TEAMtalk

Premier League legend Paul Scholes has questioned Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to appoint former Juventus boss Igor Tudor as their interim manager, naming a former Premier League boss as the perfect man who would have steered them to safety.

Spurs turned to the Croatian after ending Thomas Frank’s troubled reign earlier this month, with the club spiralling towards the relegation spots after failing to win a Premier League game this year.

That trend continued on Sunday as Tottenham were hammered 4-1 at home in the north London derby, with Tudor failing to get any sort of new manager lift from an injury-ravaged and confidence-stricken squad.

The 47-year-old had only four training sessions to implement his tactics, and it showed as Spurs were ripped to pieces by title-chasing Arsenal, with Eberechi Eze haunting the club that came so close to signing him once again.

Tottenham head to Fulham this weekend in search of that elusive first three points of 2026, but Scholes thinks they got their interim boss appointment completely wrong.

“It looked terrible [against Arsenal],” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

According to Scholes, Spurs should have turned to the vastly experienced Sam Allardyce, whose name was ‘written all over’ the job after Frank was shown the door.

“The choice of manager that they brought in, I know it’s an interim, but he just doesn’t know the Premier League,” he explained.

“I was walking in here [to the podcast studio] and Sam Allardyce is there and you’re thinking that’s just got him written all over it.

“The first thing he probably does at a club, when he goes into a team: stop us getting beat so easily, stop us conceding chances.”

As for Allardyce’s firefighting credentials, Scholes added: “He probably wouldn’t care about the rest of it, about scoring goals, because there’s enough quality in that Tottenham team, at some point, to get you a goal, whether it’s a set-piece or something, but make them solid to beat.

“I saw a stat after about 40 minutes that Tottenham had touched the ball once in Arsenal’s box.

“Arsenal had like 24 touches! It’s incredible and you’re away from home as well, it’s incredible.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham Championship XI under Robbie Keane: THREE big names remain amid complete defensive overhaul

Tudor could take Tottenham down

Scholes also fears that Tudor’s complete lack of Premier League experience could prove to be fatal, as the club faces 11 games to save their season.

He added: “I know the lad’s done it twice at big clubs, at Juventus and Lazio. He’s done the same thing, gone as interim and done really well.

“But coming to the Premier League, it’s different.

“He was intimating that there weren’t fit enough in his interview [after the losing to Arsenal].

“Did you see what happened two weeks ago when they sacked Thomas Frank? They gave the players five days off. Five days off!

“They’re in big trouble, aren’t they?”

After Fulham, Tottenham face a huge home game against Crystal Palace before heading to Liverpool, with four wins likely needed before the end of the season to avoid complete disaster.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

More Tottenham news: Vicario replacement; huge Archie Gray admirer emerges

Tottenham Hotspur are intensifying their search for a new goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk can reveal that Lens’ standout shot-stopper Robin Risser has emerged as an option to replace Guglielmo Vicario, who the club have decided to offload in the summer.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have taken a shine to Archie Gray, with a report revealing how Tottenham Hotspur view the midfielder, who has now become the fourth Spurs player to be linked with a move to Estadio Bernabeu.

A Premier League manager linked with taking over at Manchester United or Tottenham in the summer is now on course to stay put and sign a new deal, and it’s thanks in part to shock signings like one made in January, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Bournemouth are growing in confidence that they can persuade Andoni Iraola to commit his future to the club with a new contract.

Since arriving on the South Coast from Rayo Vallecano, 43-year-old Iraola has made a huge impression, transforming the Cherries into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic sides. Iraola’s success has not gone unnoticed.

He has been linked with vacancies at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have interim managers in place to see out the season.

Many a Man Utd fan might secretly hope Michael Carrick gets the job outright given the start he’s made. But as of now, we understand Carrick is not the frontrunner for the role.

Spurs, meanwhile, appointed Igor Tudor primarily due to his reputation as someone who can steer a relegation-threatened club to safety. If he succeeds, it’s anticipated his chapter at Tottenham will end there.

