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Fabrizio Romano has shared an important update on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid since the summer transfer window shut.

The LaLiga side failed in their efforts to beat Manchester United to Leny Yoro over the summer as they looked at younger alternatives to the likes of veteran duo David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

That has left Carlo Ancelotti and the club’s transfer chiefs still looking at potential options for January or next summer, especially with the aforementioned duo both in their 30s.

Romero is one of the names who is being heavily linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu along with Arsenal star William Saliba, who has formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

However, Daniel Levy was quick to slap a whopping £146million (€175m/$191m) price tag on the Tottenham man as soon as it became clear that Real had the Argentine World Cup winner on their shortlist of targets.

There have been rumours though regarding there being a release clause in the player’s contract which Real Madrid could look to activate, but Italian transfer expert Romano has now dismissed any such reports.

Sharing the update on X, Romano said: “There’s NO €65m release clause into Cuti Romero’s contract at Spurs despite reports from Argentina. Tottenham considered him untouchable last summer despite interest from top clubs.”

This clarification means that if Real Madrid are indeed serious about making a concrete move for Romero then they will have to make a huge offer for Tottenham to even consider letting the defender leave.

Romero the leader

Romero has emerged as a real leader in the Tottenham dressing room since Ange Postecoglou walked through the door and has cleaned up some of the disciplinary issues he had last season.

Tottenham paid £42.5m in the summer of 2021 to land the 26-year-old after an initial loan spell in north London and he was made one of Postecoglou’s vice-captains alongside James Maddison after Postecoglou was appointed.

The Australian was, however, forced to defend Romero after the north London derby loss to Arsenal after reports of the centre-back being tired after returning from international duty as he was blamed for Gabriel outmuscling him for the winning goal from a corner.

Speaking after the game, Postecoglou said: “It wasn’t mentioned to me before the game. I knew nothing about it. The players got back on Thursday and we had a Sunday game.

“No one reported anything other than the usual checks of people coming back from international duty so prior to the game – no one said anything.”

Romero is set to return to Tottenham action on October 19 when Spurs host West Ham in a big London derby lunchtime kick-off.

Latest Tottenham transfer news

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has been told he needs to prioritise experience by signing Real Madrid great Sergio Ramos rather than Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin.

Former Tottenham manager Conte has used his connections in England to help Napoli sign stars who are well known to fans of Premier League clubs, such as Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku and Billy Gilmour. The manager is hoping Napoli chiefs will add to his defensive options in the January transfer window and this has led to speculation about a surprise move for Dragusin.

The centre-back only joined Tottenham in January, though the fact he is not a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou has supposedly given Napoli hope that they can capture him.

Meanwhile, right-back Pedro Porro admitted he’s “proud” to be linked with Real Madrid amid speculation they could bid €65m, and developments on the Spaniard’s future will be of great interest over at Liverpool as they look to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A recent report from Caught Offside claimed Real Madrid could bring Tottenham to the negotiating table with a €65m (£54.4m / $71.1m) bid for Porro.

But, responding to the links, the 25-year-old admitted he’s “proud” to be mentioned alongside a move to The Bernabeu, though stressed he’s “fully focussed” on Spurs for the time being.

IN FOCUS – Romero v Saliba as Real continue to circle

With both Romero and Saliba heavily linked with a move to Madrid, we thought it would be interesting to see how the pair shape up statistically so far this season.

As you can see, it is fairly even in terms of categories won although the really interesting one is ‘ball recoveries’, where Romero has more than three times as many as the Frenchman through just seven games.

That appears to point towards his more aggressive nature, which Spanish football is renowned for when it comes to defending. Although the fact that Tottenham have been playing more on the front foot than the Gunners this season certainly aids Romero’s figure.

Indeed, Spurs are second only to Manchester City in average possession so far this season at 62.3%. Arsenal, meanwhile, are averaging 48.9% in what is clearly a more pragmatic approach from Mikel Arteta compared to previous campaigns.

But in terms of value for money, 23-year-old Saliba wins hands down and it would not be a major surprise to see him end up swapping a famous red shirt for an even more famous white one in the not so distant future.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has been told he needs to prioritise experience by signing Real Madrid great Sergio Ramos rather than Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin.

