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Jamie Carragher has namedropped the Tottenham Hotspur star he thinks can help push them over the line towards Premier League safety following their 1-1 draw with Leeds, in a match that left Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi absolutely spitting feathers at referee Jarred Gillett for missing what he claims was a “200% penalty”.

Starting the match a point clear of West Ham in 17th, Tottenham knew a win would put them within touching distance of Premier League survival after the most painful of seasons at N17.

And while they took the lead through an excellent Mathys Tel strike early in the second half, they could not hold on to their lead as the same player caught Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu in the head to earn the visitors a penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin expertly dispatched.

Despite being the central figure in both goals, Carragher is adamant that keeping Tel doing what he does best will be key to keeping Spurs among the elite, with games against Chelsea (away) and Everton (home) still to come.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw widened the gap on West Ham to two points, Carragher said on the penalty concession: “It’s just a crazy decision from Tel. What you think sometimes is we’ve been there as players where you don’t see the opposition player coming in.

“But he’s about to make his decision and he sees him, he looks. So he’s made his decision, but as soon as he knows there’s someone there, it has to change.

“He still has time, he’s got to change his mind. I thought he hadn’t seen him initially, but he has. It’s a really, really poor decision.

“We’re talking about a young attacking player, making two ridiculous decisions in this game.”

Despite that, Carragher added: “De Zerbi will be furious – but he’s got to remember he’s a young attacking player who has actually made a massive difference to Spurs right now.

“He came off the bench at Wolves, got the corner and the winning goal. He set up the second goal at Villa, and he scored the goal tonight.

“He needs him, because they haven’t got players with injuries but there’s a player there. We’ve seen that in the last couple of games.

“You’d be going nuts, but the good at the other end – everything we showed that was good from Spurs in the first half, and then he scored the goal in the second half.

“That’s the art of management, and De Zerbi knows that a lot better than me.”

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De Zerbi rages as referee fails to award penalty for foul on Maddison

In a match that ebbed and flowed, both sides felt harshly done by for failing to be awarded other penalties of their own; Leeds during the first half when Calvert-Lewin was deemed offside after being pulled back by Destiny Udogie; then, in the closing moments when Lukas Nmecha was deemed to have got the feintest of touches on the ball as James Maddison tumbled over his outstretched leg in the box.

That second decision absolutely enraged De Zerbi, who claims the officials were “feeling the pressure” after a similar controversy in the West Ham v Arsenal game a day earlier.

When asked about the decision-making, De Zerbi moaned: “I think they were not calm today, maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday’s Arsenal game.

“For sure we suffered the pressure today. We didn’t play with passion with the ball, too frenetic but also the referee was not calm today.

“I can’t understand the polemic about yesterday’s VAR because it was 200 per cent a foul, not 100 per cent, 200 per cent.”

Despite the anger, Spurs might on Tuesday be reflecting on a solid point against a Leeds side who did not make it easy, despite having their own safety confirmed by West Ham’s loss just a day earlier.

But for an unreal save by Antonin Kinsky – who is enjoying a real redemption arc these past few weeks – Spurs would have been staring down the barrel of a painful loss.

As it was, a point moves them two clear of West Ham – effectively three when factoring in goal difference – and they now face two more pressure games to decide their destiny.

Predicting which of the pair will go, Alan Shearer has also had his say and feels there is a very definite loser between the two London rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have abandoned plans to turn their loan move for Scottish striker James Wilson into a permanent deal, despite hijacking a proposed Arsenal swoop for the forward late in the winter transfer window.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes confirmed that the Gunners had entered talks for the 19-year-old, only for Wilson to opt to move to the white half of north London on Deadline Day instead.

There was certainly plenty of buzz surrounding the transfer, with reports even suggesting that Tottenham moved for Wilson to avenge Arsenal scuppering their hopes of signing Eberechi Eze last summer.

Spurs signed the teenager on an initial loan deal with a £2.5million option to make the transfer official, at a time when their attacking ranks had been hit by multiple injuries.

Indeed, Wilson was actually named in the first team matchday squad for the first couple of games after his arrival, with clear indications that they thought very highly of the player.

However, Wilson never made a senior appearance for the club and Edinburgh News now reports that Tottenham are willing to let him return to Tynecastle after opting against triggering his option to buy.

The news comes as a major surprise, given the efforts Spurs went to beat Arsenal to the forward’s signature, and at a time when they have tried to build their squad around developing young talent.