Iraola is also on Manchester City’s radar as they consider prospective options should Pep Guardiola depart at season’s end.

However, sources close to the Vitality Stadium indicate that owner Bill Foley is working tirelessly to convince Iraola that his ambitions can be fulfilled at Bournemouth.

The club is keen to point to the efforts of sporting director Tiago Pinto, who is actively reinvesting in the squad.

Signings like £30m Brazilian starlet Rayan – who’s already got three goal contributions in four games – signal the direction Bournemouth are heading, even despite allowing several big names to leave in the past 12 months, including Antoine Semenyo, Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen.

A well-placed source told TEAMtalk: “There’s a real belief that Iraola is buying into the project. The club is showing him that, despite the departures, the ambition is to build something lasting and competitive.

“The signings and the backing from the board are all part of the plan to keep him at the helm.”

With interest mounting from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Bournemouth know they must act decisively.

But as things stand, the Cherries are optimistic that Iraola will be convinced to extend his stay and continue leading their ambitious project on the South Coast.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Man Utd & Tottenham news – Micky van de Ven…

In other news, Man Utd and Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation surrounding Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, with the Dutch international open to QUITTING the north London club this summer.

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham ready to brutally offload Vicario with 21 y/o Ligue 1 sensation identified as dream replacement

Bayern Munich are ready to sell Kim Min-jae for a loss in the summer transfer window, according to a report, which will be welcomed by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior as well as by Tottenham Hotspur.

On February 19, 2026, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported Chelsea’s interest in a 2026 summer deal for Kim. While Chelsea tend to sign young players with a high ceiling, the London club are open-minded about a deal for the 29-year-old South Korea international, given their need for a centre-back and the Bayern star’s experience and quality.

Dean Jones doubled down on his claim about Chelsea and Kim on Flashscore on February 23, 2026, reporting that Kim is among ‘several names’ under ‘consideration’ by the Blues.

Jones reported that ‘Chelsea are increasingly likely to enter the market for a proven, high-level centre-back to anchor a back line that currently leans heavily on developing talent’.

Fussball Daten, too, has now reported Chelsea’s interest in Kim, adding that Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for the former Napoli centre-back this summer as well.

Bayern are said to be willing to sell Kim at the end of the season and will even take a loss.

Regarding the ‘he asking price’, the German giants paid €50million (£43.6m, $59m) to Napoli to sign Kim in the summer of 2023, and although their ‘main goal’ is to get €35-40m (up to £35m, $47.1m) for the centre-back, ‘the amount could drop to around €30m ($26.2m, $35.3m) if offers include immediate payment’.

Kim is under contract at Bayern until the summer of 2028.

While Kim is a very experienced defender, the fact that Bayern are willing to offload him this summer is a red flag for both Chelsea and Tottenham.

The defender is not a regular in Bayern manager Vincent Kompany’s starting line-up either, having made just 11 starts in the Bundesliga and only two starts in the Champions League.

According to Fussball Daten, at Bayern, ‘concerns remain regarding his consistency and occasional lapses in concentration’.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Chelsea transfer news: Ecuadorian sensation wanted, Aston Villa links

Meanwhile, our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has revealed Chelsea’s interest in an Ecuadorian sensation, but there is interest from three other Premier League clubs.

A Chelsea star has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and move to Manchester United.

Liverpool and Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation surrounding Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, with the Dutch international open to LEAVING the North London club this summer.

The 24-year-old centre-back, who joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in 2023, has attracted significant interest amid Tottenham’s turbulent campaign.

Sources indicate that van de Ven is seriously weighing up his options, particularly as contract talks with the club remain on hold until the end of the season, as my colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed yesterday.

Spurs are prioritising survival in what has become a genuine relegation battle, leaving the defender’s long-term future uncertain despite his deal running until 2029.

Liverpool have a longstanding admiration for Van de Ven, having tracked him closely during his time in Germany before he moved to Tottenham.

