TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly have to pay £10million in compensation if they choose to try and replace under-pressure boss Ange Postecoglou with a rival Premier League manager.

Despite a win in the Europa League at Hoffenheim on Thursday that puts Spurs in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages, Postecoglou remains in trouble given the club’s woeful Premier League form.

One win in their last 10 outings sees Tottenham currently sitting 15th in the table, just eight points above the drop zone as they prepare to take on 19th-placed Leicester on Sunday in what is now a must-win game for Postecoglou.

As we’ve previously reported, former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Bournemouth chief Andoni Iraola are all on the club’s shortlist if they do decide to end Postecoglou’s tenure.

However, former Spurs scout Bryan King, speaking to Tottenham News, would be surprised to see the latter move to north London given the job he is currently doing on the south coast – especially given the compensation it would cost his old club.

“It would cost Spurs £10m to go and get Iraola,” King said.

“However, Bournemouth are in a good position. Therefore, why would you want to disrupt your club just because a big club are in trouble? If Spurs are going to bring in a new manager, I think it would need to be someone from outside of the Premier League.”

TT have been told that Postecoglou still has the backing of Daniel Levy and the board, given the ridiculous injury crisis, although results need to improve domestically to stay in his current role.

Tottenham have a massive few weeks coming up as they look to book a place in the Carabao Cup final, as well as passage to the Europa knockout phase.

Following the Leicester clash, Premier League games against Brentford, Manchester United, Ipswich and Manchester City could shape whether they end up in a proper relegation battle or start pushing for a top-half finish.

Postecoglou blamed for struggles as Levy defended

Meanwhile, former Tottenham chief executive Claude Littner has revealed why he thinks Danel Levy is not the man to blame for the club’s struggles this season and that the buck should squarely sit with Postecoglou.

A section of Spurs fans have been calling for Levy’s exit for some time and were particularly vocal at the end of last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

Littner was recently interacting with a number of Spurs supporters on X, with many of the conversations revolving around Levy’s running of the club and how the squad is built.

During Tottenham’s defeat to Everton, one fan asked Littner to ‘have a word with Levy and tell him to fire Ange’. Littner responded with ‘he knows’, indicating that the Tottenham chairman appears to have lost faith in the Australian.

When another supporter suggested Levy was equally responsible for Tottenham’s failings, Littner offered a strong statement in support of the 62-year-old.

Posting on his X account, he wrote: “I do not see Daniel as part of the problem. He has put Spurs in a very firm financial position. We now need a manager with the experience and know-how to overcome our shortcomings and challenge for Honours.”

Latest Tottenham news: Midfield target transfer boost / Delap deal still on

Tottenham have reportedly been given a major boost in their bid to sign an England midfielder who has been heavily linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham.

Midfield is an area Spurs are looking to improve, especially given the continued inconsistent performances of Yves Bissouma in the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s engine room.

One player they continue to monitor is Lille midfield talent Angel Gomes and a fresh report from GIVEMESPORT suggests they are in pole position to strike a deal for the Englishman.

The report states that the 24-year-old is keen to embark on a fresh challenge in north London instead of making a return to Old Trafford or a switch to the London Stadium.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are still desperate to sign another striker this month and are continuing to chase Ipswich standout Liam Delap, although two potential issues with a deal in January could force Daniel Levy to pull the plug.

Tottenham have reportedly been given a major boost in their bid to sign an England midfielder who has been heavily linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham.

Midfield is an area Spurs are looking to improve, especially given the continued inconsistent performances of Yves Bissouma in the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s engine room.

Bissouma is currently one of a number of Tottenham players on the sidelines through injury, with the club actively looking to bring in reinforcements before the February 3 cut-off point.

One player they continue to monitor is Lille midfield talent Angel Gomes and a fresh report from GIVEMESPORT suggests they are in pole position to strike a deal for the Englishman.

The report states that the 24-year-old is keen to embark on a fresh challenge in north London instead of making a return to Old Trafford or a switch to the London Stadium.

