spurs player after loan spells with Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.

The left-back remained a free agent until December, when MLS side Inter Miami announced they would be adding him to their squad.

The MLS season begins later this month. Reguilon will hope to have the chance to get up and running with his new club soon, but went off 17 minutes into their first pre-season friendly due to a knee sprain and hasn’t played in either of the next two.

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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Marseille had an obligation to buy Hojbjerg after his loan spell with the French side last season, bringing an end to his 184-game spell as a Spurs player.

The Danish midfielder played 32 times last season and has 30 appearances to his name this term, already matching his 2024-25 tally of three goals between Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.

Son Heung-min

Undoubtedly one of Spurs’ best players of the Premier League era, former captain Son signed for Los Angeles FC in the summer.

Over the second half of the 2025 MLS season, he scored nine goals from 10 games, including a hat-trick against Real Salt Lake City in September.

A record of three from three in the MLS Cup play-offs means the South Korean legend – who has largely played as a centre-forward in the States – has 12 goals from 13 games in all competitions for LAFC ahead of the new campaign.

Bryan Gil

Like Hojbjerg, Gil made a loan exit permanent in the summer, signing a five-year contract with Girona in his case.

The winger scored four goals from 32 games for them last season but hasn’t got off the mark this term, despite being given 20 appearances since his £8.6m move.

Gil has only completed the full 90 minutes of one LaLiga game this season, but has recorded three assists in the Spanish top flight.

Alejo Veliz

Veliz retraced his steps back to the club Spurs originally signed him from, Rosario Central, after unfruitful loan spells in Spain with Sevilla and Espanyol.

The striker has scored six goals from 20 games in his second spell with Rosario, who won the 2025 Primera Division title.

Veliz will be staying in South America after his loan spell, but not with Rosario, since Brazilian side Bahia – part of the City Football Group – have reportedly agreed to sign him in June.

Mikey Moore

After his first 21 appearances for Spurs, top prospect Moore moved to Rangers on loan in August.

It was a rocky start to the season for Rangers and in turn Moore himself, who had to wait until November for his first Scottish Premiership goal and then frustratingly suffered an injury.

But he has bounced back as an important part of Rangers’ revival, scoring three more goals since (including one in the Old Firm win over Celtic in January).

Antonio Rudiger is open to a return to England this summer, with intermediaries already sounding out Premier League clubs about a potential deal for the Real Madrid defender, and TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are among his potential suitors.

The German international is out of contract at the end of the season and, as yet, Real Madrid have not offered fresh terms. Rudiger, who turns 33 in March, is now weighing up his options, and his camp has begun exploring interest across Europe.

We can confirm that talks have been held with clubs in England to gauge the level of appetite for bringing him back to the Premier League – a division where he previously excelled during his spell at Chelsea.

Sources close to the situation insist Rudiger would be prepared to accept a significantly lower salary than his current Madrid deal if it meant securing a move back to England.

Intermediaries have already made Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Ham United aware that the defender could be open to returning to London, with the trio informed of the conditions required to complete a free‑transfer move.

Former club Chelsea have also been contacted, but signing a veteran player over 30 is not something that BlueCo are embracing at this point in their project.

But as for Spurs, Palace, and West Ham, they have been gifted a potential opportunity to bring the experienced Rudiger back to the Premier League, and he has shown this season that he can still contribute at the highest level.

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Rudiger open to Prem return – but Saudi are circling

Rudiger missed the start of the current season due to a thigh injury, but since returning to action in November he has been a regular fixture in the side, re‑establishing himself as a dependable option at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence.

His form has him firmly on course to be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for this summer’s World Cup, adding further weight to the idea that he wants his club future resolved early.

While the Saudi Pro League remains the most financially powerful suitor and is still viewed as the most likely destination, the opportunity to sign a defender of Rudiger’s pedigree on a free transfer has ensured Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on developments.

Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks as the summer window approaches, with Rudiger open to all possibilities – including a high‑profile return to English football.

With his deal expiring at the season’s end, non-Spanish sides are able to formally open talks with Rudiger over a pre-contract agreement, which would see him join on a free transfer.

Tottenham, Palace or West Ham could therefore try and get ahead of the competition by opening negotiations now, if they decide Rudiger is a player they want for next term.

Latest Tottenham news: Pochettino return / ‘Dream’ signing revealed

Meanwhile, our sources have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino is OPEN to returning to Tottenham next season, following the World Cup with the United States, as Thomas Frank’s future hangs in the balance.