Although they stepped back from that pursuit previously, the Reds are actively seeking defensive reinforcements this summer and view him as high on their list of targets.

His pace, composure on the ball, and ability to play out from the back align well with the club’s defensive requirements. The fact he is also a left sided defender make him a very attractive target, but the Reds face serious competition, so must move decisively to win the race.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Man Utd, Real Madrid in the mix for Tottenham star

As mentioned, United have also entered the fray for Van de Ven, emerging as a realistic option should they secure Champions League qualification.

Van de Ven is eager to feature regularly in Europe’s elite competition, and a top-four finish would significantly boost United’s appeal.

The Red Devils have shown keen interest, and if Tottenham were to suffer relegation, United would become an even more serious contender for the Netherlands international’s signature.

Real Madrid represent perhaps the most ambitious destination. The Spanish giants have harboured long-term interest in Van de Ven, with many believing he could one day don the white of Madrid.

While a move this summer might arrive too soon for the Bernabeu hierarchy – given their defensive priorities and the player’s development, sources caution against ruling them out entirely. Madrid are keeping a close eye on developments, especially with Van de Ven’s contract situation unresolved.

Tottenham value their prized defender highly, with sources suggesting a potential £100million asking price amid interest from multiple elite clubs.

As the summer window approaches, Van de Ven’s next move could prove one of the transfer market’s major sagas, with his blend of youth, athleticism, and potential making him the one of the most exciting players on the market.

Latest Liverpool news: Szoboszlai update / Left-back battle

Meanwhile, we have consistently reported how Liverpool are confident of tying Dominik Szoboszlai down to a new contract, despite genuine interest from Real Madrid.

A journalist has backed up our claims by providing an update on Szoboszlai’s situation, assessing whether Reds fans need to “worry” about losing the playmaker.

In other news, reports suggest that Liverpool could go head-to-head with Real Madrid and Manchester City in the battle to sign one of Serie A’s best left-backs.

The Reds are open to strengthening in that position, with Andy Robertson past his prime and likely to depart, so an exciting replacement is being sought for him.

Real Madrid could bring Jacobo Ramon back to Estadio Bernabeu, according to a reliable source, which is bad news for Tottenham Hotspur, but Los Blancos’ stance on Antonio Rudiger will be encouraging for Spurs owners ENIC.

Real Madrid are aiming to sign at least one new centre-back in the summer of 2026, with both Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract at the end of the season. Dean Huijsen is still only 20, while Raul Asencio has had a mixed spell at Madrid, with Eder Militao having injury issues.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madrid have already decided that Alaba will leave when his current contract at Estadio Bernabeu runs out at the end of the season.

According to AS, Rudiger, too, is ‘expected to leave’ Madrid this summer.

While the former Chelsea central defender ‘does have a chance’ to convince Madrid to make a U-turn, much will depend on how he does between now and the end of the season.

Madrid not opening talks with Rudiger over a new contract will come as good news for Tottenham.

On February 10, 2026, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that intermediaries have made contact with Tottenham over Rudiger moving to the north London club.

Sources have told us that the former Chelsea star is open to the idea of moving back to England and is willing to play for Spurs.

Rudiger would be ready to take a pay-cut to play for a club in England, with Tottenham, West Ham United and Crystal Palace sounded out.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham suffer Jacobo Ramon blow

While Spurs will be encouraged by Madrid’s stance on Rudiger, last season’s Europa League winners will be disappointed to learn Los Blancos’ plan on Jacobo Ramon.

Ramon came through the Madrid youth system and broke into the first team, but the Spanish and European giants decided to sell him to Como in the summer of 2025.

The 21-year-old Spanish centre-back has been a revelation at Como and has established himself as one of the best players in his position in Serie A.

On January 9, 2026, our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that Tottenham are among the clubs that have been scouting Ramon and have been impressed by him.

Sources told us at the time that Madrid are keeping tabs on Ramon’s progress at Como.

We understand that Madrid have 50% sell-on clause in Ramon’s contract at Como and also have multiple buy-back options.