Indeed, there is growing confidence that Gomes wants to join Tottenham, despite United and the Hammers also being in the running for his signature.

The versatile midfielder has entered the final six months of a deal, which allows him to pocket in the region of £11,500-per-week at Lille. That has led to Gomes being at the centre of a tug-of-war, with Premier League sides able to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement ahead of completing the move when he becomes a free agent in the summer.

At this stage, the report does not state whether Tottenham are looking to sign Gomes for a bargain fee this month or wait until the summer, although GMS does add the north London club are putting together a proposal for the player.

The diminutive midfielder has already had a pre-contract offer pushed in his direction by the Hammers, with head coach Graham Potter determined to get his man – but Spurs and other suitors have been given hope of a late hijack as he has not agreed terms yet.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United, meanwhile, are also long-term admirers of the player – but it looks increasingly likely that he favours a move to Tottenham over the other options mooted.

Gomes was limited to just five Premier League appearances for Manchester United after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford but has taken his game to another level since then.

His ability to play in a defensive role or as a No.8 or No.10 would be hugely beneficial to a Tottenham side who often get over-run in the middle of the park due to Postecoglou’s open style of play.

Gomes capture could signal end for Bissouma

If Tottenham do manage to capture the England man, that could spell bad news for Bissouma in north London.

Apart from a spell at the start of last season, the Mali international has never been able to replicate the stunning form he produced while at Brighton.

Despite the fact that Gomes plays further forward in midfield, Archie Gray is being lined up for that defensive role in the long term – a position he excelled in while at Leeds United.

Gray’s central defensive performances this season should also stand him in good stead to play as that defensive pivot in front of the back four going forward.

Gomes would then compete for Rodrigo Bentancur in the No.8 position, with the Uruguay international yet to get back to the outstanding form he was showing prior to his ACL injury.

However, if Tottenham do have to wait until the summer to secure Gomes’ signature they will at least avoid having to pay a transfer fee – although the GMS report adds that the player will likely demand a major wage increase in the region of £150,000-per-week, given the significant interest in his services.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after Ange Postecoglou delivered an update on the player’s fitness and also touched on transfer business in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

Solanke, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, picked up a knee injury in training and subsequently missed Spurs’ 3-2 loss to Everton at the weekend.

The England international also played no part in Tottenham’s 3-2 win against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday night. And Postecoglou has now confirmed that the 27-year-old is set to be sidelined for around six weeks, despite not needing surgery on the issue.

“All the information now is kind of we’re looking at around the six-week mark for him,” Postecoglou said after his side’s nervy win in Germany that eased the pressure slightly on his job and also left them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.

“No surgery, but maybe we can get him back a little bit earlier, we’ll just see how he progresses, but at this stage it’s only around six weeks.”

Solanke’s injury compounds Tottenham’s current issues, with as many as 11 senior players currently unavailable at arguably the busiest time of the season as the games continue to come thick and fast.

Richarlison started in Solanke’s absence on Thursday, but the Brazillian has only just returned from a two-month lay-off himself and will need to be carefully managed going forward.

Spurs now face a huge home clash with Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday as they to arrest an alarming slide towards the relegation places after one win in their last 10 outings.

With all the injury issues currently hampering the club, Postecoglou also commented on the chances of some reinforcements arriving before the winter window closes on February 3.

As TT have revealed, the club are very keen on getting Ipswich forward Liam Delap on board, although there are potential issues with that deal given the timing of it from Town’s point of view and their battle to beat the drop.

And speaking prior to the Hoffenheim win, Postecoglou was asked if any business will be done in the closing stages of the window, to which he responded: “Yeah, potentially. The club is working hard to try to get some help for the players, but as far as I know, there’s nothing imminent.

“But things happen quickly in the last week of the window, so still hopeful.”

Son finds his form again

Meanwhile, Postecoglou praised his senior players after the 3-2 win at Hoffenheim, with skipper Son Heung-min looking somewhere near back to his best as he netted a brace, with James Maddison also on target.

