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In League Two, there was a huge game for George Abbott and his Notts County side at lunch time. They were in the capital to face AFC Wimbledon – managed by former Tottenham Hotspur academy player Johnnie Jackson - whom came into the game one place and one point below the Magpies. The game was live on Sky Sports red button, for those in the UK.

Huge game down in League Two for Spurs youngster and his side

As per usual, the Spurs youngster was named in the starting XI by manager Stuart Maynard – for his 28th League Two start of the season, and 30th total game in the league. Â

After a dominant start from the hosts, they made their superiority count after 21 minutes when they took the lead. Then, ten minutes before the end of the first half – they doubled the lead, taking a healthy advantage into the half time interval. Â

That would be how it finished. The 2-0 lead at half-time would eventually become a 2-0 lead at full time. Notts only had seven shots all game, to their opponents 15, despite the game state of chasing the game for 70 minutes – albeit they had the only opta defined big chance of the game. Â

This sums up a pretty miserable time of it for Abbott’s side. That is now just one point from their last three games, and one win in their last six, where they have picked up just five points out of a possible eighteen. At one point, they were looking good to seriously get into one of those automatic promotion spots, but now their play off status is in serious jeopardy.Â

This defeat leaves them in fifth place in League Two, with 58 points from their 35 games so far. Next up is a big game away to Grimsby Town on Tuesday evening. Heading into the game, Grimsby are in eighth place, two points below Notts. Safe to say that Maynard’s side do not have a great record in the big games this season, so there is no better time to try and change the record. 19:45 GMT kick off. Â

As per media publication (yes, yet again) TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur scouts have been "really impressed" by Como 1907 midfielder Nico Paz.

Spurs scouts impressed by young Como and Argentina midfielder

The youngster has impressed with his performances for the newly promoted Serie A side this season since joining from Spanish giants Real Madrid back in the summer transfer window.

In fact, according to the report, the scouts at Spurs were aware of Paz during his time at Madrid Castilla, the sides reserve team. He impressed enough with his performances to get a call up to the first team, and even scored against Napoli in the Champions League last season.

So far this season, the attacking midfielder has scored six goals, provided four assists, and created seven big chances in Serie A - in 25 starts, 21 appearances, and 1900 minutes. Owing to his performances, he received his maiden Argentina call up back in the autumn, making his debut against Bolivia in October - and marking it with an assist to the one and only Lionel Messi.

One thing that may stand in Spurs' favour when it comes to any potential deal, is one of the midfielder's new team mates - with former Tottenham Hotspur fan favourite Dele recently signing for the Italian side - being included in the match day squad for their defeat at AS Roma last weekend. You would hope he may put in a good word.

Nothing against Paz, whom seems to be a very talented player - but it is quite crazy how Spurs rarely seem to be linked to players in their prime (or older) they already have so many young players. Antonin Kinsky, Destiny Udogie, Archie Gray, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Mathys Tel are all 23 or under.

Then, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Brennan Johnson are all 23. Even Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski are both 24. One of the older players, Guglielmo Vicario, is 28 - which for a goalkeeper is still definitely peak years. Without disrespecting a club great - Heung-Min Son is definitely on the other side of his peak.

So, who do Spurs actually have in their peak? The most obvious feels like James Maddison (28), it definitely feels like he is currently as good as he will be. Rodrigo Bentancur (27), and Yves Bissouma (28) also feel like they are as good as they will be - unfortunately, that is not the requisite quality.

At 25, you could perhaps say that Pedro Porro is too. Then, finally, 27-year old Dominic Solanke. So, three players that (with the optimal physical conditions) that are good enough to be starters? Can't really count 26 year old Cristian Romero, given his consistent lack of availability Not ideal. At all. Not sure signing more young players will improve that, with all due respect to Paz.

According to a report from media publication TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the summer transfer window.

They report that the club are not alone in their interest, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, and West Ham United also said to be "circling around" the player.

Spurs one of a number of clubs looking at Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Furthermore, it is stated that the player is set to be part of the "exodus" at the club this summer, with relegation to the Championship a matter of when, not if. The player is keen to get a move back to the Premier League, in order to try and get his way into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in 2026.

In terms of international career, he couldn't have made much of a better start. Back in November, he came on as a second half substitute when England played the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, for his senior debut. Within minutes, he headed home to mark his debut with a goal, and a 5-0 win. In that game, former Spurs striker Harry Kane partnered current Spurs striker Dominic Solanke for the final quarter of an hour.

No doubt there will be some scoffs at this from the readers, and understandably so. The defender has been part of a side that has conceded 65 goals in just 27 games. However, it is still important to consider that it is a team game, and he is playing in a dreadful side. For quite a while, the recently turned 23-year old has been someone with a strong reputation in the game.