Former Tottenham manager Conte has used his connections in England to help Napoli sign stars who are well known to fans of Premier League clubs, such as Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku and Billy Gilmour. The manager is hoping Napoli chiefs will add to his defensive options in the January transfer window and this has led to speculation about a surprise move for Dragusin.

The centre-back only joined Tottenham in January, though the fact he is not a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou has supposedly given Napoli hope that they can capture him.

But Italian journalist Enrico Fedele is not convinced by such a move. He has explained why Napoli should steer clear of Dragusin and instead complete a statement deal for former Real Madrid star Ramos, who is a free agent.

“Would I think about Radu Dragusin, who plays little at Tottenham? Too young, I would go for someone experienced,” Fedele said (via Sport Witness).

“Who? It’s a former Real Madrid [player]: Sergio Ramos. Hasn’t played for months? He would come to bring his character traits; he would do like [Tarcisio] Burgnich of the past. In Napoli I don’t see charismatic players, like [Pepe] Reina and [Raul] Albiol could have been in the past, for example.”

Dragusin must settle for Tottenham bench

Dragusin convinced Tottenham to spend €30million (£25.1m / $32.8m) to sign him earlier this year after shining for Genoa in Serie A.

The fact Dragusin performed so well for Genoa is likely the main reason why Napoli have been linked with his services.

But, as Fedele points out, Conte’s side may opt against moving for him due to the fact the 22-year-old is not playing regularly and is lacking experience at the top level.

Dragusin made nine appearances for Spurs in the second half of last season, while he has featured four times so far this campaign.

The Romania star is versatile, as he can also operate at right-back, but he will struggle to force his way into Spurs’ starting lineup in his favoured position of centre-half.

Postecoglou can already rely on Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in central defence, and the duo have formed a strong partnership.

Dragusin is fairly quick, but Van De Ven is one of the fastest players around and often uses his incredible speed to catch up with forwards and stop goalscoring opportunities.

Dragusin is an aggressive defender who loves to battle with strikers, but Romero does this better, which explains why the former usually has to sit on the bench.

Given Dragusin’s age though, he has plenty of time to develop into an even better defender. Should he decide at some stage in the future that he wants to go back to Italy, then Napoli may enter talks for his signature.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham line up January transfer for LaLiga winger after successful scouting mission

Tottenham news: Real Madrid comments, brutal criticism

Meanwhile, Spurs right-back Pedro Porro has refused to rule out a future transfer to Madrid.

Los Blancos are reportedly keeping tabs on Porro as a potential successor to Dani Carvajal, should they be unable to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

When asked about Madrid’s interest, the Spaniard replied: “Of course I’m proud with these links, it means I’m doing things well. If that happens one day, it happens. Now I’m fully focused on my club, Tottenham.”

Elsewhere, ESPN pundit Craig Burley has savaged Timo Werner as the Spurs forward continues to squander good chances.

“And again, I don’t want to sort of pick on him, but I am going to. I mean, Timo Werner. Timo Werner whatever he did in Germany, he has been unable to do in two spells in England,” Burley said.

“His end product was once again atrocious, and that adds to the pressure that goes on a team defensively when you are just not finishing teams off. It wasn’t just Timo Werner, but if he starts the next game after the international break, I will be very surprised.

“A young 17-year-old in [Mikey] Moore is probably going to come in his place. Brennan Johnson has come through a tough time when people were talking about his end product. He gets six goals in six.”

Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro admitted he’s “proud” to be linked with Real Madrid amid speculation they could bid €65m, and developments on the Spaniard’s future will be of great interest over at Liverpool.

A recent report from Caught Offside claimed Real Madrid could bring Tottenham to the negotiating table with a €65m (£54.4m / $71.1m) bid for Porro.

Responding to the links, the 25-year-old admitted he’s “proud” to be mentioned alongside a move to The Bernabeu, though stressed he’s “fully focussed” on Spurs for the time being.

“Of course I’m proud with these links, it means I’m doing things well,” said Porro. “If that happens one day, it happens. Now I’m fully focused on my club, Tottenham.”

Real Madrid’s desire to sign a new right-back is well documented. The fact Dani Carvajal recently suffered an ACL injury has only served to strengthen their ambitions in the market.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is understood to be Real Madrid’s No 1 target in the position. Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and could therefore be available as a free agent next summer.

Liverpool fully intend to tie their homegrown superstar down to a new and vastly improved contract. News of Real Madrid shifting their focus away from Alexander-Arnold and on to Porro would certainly be welcomed on Merseyside.