Speaking after the contest, the Australian said: “I thought he really stood up today. We needed him to. Him, Madders, Rodri, Benny, a lot of our other players, it’s not just Lucas, Archie, Radu and our young players.

“We also have to factor into it that Richy is just coming back from injury. There is a whole range of things we are dealing with out there. It can be easy, particularly away in Europe, to get swept away.

“I thought Sonny led from the front tonight with his football but also with his general actions and most importantly the goals. Look, we are all copping stick at the moment. That is the nature of the beast.

“What we do, as footballers and managers, we are all in the firing line at the moment. Whether it is warranted or not, you have to stand up and reply to it in the proper way. I thought he did that tonight.”

Latest Tottenham news: Lange has favourite to replace Postecoglou / ‘Contact’ made with striker

As speculation continues to mount over Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham, it’s been reported that the club’s technical director Joha Lange is already favouring who could replace the Australian.

While TT understands that the club are determined to stand by Postecoglou during a tough time, results have been that bad that they have started to do due diligence on who could step in if they have to swing the axe.

As we’ve previously revealed former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, as well as Premier League duo Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank are all candidates to replace the 59-year-old.

But if Spurs are forced into looking into a new coach then Lange is expected to have plenty of influence over that appointment and may even lead the search. And, if the Daily Mail‘s latest update holds any sway, then Lange already has a preference as to who he wants to take the job.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been ‘in contact’ with the representatives of a top European striker who is being primed for a move to Italy before the January transfer window shuts.

IN FOCUS – Tottenham’s current injury woes

That list is bad enough but was added to prior to the Hoffenheim contest when midfielder Pape Sarr suffered an unspecified injury in training.

There is at least some good news though, with Cristian Romero now back in training and set to return over the next week or so.

Ange Postecoglou has given his opinion on the performance of Brandon Austin in the Europa League game against Hoffenheim, with the Tottenham head coach also praising James Maddison and sharing his honest verdict on Son Heung-min’s display.

Tottenham are having a terrible season in the Premier League and are closer to the bottom three than the top four. Spurs have lost five of their last six league games and are very unlikely to get into the Champions League places.

Spurs, though, are doing well in the Europa League and currently find themselves sixth in the table with 14 points from seven matches.

Tottenham have won four of those games, and their latest victory came on Thursday evening when they beat Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home at the PreZero Arena.

Austin started the match for Tottenham. It was his European debut, and the 26-year-old goalkeeper did not disappoint.

The goalkeeper made a smart one-handed save against Tom Bischof, as he showed Postecoglou that he can step up when needed.

Postecoglou was impressed with the performance of Austin and told Football.London: “Obviously even when signed Toni, in terms of European football we knew we still need Fraser Forster and Brandon. Brandon did really well in the game he played and he’s trained really strongly since.

“We knew this game would be a bit of a target for him and Fraser had an illness that knocked him back a bit and set him back a bit, but I just felt on the back of his performance in the league game that Brandon deserved a crack at it and I thought he did well tonight.

“You can’t underestimate European football away from home, especially the first game, with a pretty relatively inexperienced team in front of him and I thought he handled it really well and we’ll need him again next week.”

The Tottenham head coach praised Maddison as well, with the England international attacking midfielder scoring once and providing an assist against Hoffenheim.

Postecoglou said: “Yeah, you need to respond in the right manner and I thought Madders was outstanding tonight.”

Ange Postecoglou says Son Heung-min ‘stood up’

Another Tottenham player who played well on Thursday evening was Son Heung-min. The 32-year-old forward scored two goals.

Son has not been at his best this season. The South Korea international has scored just six goals and given six assists in 19 Premier League appearances.

The forward, though, has found the back of the net thrice in five Europa League matches, and Postecoglou was impressed with his latest performance in the European competition.

Postecoglou said: “I thought he really stood up today. We needed him to. Him, Madders, Rodri, Benny, a lot of our other players, it’s not just Lucas, Archie, Radu and our young players.

