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Spurs challenge Premier League rivals for Greek star

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According to a report from German journalist Florian Plettenberg, whom many fans will remember from the Harry Kane saga in the summer of 2023 - Spurs are in "concrete talks and negotiations" for Stefanos Tzimas of Greek side PAOK - and currently on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Nurnberg - though Brighton have the upper hand.

Tottenham in concrete talks for Greek U21 international

On his Twitter account, Plettenberg said: "Stefanos is currently leaning towards a move to Brighton in the summer, after very good talks with Fabian Hürzeler.

However, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also in the race for Tzimas and are engaged in concrete talks and negotiations, but Brighton currently in pole position.

So, although he currently belongs to PAOK, the German side are going to sign him permanently this summer, before selling him for a profit, in one of the lesser spotted situations when it comes to transfers.

As for the player himself, he only turned 19 earlier this year, so is still extremely young. He has scored 10 goals in just 1202 minutes in the German second tier this season, despite Nurnberg being a mid table side, sitting in 10th place with just 28 points from their 20 games so far.

Some fans may be underwhelmed by this link, and that's understandable. One thing to consider is that if Brighton are interested in an obscure talent, it is almost certainly a green flag. The amount of unearthed gems they have signed in recent years is pretty insane. Even from Germany itself - Pascal Gross gave them seven superb years before signing for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of last year.

Plus, being linked to Khivcha Kvartashkelia when he was playing in Georgia and Russia would have seemed underwhelming too. Being linked to a 25-year old Kim-Min Jae playing in China before moving to Fenerbahce definitely seemed underwhelming. These are the moves that the smart clubs tend to make.

The teenagers signed recently, such as Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, have proven to be pretty fruitful signings so far, and have years and years ahead of them too. The upside of these signings are truly pretty incredible.

Let's wait and see how this one develops on deadline day. That said, if it is a signing for the summer, it is the sort of move that could still be worked on, and subsequently announced in the coming weeks and months.

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How Kevin Danso fits at Spurs

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On Sunday morning, before Spurs won 2-0 away to Brentford in the Premier League, the club confirmed the signing of RC Lens and Austria defender Kevin Danso - initially on loan for the rest of the season, before an obligation to buy the player in the summer transfer window. The player will wear the number four shirt.

So, what can we expect from Danso, and what qualities can he bring to help improve Ange Postecoglu's side?

What to expect from new central defender Kevin Danso

In terms of play style, Danso is a very quick and aggressive defender, very capable, and in fact suited, to playing in a high line. He is a proactice defender, whom likes to engage in duels and help to win the ball back. He has been an important part of Austria's red bull style of football under manager Ralf Rangnick.

Having this type of player on the pitch will help Spurs sustain attacks by having a more secure "rest defence". Having that recovery pace when they lose the ball will be crucial. Take someone like Radu Dragusin. He was good for Genoa, he is good for the Romania national team. However, his lack of mobility makes him a bad fit for the current Spurs team. A player like Danso is much more suited to the style of play.

There are things to caveat, such as the league, styles of play, etc - but comparing Danso's stats to Dragusin's this season makes for interesting. So far, he has made 1.7 interceptions a game to Dragusin's 0.9, 1.6 tackles to 0.6, makes five clearances to 2.9, and wins 3.4 aerials duels per game to 2.1 - with a higher sample size to.

This is not to attack the Romanian defender, nothing personal - just showing how much more suited to an Ange team Danso is. In a team that camps in their own box, defends crosses all game, and has to manage their penalty area better, maybe Dragusin is better at that sort of nuts and bolts defending. In a side like Spurs, there is no doubt that Danso is a much better fit.

If Cristian Romero is not back for the game against Liverpool on Thursday night, it would be great to see everything cleared in time for Danso to play, and partner Micky van de Ven. That sort of recovery pace will be huge to the chances of winning the game.

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Lucas Bergvall's birthday: A look at his time in North London so far

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Today marks the 19th birthday for Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall, whom got the perfect birthday present with a 2-0 win away to Brentford on match day twenty four of the Premier League season.

