TEAMtalk

Regardless of what Tottenham do in the transfer market this summer, Ange Postecoglou must get more out of five key players next season if the club are to crack the top four and get back in the Champions League.

Spurs ended up missing out to Aston Villa by two pints in the race for fourth spot after only winning two of their final seven Premier League games of the season.

Their finish was a polar opposite to how they started under Postecoglou last season, going unbeaten in their first 10 games and topping the table.

Injuries, suspensions and a loss of form from some key men eventually derailed a campaign that had promised so much and the Australian openly admitted he did not have the players in his squad capable of playing the brand of football that will bring that first piece of silverware since 2008 – let alone challenging for the top-four spots.

To that end, Tottenham are expected to busy in the summer transfer window, with Postecoglou looking at bolstering the spine of his side with another centre-back, a central midfielder and a new No.9.

But, if some of those proposed signings do not come off, then the Spurs chief will have to get more out of some of the players who in some way let him down last season.

A combination of multiple factors has led to this list and not everyone will agree, but Postecoglou needs to get certain messages across to ensure that what happened in the second half of last season does not materialise again.

Guglielmo Vicario

There’s no denying that the summer signing from 2023 is a sensational shot-stopper and comfortable in possession – an absolute must for the modern-day keeper.

However, he does not command his area well, particularly from set-pieces, and that was clearly a tactic opposition teams tried to take advantage of last season – legally, or sometimes not!

Blocking the Italian off became something of the norm and did led to goals against. Indeed, Tottenham had issues defending set-pieces all last season and some of that must be on the keeper not being the dominant force in his area he needs to be.

It also led to Postecoglou changing personnel in the last few games of the season to get another dominant central defender on the pitch in Radu Dragusin, with Micky van de Ven pushed out to left-back.

That did, however, give Spurs much more of a presence to deal with the set-piece threat, but when Destiny Udogie is back from injury and Dragusin likely back on the bench again, Postecoglou will need to trust that Vicario will have worked on that side of his game in pre-season and be much better for it.

DEEPER DIVE: Seven Tottenham transfer targets at the 2024 Copa America as Postecoglou plans upgrades

Yves Bissouma

Having looked sensational in that unbeaten stretch to start last season, Bissouma’s form nosedived alarmingly when he returned from African Cup of Nations duty with Mali at the turn of the year.

How much that issue stemmed from the bout of malaria he picked up while out in the Ivory Coast is anyone’s guess but he just looked shadow of the player that was bossing Postecoglou’s engine room alongside fellow African Pape Sarr.

In truth, Bissouma has never really consistently produced the same level of his performance that he did during his Brighton days,w when he was rightly regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

The £30million Spurs forked out for the 27-year-old’s signature in the summer of 2022 looked an absolute steal, but the transfer has not quite gone the way they hoped.

There has been some talk Postecoglou could even look to offload the midfielder. But those 10 games at the start of last term showed that there is still a tremendous player in there somewhere and whether it’s physical, psychological, or a combination of both, it’s up to the Spurs gaffer to bring out the best in Bissouma again and potentially save himself millions bringing in a replacement.

Rodrigo Bentancur

It was not nice seeing the Uruguay international smashing up a seat on the bench when he was hauled off during the 2-0 loss at home to Manchester City back in May.

Bentancur had a long, hard road back from the ACL injury he suffered back in February 2023 and, apart from the odd glimpse, did not look the same player who was so impressive before his lengthy enforced lay-off.

The frustration where was there off for all to see when Postecoglou substituted the midfielder after City had taken the lead in a must-win game in their title push, but he needs to come back stronger next season.

Bentancur is currently away with his country at the Copa America but the hope is that he will be fitter and stronger after pre-season to prove to Postecoglou just how pivotal a player he can be in the Australian’s engine room.

The 27-year-old, who moved to north London in January 2022, has made 68 appearances for Tottenham in total, scoring 68 goals and is the one midfielder in the squad capable of playing as No.6, No.8 and No.10 if needed – such is his versatility.