“We also have to factor into it that Richy is just coming back from injury. There is a whole range of things we are dealing with out there. It can be easy, particularly away in Europe, to get swept away.

“I thought Sonny led from the front tonight with his football but also with his general actions and most importantly the goals. Look, we are all copping stick at the moment. That is the nature of the beast.

“What we do, as footballers and managers, we are all in the firing line at the moment. Whether it is warranted or not, you have to stand up and reply to it in the proper way. I thought he did that tonight.”

Latest Tottenham news: Delap hopes, Skriniar blow

Tottenham are on the hunt for a new striker in the January transfer window, and TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has reported that there is confidence that Spurs could sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

Chelsea are also keen on Delap, and while Spurs are ready to make a bid, they do not want to get into a transfer battle and pay over the odds for the striker.

Another striker that Tottenham are looking at signing is Santiago Gimenez. It has been reported that Spurs have made enquiries for the Feyenoord striker.

However, Tottenham could miss out on Gimenez, with AC Milan reportedly closing in on a deal for the striker.

Meanwhile, Spurs have missed out on the signing of Milan Skriniar. Tottenham were keen on a deal for the centre-back, but he has joined Fenerbahce on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

As speculation continues to mount over Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham, it’s been reported that the club’s technical director Joha Lange is already favouring who could replace the Australian.

While TT understands that the club are determined to stand by Postecoglou during a tough time, results have been that bad that they have started to do due diligence on who could step in if they have to swing the axe.

Just one win in the last 10 Premier League outings and has seen Tottenham drop to 15th in the Premier League table, although they remain in the mix to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League and have a 1-0 lead against Liverpool after the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

As we’ve previously revealed former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, as well as Premier League duo Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank are eall candidates to replace the 59-year-old.

But if Spurs are forced into looking into a new coach then Lange is expected to have plenty of influence over that appointment and may even lead the search.

And, if the Daily Mail‘s latest update holds any sway, then Lange already has a preference as to who he wants to take the job.

The report states that Lange is an admirer of his fellow countryman Frank and the work that he has done at the Gtech Community Stadium with Brentford.

The 51-year-old has been with the Bees since 2018, getting them promoted to the top-flight and establishing them as a Premier League force in the process.

Frank would certainly be a coach capable of steadying the ship in north London, given how he organises his Brentford side, while they are also recoginised for playing attractive football – ticking off a major box for Tottenham fans.

Much will now depend on how results go for Postecoglou over thc ourse of the next week or so, starting with a Europa League clash with Hoffenheim on Thursday evening.

Struggling Leicester then head to north London on Sunday and there is a feeeling that anything less than all three points against the Foxes could bring Postecoglous reign to an end.

Postecoglou insists players are still giving him everything

Despite their league struggles, Tottenham remain active in three other competitions – the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

And peaking ahead of the Hoffenheim clash, Postecoglou said: “We are still in three cup competitions and there’s a fantastic opportunity for us there in the next couple of months.

“The players are giving everything in every game. The players aren’t prioritising anything – they are trying their utmost.”

There’s also no hiding from the fact that injuriees have layed a major part in Spurs’ struggles this season, with the Tottenham boss only having only 13 fit senior players available for the game in Germany.

“You really need a really strong squad of players to compete in Europe and do well in cup competitions because it’s not manageable when you play three games a week,” Postecoglou added.

“The reality is we don’t have a lot of choice [because of injuries]. You’re always assessing why it’s happening.

“Early part of the year there were some things that were repeatedly happening with injuries so we’ve worked hard to better that process. Recently it’s accumulation and toll of fixtures.”

Tottenham are still desperate to sign another striker this month and are continuing to chase Ipswich standout Liam Delap, although two potential issues with a deal in January could force Daniel Levy to pull the plug.

Sources have stated there is confidence from Spurs that they could land the 21-year-old frontman this month ahead of rivals Chelsea, who are also very keen.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have done plenty of work on Delap and have a desire to do a deal in the summer but will move if Spurs make an official bid in the coming weeks.