Much like the also Spurs linked Liam Delap, Harwood-Bellis was at Manchester City as a youngster (albeit, he is actually an academy player, not signed from Derby at 16 like Delap), and Pep Guardiola's side are said to have a buyback clause for the player, just like they do with the Ipswich Town striker.

Let's see. Admittedly, not the most exciting transfer rumour we have ever aggregated. Can't see this changing the mood of a loss to AZ Alkmaar. Still. There is a good player in there. With Tuchel announcing his first squad as England manager next week, maybe we will see Harwood-Bellis' name along side Djed Spence's in the defence - and perhaps Archie Gray too.

In fact, as recently as October, the Southampton defender played with Gray for the England U21 side, as they beat Ukraine 2-1 to secure qualification for the U21 Euros that take place next summer. He was part of the squad that won the tournament in 2023.

This weekend, as always – is bumper packed full of action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a look at how things are looking for them. Before that, though – a quick recap on the midweek action.  Â

In League One, the difficult run of form continued for Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley’s Leyton Orient side, whom lost 1-0 away to Rotherham United. During the game, Keeley made five saves, whilst Donley played 81 minutes. This defeat leaves them in ninth place in League One, with 53 points from 35 games – and five points off the play-off positions. Â

There was more frustration in League Two, as George Abbott and his Notts County side fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Barrow, making it just one point from their last two games. This defeat leaves them in fourth place, with 58 points from their 34 games. Â Â

Meanwhile, Luca Gunter’s Wealdstone got hammered 4-1 away to Tamworth in the National League. It could have been worse if not for the Spurs loanee, however – whom made nine saves throughout the game. This defeat leaves the Stones in 21st position in the league, with 35 points from 33 games.Â

 Looking at how the weekend slate is shaping up for Spurs loanees

So, onto the weekend action. In the Championship, Ashley Phillips and his Stoke City side will face Coventry City on the road. Stoke won the reverse fixture 1-0, when current manager Mark Robins was in charge of Coventry. Meanwhile, it is the battle of the Spurs loanees over in the black Country, when Will Lankshear’s West Bromwich Albion host Yang Min-hyeok's Queens Park Rangers. Both games are on Saturday, at 15:00 GMT. Â

In League One, Keeley, Donley and their Orient side will be looking to bounce back from their aforementioned defeat at Rotherham, when they host Northampton Town. That game is also a 15:00 GMT kick off on Saturday. Â Â

Onto League Two, where Abbott and Notts County will hope to bounce back in the capital, when they face AFC Wimbledon – whom are managed by Spurs academy graduate Johnnie Jackson. Their hosts are just one place and point below them in the league, so this is a huge game. This game is at 12:30 GMT on Saturday, and is available to watch on Sky Sports red button. Â

Down in the National League, Gunter and Wealdstone will hope to get back to winning ways up North, when they face Rochdale – 15:00 GMT kick off on Saturday there. Â

On the continent, there is another battle of Spurs loanees, as Alejo Veliz’s RCD Espanyol side host Bryan Gil’s Girona in La Liga – that game is on Monday night, and will kick off at 20:00 GMT.   Â

On Thursday evening, Spurs were in the Netherlands to lock horns with Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar, in the Europa League round of 16.

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur over in the Netherlands on Thursday

For the task at hand, Ange Postecoglou opted for a line up of; Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.

After 17 minutes, AZ took the lead - as Bergvall sliced the ball into his own net, following a corner. Bit of a freak goal - but it had bee an extremely uninspiring start to the game for Spurs regardless.

Midway through the first half, nice quick passing from the hosts lead to former Spurs striker Troy Parrott getting a shot away, but Gray was on hand to make an important block. Really horrendous start from Ange's side.

Half an hour, Parrott went clean through on goal, but when one on one, his effort was superbly saved by Vicario's heel. It would have been a tight one for offside. Incredible save, and a huge let off for Spurs.

To sum up the first half - after 34 minutes, Spurs had a dangerous free kick. From there, Maddison attempted to play a one-two with Son, but the skippers lay off went behind Maddison. Comedic stuff, really is.

With two minutes of the opening period remaining, AZ had a goal mouth scramble that they could not force in, which was followed by a Peer Koopmeiners strike being well blocked by Bergvall. There have been some terrible halves from Spurs this season. This may well have been the worst of the lot.

At half-time, Ange made a change, replacing Tel with Odobert, as one France U21 international replaced another. Sadly, it cannot be denied that the 19-year old seriously struggled in the first half.

Three minutes into the second half, Bergvall did well to win the ball back in the middle of the park, before driving forward and cutting a shot across goal. Normally something like this wouldn't get a mention - but such has been the lack of quality of this game, it is one of the things worth mentioning.

Six minutes into the second half, Son did well to create some space when cutting inside, but he fired his shot off target from the edge of the box.