However, if he cannot get back to the player he was before his serious knee issue, then there is every chance that Postecoglou will look at alternative options.

James Maddison

Maddison was quite rightly being spoken of as one the signings of the summer as Tottenham were charging to the top of the Premier League table before suffering the ankle injury against Chelsea that ruled him out for two months.

He eventually played 31 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and adding nine assists but his form in the second half of the season tailed off significantly.

Indeed, Maddison was so bad that he went from pushing for a place in England’s starting XI at Euro 2024 to failing to make the squad at all, much to his annoyance.

All the talk of Eberechi Eze arriving from Crystal Palace too is unlikely to be doing his confidence much good either, although Eze can line up out wide as an attacker and is not just a No.10.

The former Leicester man also needs to be aware of the incoming threat of Swedish attacking midfield sensation Lucas Bergvall, who looks likely to be integrated straight into Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

Maddison just needs to build up his fitness over a full -pre-season and come out firing again, as he did last season before his cruel blow.

He might also have a chip on his shoulder after the massive England snub, which can only be good news for Tottenham.

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Dejan Kulusevski

For a player with so much quality, the Sweden international had a hugely disappointing season and never reached anywhere near the heights of the previous campaign.

On the face of it, his stats weren’t that bad, scoring eight goals and adding three assists, but his overall performance levels were not good – except for probably the draw at Manchester City in December and the final game of the season at Sheffield United when he bagged a brace.

There were games when he didn’t looked particularly interested, either playing from his preferred position on the right, out of the left or as a No.10 in the absence of Maddison.

Kulusevski faces a battle with Brennan Johnson for that right-wing berth next season, with the latter almost certain to be improved after his debut campaign with the club.

Potentially adding Eze as well, who can also play wide on the right, means the 24-year-old will have to up his performance levels if he wants to play regularly – with Postecoglou likely to ditch any passengers in his side judging by his comments towards the end of the season.

Giovani Lo Celso has been identified as a player that Tottenham Hotspur want to offload as early in the summer transfer window as possible, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

Tottenham are set for a busy summer and are looking to help build a side that can help Ange Postecoglou. This means more has to happen in the outgoings department as much as incomings.

One player the club are desperately trying to move on is midfielder Lo Celso, who TEAMtalk has learned has been told has no future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He has spent most of his time out on loan in recent years with multiple stints in Spain and has almost left the club permanently on multiple occasions.

This summer the club have asked intermediaries to help find him a move alongside his agents and they are open to including him in deals to secure transfer targets. He was floated in an offer for Jacob Ramsey, but that was only in conversation and not officially.

While he was not loaned out last term, Lo Celso was largely limited to appearances as a substitute and as a result, his 22 Premier League appearances amounted to an actual playing time of just 510 minutes, during which he produced two goals and two assists.

The end result is Postecoglou has seen enough and feels that Lo Celso doesn’t add to his squad in a meaningful way.

Giovani Lo Celso favours return to Spain

Lo Celso would much rather return to Spain and play in La Liga where he has been for the past 4 seasons TEAMtalk can confirm.

He has been loaned out to Villareal and Real Betis and it is the latter who are keen to bring him back on a permanent basis.

They are hopeful of completing a permanent deal for the midfielder who has given them the green light ahead of any other suitors. However there is work to be done there as Betis are trying to shift players and don’t won’t to meet Spurs demands.

Spurs want around £12 million and the Spanish side are only wanting to part with £8 million which has left talks between them on hold.

The north London side will accept a bid from literally anyone for the Argentine and are open to offers.

Lo Celso will leave this summer and its likely he ends up in Spain, with one year left on his deal and no place in Ange’s squad, he is heading for the exit.

Tottenham have reportedly seen a player-plus-cash offer for Jacob Ramsey rejected by Aston Villa, with Unai Emery determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old.

Ange Postecoglou views the Villa star as a key target as he looks to bring in reinforcements in the attacking midfield and winger positions.