The former Manchester City man ticks a lot of boxes for Ange Postecoglou and has been green-lit by the under-pressure Aussie coach in north London.

Tottenham are having a woeful season and currently sit 15th in the Premier League table – just eight points outside the relegation zone – and there is serious pressure on manager Postecoglou.

Indeed, we understand that the club have already drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace the former Celtic boss after a run of just one win from their last 10 Premier League outings.

As we have consistently reported, Tottenham’s hierarchy are keen to back Postecoglou with several new additions this month. So far, though, they’ve only signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky – right at the start of the window.

Spurs are in a very strong position with regards to the Premier League’s PSR and as we previously reported they have been in talks with six different players recently, so the final weeks of the January window will be busy for the London club.

The obstacle to an agreement is that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy isn’t willing to overpay for any player and is reluctant to join a battle for Delap that could see his price ramp up.

Ipswich also have no desire to sell the talented forward this month so that may be the roadblock as they will demand a premium fee for a mid-season sale.

Another issue that could also drive the price up is the fact that Manchester City also retain a sell-on clause for Delap, who scored once in six senior appearances for Pep Guardiola before his eventual switch to Portman Road.

However, despite all the seeming obstacles in the path of a deal, sources insist that it Spurs want him they have a real chance of landing him.

Latest Tottenham news: Gimenez still on Spurs’ radar / Surprise Marcus Edwards link

Delap is not the only striker on the club’s radar though, with Tottenham also said to have been ‘in contact’ with the representatives of a top European striker who is being primed for a move to Italy before the January transfer window shuts.

Richarlison or Will Lankshear are expected to battle for a starting spot at Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday evening due to Dominic Solanke’s knee injury.

However, Postecoglou may opt to rest the Brazilian for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester instead – given Tottenham‘s woeful league form and their continued slide towards the relegation places.

With all that in mind, bringing in another striker this month could be pivotal to the club’s hopes of success this season – hence the links to the likes of Delap and Lille’s Jonathan David.

However, TBR Football reports that Spurs have also made enquiries for prolific Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, a player they have been tracking for some time.

Meanwhile, Everton have been offered the chance to sign Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards, though sources close to the club have moved to set the record straight when contacted by TEAMtalk.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been ‘in contact’ with the representatives of a top European striker who is being primed for a move to Italy before the January transfer window shuts.

It’s no secret that Ange Postecoglou is desperate to get another No.9 on board before the February 3 cut-off and that was still the case even before Dominic Solanke suffered his knee injury.

There has still not been official confirmation of how serious the issue is, although Postecoglou admits he expects to be without the frontman for a few weeks at the very least.

Richarlison or Will Lankshear are expected to battle for a starting spot in Germany, although Postecoglou may opt to rest the Brazilian for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester instead – given Tottenham‘s woeful league form and their continued slide towards the relegation places.

With all that in mind, bringing in another striker this month could be pivotal to the club’s hopes of success this season, with TT able to confirm that they have a genuine interest in Ipswich star Liam Delap and are also keen on Lille’s Jonathan David.

However, TBR Football reports that Spurs have also made enquiries for prolific Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who has been linked with a move to north London for some time and is also on West Ham’s radar.

The Mexico international has netted 15 goals in 18 appearances across all competitions this season, including two strikes against Bayern Munich in a shock Champions League win for his side this week.

In total, the 23-year-old attacker has scored 83 goals in 208 senior career appearances and is regarded as one of the hottest strikers in European football.

Tottenham ‘talks’ set be in vain

The big problem for Spurs in their chase for the player is that it appears Gimenez is instead set for a move to Italy, a move that almost materialised in the summer.

TBR Football‘s Graeme Bailey reports that understands that AC Milan are closing in on a deal for Gimenez, despite enquiries from a number of Premier League clubs over the past week.

Gimenez has been a target for Tottenham for some time but could even have ended up at Nottingham Forest last summer, only for a move for the Mexican to fall through.

But with Milan failing in their own progress to bring in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, they have now turned their attention to the Feyenoord frontman instead.