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Wilson return predicted by Hearts boss

The decision will not have come as a massive surprise to McInnes, though, with the Hearts boss, who is on the brink of ending Celtic and Rangers’ dominance in Scotland, going public at that time by stating Wilson was not ready for a move to Tottenham.

Speaking back in February, McInnes said: “I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been.

“I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something. But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing.

“I don’t think it’s the right move for him. Ultimately, it’s academy football and I think he’s better than that.”

Wilson did show flashes in Premier League 2, scoring four goals in eight appearances, while also helping the club’s Under-21s reach the semifinals of the PL2 play-off. However, it wasn’t enough to convince Tottenham to make a permanent transfer.

Wilson will now head back to Hearts, where he has scored eight goals in 45 senior appearances, although it will be interesting to see if Arsenal renew their own interest in the player this summer.

As for Spurs, they currently have their eyes on other forward options, with reports from Spain over the weekend claiming they are ‘ready’ to pay the release clause for a LaLiga striker.

Alan Shearer believes West Ham United will join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season, having explained in great detail why he thinks Tottenham Hotspur will survive, though Monday’s opponents, Leeds United – now safe themselves – have a very big say on the pair’s destination.

The two sides have battled against the drop for much of the season; West Ham have been down there from virtually matchday one, while an abysmal run of form from Tottenham since the turn of the year has dramatically sucked them right into the mix.

But with Spurs winning their last two at just the right time, they have a grand opportunity to pull four points clear of the Hammers, stuck in 18th after a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, when Roberto De Zerbi’s men take on Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Now Shearer has explained why he thinks Spurs will have enough about them to stay up, hailing the arrival of De Zerbi as inspired and pinpointing that as the moment in the season when everything changed.

Speaking to Chris Cowlin, Shearer said: “Leeds are going to play a huge part in who gets relegated, because they play both Spurs and West Ham.

“It’s fascinating, but I think with what I saw from Spurs last week, they may just have enough now to stay up.

“And I guess with the energy that they showed the other day, I think they’ll have enough to beat Leeds at home. Spurs to win.”

With Spurs long over the struggles endured under Igor Tudor, Shearer added: “Roberto De Zerbi has got a shift out of those players, and you didn’t see any of that six or seven weeks ago.

“It looks like a brilliant move now to bring De Zerbi in when they did, that’s the reason why they did it then, it was to get something different out of the players that they had not been showing, and it looks as if he’s getting that difference now, which they’ve not had for large parts of this season, or for any of the season.”

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Tottenham to stay up? Leeds cannot be underestimated on Monday night

Shearer’s comments go hand in hand with what several pundits were saying about the club, with many now backing them to stay up.

Indeed, it was only a few weeks ago when the likes of Jamie Carragher were predicting Spurs would not win another game, with the Sky Sports man pondering whether they would even see off already demoted Wolves.

But Joao Palhinha’s winner at Molineux that day seems to have stirred something within Tottenham.

Momentum is obviously a huge thing in football and, with seven points from their last three games, they will go into Monday’s clash with Leeds full of confidence.

However, Leeds are not a side to be underestimated and Daniel Farke’s side, now safe themselves after a strong run of form over the second half of the season, will be looking to push on up the table themselves.

Indeed, they can climb to 14th with a win on Monday night and put themselves within striking distance of a top-half finish.

Going into the match, Farke’s side are unbeaten in five Premier League games and have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 away games in the competition, meaning they simply roll over and have their bellies tickled by their hosts.

In fact, arriving at N17 with the pressure off could well suit Leeds United, and they can play with the freedom of knowing their Premier League status is already safe.

Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has detailed De Zerbi’s tactical masterplan that has managed to turn the club’s fortunes around as they prepare for Monday’s crucial game.

Over at West Ham, the Hammers know that relegation will see their very best players plucked away, and one of those attracting plenty of attention could well end up signing for Manchester United amid claims that the Red Devils are ready to ‘intensify’ their efforts to sign the star who dreams of a Bruno Fernandes link-up.

Tottenham are reported to be ‘ready’ to pay the release clause for a LaLiga striker who has netted just seven goals in the Spanish top flight this season.

Spurs’ season still hangs in the balance, as they started the weekend just a point above West Ham, who occupy the final relegation place. The north London club is planning for life still in the Premier League next season, but change is required.

Roberto De Zerbi has his side playing far better footballer than his last two predecessors, but will still want to improve his squad.

With only one man above 10 goals in the Premier League for them this season – Richarlison – up top is the place to start.

Reports in Spain suggest Tottenham are ‘ready’ to pay the €30million (£26m) release clause for Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong.