Ramsey can play both roles and after an impressive few seasons with the Midlands club, is only expected to improve as he gains experience.

He struggled with injuries last term but Emery views him as a key player as the manager prepares for Villa’s first European campaign since 2010/11.

According to talkSPORT, Tottenham ‘were willing to pay £20m plus midfielder Giovani Lo Celso’ for Ramsey, but Villa ‘turned down the offer.’ This is despite Emery managing the Spurs star at both Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal.

Lo Celso, 28, has been at Tottenham since 2020 and has played 108 games for the club, but has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons.

He was loaned out to Villarreal in the second half of 2021/22 and the whole 2022/23 campaign.

He has just 12 months remaining on his contract and Spurs want to offload him now rather than lose him on a free transfer further down the line.

Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle keen on Ramsey

Aston Villa are working hard on deals and seem to have got themselves on the right side of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Keeping hold of their key players was always going to be the challenge and Emery views Ramsey as someone in that category.

Tottenham could still try again to lure him away from Villa Park though, while Liverpool and Newcastle are also interested in the versatile playmaker.

Ramsey broke into the Villa squad in 2020 and has made 122 appearances in total for his boyhood club, scoring 13 goals and making 12 assists in the process.

Tottenham may have to look elsewhere for reinforcements should Villa stand firm on their not-for-sale stance.

Spurs have already re-signed Timo Werner on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig and tied up a £8.5m deal for midfielder Lucas Bergvall from Djurgarden.

They have plenty of work to do ahead of the coming campaign, however, with Postecoglou also keen to sign a new striker.

Brentford star Ivan Toney continues to be linked with the North Londoners but he isn’t the only centre-forward on Postecoglou’s shortlist.

Tottenham have been linked with several stars who are in action at the 2024 Copa America as they aim to strengthen their squad this summer.

After narrowly missing out on a top-four Premier League finish last season, Tottenham face a key transfer window this summer as they look to capitalise on the momentum from Ange Postecoglou’s first year in charge.

They have already been linked with several high-profile stars from around Europe and there are a number of players from South America Spurs are said to be chasing, too.

Here are seven reported Tottenham targets on show at the 2024 Copa America.

Raphinha

Reports in Spain have deemed Tottenham’s chances of signing Brazil star Raphinha this summer to be ‘realistic’.

The 27-year-old winger joined Barcelona from Leeds United in a £55 million deal two years ago and, despite not having made as big an impact in Catalonia as expected, the former Sporting CP and Rennes forward has been impressively productive. In his first LaLiga season, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 36 appearances. And while his goals return fell to just three in the league for the 2023-24 campaign, he delivered nine assists.

After he shone in the Premier League previously during two seasons at Elland Road, Spurs are said to be willing to pay £47 million to bring Raphinha back to the English top flight.

Jonathan David

Another player looking increasingly likely to be playing his football in the Premier League next term is Canada striker Jonathan David. A long-time target for several of England’s biggest clubs, Spurs are among those believed to be keen on the 24-year-old, who has just 12 months to run on his contract with Ligue 1 side Lille.

David scored 26 goals in all competitions last term for the second season in a row. He has an impressive international record, too, with 26 goals from 49 caps for Canada. Possessing pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing, the Brooklyn-born man has a skillset desired in any top striker.

Lille president Olivier Letang admitted recently that David – along with Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid target Leny Yoro – is likely to be sold this summer. The highly rated centre-forward could be available for as little as £30 million.

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Andreas Pereira

According to reports in Brazil, Spurs are preparing to make a move for Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira this summer.

The 28-year-old has been with the Craven Cottage club since a £10 million move from Manchester United two years ago. In that time, he has scored eight goals and provided 15 assists for the Whites.

Able to play as a No.10 or deeper in central midfield, it is claimed Postecoglou views the Brazilian as an ideal addition to his options in the middle of the pitch. Pereira is said to be keen to leave Fulham before the start of the 2024-25 campaign, with talks over his future planned for when he returns from the Copa America.