Like Forest, Milan also tried to sign Gimenez last summer, but the deal didn’t progress. And, speaking after the window closed, Gimenez admitted: “They sent an offer to Feyenoord, but no chance. It would be a dream to join Milan, one of the biggest clubs in the world!”

That dream still looks to be very alive though, even if both Tottenham and West Ham have teested the waters over deals of their own.

It’s expected that Gimenez will cost in the region of €40million (£34m), which for an established international forward at that age and with that many goals in the back looks like it could be an absolute bargain.

Latest Tottenham news: Skriniar transfer blow / No Levy blame for struggles

Tottenham have missed out on the signing of a centre-back who could’ve made an instant impact in north London, with two separate sources confirming a rival’s superior offer has been accepted.

It did look like Spurs could be nearing a breakthrough with regards to signing a new central defender in recent days.

Reporter Ben Jacobs confirmed Tottenham’s interest in Milan Skriniar of PSG last weekend. The 29-year-old is available for transfer this month and Spurs were understood to be considering a loan bid for the Serie A and Ligue 1 winner.

But according to fresh updates from Fabrizio Romano and Turkish journalist, Yagız Sabuncuoglu, Tottenham and two other clubs have been pipped to a deal.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Claude Littner has revealed why he thinks Danel Levy is not the man to blame for the club’s struggles this season and that the buck should squarely sit with Ange Postecoglou.

Pedro Porro has conceded Tottenham are in a “bad situation” after sharing the definitive verdict from the club’s senior stars on axing Ange Postecoglou and with three potential replacements linked – though Chris Sutton has issued words of caution.

The Aussie has found his position come under the spotlight this season in the wake of an alarming run of form that has left the club way off the pace in the race for the top four and with the club currently sat in an alarming 15th in the Premier League table. Currently closer to the bottom three than they are the top four, Tottenham‘s latest defeat to Everton on Sunday has piled the pressure on Postecoglou’s shoulders.

In the wake of that defeat, our transfer insider Fraser Fletcher revealed serious pressure is mounting on the 59-year-old and with the club now just eight points clear of the drop zone, chairman Daniel Levy is understood to have drawn up a list of three potential replacements should the axe fall.

The most obvious replacement – and given he is currently out of work – is former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, whom we have previously revealed has admirers on the Tottenham board.

However, he is not the only coach they admire and sources have revealed that both Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola are two others who could come under consideration if they decided on a change, though moves for both would be considerably more complicated.

With speculation mounting on Postecoglou, Porro has shared the thoughts from within the Tottenham dressing room and is adamant the club are united to help the club and their manager pull through their slump.

“The gaffer and the team are together, this is important,” Porro told The Standard … we have a bad situation now [at Spurs], not in life because life keeps going, this is clear … For me, in this situation, crack on, no excuses. Nothing. This is football, one day you lose, and one day you win. Crack on.”

He added: “For me, it’s important to look at ourselves. I’m not focused on what other people are saying, if you just focus on what people are saying all the time you can’t live as a footballer.

“Right now we’re at a time in the season where we most need to support each other and stay together. Of course, internally we’re looking at our own errors, what we can learn from now and that’s the most important thing that will take us forward.”

DON’T MISS: Daniel Levy ‘not the problem’ as former Tottenham man calls for Postecoglou sacking

Porro admits Spurs are in a tricky situation as Sutton sends message

Spurs have been blighted by a series of injuries all season, but Porro is adamant they cannot use that as an excuse.

“I don’t understand this situation, but this is football,” Porro said of the injuries. “I think it’s crazy, when you have too many players injured, the situation for the team and the club, it’s a difficult time. This is football, now we focus on recovery and the players will come back stronger.

“It’s a bad situation because when you have all the back four (defenders and goalkeeper out), seniors, it’s a bad situation,” he said. “I think it’s incredible that I am 25 [and I’m the oldest], but I have been here two years now and every game I push with everything on the pitch.”