A broadcaster has backed up our information – hinting that Pochettino is ready to come back – something the Spurs board are very keen to make happen.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Morgan Rogers is remains ‘dream’ target for Tottenham, as he continues to impress with Aston Villa.

Luring him away from the Villans could prove difficult if Spurs’ form doesn’t turn around dramatically, but Rogers remains at the top of the shortlist.

The chances of Mauricio Pochettino returning to Tottenham Hotspur to succeed Thomas Frank as manager are gathering significant pace after the Argentine revealed the warm affection he still feels from the club and with a broadcaster dropping a tantalising four-word tease that suggests a move is well and truly ON.

Pochettino guided Spurs through one of their most memorable era in recent years after they reached the 2019 Champions League final with some pleasing-on-the-eye football, overseeing a five-year spell in charge that saw him rack up a solid 54.27 win percentage record. Still revered fondly by supporters to this day, many a Tottenham fan feel the club has never truly recovered from his sacking in November 2019.

Now, with current incumbent Thomas Frank clinging on to his job by his fingernails, speculation is gathering pace that an emotional return to N17 could be on the cards for the 54-year-old Argentine.

The speculation started to gather pace on February 8, when our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, exclusively confirmed on TEAMtalk that Pochettino would say ‘Yes’ to a return to Spurs and that he would happily return to the club once his World Cup commitments with the USA have been concluded.

And while sources told Fletcher of the “unfinished business” that Pochettino feels he has with the club, he still feels duty-bound to honour his contract with USMNT, which runs until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup and meaning his potential return to north London would have to be put on hold until, at the latest, 19 July.

However, after interviewing Pochettino for his High Performance Podcast, broadcaster Jake Humphries has dropped another tantalising hint that Pochettino is ready for a second crack of the whip with Spurs.

Reflecting on the interview, and asked afterwards if he feels Pochettino would return to Tottenham, Humphries dropped a four-word tease that will have fans drooling.

“I sense he might,” was his simple, but effective reply.

In addition to that, Pochettino’s comments about Spurs and his advice to the club can now also be revealed, potentially offering another hint that a return is imminent…

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Pochettino tells Tottenham Hotspur what has changed

After the struggles of both Ange Postecoglou and Frank – albeit with the latter winning the Europa League and ending a 17-year trophy drought – the return of Pochettino would feel like a breath of fresh air for their long-suffering fans, who are eager to see the club re-establish itself as a leading force in the English game again.

The 54-year-old, speaking on the High Performance Podcast, admits the club has changed a great deal in the six or so years since his departure.

“It’s a little bit unfair to compare this period with another period, because now, Tottenham is a club that needs to think about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The facilities are Champions League, and in the past, we didn’t have that, but now it’s about winning the Premier League or Champions League.

“I think it’s true that the fans today appreciate us because we were challenging for the Premier League and for the Champions League.”

Pochettino admits Spurs fans would like to see the club fighting for glory on both fronts.

He added: “To win the Europa League is good because when you celebrate a trophy, that is good, but it’s not enough.

“It’s not enough for a club like Tottenham. It’s not enough to challenge for the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup, the Europa League or the Conference.

“The fans expect to be in the Champions League, fighting for the Champions League, trying to believe that you can win the Champions League.

“Also fighting for the Premier League and believing that you can win the Premier League.”

Fuelling talk that a return could be on the cards, Pochettino admits he still feels the love from Spurs fans around the world to this day.

“Still, the people on the street, the fans of Tottenham, really show the love and the appreciation, and I think that is why it’s so special,” he concluded.

Thomas Frank ‘breaking point’ arrives; Romano names dream signing

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that Frank could be one match away from losing his job as Tottenham manager in the wake of a series of damning stats, and, with club bosses seemingly at the end of their tether.

Per Monday’s exclusive update from Fletcher, Spurs are ready to act if Tuesday’s match against Newcastle does not go their way.

On top of that, Fletcher has revealed the club not only has a growing hope that they could soon land Pochettino, but with plans also in place for an interim appointment to see the club through to the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed the summer target that Tottenham Hotspur are ‘dreaming’ of signing, though the club will have to completely obliterate their current transfer record to seal a deal.

One man the club will do well to hang on to, however, is Micky van de Ven, with a failure to secure Champions League football highly likely to see the highly-rated Dutchman pushing to leave.

Now, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has named Van de Ven’s next destination – and it is not Liverpool or Real Madrid.