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Leeds United interested in Spurs defender

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According to Ben Jacobs, who was speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United are interested in trying to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies.

Leeds United looking at versatile Tottenham Hotspur defender

Speaking on the pod, Jacobs said: "With Ben Davies, I think that he will also be gone. And the same for Fraser Forster as well. With Davies, the natural thing is to run down the contract. Leeds United remain interested. So that could be one to watch in the coming weeks."

Should any deal happen, he could partner former Spurs centre back Joe Rodon in the heart of the Leeds defence, or play close to him as a left-back. There has been plenty of recent permanent business between the two clubs, with the deal for Rodon, as well as the deal that saw Archie Gray move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.

That said, Spurs would be crazy to allow a deal to happen, seriously crazy. He is out of contract in the summer, and 32 this year - any deal would be a very small fee, almost certainly south of 5 million pounds. For that sort of money, you may as well just keep him for six months, and allow him to go on a free transfer this summer.

Although injured at the moment, Davies has consistently provided cover at both left-back and centre-back. There has never been any talk of him complaining at a lack of game time. It is hard to find cover players who are happy with not being a regular starter. Spurs need to bring in defenders, not lose them. This would not make any sense whatsoever.

Also, Spurs have a pretty young squad. They have a lot of teenagers, as well as players in their early 20's. Having the experience and knowhow of Davies in the dressing room is pretty important for squad dynamics.

Perhaps there will be people reading this and thinking "none of that is anything to do with football". The reality is, there is more to building a squad than just having top players. Intangibles have always been important in football. Plus, it's not like ability wise he is some lower league player. He would not have been playing in the Premier League for 13 years if he had no ability.

Let's wait and see what happens, but this feels like a bit of a strange link, even in today's age of crazy rumours.

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Spurs set to bid for Italy international

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According to a report from Italian outlet TV Play, Tottenham Hotspur are readying an offer "in the region" of 32 million Euros in order to test Inter Milan's resolve. They further state that the player "is open" to a move to Spurs.

Spurs ready to make a bid for Inter Milan and Italy star

It should be caveated that Serie A side AS Roma are also interested in the player, with the player being born in Rome, and having spent three years in the academy - so a move there could be more tempting than a move to England.

Said this quite a few times, amidst all the previous links, but this fit is a slightly strange one. He is a very good player. but a number eight, box to box midfielder type. Spurs really need a more combative number six type, someone of the profile of Johnny Cardoso of Real Betis, someone whom they have an option to buy for a modest fee this summer.

One thing that Frattesi would offer Spurs, compared to some of their midfielders, is a goal scoring threat. So far in Serie A this season, the midfielder has scored three goals in just 595 minutes of action. Last season, he scored six goals in just 951 total league minutes.

The goals from midfield this year have improved somewhat, with James Maddison having scored eight league goals, twice as many as he got last season, in around 1000 fewer minutes. We have also seen Dejan Kulusevski add five goals, whilst playing as a midfielder in most games.

Another positive from Frattesi is that, you would have noticed by the amount of minutes he has played, that he has not played much this season, with just four league starts. Spurs have not been able to rotate their team too much this campaign, and can look absolutely shattered at times. Not only does the 25-year old midfielder add more depth, but he has way fewer minutes in the legs, so in theory should be able to play as many minutes as he is needed to from now until the end of the season.

Although Ange's side no need a defender, a forward, and probably a defensive midfielder more than a central midfielder, if they can get at least two of those players in, as well as Frattesi - then the signing of the Italian international will look a lot better, you feel. We will see if the potential signing is as well as, or instead of those needed positions.

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Tottenham legends to play game in late March

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It has been confirmed that Spurs legends will face off against AC Milan Glorie in a charity game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, the 23rd of March, with kick off for the game being 14:00 GMT.

Spurs legends set to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Confirmed players for the game include; Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Dawson, Sandro, and Heurelho Gomes, with the rest of the players set to take part to be announced in due course.

Fans have given their opinion on who they would also like to see involved, with Mousa Dembele and Gareth Bale amongst the most popular of suggestions. Some fans will remember back in January of 2017, during the finals season at White Hart Lane, that he could not wait to play at the new stadium.

In the end, due to all of the delays in moving, he was not able to - as he was sold to Guangzhou Evergrande, three months before the opening game at home to Crystal Palace on the 4th of April 2019. So, not only did he not get to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his final games for the club were not even at White Hart Lane, yet in a pretty soulless Wembley Stadium.

So, for him to, finally, get the opportunity to play there would just be incredible to see, even in a friendly. As for Bale, well, we did get to see him play at the 'new' ground, but from the TV. Typically, the season he did come back, nobody was in the ground to see it. To see a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium watch him play, would be pretty cool.