He added: “The people outside don’t understand this situation, they say Pedro you have to rest, you haven’t rested. For me and Deki, we’ve played full minutes this season, this is normal, this is football.

“Too many games, but I’m ready. If the gaffer asks ‘are you ready?’, I say ‘yeah, no problem’. Everything for the team, for the fans and for the club, it’s the most important thing for me.”

Porro’s words will come as some comfort for Postecoglou amid speculation that some senior stars have privately complained about the manager and the demands he is placing on them.

Pundit Chris Sutton, meanwhile, feels Tottenham would be making a big mistake axing Postecoglou right now, though feels their next Premier League game – at home to struggling Leicester City – is crucial for the Australian.

“Because of the ‘overachievement’ last year, I think that Tottenham should stick with Postecoglou…there’s no getting away from the fact that he needs a couple of results, and a couple of results quickly,” Sutton told the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, before adding: “I think their next Premier League game at home to Leicester is a must win game for Postecoglou.”

Tottenham transfer latest: Dibling talk heats up; Romero boots Madrid

Tottenham, meanwhile, have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Tyler Dibling, with TEAMtalk sources shedding light on the Southampton midfielder’s stance on a potential move to Spurs and with some hard work going in behind the scenes on a prospective transfer.

Spurs have also been strongly linked with a move for Barcelona winger Ansu Fati in recent weeks, with the former Brighton loanee also on the radar of West Ham and Besiktas.

However, while it has now been reported that although Barcelona are willing to offload the Spain international for good in the January window, the 22-year-old himself has an altogether different outlook over his future.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail has reported that Cristian Romero is now ‘open to leaving’ Spurs amid ongoing speculation linking the Argentine with a move to Real Madrid.

Everton have been offered the chance to sign Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards, though sources close to the club have moved to set the record straight when contacted by TEAMtalk.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star has fallen down the pecking order at Sporting this season and has played just 346 minutes across all competitions.

TEAMtalk understands state that Edwards’ agency, ARETE, are looking to secure a move for Edwards this month and Everton are one of the clubs to have been offered his services. He isn’t on good terms with Sporting at the moment and hasn’t played in their last six league games.

Our information also tallies with that from Caught Offside journalist Jacque Talbot, who has reported that Everton have enquired about a potential deal for Edwards.

But when TEAMtalk contacted sources close to Everton, they made it clear that no approach had been made from the club’s side.

Per Talbot’s report, Sporting are open to selling Edwards for €12million (£10.1m, $12.5m), though 35% of the fee from any sale would go to Tottenham, due to a sell-on clause the London club have in his contract.

However, Everton sources insist that the Toffees are yet to submit an offer for Edwards and are yet to make a decision on whether to move for the player, as of today (Wednesday).

As previously reported, Everton are keen to sign a new winger this window. Edwards fits the profile they’re looking for – a right-sided, left-footed winger, but it remains to be seen whether they will be convinced to make a bid.

EXCLUSIVE: Napoli play double ace card in Alejandro Garnacho talks as Chelsea consider bold swap deal for Man Utd star

David Moyes stalling on Ernest Nuamah deal – sources

TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher disputes the claims from our Everton sources. He understands that the Toffees have, in fact, asked about the conditions of a potential deal for Edwards.

Amid the speculation surrounding the Sporting winger, Everton are still in contact with Lyon over a potential deal for winger Ernest Nuamah, who came close to joining the Toffees last summer.

The 21-year-old agreed personal terms with Everton and Fulham last summer and travelled for a medical with the Cottagers, before the move collapsed late in the transfer window.

Everton have held talks with Lyon over a potential move again this month and at one stage, all parties were confident that an agreement could be reached.

However, the deal has stalled since Sean Dyche’s sacking and David Moyes’ reappointment as Everton manager.

TEAMtalk understands that Moyes is still deliberating over whether to green light a move for Nuamah and that is the reason for the delay.