Conversely, news of Liverpool ironing out a new deal with Alexander-Arnold – and thus forcing Real Madrid to explore alternatives like Porro – would not go down well in north London.

Porro sale would sting Postecoglou

Porro cost Tottenham roughly €45m to sign from Sporting CP and after a slow start, has developed into one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.

The Spaniard is more known for the attacking side of his game and under Ange Postecoglou, is often tasked with drifting into dangerous areas infield.

Porro racked up 10 goal contributions (three goals, seven assists) in the Premier League last season. He opened his account from a goalscoring perspective on opening day this term when netting against Leicester City.

Losing Porro would likely force Tottenham into the market, especially after Emerson Royal was sold to AC Milan over the summer. Spurs’ other options in the position at present are Djed Spence and Archie Gray who is more of a midfielder anyway.

But if Caught Offside are correct, Spurs would at least be well compensated to the tune of roughly €65m if they do cash in on Porro.

Spurs star “atrocious” / Real Madrid choose between Saliba & Romero

In other news, pundit Craig Burley has labelled Timo Werner’s end product “atrocious.” Burley has also backed manager Ange Postecoglou to spring a surprise selection change for Tottenham’s next match against West Ham.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have reportedly chosen between Arsenal’s William Saliba and Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero for a blockbuster signing at centre-back in 2025.

Le10Sport stated it’s Saliba who has emerged as Real Madrid’s ‘top priority’ and contact with the star’s camp has reportedly been made.

Finally, Tottenham have reportedly lined up a January move for Espanyol winger Javi Puado.

Real Madrid have prioritised signing Arsenal ace William Saliba ahead of Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, and a report claims the first steps towards a blockbuster transfer in 2025 have been taken.

After missing out on the signing of Leny Yoro to Manchester United, Real Madrid remain perilously light at centre-half. Carlo Ancelotti’s side waved goodbye to veteran Nacho Fernandez last summer and a major signing is on the agenda for the summer of 2025.

The Independent revealed in mid-September that Real Madrid had narrowed their centre-back shortlist down to two names – Saliba and Romero.

But according to a fresh update from Le10Sport, it’s the Arsenal man who has superseded Romero and is now firmly in Real Madrid’s sights.

The report stated Saliba, 23, is now Real Madrid’s ‘top priority’ for the next summer window. The LaLiga giant are ready to launch a ‘major operation’ as they lay the groundwork for a move and contact has already been made with Saliba’s camp.

As you might expect given Saliba has developed into one of world football’s finest centre-backs, Arsenal will reportedly do all they can to send Real Madrid packing.

It was acknowledged Saliba is a ‘pillar’ of Mikel Arteta’s team and it won’t be easy to bend Arsenal to Real Madrid’s will. Nonetheless, Real Madrid have now fixed their gaze on Saliba and Arsenal face a fight to retain their best defender.

Liverpool, Manchester City also in danger

Aside from a new centre-back, Real Madrid are also aiming to wrap up major signings in both full-back positions.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies are the two players in their crosshairs. Both stars are in the prime of their careers and also in the final year of their respective contracts. Real Madrid aim to sign both players on free transfers.

Another club Real Madrid hope to raid is Manchester City. Midfield lynchpin Rodri was widely reported to be in their sights, though the bulk of those reports came prior to Rodri suffering an ACL injury.

Man City are understood to be readying a gigantic new contract offer for Rodri in an attempt to shut down the Real Madrid links once and for all.

However, the outcome of the Premier League’s investigation into their financial dealings could play a huge part in determining the fate of their biggest stars.

Arsenal striker hunt latest / goalkeeper exclusive

In other news, TEAMtalk can confirm Arsenal are stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko is keen to ensure he plays regularly when the time comes to leave Leipzig and The Gunners have assured the striker he’ll be a frequent starter.

We understand Chelsea and Manchester United are providing competition and have also approached Sesko’s camp.

Elsewhere, a cheaper striker option is Lille hitman Jonathan David and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he’ll leave the French side as a free agent at season’s end.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Inter Milan and Barcelona have all been credited with interest in David.

Finally, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal Arsenal are one of two high-powered clubs tracking impressive young Wigan Athletic goalkeeper, Sam Tickle. The other interested side is Man Utd.