Santiago Gimenez

After scoring 49 goals in the last two seasons for Feyenoord, Mexico’s Argentina-born striker Santiago Gimenez is hoping his stellar club form will translate to the international stage at the 2024 Copa America, where he could be one the tournament’s breakout stars.

The 23-year-old scored 26 goals in 41 games for the Rotterdam club under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot last term, improving on the 23 he bagged the season before to help Feyenoord claim an Eredivisie title in his maiden campaign in the Dutch top flight.

A deadly finisher with either foot, Gimenez also added another string to his bow last season, improving as a creator to provide six assists in the league.

Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with moves for the £43 million-rated striker this summer, while Spurs are also reportedly keen.

Piero Hincapie

After their historic undefeated run to a first-ever Bundesliga title last season, Bayer Leverkusen are bracing themselves for big-money offers for several of their brightest stars. One of the key players from Xabi Alonso’s side most often linked with a departure from the BayArena is Piero Hincapie.

The 22-year-old Ecuadorian defender was the left-sided centre-back in Alonso’s 3-4-3 system last term, standing out for his aggressiveness in challenges, aerial prowess and technical skill when launching attacks from deep.

According to reports in Germany, Postecoglou has made upgrading his centre-back options a priority this summer and Hincapie has been named on Tottenham’s shortlist of targets. The young Ecuador star is believed to have a £60 million release clause in his Leverkusen contract.

Willian Pacho

If Spurs are unable to land Hincapie, they could turn their attention to his central-defensive partner in the Ecuador line-up at the Copa America.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho has a similar skillset to Hincapie in that he is also excellent on the ball, often seen striding into midfield zones to spring attacking moves, while being commanding in the air and solid positionally.

The 22-year-old is also believed to be valued in a similar price range to Hincapie by his German club, with Eintracht said to be looking for around £60 million if they are to sell the player they signed from Royal Antwerp in Belgium just last year.

Evanilson

Porto striker Evanilson is coming off the best season of his career after scoring 24 goals in 42 games for the Portuguese side, eclipsing his previous high mark of 21 strikes from two years ago.

The 24-year-old’s club form was enough to see him finally earn a first cap for Brazil, selected for a pre-Copa America warm-up friendly earlier this month, as well as a place in Dorival Junior’s Selecao squad for the tournament in the United States.

It has also seen long-standing interest in the gifted striker from several Premier League clubs reignited this summer, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all ready to pounce, according to reports in Portugal.

An elusive dribbler who can hold the ball up, link play, create for others and score, there are few obvious holes in Evanilson’s game – a fact reflected in the €100 million release clause in his Porto contract.

AC Milan are spying a double raid on Tottenham Hotspur, and Emerson Royal is ready to take a pay cut to join the Italian giants, according to reports.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has decided that right-back is a position he wants to improve as a priority this summer. In order to sign a new full-back who can compete with Pedro Porro for a starting spot, Tottenham must offload Emerson to bring in funds.

Even though the Brazilian has been unconvincing in a Tottenham shirt, he has emerged as a key target for Milan.

Emerson recently confirmed that Milan are in talks with Spurs about a potential deal. He added that he would like to follow in the footsteps of some of his top-class Brazilian predecessors by playing for the Rossoneri.

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According to the latest reports emerging from Italy, Milan are still negotiating with Spurs for Emerson’s capture.

Spurs are keen to pick up €25million (£21m) for Emerson, who originally cost them £25.8m in August 2021. Milan, though, are aiming to take him to Italy for no more than €20m (£17m).

Emerson is urging Spurs to accept a lower offer for him, and the 25-year-old has even agreed to take a wage cut in order to help Milan’s finances.

In order to replace Emerson, Spurs have set their sights on both Yan Couto, who was recently on loan at Girona from Manchester City, and Monaco star Vanderson. Earlier on Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano revealed which player out of Couto and Vanderson is more likely to join Spurs.