The Scottish coach’s preference would be to sign players with Premier League experience. Nuamah, on the other hand, is still a youngster and has struggled with Lyon this season, failing to score in 13 league games this season.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Garnacho saga continues; medical today for cross-Prem switch

Everton links with three Serie A stars, Monaco forward debunked

Meanwhile, Everton have been linked with moves for Juventus forward Timothy Weah and midfielder Arthur Melo by various Italian outlets this week.

However, TEAMtalk understands that the Toffees have NO interest in either of the Juventus players, contrary to reports.

We also understand that links with AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal are wide of the mark. Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that Galatasaray is the most likely destination for the former Tottenham man this month.

Finally, sources close to Everton have strongly refuted claims that the Toffees are interested in Monaco centre-forward Breel Embolo, who has also been linked this week.

The Merseyside club are expected to make at least one new addition before the window slams shut, but they are not interested in Weah, Arthur, Emerson or Embolo, per our information.

FULL BREAKDOWN: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the January 2025 transfer window

Tottenham have missed out on the signing of a centre-back who could’ve made an instant impact in north London, with two separate sources confirming a rival’s superior offer has been accepted.

TEAMtalk revealed on December 31 that Tottenham intended to make signings in four areas this month – goalkeeper, centre-back winger and striker.

The first on that list was quickly ticked off, with Antonin Kinsky arriving from Slavia Prague for £12.5m. Progress on the other three fronts has been harder to come by.

It did look like Tottenham could be nearing a breakthrough with regards to the centre-back chase in recent days.

Reporter Ben Jacobs confirmed Tottenham’s interest in Milan Skriniar of PSG last weekend. The 29-year-old is available for transfer this month and Spurs were understood to be considering a loan bid for the Serie A and Ligue 1 winner.

But according to fresh updates from Fabrizio Romano and Turkish journalist, Yagız Sabuncuoglu, Tottenham and two other clubs have been pipped to a deal by former boss Jose Mourinho and his Fenerbahce side.

Romano confirmed Spurs and fellow interested sides Napoli and Galatasaray were only willing to proceed with a loan move.

That left the door open for Fenerbahce given PSG’s preference was a permanent sale. The Turkish giant have capitalised on the opening, striking an agreement to sign Skriniar outright.

Sabuncuoglu broke the news, reporting on X: “Fenerbahce has reached an agreement with Milan Skriniar! The player will be in Istanbul today at 15.30 for a medical check-up!”

Romano subsequently added: “Fenerbahce agree deal in principle to sign Milan Skriniar and winning the race over more than 3 clubs!

“Verbal agreement to sign the player on permanent deal, not loan as offered by other clubs. Skriniar, expected to be in Istanbul today as Sabuncuoglu reports.”

Rubber-stamping Fenerbahce’s coup, Sabuncuoglu posted a picture of an airborne Skriniar on his way to Istanbul while holding a Fenerbahce shirt.

Milan Skriniar miss a blessing in disguise?

There are no doubts around Skriniar’s defensive ability. He was among the best Serie A had to offer during his time with Inter and remains a high quality option despite not featuring all that regularly at PSG.

However, for all the qualities Skriniar possesses, pace and mobility cannot realistically be described as being amongst them.

Skriniar thrived in a back three at Inter, whereas Postecoglou features just two centre-backs at Spurs. What’s more, the Tottenham manager’s familiar high line could present a problem for Skriniar.

Pace is among the most important traits a centre-back must boast to make Spurs’ high line work. A sluggish centre-half who is reluctant to push up and subsequently struggles to chase down an attacker when the ball is played over the top poses an obvious problem.

And as reported, Spurs were only willing to stretch to a loan and not a permanent deal.

If Skriniar joined outright and quickly proved unsuited to Postecoglou’s tactics, Spurs would be stuck with a highly-paid dud who turns 30 next month.

Who will Tottenham turn to next?

While Skriniar is now out of reach for Tottenham, they have also been linked with the following centre-backs this month – some being more ambitious targets than others…

-Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)

-Omar Alderete (Getafe)

-Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach)

-Illya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth)

-Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

-Thomas Kristensen (Udinese)