To mark the occasion, let's look back on his time at the club so far, as well as a look ahead as to what is to come in the future years.

Looking at Lucas Bergvall's Spurs career on his birthday

It was actually on the player's 18th birthday, a year ago today - where he decided to join the club from Djurgardens IF ahead of the summer, turning down a move to Spanish giants Barcelona to give Spurs his signature. With it, there was plenty of excitement.

After spending the next few months at Djurgardens, Bergvall joined Spurs ahead of the 24/25 season. The youngster looked bright in pre-season, registering assists in friendlies against Hearts and Bayern Munich.

On opening weekend of the Premier League season, he came on as a sub away to Leicester City, being berated by Guglielmo Vicario for a mistake - but also creating a big chance for Richarlison in stoppage time, which he unfortunately could not take.

Nevertheless, he had impressed enough to get a call up to the Sweden national team in September. He then made his first start of the season away to Coventry City in the Carabao Cup. His next start came at home to Qarabag in the Europa League, but was withdrawn early on due to a Radu Dragusin red card.

After coming on away to Manchester United at Old Trafford on the 29th September, his corner was flicked on by Pape Sarr, and bundled home by Dominic Solanke, to make it 3-0. His first competitive assist for the club came in a 2-1 win in the Europa League away to Ferencvaros, four days later, where he teed up Sarr in the first half.

His most impressive performance up until then came in a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. The Sweden international impressed both on and off the ball, and won the penalty for the decisive goal.

After that, Bergvall had to be a bit more patient, often coming off the bench, before playing 90 minutes away to Southampton in mid December for his first league start of the campaign. However, in 2025, he has found himself a regular in the side, with the win at Brentford today the first time he has not started in the league this year.

His best moment, however, was undoubtedly in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg. After a superb run in behind and hold up play from Solanke, he flicked the ball into Bergvall's path, who calmly slotted a side footed finish into Alisson's near post. He had played superbly all night too, and would have had an assist if not for better finishing from Pedro Porro.

It is clear to see that Ange really likes the player, and we can be sure he will get plenty of game time from here. We saw him (and Archie Gray, another player 18 on the night) collapse to the floor after the win at Hoffenheim. It shows how many minutes he is going to play that he did not start the game against Brentford, with Ange likely having an eye on the Carabao Cup semi final second leg on Thursday.

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Match Report: Brentford 0

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On Sunday afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur travelled to fellow London side Brentford, for match day twenty four of the 24/25 Premier League season.

For the task at hand, Ange opted for a line up of; Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Davies, Spence; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Bentancur; Moore, Richarlison, Son.

How it all happened in West London on Sunday afternoon

Just over ten minutes into the game, after a lowkey start, Kinsky gave the ball away playing out from the back. From there, Brentford built up an attack, ending in Yoane Wissa heading a right footed Bryan Mbeumo cross over the bar.

After twenty minutes, Spurs had their best opportunity. From the left hand side, Spence cut the ball back for Richarlison, but he scuffed his effort and it fell to Moore — whom laid the ball off for Kulusevski, where his effort was well blocked.

After 28 minutes, Spurs took the lead. An inswinging corner from Son was not claimed by the goalkeeper, going into the back of the net off of Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt for an own goal.

At half time, Ange introduced Bergvall in place of Moore.

Eight minutes into the second half, an inswinging cross from Mikkel Damsgaard was met by Wissa at the far post, but his flicked effort somehow went over the bar. Certainly a big let off for Spurs.

Two minutes later, Spurs pounced on a loose Brentford pass, leading to Kulusevski going through on goal from a tough angle. On his weaker right foot, the 24-year old tried a near post effort, going into the side netting. Definitely could have tried to go across goal there.

Midway through the second half, Sarr replaced Bissouma. With twelve minutes of normal time remaining, Scarlett replaced Richarlison for his first Premier League appearance of the season.