Tottenham transfers: Emerson, Hojbjerg wanted in double deal

Emerson, meanwhile, could be followed to Milan by current Spurs team-mate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Dane has been phased out by Postecoglou and the Italian press state that it is certain he will leave North London this summer.

Hojbjerg is determined to join a Champions League club when leaving Spurs and the fact Milan can provide him with just that puts them in pole position to complete a deal.

Although, discussions between Milan and Spurs for Hojbjerg are currently not as advanced as they are for Emerson. This will certainly be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, Hojbjerg’s agent, Luca Puccinelli, said about his client: “A player like him will surely be part of a club with great ambition or project because he is not just a strong player, but with a character made to fight for important things every year.”

Milan are not alone in admiring the 28-year-old, as Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce – now managed by ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho – are also thought to be in the mix for his services.

Spurs paid Southampton around £20m for Hojbjerg in August 2020 but, just like with Emerson, they are prepared to take a loss on him. It has been claimed that Postecoglou’s side want £12.6m in order to leave him leave.

Riccardo Calafiori has been impressive at Euro 2024 for Italy and reports suggest that Arsenal and Tottenham are battling for his signature.

The Bologna defender has played the full 90 minutes in Italy’s first three games in the tournament, catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

As we have previously reported, Liverpool are keeping an eye on Calafiori’s situation as they eye a long-term replacement for Joel Matip.

But according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Arsenal and Tottenham are the clubs leading the race for the 22-year-old at this stage.

The report claims that the North London rivals are ‘ready to break in’ and secure Calafiori’s services amid rumours he could leave Bologna this summer.

He struggled with injuries early in his career but has been fantastic since joining Bologna last summer, making 33 appearances in 2023/24 and scoring two goals.

His form earned him a spot in the Italy squad and now it seems half of Europe are trying to bring him in, but Tuttosport say it would take a ‘monstrous’ offer to sign him.

Juventus target Arsenal defender

Calafiori is under contract with Bologna until 2027 and the Italian side have ‘no plans’ to sell him at this stage as they prepare for their first European campaign since 2002, unless a huge bid forces their hand.

They have just lost manager Thiago Motta to Juventus though and reports suggest that several stars could follow him out the exit door.

Tuttosport claim that Juventus are one of the clubs competing with Arsenal and Tottenham for Calafiori, so the coach is seemingly keen on an instant reunion.

Juventus are reportedly ‘preparing to miss out’ on Calafiori amid the competition from the Premier League and interestingly, it’s claimed they could turn to Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as an alternative.

Kiwior, 24, previously worked under Motta at Spezia and ‘if the Gunners sign Calafiori, it could open the door for the Polish international to return to Italy.’

In that case, it’s claimed Arsenal would consider offers of around €17m (£14.3m) – £6m less than what they bought him for last summer.

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Juventus ‘must be wary’ of competition from AC Milan for Kiwior, however, but they will be the team to watch should Calafiori head to the Emirates.

Kiwior made just 11 starts in the Premier League in 2023/24 but played a key role in the middle of the campaign playing at left-back.

Like Kiwior, Calafiori is also capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, so would be a logical replacement for him.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is actively looking to sign a new right-back this summer with a fee now agreed to sell Emerson Royal and with Fabrizio Romano confirming plans to bring in a long-term Manchester United target as his replacement.

The north London side made rapid strides under the likeable Aussie boss during his first season in charge, steering Tottenham to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. And while there will be some satisfaction in bringing back midweek European football to N17, the fact it is in the Europa League and not the Champions League will leave Postecoglou with a bit of a sense of regret.

Indeed, Spurs topped the early Premier League table last season after a sublime start saw them win eight and draw two of their first 10 games – earning Postecoglou the honour of the best start ever made by a new manager in his debut season in the English top flight.

Sadly, their flying start was to derail following a painful home defeat to bogey side Chelsea at the start of November, with injuries and suspensions soon taking hold and serving as a reminder as to why the Tottenham squad still required further strengthening.