According to AS, Madrid ‘consider’ Ramon ‘a real option’ for their defence next season.

‘He is receiving very positive reviews, his performance continues to improve,’ noted the report about the Spanish youngster.

Madrid sold Ramon to Como for €2.5million (£2.2m, $3m) and can buy him back for €8m (£7m, $9.4m) this summer.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Liverpool battle for left-back, swap deal

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been linked with a Juventus left-back, but there is interest in the Italian star from Liverpool and Manchester City as well.

Real Madrid are keen on signing a Liverpool star who moved to Anfield only in the summer of 2025, according to a speculative Spanish report.

Real Madrid have taken a shine to Archie Gray, with a report revealing how Tottenham Hotspur view the midfielder, who has now become the fourth Spurs player to be linked with a move to Estadio Bernabeu.

Gray has been on the books of Tottenham since the summer of 2024, when he joined from Leeds United for £40million (€46m, $54m). The teenager impressed at Leeds first as a midfielder and then as a right-back, with the 19-year-old showing exceptional ability to adapt his game.

The England Under-21 international has done well for Tottenham since his move, with the youngster making 13 starts in the Premier League and five starts in the Champions League for the north London club so far this season.

Gray has made a total of 26 appearances for Tottenham so far this season, scoring two goals in the process.

The teenager prefers to play as a midfielder, but for Tottenham this season, he has played as a right-back and as a left-back, too.

According to Sports Boom, Madrid have been impressed with Gray’s ‘versatility’ and are keen on a 2026 summer deal.

Real Madrid have been impressed with Gray’s ‘composure under pressure’, with Los Blancos scouts of the belief that the former Leeds star has an ‘elite footballing brain’.

Tottenham do not want to sell Gray, though, with the report claiming that the valuation of the ‘wonder kid’ is £55m (€63m, $74.2m).

Bayern Munich, too, are reported to be interested in Gray, who has played a total of 72 matches for the Tottenham first team so far in his career.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Real Madrid eye THREE other Tottenham stars

Gray is the latest Tottenham player to have caught Madrid’s eyes.

TEAMtalk can confirm Real Madrid’s interest in Micky van de Ven.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that talks between Tottenham and Van de Ven over a new deal have stalled.

Madrid want to sign at least one new centre-back this summer, and Van de Ven features on their list.

Cristian Romero is also on Madrid’s radar, with sources telling our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that the Argentina international centre-back is ready to leave Tottenham at the end of the season.

There have been reports that Real Madrid have been impressed by Luka Vuskovic, too, with the centre-back currently starring at Hamburg.

The Croatia international defender joined the German club on loan from Tottenham in the summer of 2025.

Vuskovic is scheduled to return to Spurs at the end of the season, and we understand that the north London club plan to hold talks with him over his pathway into the first team.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Latest Real Madrid transfer news: Liverpool raid for midfielder, left-back battle

Tottenham are not the only Premier League club that Madrid are planning to raid for players this summer.

Sources have told us that Real Madrid have taken a shine to a Liverpool midfielder, but he is in talks with the Reds over a new contract.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are competing for an Italian left-back who is the subject of interest from Manchester City, too.

Tottenham Hotspur are intensifying their search for a new goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk can reveal that Lens’ standout shot-stopper Robin Risser has emerged as an option to replace Guglielmo Vicario, who the club have decided to offload in the summer.

Risser, just 21, has been a revelation for Lens this season, playing a pivotal role in their unexpected rise as Ligue 1 title contenders.

His commanding performances have not only caught the eye of Spurs’ scouting and recruitment department but have also put him firmly in the frame for a place in France’s World Cup squad.

Sources indicate that Risser is under serious consideration for France’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, a testament to his rapid ascent and growing reputation on the European stage.

We understand Tottenham’s hierarchy has already made the decision to move on from current first-choice goalkeeper Vicario at the end of the season, regardless of who takes over as the club’s next permanent manager.