Pundit Craig Burley has savaged Tottenham forward Timo Werner and backed Ange Postecoglou to spring a surprise selection change next time out against West Ham.

Eyebrows were raised when Tottenham re-signed Timo Werner to a second loan spell over the summer. The 28-year-old didn’t exactly set the world alight in his first loan spell, though Spurs saw fit to give the German a second chance. Tottenham’s new loan agreement also contains a modest £8.5m option to buy from parent club RB Leipzig.

Werner has started Tottenham’s last two Premier League matches on the left wing during Son Heung-min’s injury absence. The forward missed two one-v-one opportunities in the 3-0 victory over Manchester United and failed to make any meaningful type of impact in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton.

When speaking on ESPN FC, pundit Craig Burley labelled Werner’s end product “atrocious.” The former Chelsea and Celtic star also claimed Postecoglou will likely drop Werner next time out against West Ham and give 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore a start on the left side.

Burley said: “And again, I don’t want to sort of pick on him, but I am going to. I mean, Timo Werner. Timo Werner whatever he did in Germany, he has been unable to do in two spells in England.

“His end product was once again atrocious, and that adds to the pressure that goes on a team defensively when you are just not finishing teams off. It wasn’t just Timo Werner, but if he starts the next game after the international break, I will be very surprised.

“A young 17-year-old in Moore is probably going to come in his place. Brennan Johnson has come through a tough time when people were talking about his end product. He gets six goals in six.”

Flaw in Burley’s plan

As previously mentioned, Werner’s chances in the starting eleven of late have come as a direct result of captain Son being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

However, Postecoglou stated the South Korean was “pushing hard” to feature against Brighton last weekend.

While Son obviously did not win his fitness battle, Postecoglou’s comments strongly suggest he’ll be available for selection once again after the two-week international break.

Son will more than likely return to the starting eleven in his favoured left wing role. Dominic Solanke will continue up front, with the red hot Brennan Johnson keeping his place on the right wing.

As such, Werner is expected to drop out of the eleven, though it won’t be Mikey Moore who takes his spot.

Latest Tottenham transfer news

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly been joined by Liverpool and Newcastle in sizing up moves for Bournemouth winger, Antoine Semenyo.

Prior reports have claimed Spurs are ready to splash out £33m to sign the forward. Their relations with Bournemouth – having presided over Solanke’s transfer last summer – could aid Tottenham’s cause.

Elsewhere, Spurs have been backed to make a concrete move for Crystal Palace talisman, Eberechi Eze, in 2025.

Finally, a bidding war between Spurs and bitter rivals Arsenal has been predicted. Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey – who Villa could reluctantly cash in on in 2025 – is the subject of both clubs’ admiration.

Tottenham are reportedly considering a move for Espanyol winger Javi Puado as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

Spurs have endured a somewhat disappointing start to the season and currently sit ninth in the table after winning three of their nine Premier League matches so far.

They threw away a 2-0 lead against Brighton last weekend and lost 3-2, and now reports suggest that they could make new attacking additions in January.

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham have identified Espanyol winger Puado as a target for the winter transfer window.

It’s claimed that the once-capped Spanish international caught the attention of Spurs scouts while watching loanee Alejo Veliz in action at the beginning of September against Real Vallecano.

Puado, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored three goals in eight LaLiga appearances so far this term.

If the 26-year-old doesn’t sign a new deal with Espanyol before January, Tottenham will be able to open pre-contract talks with him ahead of a potential free transfer next summer.

Alternatively, Spurs could capitalise on his contract situation by trying to snap him up for a cut-price fee in January, as suggested by the report.

Tottenham linked with LaLiga ace

Tottenham are in a good position when it comes to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and are ready to back Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Spurs, however, are already strong in wide areas, which brings into question whether a winger like Puado will be a priority for them in January.

Brennan Johnson is in superb form and has scored in six consecutive matches, nailing down his spot in Tottenham’s starting XI.

Son Heung-min, on the other hand, remains one of the North London side’s most important players, while they have good back-up options in Dejan Kulusevski, Timo Werner and youngster Mikey Moore.

But the opportunity to snap up Puado for a cut-price fee, or even on a free transfer, may well tempt Tottenham so it will be interesting to see how this story develops in the coming months.

Spurs plot Eberechi Eze swoop

Meanwhile, Tottenham continue to be linked with talented Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. Recent reports suggest that they are ‘fully expected’ to move for the England star in 2025.