Just a minute later, Ernest Poku struck a low effort towards Vicario's near post, but the goalkeeper got down quickly to make a strong save. Just so, so dire all round from Ange's side. Really terrible.

With just under twenty minutes to go, Ange made a triple change. Porro, Solanke, and Sarr, replaced Udogie, Son, and Maddison.

As the clock hit 90, Solanke went down, and had to be replaced by Scarlett - really really sums up the evening for Spurs. With the final touch of the game, Odobert headed over a Porro cross.

That was that. Nothing missing, Spurs genuinely did not have any chance of note to report on after the 51st minute, aside from that header. In reality, anything before that was clutching at straws, half chances at best. What an awful night.

Later on this evening, Spurs begin the second part of their UEFA Europa League adventure, as they lock horns with Eredivise side, AZ Alkmaar, in the Netherlands. The game kicks off at 17:45 GMT, which is once again a shame for those of us whom watch the Chase.

How both teams line up over in the Netherlands this evening

Nevertheless, for the task at hand, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has opted for the following XI; Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.

Meanwhile, the bench consists of the following; Austin, Whiteman, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Bissouma, Sarr, Moore, Odobert, Scarlett, Solanke.

In the other corner, AZ have gone for an XI of; Owuso-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Clasie, Buurmeester; Poku, Parrott, Lahdo.

Ange makes two changes to the side that lost at home to Manchester City, with Spence and Son coming in for Porro and Odobert. We knew Kulusevski wouldn't be available for the game, with the Sweden captain out until after the international break.

It is great to see all three of van de Ven, Romero, and Solanke back in the match day squad. The bench is beginning to look so much better than it has for large periods of this season to date. It is also good to see that all three players have not been rushed straight back into the starting XI. Perhaps we will see second half cameos.

It will be first ever Europa League appearances for winter signings Danso and Tel - as well as Spence, whom was not registered for the league phase campaign.

For an away game, even against a lesser opponent - that is quite an attacking midfield three. Let's hope it does not backfire defensively - no doubt it has potential to cause AZ problems going forward.

As for the hosts, well we all expected to see Parrott starting. He played 90 minutes when the two sides met in the league phase, though he was unable to make an impact - and only had one shot throughout.

No underestimating the opponents, but this is a huge opportunity for Spurs. It is crucial to get a win tonight, and make sure that AZ do not have anything to hold onto in the second leg. Ideally by then, the likes of van de Ven, Romero, and Solanke will be available to start the game. In theory, a week after being on the bench - they should be able to - but we know how their seasons have gone so far.

It has today, Thursday the 6th of March, been confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has been nominated for the February player of the month award, as recognition for his top class performances during that time.

Djed Spence nominated for Premier League player of the month award

The 24-year old joins Beto of Everton, Jean-Phillipe Mateta of Crystal Palace, Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool, as the six nominees.

You would be hard pressed to find an argument against this being well deserved for Spence - who was consistently great throughout February. He was brilliant on and off the ball against Brentford and Manchester United, before scoring his first goal in Spurs colours against Ipswich Town. He was a sub in the defeat to Manchester City, but still created a presentable opportunity for Pape Sarr very soon after his introduction.

In the win at Brentford, the defender recorded; five clearances (including one off the line), one blocked shot, one interception, four tackles, 7/10 ground duels won, 67 touches, two chances created, and 3/3 successful dribbles.

Then, in the win over United, he was perhaps even better, where he recorded; one clearance, two blocked shots, two tackles, 88 touches, 7/8 ground duels, two fouls drawn, one shot on target, and 3/4 successful dribbles.

All of this has been whilst playing as a left-back. Even when he started as a right-back in the win over Ipswich, his goal came after moving over to left-back, when Pedro Porro replaced Destiny Udogie in the second half. It is a serious testament to Spence that he has been able to play so consistently well in an unfamiliar position.

The good news could get even better for him too. Yesterday, we aggregated how Newcastle United left-back, Lewis Hall, is to miss the rest of the season with surgery. No doubt about it, he is the biggest threat to Spence in the England side. Now he is unavailable for the World Cup qualifiers, we could well see the Spurs man called up.

Realistically, it felt like Spence could get a call up regardless of Hall's fitness, but there is now perhaps scope for him to even start. It is a shame that, although he is set to return before the break - that his injury means he would be unlikely to be joined with Spurs team mate Dominic Solanke - though you never know.

To finish off, Ange Postecoglou has been nominated for the Premier League manager of the month award, as Spurs picked up 9/12 points during February.

As per a recent report from media outlet TBR Football, Everton would be interested in bringing Spurs forward Richarlison back to the club this summer, should that interest be reciprocated by the player himself.