The game comes in the international break, so the chances of seeing active players, such as Harry Kane - who will have games for the England national team two days before, and a day after this game, is highly improbable. However, anybody retired, should in theory, have a fair chance.

Earlier this week, we saw Robbie Keane take up the vacancy at Hungarian side Ferencvaros, but with it being an international break, it may be possible to see him take part. Steven Gerrard took part in a charity game for Liverpool whilst manager of Aston Villa, during an international break - albeit much less travel there. Still, let's hope so anyway.

Would be kind of awkward if Joe Jordan and Gennaro Gattuso were both there. Would also be pretty funny in fairness. In all seriousness, this is for a great cause, and should be a great day. Let's hope Spurs have overcome their international break hoodoo against Fulham the week before, so everyone is in an even better mood for it.

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How Spurs could line up against Tamworth

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This Sunday, we will see Tottenham Hotspur begin their 24/25 FA Cup journey, as they face National League side Tamworth FC on the road. Their hosts have beaten two League One opponents to get this far, and will know they have absolutely nothing to lose this weekend.

Without sounding patronising, this is a great opportunity for Spurs to rotate, amongst an absolutely packed schedule. Given the lack of numbers Ange has available, there will be some first team players who have little choice but to play, yet there will be some that are given some much needed rest.

How could Tottenham line up against Tamworth this Sunday

We can expect Antonin Kinsky to start in goal, with Ange confirming as much on Friday. Most fans wouldn't have been annoyed had Brandon Austin started, giving him a chance to grab a win in a Spurs shirt, but this does make sense. Ange alluded to the fact prior to joining Spurs, Kinsky had not played much football, and this was a chance to continue getting him into the swing of things.

With a lot of players injured, and some requiring rest for this game, having your best available player in one of your positions, and furthermore one that has less of a physical toll, feels the generally sensible thing to do, you would feel.

At right-back, it would be sup optimal to have Pedro Porro or Djed Spence playing. We have seen Porro already play a big amount of minutes this season, and Spence is playing every week for the first time in three years - which could yield an injury - if Spurs are not careful about the situation.

However, Maxwell McKnight, a regular for the U21s, started for the U21s on Friday night, therefore it is highly improbable that he would start here. So, Porro or Spence? Whilst neither are ideal, Porro has played a crazy amount of minutes this season, and Spence did miss the game against Wolves. So, this one goes to Spence.

At centre-back, a duo of Alfie Dorrington and Radu Dragusin feels like it should be the play. We have seen Archie Gray go from not playing in the Premier League, to playing every single game. Another game here would feel a bit much, particularly as he will be needed for the North London derby next week. This is a good chance for Dorrington to make his first start for the club.

As for Dragusin, ideally he could also get some rest, as he is another player who has gone from not playing to playing every single week, which again, may cause an injury at some point. The reality is that there is not really any other choice. You could go with another U21, but this is an opposition who have beaten EFL sides. Also, Tamworth's biggest threat is giant throws. Spurs could do with box threat for this one.

Then, at left-back. It is time. Incredibly. Just a few months shy away from three years since his last start for the club, this is the time for Sergio Reguilon to start again. Everybody knows he will be off in the summer, but whilst he is here, you may as well use him to rest others. As mentioned above, Spence could do with some rest, and this feels like the perfect game to just play Reguilon.

Into midfield. Ange did hint that there may not be too much rotation, given the lack of available players. The midfield feels like it will be the strongest part of the side here, in terms of first team personnel. We saw Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison both miss the Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Liverpool, so they are less fatigued than others.

Especially when it comes to Maddison, who has been a sub in the previous three Premier League games. That too, and he has had zero England call ups this season, so has been getting rest in during the international breaks. This is quite different to Dejan Kulusevski, for example, who is clearly in need of some rest as soon as possible.

The final spot, however, could go to an academy player. There was hope that Tyrese Hall would travel, but he started for the U21s on Friday night. However, Callum Olusei, who has been on the first team bench for a couple of months now, was not involved, which could suggestion involvement, in some way or another, in this game.

As for the attack, we could see Brennan Johnson start, given his lack of starts recently, though he may as well have against Liverpool. It is possible Yang Min-hyeok starts, though you feel it is a little bit too soon. It feels like a game that Ange will use Timo Werner in, for similar reasons to Reguilon. Yet, it also feels like a good chance to get Mikey Moore up to speed after so long out.

So, with it being perhaps a bit early for Min-hyeok, and Johnson having played in an intense game on Wednesday night, it feels possible that both players start. Werner on the left, Moore on the right. The same as it was in the Europa League victory over Ferencvaros back in October. It is hugely important that Heung-Min Son, finally, gets some rest for this one.