There were just over four minutes left when Brentford thought they had equalised, but Spence came up big to make a clearance on the line.

That clearance would prove to be key. Within two minutes, Spurs had made it 2-0. A wonderfully weighted through ball from Son found Sarr through on goal. The ball was hit with enough power to get it away from any defender, knowing that Sarr had the speed, particularly when fresh, to get there before the goalkeeper. That he did, poking a finish into the back of the net to double the lead.

From there, Spurs saw the game out comfortably. It was not the most entertaining game, but that is what they needed. They've been the entertainers for the wrong reasons too many times. No doubt people found the defeat to Liverpool at home entertaining, but it wasn't nice for Spurs. This was nice.

Just a really solid and professional performance against a side who are very good at home. Brentford did have some half chances, but there weren't many, if any, real clear cut chances where you thought "they had to score that". A very impressive and much needed win. Superb effort from everyone.

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Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur official line ups

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This afternoon, on the second of February 2025, Spurs will take on Brentford at the GTech community stadium, for match day 24 of the current Premier League season - live on Sky Sports at 14:00 GMT for those of you in the UK.

Ange's side come into this game in dreadful league form, though having secured two important Europa League wins to seal their spot in the last 16 of the competition, avoiding an extra two games in a play-off tie.

How the teams are shaping up ahead of today's showdown

From the win over Elfsborg on Thursday night, Ange Postecoglu has made four changes to the starting XI, selecting the following; Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Davies; Spence; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Bentancur; Moore, Richarlison, Son. So - Kinsky, Spence, Kulusevki and Bissouma replace Austin, van de Ven, Sarr, and Bergvall.

On the bench are; Austin, Reguilon, Hardy, Cassanova, Olusesi, Sarr, Bergvall, Sarr, Scarlett. No van de Ven in the squad is a concern, let's hope Ange is keeping him in cotton wool ahead of the big Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday evening. Otherwise we could well be back to square one. Not ideal, at all.

It would appear that the injury Radu Dragusin suffered on Thursday evening is quite a serious one, particularly with the confirmed arrival of Kevin Danso from Ligue 1 side RC Lens.

Meanwhile, the visitors line up as follows;Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson; Kristoffer Ayer, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, Keane Lewis-Potter; Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt; Bryan Mbeumo, Mikkel Damsgaard, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade.

On the bench for the visitors; Julian Eyestone, Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee, Michael Kayode, Fabio Carvalho, Edmond-Paris Maghoma, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Yunus Konak, Mathias Jensen. Meanwhile, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, and Gustvao Nunes all miss the game with injury, meaning it is not just Spurs that have their squad fairly depleted coming into this game.

Safe to say we can expect a pretty tough game here in any case. Despite one point from their last four home games, Brentford are still fourth in the Premier League home table, and have only failed to beat one side not currently in the league's top four. In general, a point here would not be a terrible result - but Spurs need wins, not draws - even if beggars can not be choosers. Ah well, let's wait and see.

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Richie Wellens makes unprofessional dig at Ange Postecoglu

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Many of you will be aware of the progression Spurs youngsters Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley have made during their loan spells at League One side Leyton Orient this season. For the last three months or so, manager Richie Wellens has been starting them every game, which has seen success in both the league and in the FA Cup - where they will be playing Manchester City in the fourth round.

People are aware that Spurs and Leyton Orient have had a good relationship for a long time. It is where Harry Kane went for his first ever loan back in 2011. In recent years, the England captain has sponsored Leyton Orient's shirt.

The (successful) loans of Keeley and Donley had seemed to strengthen this, however, Wellens has potentially damaged the relationship between the two clubs, at least whilst Ange Postecoglu is at the club.

Richie Wellens takes a strange dig at Ange Postecoglu

In his post match interview after the O's defeat at home to Stockport County, the 44-year old was asked: "How much of that [the defeat and performance] was because of Sean Clare and Omar Beckles, who has been a leader, being absent today?" To which, he then responded: "I'm not Ange Postecoglu who will keep using that as an excuse.