Everton interested in resigning Richarlison from Spurs this summer

The Brazilian forward had a successful four years at Everton previously, before joining Spurs in the summer of 2022, under then manager Antonio Conte. Unfortunately, large periods of his time in North London have been overshadowed by injuries - particularly this season.

He had a fruitful record in the 23/24 season, the first season under Ange Postecoglou - but even that year had its fair share of injuries - even if not as much as this year. With his availability, or lack there of, taken into consideration - the smart thing to do would be cash in whilst they still can.

The 27-year old was linked to another one of his former clubs - Fluminense - back in December, but nothing came of it (at least not for now). The likelihood does feel like, whether it be to Everton, Fluminense, or another club - he will leave the club this summer.

Although there is the possibility he may return to Everton, he would not be returning to Goodison Park, with the Toffees moving to a new stadium called Bramley-Moore Dock from next season - which will be one of the host venues for Euro 2028 - along side the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In fact, one of the games that Richarlison was available for this season was the trip to Goodison Park back in January, where he scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, before applauding the home fans after the game. It was one of four goals he has scored against his former employers in a Spurs shirt, scoring against them in a 2-1 win at home last season, as well as a brace at Goodison later on in the campaign.

There is no doubt he is a talented player - as he ofted showed for Everton, the Brazil national team, and in spells in North London - but it just, overall - has definitely not worked out, largely for reasons out of his control. Spurs need to be swallow taking a loss on the player - anythig close to around £30 million pounds would be pretty good business, you feel.

As per a report from German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham Hotspur are one of multiple clubs interested in RB Leizpig's 21-year old striker Benjamin Sesko.

On his Twitter account, the journalist said the following: "Until now, there had only been talk of a verbal agreement, but Benjamin Sesko has a formally fixed release clause in his contract until 2029. This clause can be activated starting this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur hold an interest in RB Leipzig and Slovenia talent

It is tied to various parameters – such as games played, goals, and assists – and increases regularly. Currently, the clause stands at around €70m for the 21-y/o top striker, but by the end of the season, it is expected to reach approximately €80m.

All top English clubs have expressed interest, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal. The only club not involved in the race is Manchester City."

There has been plenty of excitement about Sesko for a while, whom has a unique profile. He stands at around 6'5, but is not really a target man. He has been thriving for Leipzig in a team that often create chances through transitions and making runs into space. He is an absolutely incredible striker of the ball, able to generate monstrous power with his shots.

Despite being just 21 years of age, Sesko has already earnd 39 caps for the Slovenia national team, scoring 16 goals. He scored five goals and provided two assists in Euro 2024 qualifying, as he helped his side qualify for their first major tournament since the 2010 World Cup.

Like so many other players, he has made the progression through the RB set up - first with Salzburg, and now Leipzig. A good recent example of that is Dominik Szoboszlai, who is currently thriving at runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Although people, quite understandably, are not a fan of the RB system, and see it as the epitome of how modern football has changed, there is also a general appreciation of how many talented players that have come through the set up at Salzburg and/or Leipzig. The best example would be Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland.

On this day, six years ago, Tottenham Hotspur beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park, to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. They had won the first leg 3-0 at Wembley a few weeks before, so progressed with a resounding 4-0 aggregate win. What a time.

For the second leg, Mauricio Pochettino opted for a line up of; Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko, Winks, Eriksen, Davies; Kane, Son. (352). Dier, Lamela, and Rose came off the bench - whilst Gazzaniga, Lucas, and Llorente were the unused subs on the night.

Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund to advance in Europe, on this day six years ago

After just six minutes of the game, Marco Reus was in goal, and set to pull the trigger from around six yards out, but Vertonghen was on hand to make an incredible last ditch tackle, and prevent a likely goal.

Half an hour in, Spurs had their first seriously presentable opportunity of the game, when Eriksen played a slide rule pass to put Son through on goal after an out to in run, but he uncharacteristically dragged his shot wide of the target.

Soon after, Julian Weigl had a header well saved by Lloris, before Davies made an even better block to deny him from the rebound. Spurs could not get the ball away, and after another couple of corners, Lloris made a good save to deny a curling effort from Raphael Guerreiro.

Four minutes into the second half, Dortmund were made to rue their missed chances. A well weighted through ball from Sissoko played Kane through on goal, who kept his composure to curl the ball into the corner. The sound the net made as the ball went in was just sublime, to go along with a great goal. That strike made him the club's all time leading scorer in European competitions.

After 76 minutes, Christian Pulisic was unmarked following a corner, but could only send his header over the bar. With a minute of normal time remaining, Paco Alcarer was sent through on goal, but was denied by Lloris - whom had an excellent evening, making seven clean saves and keeping a clean sheet.

What a night. What a journey. It was not the most vintage performance, Dortmund had 19 shots to Spurs' 5, and seven shots on target to one - but for all their effort and endeavour, they only created the same amount of big chances as Spurs - with two each.