To complete the front three that started that night, Ange will surely go with Will Lankshear down the middle. The only player that needs more rest than Son, is Dominic Solanke, who has played 1020 of the last 1080 minutes. Ange has even said he needs some help. This is a perfect opportunity to give him some rest, and a perfect chance to give Lankshear a start, and hopefully see him grab a goal or two in the process.

Possible XI against Tamworth; Kinsky; Spence, Dragusin, Dorrington, Reguilon; Sarr, Olusei, Maddison; Moore, Lankshear, Werner.

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou provides update on Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury

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Tottenham’s preparations for the FA Cup clash against Tamworth took an unexpected turn as manager Ange Postecoglou provided an important update on Rodrigo Bentancur.

The midfielder, who has been a vital part of the squad, is now set to miss some crucial games due to a recent injury.

The Lilywhites are coming off a morale-boosting victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final, breaking a four-match winless streak.

However, with several key players already sidelined, Bentancur’s absence adds to Tottenham’s growing list of unavailable stars.

As the team gears up for a string of high-stakes matches, Postecoglou’s latest comments have given fans a clear picture of what to expect.

While James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr return from suspension, Bentancur’s situation requires a more cautious approach.

Ange Postecoglou delivers update on Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury

Rodrigo Bentancur sustained a head injury during a recent match while attempting a diving header, sparking immediate concerns about his health.

Postecoglou confirmed in his press conference that the midfielder suffered a concussion but reassured fans that the issue was not severe.

Speaking to the Tottenham media team, Postecoglou said: "It looks like a concussion but nothing more than that, he was in the hospital, obviously, and they did all of the tests in terms of checking, making sure everything is okay.

"And all good. He is back home. He is fine. He is feeling good. We'll obviously follow the protocols now. I think it is a couple of weeks where you have to make sure everything is okay."

As a result, Bentancur will miss the FA Cup tie against Tamworth, the North London Derby against Arsenal, the Premier League fixture at Everton, and potentially the Europa League encounter with Hoffenheim.

Tottenham will monitor his progress closely as he follows the required concussion protocols.

Who else is on Tottenham’s injury list?

Tottenham’s injury woes continue, with Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie all unavailable for selection.

The club recently ended their winless streak with a spirited performance against Liverpool, thanks to a decisive goal by Lucas Bergvall.

Meanwhile, Tamworth, Tottenham’s FA Cup opponents, are struggling in the National League and have failed to win in their last three games.

Despite their challenges, Spurs must now navigate this period with a depleted squad, making Bentancur’s absence even more significant.

With high-stakes fixtures ahead, Tottenham will need to rely on their depth and resilience to maintain momentum in Bentancur’s absence.

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Spurs have sent reps to France for three different players

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According to San Diego based transfer journalist Dean Jones, Spurs have sent reps to France to look at three different players - Angel Gomes, Andy Diouf, and Randal Kolo Muani.

Transfer journalist gives a Tottenham Hotspur window update

Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, where Jones said Spurs need to "win the transfer window" more than any other club, he said the following: "They are on the, I say on the verge of signing Kolo Muani [not quite that far], but they are in the discussion to sign Kolo Muani, which is an initial loan deal. PSG want there to be some sort of obligation to sign Kolo Muani for around 60 million Euros.

They [Tottenham] aren't going to do an obligation, because they don't want to get burned on it, and there's a chance he's like Timo Werner or something. I know Werner hasn't got an obligation, and it's just as well, because they wouldn't be very happy with that, and you know don't really know that Kolo Muani is definitely going to fit in.

But if there's an option in it [the loan], I suppose they're definitely open to the idea of signing him. Whereas some of the other teams in for him, like Juventus, aren't so much." After some talk about Kolo Muani being in an important stage of his career, he finished the discourse on him with: "At least we know Tottenham are going to go and look for a player in their attack."

"They're also looking at central midfielders [as well as attackers], I don't think it's going to be anyone earth shattering. They've looked at Angel Gomes, who obviously becomes a free agent in the summer.

I think primarily that's what they're trying to trigger at the moment, just to get him in as that free agent to come in the summer - but I know there's also been some inclination as to like, but what about now? What about if you came now? Because obviously he wouldn't cost that much to get in now.

Ultimately, Jones did not elaborate who the said inclination to move a deal to January is from, i.e from the fanbase or the club, but he reports his inside information, so you can have at least cautious optimism that he meant from the club regarding that.