Spurs are likely to face fierce competition for Eze’s signature, though. Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are also thought to be admirers of his and will be in the mix to sign him.

Eze, 26, is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027, but his deal includes a release clause of £68m which reportedly becomes active next summer.

It has been suggested that £60m could be enough to lure Eze away from Crystal Palace and it seems likely that one of his suitors will match that price tag.

Eze can play as an attacking midfielder or left-winger so could compete with the likes of James Maddison and Son at Tottenham.

Tottenham are also reportedly interested in signing Torino defensive midfielder Samuele Ricci, but will face competition from Man City.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form for Torino in recent months and has deservedly earned a regular spot in the Italian national team.

A price tag of around £18.4m has been mooted for Ricci and there is certainly no shortage of interest in him.

Liverpool and Newcastle have reportedly both joined Tottenham in pursuing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with the Cherries fearful of losing their star.

Semenyo has taken on added responsibility in the Bournemouth forward line since the departure of Dominic Solanke. The striker joined Tottenham in the summer for a fee potentially rising to £65million.

The first game this season, Semenyo played up top, scoring his first goal of the season, before returning to the right-wing position – which has become more natural to him of late – where he bagged goals two and three for the season and an assist.

Amid his good form, the forward has the eyes of some Premier League big hitters on him.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Semenyo’s form has alerted Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.

It’s believed Bournemouth fear the attacker is becoming a target of big clubs, and want to avoid seeing him depart, especially soo after Solanke did.

But if that does happen, the report suggests the Cherries would be able to receive a big sum of money for Semenyo.

DON’T MISS: Mo Salah: Liverpool superstar’s most outrageous stats which show Slot why he’s simply irreplaceable

Tottenham interest already evident

Interest from Liverpool and Newcastle is fresh, but Tottenham were seemingly already in the mix for Semenyo.

It has been suggested they are willing to splash £33million to take him to north London.

There, he would reunite with Solanke, who he played alongside on 41 occasions as a Bournemouth player.

The pair did not have the most prolific partnership, with Solanke assisting Semenyo twice in those games, and no goals being scored the other way.

But playing for a bigger club with more attacking talent, things could be different.

Liverpool round-up: Salah on unexpected radar

Liverpool know there is a chance of Mohamed Salah moving on at the end of the season, given his contract is up.

But while Saudi Arabia looks the most likely destination, it’s reported San Diego FC are plotting the shock swoop of both Salah and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

Real Madrid could reportedly accelerate their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, too, following the injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

But Liverpool could see some players coming in, too, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson featuring high on their midfielder shortlist.

How is Semenyo performing

Semenyo played 11 games for Bournemouth in 2022/23 after joining from Bristol City, and after one goal that term, his production in the top flight has clearly been on the rise.

Antoine Semenyo Premier League stats during last three seasons

Tottenham plans to sign Eberechi Eze next year have been confirmed by one of Spurs’ former stars – but Ange Postecoglou is likely to face strong competition for the player amid claims the Crystal Palace playmaker could leave for a fee lower than his exit clause.

Eze moved to Selhurst Park in summer 2020 after a £17m move across London from QPR. Now in his fifth season with Crystal Palace, Eze has gone from strength to strength and is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s most naturally gifted stars.

Having registered a hugely impressive 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 27 appearances last season, Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old playmaker, whose form saw him included in England’s Euro 2024 squad at the expense of James Maddison.

And while no official approach was made by Spurs during the summer window, former goalkeeper Paul Robinson claims he is very much on their wishlist and now ‘fully expects’ Postecoglou and Co to make a formal move for Eze next year.

“An attack-minded midfielder is something they are looking at alongside James Maddison,” Robinson told Football Insider.

“Eze, depending on how this season goes with Crystal Palace, will sit down and see where his future lies.

“It’ll be a tough one to get done in the winter. He’s under contract until 2027, so come next summer he’ll have two years left on his contract.

“I fully expect there to be interest in Eze if he has a good season for Palace this year and plays well for England as well.”

Robinson warns, though, that competition for Eze will be tough, adding: “There’ll be a number of clubs ready to take him away from Selhurst Park next year. The top clubs in England will all be after him.

“The likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are all admirers of Eze and are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of next summer’s transfer window.”