The club is determined to secure a top-class replacement, and Risser’s name is now high on their shortlist. Spurs have been casting a wide net, with Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, Manchester City’s James Trafford, and Sunderland’s Robin Roefs also attracting attention.

However, it is Risser who has particularly impressed the club’s recruitment team in recent weeks, with his performances for Lens marking him out as one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Tottenham face competition for Ligue 1 stopper

The competition for Risser’s signature is fierce. Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest have both been monitoring the Frenchman closely in recent weeks, underlining the level of interest from the Premier League.

With several top clubs across Europe also tracking his progress, Spurs may need to act decisively if they are to secure one of the continent’s hottest goalkeeping prospects.

Risser has conceded just 20 goals in 23 Ligue 1 matches this season, keeping nine clean sheets in the process, and is a key reason why Lens trail Paris Saint-Germain by just two points and are in the race for the title.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Robin Risser’s next move and whether Tottenham can win the race for a player tipped for both domestic and international stardom.

With Vicario set to leave North London, signing a top-quality goalkeeper to replace him could prove pivotal for Spurs after what has been a disastrous 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Latest Tottenham news: Van de Ven uncertainty / Moore update

Meanwhile, we have revealed that Spurs have put contract talks with centre-back Micky van de Ven on hold, as they focus their efforts on avoiding relegation.

Real Madrid are one of several top sides interested in the Dutchman, who is reluctant to commit his long-term future to Tottenham amid their struggles on the pitch.

In other news, Rangers are determined to re-sign Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore on loan again next season, and that is something the London side will consider if he is guaranteed regular playing time.

However, this is another deal that could hinge on relegation. If Spurs were to go down, they would likely keep hold of Moore and play him in the second tier.

Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table – only four points above the drop zone – with interim boss Igor Tudor tasked with getting them out of trouble.

Real Madrid have reignited their interest in an elite forward after losing out on him to Liverpool last summer, as per a report, while their chances of capturing a Tottenham Hotspur leader have increased.

Real Madrid have snatched numerous players from under Liverpool’s noses in recent years, having beaten them to the signings of midfield duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Los Blancos rubbed salt in Liverpool’s wounds last summer by taking Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital after he ran down his contract.

Liverpool picked up a rare win over Madrid when they won the race for German superstar Florian Wirtz in June, though Madrid are already planning their revenge…

Incredible Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid claim

According to Madrid-centric outlet Defensa Central, club president Florentino Perez has once again set his sights on landing Wirtz.

Madrid still ‘need a playmaker’ in midfield, despite having players such as Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler in their team.

The Spanish giants ‘will sign a midfielder this summer’ and have drawn up a three-man shortlist, which notably includes Liverpool maestro Wirtz.

The 22-year-old had a tough start to life at Anfield, but he has started to prove his quality in recent months – which has seen him appear back on Perez’s radar.

Madrid want a particular ‘profile’ from their new midfielder, and are also tracking Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Pablo Barrios of Atletico Madrid.

But Liverpool will not let Wirtz leave so early into his five-year contract, while Atleti will not want to sell Barrios to their local rivals.

As such, Fernandez represents Madrid’s most likely option to elevate their midfield. But they will have to pay a whopping £120million (€137m) to get him.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Raid on Tottenham boosted

Madrid have been given a lift as they attempt to prise Micky van de Ven away from Tottenham this summer.

Sources have revealed to us that contract talks between Van De Ven and Spurs are on hold while the club focuses on battling relegation.

Spurs remain eager to tie down the centre-back to fresh terms but will wait until the summer before ramping up negotiations.

We understand Van De Ven has little belief that signing a new deal at Spurs is the right choice, given their recent struggles.

He could consider a blockbuster move at the end of the season, with Madrid watching the situation closely and ready to strike.

Van De Ven alternative

If Madrid miss out on Van De Ven, then Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is a great alternative.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have been offered Schlotterbeck by intermediaries but have rejected the chance to complete the transfer.

Barca stepping aside has seen Madrid move into pole position for the Germany international. It has even been suggested that a deal is ‘very close’ to being agreed, with Schlotterbeck’s price set at around €50million (£44m).