He continued: They've also looked at a few others [in France]. There's another player in Ligue 1 called Andy Diouf that they've been scouting for quite a long time." When his co-host said he "likes Diouf a lot", Jones continued: "Do you? I mean, I've never seen him play, but I've written about him a lot because Tottenham have been tracking him, for, well, they've probably been tracking him for a long time.

Tottenham sense an opportunity in both of those players that are playing in Ligue 1, to go and get them right now, before others get on board. And I know they've had representatives in France this week for all three of those deals - Kolo Muani, Gomes, and Diouf - and it's because they're having to move fast, becase I think they just know that this is desperate times, desperate measures, and that it seems like they're trying to support Ange Postecoglu."

An encouraging update, even if not anything crazy. There has been plenty of noise around Kolo Muani this month, and Gomes in recent months. Let's see what happens with those two and Diouf over the coming weeks. It feels like the possibility could be Kolo Muani, and then one of Gomes or Diouf. To sign all three, including two midfielders - to go along with Antonin Kinsky, and a potential defender? Feels a bit unlikely - but two of those players, Kinsky. and a defender feels possible.

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FC Barcelona’s free transfer bid for Tottenham captain ruled out

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Tottenham supporters were left wondering about Heung-Min Son’s future at the club earlier this season, as the South Korean star’s contract was approaching its final months.

With Barcelona reportedly eyeing a potential move for the Tottenham captain, Spurs were under pressure to make a decision.

However, recent developments have made one thing clear: Son’s stay at North London is secured for the foreseeable future.

Tottenham Hotspur have officially triggered the option to extend Heung-min Son’s contract by another year, ensuring he will remain at the club until at least the summer of 2026.

With his current contract set to expire in June 2025, this move has effectively removed any chance of Son leaving for free in the near future.

FC barcelona targeted Heung-Min Son as a free transfer option

There had been mounting speculation that Barcelona could swoop in for the striker once his contract entered its final six months.

According to The Sun, the Catalan club, facing financial constraints, were reportedly eyeing free transfer options for next summer, and Son was one of their top targets.

However, Tottenham’s decision to extend the player’s contract means that Barcelona, or any other club, will now be unable to secure him for free.

Tottenham’s move was somewhat expected, as Spurs were always likely to extend Son’s contract. Even if the club were looking to sell, extending the deal would help maintain his value.

With the extension in place, it’s unlikely that any club would be able to land the 32-year-old for free before 2026.

A strategic move by Tottenham

While this contract extension removes the threat of a free transfer, it’s likely that Tottenham could still enter into talks with Son regarding a longer-term deal.

His form on the pitch has fluctuated this season, but Son remains one of the club’s most influential players. A new two- or three-year deal could be on the horizon, offering both Son and the club more stability.

In terms of statistics, Son’s impact on the pitch is undeniable. Despite his struggles at times, he remains a key figure in Tottenham’s attack, contributing with goals and assists in crucial moments.

As for Barcelona, they may have to look elsewhere for a forward, with Tottenham locking in Son for at least the next few years.

The extension ensures that the club retains a pivotal player for the upcoming seasons, with the possibility of further negotiations down the line.

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Negotiations between Tottenham and Randal Kolo Muani appear 'all but sealed'

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Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to completing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

The French forward has been a top target for the North London club, who are looking to strengthen their attack this month.

Following a series of discussions, it seems the move could be finalised sooner than expected.

In recent weeks, the transfer saga surrounding Kolo Muani has generated significant buzz, with several outlets confirming that Tottenham have been in talks with the player.

The 26-year-old is highly regarded, and Spurs have made him their primary striker target for this window.

Tottenham is close to securing Randal Kolo Muani

Reports now suggest that the deal could be almost done, with personal terms said to be close to being agreed upon.

The latest reports indicate that Tottenham are working diligently to wrap up the signing of Kolo Muani. According to TBR Football and quoted by The Spurs Web, Spurs have been 'pushing hard' to finalise the deal over the past 48 hours.

The club’s technical director, Johan Lange, is reportedly leading the charge and is determined to bring the striker to Tottenham, believing that he could play a pivotal role in leading the team into a new era.

An agreement with Kolo Muani himself seems to be 'all but sealed,' with discussions having been described as fruitful.

However, despite the progress with the player, negotiations with PSG are still to be initiated. While the French champions are open to loaning the striker out, they are seeking a deal that includes an obligation to buy.

The deal with PSG: What’s next?

Tottenham, for their part, is reportedly open to such an arrangement but would prefer the obligation to be conditional, based on the striker’s performance targets.

It’s clear that Tottenham are keen on adding Kolo Muani to their squad. However, there are still important details to be ironed out with PSG.

The Parisians are willing to loan the player, but they are eager to include a clause that would see the deal become permanent under certain conditions.