IN-DEPTH ➡️ How Eze fit into a tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end long trophy wait

What have Palace said on Eze sale? / Cut-price fee touted

Eze remained at Selhurst Park this summer but did have to watch on as his close friend and teammate Michael Olise sealed a blockbuster move to Bayern Munich.

And with Eze wanting to sample European football to take his career to the next level, Palace chairman Steve Parrish admitted last month of his surprise that they did not receive a firm offer for his services.

“I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael (Olise) and Ebs in the same window,” Parrish told Sky Sports.

He continued: “We didn’t have in Ebs the interest that I thought we would have. I was astounded – genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s a gift to any football club.

“I don’t think any Crystal Palace supporter would mind the fact that, at some point, Ebs wants to play at the highest level. He’s playing regularly for England, back in the squad again which we’re so proud about.

“Ebs is still here and it’s great for the football club. I was surprised that that’s what happened.”

One of the factors that may have dissuaded his suitors from a concrete move is the £68m clause that exists in the player’s contract, which is seen as relatively high despite his obvious abilities.

However, come the summer Eze will have two years remaining on his Palace deal and, with Parrish not likely to stand in his way, it’s claimed a reduced offer of £60m (€71,5m, $78.6m) will be enough to sanction his sale.

There is also a belief that Eze could be signed to play alongside Maddison with both players given the freedom to roam or with Eze offered the chance to play off either wing, which he is equally capable of doing.

Planned signing earning rave reviews / bidding war commences for Villa ace

Meanwhile, Tottenham are being linked with a fresh move for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey in 2025 as time ticks down in his contract at Villa Park.

The 23-year-old offers plenty of endeavour and something of a goal threat from midfield, making him a perfect addition to Postecoglou’s engine room.

He came under surveillance from Spurs last summer and they are now being mentioned again as suitors amid claims Villa will reluctantly be forced to sell if he does not agree a new deal and with the Midlands giants keen to avoid a scenario whereby he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Arsenal have also been linked.

Elsewhere, one player already having agreed a move to Spurs next summer – centre-half Luka Vuskovic – is earning rave reviews while out on loan in Belgium with Westerlo.

The 17-year-old is due to arrive for a fee of between €11m-€15m from Hajduk Split next summer – but Spurs have genuine reason to be excited their young side of the future could be strong contenders for silverware, and with Vuskovic earning huge plaudits.

IN PROFILE: How does Eze compare to Maddison?

While Eze could equally play off the wing, he could also be another brilliant option to play in the No 10 role for Spurs in place of Maddison.

And a look at the two men’s stats from last season shows Eze is a player who could potentially open up games even more for Spurs with the Palace man boasting a very impressive 69 successful take-ons and widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best ball carriers.

Maddison was, however, the more creative when it came to chances engineered and assists, though with a keen eye for goal, Eze outscored the Tottenham man by almost three times.

Aston Villa could reluctantly cash in on Jacob Ramsey in 2025 and a report has tipped Arsenal and Tottenham to battle for his signature.

Ramsey was a player whose future came under the microscope over the summer. Aston Villa were seeking to balance the books and also free up room and funds for signings of their own. The sale of Ramsey as a homegrown player would have been extra lucrative for Villa given the proceeds would have been logged as ‘pure profit’ on the balance sheet.

Ultimately, Villa made the decision to keep Ramsey despite interest from north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. However, according to an update from Mail Plus, the story may be different in 2025.

Their reporter, Sami Mokbel, claimed Unai Emery’s side could look far more favourably on cashing in on Ramsey next summer.

At that stage, the 23-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract. Per Mokbel, the contractual situation ‘could tempt the Midlands club into considering offers to avoid their midfielder entering into his final 12 months.’

Such a decision will ring alarm bells in the capital, with the report confirming both Spurs and Arsenal explored Ramsey’s signing last summer.

Mokbel concluded: ‘Ramsey remains on the ‘long-term recruitment lists’ of a number of top sides who are already preparing to revisit their interest in 2025, leaving Villa facing a fight to keep their highly-rated midfielder.’

Ramsey’s valuation unclear after failed Tottenham swap

Prior reports in 2024 differed when naming Aston Villa’s valuation of Ramsey. While some outlets pointed to a £30m figure, others went as high as £45m and even £50m.

The presence of multiple bidders would enhance Villa’s chances of extracting maximum value in the event they were to cash in.