The report suggests De Zerbi believes the 22-year-old can come in and make an immediate impact in the Spurs attack.

Indeed, the club wants to sign somebody who can immediately adapt to life at the club, and seeing Etta Eyong as that man, they have made initial contact to enquire about his situation.

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Etta Eyong not the finished product

If Tottenham are going to sign a new striker, they should be looking at somebody with Premier League experience, or at least with a good body of work behind them.

Etta Eyong, to this point, is neither. At 22 years old, this is his first full season in LaLiga, after handfuls of appearances here and there, around productive seasons in academy sides.

In 28 LaLiga games this term, the Cameroonian has seven goals and four assists.

That places him below Richarlison for goals, having played only one game fewer. While Etta Eyong certainly has promise, that he’s not yet an established top striker means Tottenham should probably be looking elsewhere.

They’ll need goals to lift them next season and the Cameroonian doesn’t guarantee those at the minute.

That said, Spurs might not have the pulling power to land a big-name striker, providing they stay in the Premier League – and definitely not if they don’t – so they might have to make do with some lesser talents this summer.

Juventus are increasingly confident they will complete a remarkable triple swoop for Premier League stars Alisson Becker, Bernardo Silva and Randal Kolo Muani this summer, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

The Turin giants are pushing aggressively to strengthen their squad ahead of next season and sources indicate talks on all three deals have advanced significantly in recent weeks.

We understand Juventus believe all three players are open to the project, and internal optimism is growing that each transfer can be finalised.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is viewed as one of Juve’s priority targets and, as our sources previously revealed, the Brazilian has already agreed personal terms in principle on a three-year contract.

Sources state Alisson is highly intrigued by the possibility of experiencing Serie A football before the latter stages of his career and discussions over the move have progressed positively.

However, we understand there remains one potential complication.

The 33-year-old could still consider remaining at Liverpool if the Reds present him with a comparable long-term offer and assurances over his status moving forward.

Liverpool themselves are currently assessing their options carefully. While Giorgi Mamardashvili remains highly rated internally, there are concerns within sections of the club that the Georgian may not yet be fully ready to immediately assume the number one role at Anfield.

As a result, Liverpool are already exploring alternative goalkeeper options should Alisson depart this summer and one name linked is Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez.

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Juve closing in on Man City legend, Spurs loanee

Meanwhile, Juventus are also making major progress in their pursuit of Man City star Bernardo Silva.

Our sources can reveal Silva is close to agreeing terms with the Serie A giants, who intend to finalise the deal once their Champions League qualification is mathematically secured.

The Portugal international has attracted interest from clubs across Europe as well as lucrative proposals from the Saudi Pro League and MLS.

Despite those options, sources indicate Silva is extremely keen on the idea of joining Juventus and testing himself in Italian football.

Juve view the versatile midfielder as a marquee addition capable of adding experience, creativity and leadership to the squad.

The third player Juventus are working to bring in is Randal Kolo Muani.

The France international enjoyed a successful loan spell in Turin last season and both the player and the club are eager to reunite permanently.

Our sources indicate that negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain are already at an advanced stage and discussions with the player’s representatives have also progressed smoothly.

Kolo Muani is fully open to returning to Juventus and the Italian side are increasingly optimistic an agreement can be reached.

Tottenham, where the striker spent time on loan this season, are prepared to move on from the 27-year-old following a disappointing Premier League campaign in which he has managed just one league goal to date.

Juventus now believe all three deals are achievable and confidence is growing internally that one of the biggest transfer statements of the summer could soon take shape in Turin.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has detailed how new boss Roberto De Zerbi has managed to turn the club’s fortunes around, although they are far from out of the woods just yet.

Spurs have won their last two games to jump out of the relegation zone at the expense of West Ham, who host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday in a crunch clash that has massive implications at both ends of the table.

A point clear with only three games remaining, Tottenham can put real daylight between themselves and the Hammers, depending on how they fair on Sunday, if they can beat Leeds United at home in the Monday Night Football.

That will be easier said than done against a Leeds side that have won three of their last four league outings to close in on guaranteed survival, while Spurs’ home form has been nothing short of disastrous all season.

That being said, De Zerbi has clearly made a big impact on the players since replacing interim boss Igor Tudor, with the north London outfit unbeaten in their last three games, and Bentancur has detailed why things have turned around under the Italian.

The Uruguay international who has been one of the standout performers under De Zerbi since returning after three months out with a hamstring, told Spurs Play, when asked what the new manager has brought to the team: “I think the energy. When Roberto came in, he tried to change the energy and mentality to feel positive things again, and he worked a lot on this.