Tottenham’s stance on the matter is that the obligation to buy should be linked to specific performance goals.

Kolo Muani has shown his quality in recent seasons, and it’s no wonder that Tottenham are pushing so hard to land him.

If the deal goes through, the 26-year-old could be an exciting addition to the squad and help bolster the team’s attacking options for the remainder of the season.

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Target dates set for three Spurs players

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According to WeAreTottenhamTV, there are target return dates for Tottenham Hotspur duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. The former is targeting a return on the 27th of January, whilst the latter is targeting a return on the 20th of January.

Targets set for three different Tottenham Hotspur players

During the Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City back at the end of October, we saw van de Ven pull his hamstring around ten minutes in, having been deployed at left-back for that game. The defender's 79 minutes played in the defeat to Chelsea on the 8th of December, is the only game he has played since then. Taking that game out, he has been out of action for longer than the hamstring injury that kept him out of action for two months last season.

As for Romero, he picked up a foot injury on international duty, when Argentina lost to Paraguay. His 15 minutes in that defeat to Chelsea, are, again, the only minutes he has played since that game. Pretty suboptimal all round.

So, should van de Ven be available from the 27th - he would miss the games against Tamworth, Arsenal, Everton, Hoffenheim and Leicester, with a view to being back for the Europa League game against Elfsborg on the 30th of January.

Then, should Romero be back for the 20th, he would also miss the games against Tamworth, Arsenal, and Everton - but could in theory be back for the Europa League game against Hoffenheim on the 23rd of January.

It cannot be overstated enough how important is that they are 100% back. Spurs cannot risk aggravating their injuries by bringing them back too soon. This is not saying Ange did this in the game against Chelsea, it is not worth bringing that divided debate up again, it is just simply crucial that it does not happen on this occasion.

They are, undoubtedly, the club's best centre backs, and in turn, best duo - but would you rather lose them for an extra couple of games - or an extra couple of months? It is so important that they are both available for the Carabao Cup semi final second leg against Liverpool. Whilst Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray performed admirably in the first leg, this is the club's biggest game for years, and they will need their best available XI for the game.

Also, it was also suggested that Wilson Odobert is targeting a return on the 10th of February. Now that seriously is one not to rush. That cameo against AZ Alkmaar is his only appearance since the middle of September. Spurs are going to need depth in the business end of the season, including Odobert. This one feels ambitious, given some other reports.

Finally, whilst Guglielmo Vicario's return is TBC, "likely February" was also reported, so let's see.

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Spurs evaluating three midfielders this month

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As per a recent report from sports journalist Rudy Galetti, Spurs are evaluating midfielders; Johnny Cardoso, Nicolo Fagioli, and Davide Frattesi in this January transfer window.

Spurs looking at three midfielders during winter window

All three players have been linked to a move to North London before this window. In December, we saw links to Frattesi and Fagioli, whilst there have been clear links to Cardoso, due to Spurs having an option to buy the player for a little over 20 million this summer, in an agreement reached during the sale of Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis at the end of the summer transfer window.

Howver, there has been interest in Cardoso from other clubs this window, which may force Spurs' hands to make sure nobody gets there before they can. The midfielder has been seriously impressive for Betis this campaign, and was particularly singled out for praise after a performance in his side's win over high flying Atletico Madrid.

Out of the three players mentioned, the USMNT international is the closest fit to what this current Spurs side need. He is the closest profile to a defensive midfielder, who is capable of winning the ball back and has good off the ball stats. Whilst they are fine players, they are more box to box, number eight type of players, which is not the biggest priority for Spurs at this moment in time.

Let's look at the defensive stats. In La Liga, Cardoso makes; 1.7 interceptions per game, 1.9 tackles per game, 4.8 ball recoveries per game, and 2.6 clearances per game. In Serie A, Frattesi makes 0.1 interceptions per game, 0.6 tackles per game, 1.6 ball recoveries per game, and 0.1 clearances per game.

Finally, also in Serie A, Fagioli averages; 0.1 interceptions per game, 0.9 tackles per game, 2.2 ball recoveries per game, and 0.3 clearances per game. To caveat, Cardoso does play 67 minutes per game, Frattesi 43, and Fagioli 37 - but even if you were to make it per 90, the former is clearly the best midfielder off the ball of the 3.

That is more so what Spurs need. They already have a lot of technical ability in the midfield, and the plan long term will be to move Archie Gray there, having currently covered at centre back for so long. If they were to go for either of the two Italian midfielders, Frattesi would feel the most useful, given his goalscoring ability from midfield. As good as he is, Fagioli just really struggles to fit.

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