Of course, it is also entirely possible that Ramsey stays at his boyhood club for the long haul. For that scenario to unfold, Villa and Ramsey would need to meet at the negotiating table and iron out a long-term contract extension.

Ramsey can play in a vast array of midfield roles and would be a useful addition to any side he signs for.

Between Arsenal and Tottenham it was the latter whose interest was the stronger last summer. Talk of a cash-plus-player swap deal that would’ve reunited Giovani Lo Celso with Emery at Villa Park swirled.

In the end, Lo Celso returned to Spain when joining Real Betis and Ramsey stayed put at Villa where he’s featured in nine out of a possible 10 matches this term. The only fixture he missed – last time out against Manchester United – was due to a groin injury.

Jhon Duran signs / Emery to Man Utd laughed off

In other news, Aston Villa announced on Monday morning that Jhon Duran has signed a contract extension.

The Colombian – who was the subject of negotiations with Chelsea over the summer – is now contracted to Villa Park until 2030.

Elsewhere, reports in Spain have claimed Manchester United are readying a £42m bid for Villa centre-back Pau Torres.

Finally, pundit Danny Murphy has quickly shut down any suggestions Villa boss Emery could be tempted to take over from Erik ten Hag if he’s sacked by Man Utd.

“If Erik ten Hag is sacked, would Emery be tempted to replace him? I’d be gobsmacked if he did, certainly, if he felt he’d have less influence at Old Trafford than he does now. Anyone else and the Villa hierarchy might be worried about a vacancy at United,” Murphy told the Daily Mail.

“But Emery’s commitment to the cause means I’d be shocked if he was tempted. He is adored by Villa fans and the players will run through walls for him. They have a very high ceiling and importantly he is well-backed by the owners.

“I am not saying he wouldn’t be at United but it’s other people who would be in charge of recruitment and he wouldn’t be able to bring in his people. Expectations are growing at Villa, it’s a good place to be.”

TIMELINE – Jacob Ramsey’s remarkable rise

Ange Postecoglou was left raging after seeing his Tottenham side throw away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs looked to be heading to a sixth successive victory in all competitions as they deservedly led 2-0 after 37 minutes but collapsed in the second half to leave Postecoglou seething.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring with his sixth goal in six games before James Maddison curled home in an opening half dominated by the visitors.

But Brighton hit back after the break with goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck to take all three points on the south coast and leave Tottenham boss Postecoglou stunned.

And speaking after the game, the crestfallen Australian told Sky Sports: “Disappointing. Frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I’ve been here. Unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how were were going.

“We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We paid the price. The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself.”

On message to the players: “There is no message. It is a terrible loss for us – as bad as it gets. Only one way to fix it and that’s my responsibility.

“We lost all our duels and if you’re not competitive it is not going to work – we were not competitive. They all go international duty the majority of them. They will process it individually and I will process it when everyone gets back.”

Maddison floored by Tottenham collapse

The result was the 10th time that Tottenham have lost a Premier League game in which they led by two or more goals, meaning they are the first club to hit double figures. Reaching that mark is also at least three more than any other side in the competition’s history.

And speaking after the game, James Maddison admitted: “We couldn’t deal with the momentum shift. We lost control of the game when the first goal went in. We dealt with momentum poorly and couldn’t get any control of the game – it felt like attack after attack.

“They are a good side and have good players. Adversity in the Premier League – you have got to stay strong and weather the storm – we definitely didn’t do that.

“We have been on a good run, but it feels like a couple of steps back today.

“We were saying all the right things to not get complacent, but words mean nothing if you don’t go out and show it.”

Is Ange fully to blame for Tottenham’s complete collapse at Brighton? Let us know in the comments below…

Incoming Tottenham starlet earning rave reviews

In other Tottenham news, another young player the club are due to sign in the summer of 2025 is getting rave reviews for his performances in the Belgian Pro League so far this season.

Centre-back Luka Vuskovic is the player in question, with the 17-year-old currently on loan at Westerlo from Hajduk Split ahead of an agreed move to north London for a fee between €11-15million next summer.

Sunday’s edition of Croatian newspaper Vecernji List have certainly been impressed with his performances in Belgium so far this term.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Manchester City are both interested in new Italy star Samuele Ricci, according to reports.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham look set to begin ‘working’ on Ricci’s signing, having been recommended to him by Fabio Paratici.