“I think we changed, the players understood the situation, and now, after you go back to winning games, the energy changes a lot, and we feel really good.

“I think we changed a lot in the last few weeks with Roberto. He adapted to the characteristics of the players, and after four or five weeks, you can now see in the games that we have changed a lot.

“Roberto tries to work on a positive mentality and positive aspects. He said, ‘You guys play really good, now we need to start playing again.’ He worked really well on the tactical aspect, and with the ball, he is amazing. We work during the week and try to do the same in the games.

“I think against Aston Villa we showed how we want to play, so we want to continue with this.”

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Bentancur raves over Tottenham ‘machine’

Meanwhile, Bentancur has labelled Spurs teammate Pedro Porro a “machine” as the right-back prepares to make his 150th appearance for the club in Monday night’s clash with Leeds.

Porro has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in recent years, while also managing to avoid the injury curse that has affected so many of his teammates.

And speaking about the Spain international ahead of the Leeds game, Bentancur added: “Pedro is a machine. 150 games is incredible and also a young player, you know, but I have a really good relationship with him.

“My family, with his family, we have barbecues at home on the children’s birthdays. He is a really good person and this is the most important thing for me.

“When I arrived here, he arrived after and we speak the same language, it felt really good.

“He is a top professional. He works very, very well every day here [at the training ground], at home, so he deserves this moment and he needs to enjoy it because he is still a young player and has a top future.”

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have converged on Roma star Wesley, and his future could be ‘decided’ by a second player, according to a report.

Wesley gained promotion to Flamengo’s first team in January 2023 and went on to make 136 senior appearances for the club, earning a €30million (£26m) switch to Roma last summer. He largely operated as a right-back at Flamengo but has shown his versatility with Roma, shining as a wing-back on either flank.

Wesley has chipped in with five goals and two assists in 37 games for Roma during his debut season, helping his side go fifth in Serie A and challenge for Champions League qualification.

Calciomercato state that Wesley’s first year in Italy has been ‘nothing short of astonishing’, which has seen him ‘captivate half of Europe’.

The six-cap Brazil international has seen his transfer value ‘more than double’, to over €60m (£52m).

Juventus ‘regret’ not signing Wesley, as he could secure another move this summer. The report reveals Arsenal and Tottenham are both showing interest in him.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United have all been impressed by the player’s performances this term, too.

The ‘deciding factor’ in Wesley’s future will be Tino Livramento, as Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea are all chasing the Newcastle full-back.

So if Arsenal miss out on Livramento to City, for example, the Gunners will likely step up their pursuit of Wesley.

We revealed on April 18 that City are open to paying a world-record fee for Livramento.

Sources told us in January that City and Spurs had been presented with the opportunity to land Wesley as Roma are considering sales to help fund attacking signings.

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Wesley could replace Ben White at Arsenal

We confirmed on March 21 that Arsenal hold ‘significant’ interest in the 22-year-old after sanctioning Ben White’s exit.

Wesley is among five right-backs on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist as White edges closer to leaving.

Meanwhile, a pundit has named Arsenal as the ‘perfect’ next club for Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe amid the absolute chaos at the Bernabeu.

We understand Arsenal and Man Utd are on alert after Atletico Madrid abandoned one particular transfer hunt.

Tottenham Hotspur are determined to keep hold of highly-rated young centre-back Luka Vuskovic next season, amid growing Barcelona interest, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

The north London club are preparing to offer the 19-year-old Croatian a significantly improved salary in a bid to ward off growing interest from Europe’s elite.

Vuskovic, who joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in 2025 and was immediately loaned to Hamburg, has impressed during his time in the Bundesliga.

Standing at 1.93m, the towering defender has showcased composure, aerial dominance and ball-playing ability that have marked him out as one of the brightest defensive prospects in European football. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with multiple clubs circling ahead of the summer window.

According to sources close to the club, Tottenham’s hierarchy view Vuskovic as a key part of their long-term defensive plans.

Director of football Johan Lange has already held talks with the player in Hamburg, signalling the club’s commitment. A bumper pay rise is on the table, reflecting both his rapid development and Spurs’ desire to tie him down to the existing deal, which runs until 2030.

However, the situation remains fluid.

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Barcelona stepping up Vuskovic chase

Barcelona have made fresh contact in recent days as they look to bolster their backline, while other top clubs continue to monitor the teenager’s progress.

Despite the external interest, Spurs are understood to be unwilling to sanction a sale, particularly if they avoid relegation and can offer him a pathway into the first team under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Vuskovic himself has previously hinted at a return to north London, stating he expects to be a Tottenham player again after his loan spell, however, that is unlikely if they end up in the Championship.