Most managers will tell you that you will often not get their true, objective thoughts after a microphone is stuck under their nose within an hour of a defeat, but this is still extremely weird, and unneccesary. Although, again, things can be said in the heat of the moment - it almost looked like he had planned to say it from the beginning.

Since then, Wellens has apologised for the comments, saying: "At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments."

Many fans have called for the players to be recalled and sent on loan as a result of these comments. Ultimately, the deadline to recall players has since passed. Even if they could, it still does feel best for the players development to stay at Orient. Unprofessional comments, no question, but the players have certainly done well under his management so far. Sending him players from next season onwards is a different story.

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Spurs loan watch: Another big afternoon for loanee in League Two

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In League Two, Spurs loanee George Abbott and his Notts County side were in action away to Gillingham, live on Sky Sports red button for those in the UK. As always, Abbott was named in the starting XI by manager Stuart Maynard.Â

How things went for George Abbott down in the fourth tier

Although Notts had chances to further extend their lead, they would go into the half time interval with a 2-0 lead, and Abbott once again impressing with his all round display in the middle of the park. Â

With ten minutes of the game remaining, the hosts got one back, making for a nervy finish to proceedings. It had been a pretty passive second half performance from Notts to tell the truth. Â

Luckily, Maynard’s side were able to hold on and secure a huge three points down in Kent. That is four wins from their last five league two games, and six wins from their last nine. Â

As touched on above, Notts had to dig in during the second half, and Abbott certainly played his part in that, with a very impressive, tenacious performance. During the 90 minutes, he recorded; 65 touches, eight ground duels won, 2/2 aerial duels won, one foul drawn, one clearance, one blocked shot, two interceptions, 0 times dribbled past, and an absolutely superb seven tackles. He was booked for a foul in stoppage time. Â

Safe to say, things are going really well, both individually and collectively. It is great to see that he will be continuing with Notts for the rest of the season. Sure, he could play at a higher level, but it would feel risky to take him out of a club he is doing so well at. We could even see him playing for Maynard’s side in League One next season – albeit you can see Championship sides being interested in him. At still just 19 years of age, there is no rush at all. Â

This win leaves Notts in the League Two table, with 50 points from their 28 games to date. Next up for the Magpies is a home game against bottom of the table Morecambe next Saturday, in the traditional 15:00 GMT slot. Â

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Spurs loan watch: UK round up

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On Saturday, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees in all three EFL divisions - but also in the National League and up in the Scottish Premiership. Let's take a look at how things went for Luca Gunter at Wealdstone, and Alfie Dorrington at Aberdeen.

How things went for the rest of the Spurs loanees in the UK

To begin, Gunter was named in the Wealdstone starting XI, as they hosted Solihull Moors - who just poached their manager, Matthew Taylor - whom you may remember for scoring a lot of volleys during the Premier League Barclays era.

It would be the dream start for the Stones, whom took the lead after just four minutes of the game. It looked like it was going to be the only goal of the first half, but Solihull equalised just before the break, to send the sides into the interval at 1-1.

Not only did that equaliser end up as the final goal of the first half, it ended up as the final goal of the game, and Wealdstone would have to make do with a point - albeit against a fairly good team. This point was enough to take them out of the bottom four, as they sit in 20th, with 26 points from their 27 games so far.

Meanwhile, North of the border, Dorrington made his first start for Aberdeen, as they travelled to the capital to face Hibernian. Unfortunately, the young Spurs defender could not help arrest the slide, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat, as the wait for a win in the league closes in on a whole three months and counting.

Nevertheless, it was encouraging to see Dorrington start the game. During the game, he made seven clearances, and had over 80 touches of the ball. He had a chance late on, but his header from a corner seven minutes from time was off target in the end.

This defeat leaves Aberdeen fourth in the Scottish Premiership, with 35 points from their 25 games so far, as their horrific form continues.