Liverpool are also keen on Schlotterbeck but are lagging behind Madrid in the transfer pursuit.

Although, Schlotterbeck moving to the Spanish capital could help Liverpool’s chances of keeping Ibrahima Konate.

Madrid are keeping tabs on Konate’s contract discussions but seem to be leaning towards Schlotterbeck as things stand.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy is in a state of panic amid growing fears that relegation from the Premier League could trigger an exodus of several star players.

Sitting 16th in the table with just 29 points from 27 games, Tottenham are perilously close to the drop zone, only four points clear, and remain winless in 2026. A humiliating 4-1 North London derby defeat to Arsenal has intensified the crisis under interim manager Igor Tudor, following Thomas Frank’s sacking.

Sources indicate the board is deeply concerned about retaining key talent should the club suffer the unthinkable and drop to the Championship. Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven is expected to depart regardless of survival, with the 24-year-old eager for regular Champions League football.

Manchester United have joined Liverpool and Real Madrid in showing strong interest in the composed defender, who has been a standout despite the team’s struggles.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed earlier on Monday that contract talks between Van De Ven and Spurs have been put on hold while the club focuses on battling relegation. Madrid are particularly keen on the speedy star and are watching his situation closely.

Captain Cristian Romero is another major doubt. The Argentina international, who has voiced frustrations in the past, has attracted serious attention from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Sources suggest he would be unwilling to stay and play second-tier football, potentially forcing a sale.

Further down the spine, several high-profile names would be ready to jump ship quickly if relegation materialises. Creative midfielder James Maddison, dynamic left-back Destiny Udogie, forward Dejan Kulusevski (often linked with big moves), Xavi Simons and others could seek immediate exits to preserve their careers at the elite level.

Sources say that Spurs would become the place to go for major clubs to add to their squad should they be relegated.

Such an exodus would devastate Spurs’ squad and long-term ambitions, with sources adding that striker Dominic Solanke is another to watch in the summer.

Financially, relegation would slash revenue from broadcasting and commercial deals, making it harder to compete for replacements.

For now, the focus remains on survival under Tudor, but the prospect of losing a core group has heightened anxiety at board level. With games running out, every point is critical to avoid a catastrophic summer rebuild – or worse.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Tottenham news: Juventus learn price for signing; potential Championship XI

Tottenham tell Juventus it’s €25m-€30m to sign starter as three Prem-proven replacements identified

Tottenham Championship XI under Robbie Keane: THREE big names remain amid complete defensive overhaul

Should the unthinkable happen and Tottenham Hotspur suffer relegation for the first time in the Premier League era, TEAMtalk has looked at how they could line up with club legend Robbie Keane at the helm, and there are a few surprises.

Spurs made a disastrous start to Igor Tudor’s tenure as interim boss, with the Croatian, who has a big reputation for his fire-fighting abilities, becoming the first Tottenham manager to lose his first game in charge since Andre Villas-Boas in 2012.

Still to win a Premier League game in 2026, Tottenham are currently in freefall and have just 11 games left to preserve their top-flight status. Add in the fact they will need a new permanent manager in the summer, assuming Tudor doesn’t turn into prime Mauricio Pochettino and bag the permanent job himself, and so much is at stake for the club.

That being said, should the worst happen, we think that a combination of a name like Keane’s, along with Tottenham still having some sort of allure within the game – even if it is trending massively in the wrong direction – could see some senior players remain.

Keane’s title-winning Ferencvaros team in Hungary played a 3-5-2, so we’ll have to assume he will favour that in the Championship, and that is how we’ve constructed this XI…

GK: James Trafford

Guglielmo Vicario will be back in his homeland come the summer, while other clubs, most notably West Ham have been enquiring over his backup Antonin Kinsky. In this scenario, we believe Spurs push to sign a keeper with Championship experience and Trafford fits the bill perfectly.

This one could be a loan from Man City, unless they decide to sell, which becomes a problem if the likes of Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle continue to show interest in the 23-year-old.