For a club often criticised for failing to nurture homegrown or early-acquired talent, retaining the Croatian could represent a significant statement of intent.

With the Premier League campaign reaching its climax, much may depend on Spurs’ final position. Should they remain in the top flight, officials believe the new offer will prove tempting enough to convince Vuskovic to commit his future to the club.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi would love to work with Jan Paul van Hecke at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sources tell TEAMtalk, but Liverpool have made a move to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion defender.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Brighton face a growing battle to keep hold of their standout centre-back, Van Hecke.

The 25-year-old Netherlands international has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League, with several top clubs expressing serious interest in his signature.

Van Hecke has been a rock at the heart of Brighton’s defence, earning praise for his composure on the ball, aerial prowess and leadership qualities.

Having joined the Seagulls from NAC Breda in 2020 for a modest fee, Van Hecke has developed into a key player.

The defender’s contract with Brighton runs until June 2027, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Brighton have made several attempts to tie him down to improved terms, but the defender is understood to be eyeing the “next step” in his career at a higher level.

Liverpool have recently entered the fray, making initial contact with Van Hecke’s representatives.

The Premier League club’s manager, Arne Slot, is said to view the Netherlands international as an ideal addition to bolster the Reds’ backline.

Tottenham Hotspur are also stepping up their pursuit of the Brighton star.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke at Brighton and is very keen on a reunion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This personal connection could give Spurs a crucial edge in negotiations.

Not only that, but Van Hecke is close friends with Netherlands international teammate and Spurs centre back Micky van de Ven.

Landing Van Hecke would also potentially help Spurs keep hold of Van de Ven.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, reported this week that Van Hecke would be open to working with De Zerbi at Tottenham.

However, if Tottenham get relegated from the Premier League, then the north London club will be out of the race for the Dutchman.

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Chelsea and Newcastle United target Jan Paul van Hecke

Meanwhile, Chelsea have shown growing interest in Van Hecke, with enquiries already made as the London club look to strengthen their defensive options.

However, sources have told us that Chelsea’s interest in Van Hecke is “very early”.

Newcastle United remain long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, having monitored the player across multiple windows and positioning themselves as strong contenders.

The Magpies, though, would not be ahead of other contenders as it stands, according to sources.

Brighton are braced for substantial bids, with reports suggesting a valuation in the region of £60million.

While Brighton would prefer to retain the Dutch star, interest from multiple Premier League rivals makes a departure increasingly likely.

Van Hecke’s performances this season have only heightened his appeal.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to battle Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the growing race to sign a highly-rated Serie A midfielder who will add much-needed physicality to their engine room this summer.

Spurs have had issues finding the right balance in their midfield throughout the season, specifically under Thomas Frank and then interim boss Igor Tudor, although that department has emerged with a little more credit since Roberto De Zerbi walked through the door.

The Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur axis that looked too one-dimensional and lacking in athleticism under Frank earlier in the campaign, ran all over a very poor Aston Villa side at the weekend.

But with mixed reports on whether Tottenham will turn Palhinha’s loan into a permanent move, and Yves Bissouma also expected to move on, the club are expected to add stronger competition for the defensive midfield position.

And a fresh report from Italy claims that Parma midfielder Mandela Keita has emerged as a major option for De Zerbi ahead of the summer window.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has excelled during his time with the Serie A side, with his physicality and technical attributes tipped to make him a major success in English football.

Italian outlet TuttoAtalanta has detailed how Keita could ‘develop into a star for Tottenham with the right guidance’, and that the player would be a ‘quality long-term investment’.

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Tottenham facing Villa battle for Parma standout

The report adds that the Parma star would also relish the chance to play in England and the opportunity to ‘test himself against top-class players’, assuming of course that Spurs manage to maintain their Premier League status.

Tottenham are not the only club showing interest on Keita, however, with the report also detailing interest from Aston Villa, with the two clubs ‘ready to launch a multi-million dollar international bidding war’ for the player.

Villa could be in need of their own midfield reinforcements, as they close in on Champions League football next season and the demands on Unai Emery’s squad that will bring.

As for Parma’s stance on selling, while they do not want to lose Keita, the Serie A will consider parting ways should they receive an attractive offer.

As to what sort of price tag Tottenham and Villa could be looking at, the TuttoAtalanta report does not specify, although Keita, who is under contract until 2029, is currently valued at just €18million (£15.5m / $21m) on Transfermarkt.