Next up for Wealdstone is a National League home game against Tamworth this coming Tuesday, the fourth of February, at 19:45 GMT. As for Aberdeen, they will host Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup round of 16 on Sunday, for a 12:30 GMT kick off. The win in the last 32 was their only win in all competitions since the 9th of November.

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Spurs enquire for four Premier League players

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It is safe to say that it has been a disappointing transfer window for Spurs so far, with Antonin Kinsky, whom was done in the first few days - the only signing to date. He has been fine, and it was a needed signing, but it is also remarkable that no outfield signings have been made.

The misery was further compounded when Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel turned down a move to N17, after a loan with a 60 million Euros obligation to buy had been agreed between the two sides.

According to TBR Football, Spurs have "wasted no time" (ironic) in moving on, and are looking at four different Premier League players; Tyler Dibling, Alejandro Garnacho, Christopher Nkunku, and James McAtee.

Spurs looking at four players currently playing in England

Four different players. With Dibling, you have a very dribbly and creative right winger, whom perhaps is not blessed with loads of pace - similar play style to Dejan Kulusevski. With Garnacho, you have a very direct and quick winger, whom is also very raw. The Argentine international can play on both sides, and does suit the touchline winger role.

Meanwhile, Nkunku can play as a number ten or attacking midfielder. You get the feeling that he would play up front for Spurs, at least until Dominic Solanke is back. Meanwhile, James McAtee is certainly a number ten. He may seem the most uninspiring of the four, but he is a seriously good player.

Perhaps this is a lazy comparison, but it does give you the same vibe as Cole Palmer. A young City player who can't quite break into the first XI, that has shown glimpses off the bench and in cup competitions. Has regular Premier League experience from his loan at Sheffield United last season, where he impressed despite playing in such a poor team.

One of the games he got to start in was actually against Spurs in the Carabao Cup, where he again showed glimpses of what he can do, despite losing the game. Albeit against a lower league opposition, he scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Salford last month, before scoring in the Premier League against Ipswich Town off the bench a week later.

The interest in Dibling has been no secret, though that deal could happen in the summer. Nevertheless, Spurs do need signings now too, so let's see what happens with these links. Surely not everyone can reject the club, right?

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AC Milan defender turns down a move to Spurs

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Over the last couple of days, it had become apparent that Tottenham Hotspur were interested in a move for AC Milan and England defender Fikayo Tomori, with the Italian giants willing to sell the 27-year old.

There had been plenty of reports saying that a deal was "advancing" and in the "closing stages". It seems like the fee with Milan was not going to be an issue. However, this morning it was reported that the defender has turned down a move to Spurs, and instead wants to stay at Milan.

Fikayo Tomori turns Tottenham down to stay at AC Milan

For a lot of this season, Tomori has struggled for game time. However, under new manager Sergio Conceicao, the defender has started six out of seven games, becoming much more of a regular than he was under previous manager Paolo Fonseca.

Who knows - perhaps if he was still struggling for regular starts, he would have decided to move back to London. Whatever his reasons are, it is another rejection for Spurs, after it was also confirmed that Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel had turned the club down yesterday.

If this was in the first half of the month, there wouldn't be as much issue. However, owing to how slow Spurs have been in the market, they have three days left to bring someone in. That includes a match day, and only one actual weekday. Not optimal in the slightest, but unfortunately nothing surprising under this regime.

There has now been talk that the club are interested in Axel Disasi from Chelsea, whom has already agreed personal terms with Aston Villa. There is talk that is now up to the player where he wants to go. Although Spurs need bodies, some signings can be worse than no signings, and that would be an absolute disaster.

If you think Radu Dragusin is immobile, wait until you see this guy. Turns like a boat. So slow with zero agility. For a team that defend their own box, i.e. Everton or a team like that, he might be fine. For a team like Spurs though - he would be low hanging fruit for any team with an ounce of space to play into.

Nightmare scenario. This feels like a worse window than the summer of 2018 and winter of 2019, when Spurs literally signed nobody. Let's hope we can all be proved wrong over the next few days. No breath being held here.

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