RCB: Kevin Danso

As explained above, we believe that Danso is one of the players who will not push to leave, knowing that he will be a guaranteed starter week in, week out.

The Austria international has never really let the team down when called upon and would relish the challenge that the Championship brings, along with spearheading an immediate return to the top flight.

CB: Luka Vuskovic

Yes, we realise keeping Vuskovic on board will be incredibly tough, given the level of interest in the hugely talented defender due to his sparkling form on loan at Hamburg this season. However, having sold Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for big money and also offloaded Radu Dragusin, Keane convinces Vuskovic to stay and plugs him into the heart of his back three, where his ball-playing skills can be fully utilised.

LCB: Ashley Phillips

Speaking of Championship experience, Phillips has it in abundance, and there have been calls from many Tottenham fans in the past to give the forgotten signing a crack at first-team level.

He gets his chance here, having spent time on loan at Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City (twice) after joining initially from Blackburn. Indeed, Phillips has played more than 100 games in English football’s second tier.

DON’T MISS: FIFTEEN big-name players to leave Tottenham if they’re relegated – reliable report

RWB: Jun’ai Byfield

With Pedro Porro gone and Djed Spence not wanting to stoop to Championship level again, Spurs could opt to sign a more experienced option for the right wing-back role (and they almost certainly will), but we think they trust their Academy here and opt for the highly-rated Byfield.

A centre-back by trade, having started his career as a striker, big things are expected of the 17-year-old talent and it’s a position he has played in the past. Despite his tender age, Byfield has already featured three times for the club’s senior team, including two times in the Champions League.

CM: Archie Gray

The England Under-21 gets to play regularly in his favoured position, and the one which encouraged Tottenham to sign him in the first place, when he was excelling in the Championship with Leeds.

Having seen his mate Lucas Bergvall almost certainly remain in the Premier League, given the interest in his services in the January window, Gray stays to be the defensive midfield pivot in a Spurs team that should see much more of the ball at Championship level and play to his strengths.

CM: Conor Gallagher (captain)

Probably the first of the shocks when it comes to Tottenham managing to keep some of their bigger names, but we feel Gallagher is the type of character that will want to play his part in bringing the club straight back to the Premier League.

Indeed, the 26-year-old is made captain of this team, and while it might affect his England chances, the fact there is no major tournament in 2027 works to Spurs’ advantage here.

LWB: Souza

The January signing from Brazil is the natural fit here, especially with Destiny Udogie more than likely heading back to Italy and Spence also gone.

It’s maybe a bit of a gamble in terms of Souza, 19, still being new to English football, and there’s every chance a more experienced option is signed, but we think the teenager’s pace and attacking capabilities get him the nod here in a more advanced full-back role.

AM: Mikey Moore

As our very own Fraser Fletcher has stated, Moore is keen on extending his stay at Rangers after loving his time on loan at Ibrox this season, but Tottenham still have plans for the exciting teenager. Indeed, Moore is used in a slightly different role under Keane, operating as one of two No.10s and having the option to play centrally or drift out wide.

Again, this is assuming Tottenham are in the Championship as, if they’re not, then there is a strong chance Moore heads back to Glasgow again.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

AM: James Maddison

This might come as a shock to some but Maddison’s stock is not what it once was, and he’s coming off the back of an ACL injury that has not seen him feature at all this season.

The 29-year-old remains under contract until 2028 and there is a strong chance Keane could convince him to stay in a comeback year, despite the fact he jumped ship with Leicester when they went down in 2023.

FW: Dominic Solanke

Another player we genuinely think could choose to stay and help the club return to the top flight at the first time of asking, with his injury issues this season once again playing a part in any potential sale.

The 28-year-old hardly featured at all in the first half of the campaign, having also had several niggling injuries last season. He has managed four goals in nine outings since his return to action and would be a 20-goal starter at Championship level, if he stayed fit.

Indeed, the last time Solanke played at that level, he scored 29 times for Bournemouth during the 2021/22 season.