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The Lilywhites were the only Premier League side who made a permanent signing in the January window in the form of Radu Dragusin, and Tottenham are once again expected to have a high turnover of players once again this summer as Postecoglou looks to ring in further changes.

And their summer business looks set to get underway in due course with Tottenham beating off five Premier League rivals to sign a record-breaking teenage striker.

Tottenham transfers: Emerson Royal compromise with Milan close

However, Spurs will also likely sign a more senior No 9 this summer, while Postecoglou we understand the ambitious Tottenham boss also hopes to add another midfielder and another two additions in defence.

Indeed, their next significant deal could actually be an outgoing with 2021 signing Emerson Royal nearing the end of the line in north London after 101 appearances in a Spurs shirt.

Having played the majority of his career at right-back, he found himself utilised as an emergency centre-half on occasions last season.

Postecoglou, though, has made it clear the club will be open to offers for the 10-times capped Brazil international this summer, with AC Milan emerging as the leading contenders for his signature.

With Tottenham initially seeking €25m (£21.3m) for the 25-year-old, the Serie A giants had initially balked at the fee, offering instead a fee in the €15m (£12.7m).

But after a series of talks between the clubs, it’s now understood that a fee in the region of €18m (£15.2m) is close to being agreed as a compromise, though Tottenham could claim a 10% sale of any future deal to earn themselves a potential nice little earner in the years to come.

Royal’s exit will leave Pedro Porro as Tottenham’s senior right-back, though that is a situation Postecoglou is keen to address having been linked with two would-be replacements.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Spurs plans to sign Man Utd target

As a result, both Monaco man Vanderson and Girona’s on-loan Manchester City full-back Yan Couto have been strongly tipped with moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent weeks.

Brazil star Vanderson has caught the eye since moving to the French Riviera from Gremio, with his form catching the attention of Manchester United, who have targeted the 23-year-old as a potential upgrade for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Couto, meanwhile, scored twice and weighed in with 10 assists for Girona as Michel’s side caused a monumental stir in LaLiga by finishing third in the table behind Real Madrid and Barcelona to qualify for the Champions League.

Due to head back to parent club, Man City, this summer, the 22-year-old Brazilian appears to have edged Vanderson in the national squad in recent times.

However, according to Romano, it is Vanderson whom Postecoglou plans to chase with the trusted transfer guru confirming to Caught Offside that a move for Couto is unlikely.

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“Emerson Royal could leave Tottenham as he’s publicly acknowledged interest from AC Milan, even if nothing is done yet,” Romano said. “As previously reported, Monaco right-back Vanderson is someone they are showing an interest in in case Emerson leaves the club.

“I’m also aware there have been some rumours about Yan Couto, but I’m not aware of anything concrete on that story, let’s wait and see what happens. However, as Tottenham have Pedro Porro as their first choice, they want to sign a backup option for that position, and I see Couto as someone who would be more of a starter than a rotation player.”

Vanderson has scored six goals and has five assists from 84 appearances since moving to Monaco in January 2022 for a fee of just €11m.

Tottenham are set to announce the signing of a record-breaking striker who they beat five Premier League sides including three London rivals to the signature of.

It’s been a relatively low-key beginning to the summer window at Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou’s side yet to sign or sell any first-team players.

Plenty of stars are due to leave when their contracts expire on June 30, such as Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessegnon. Elsewhere, Tottenham have mutually agreed to terminate Tanguy Ndombele’s contract despite the deal having 12 months remaining.

Yet despite the slow start, plenty of action is anticipated both from an arrivals and exits perspective.

One deal that will cross the line next week is the signing of 16-year-old striker sensation, George Feeney.

Reports back in May revealed Spurs had agreed a deal to sign the Glentoran frontman who has already written his name into the history books.

Feeney – the son of ex-Northern Ireland international, Warren Feeney – became Glentoran’s youngest ever goalscorer when finding the net in a Northern Ireland League Cup tie.

Feeney was remarkably aged just 15 years, eight months and 14 days at the time of his record-setting goal.

Feeney went on to feature 10 times for the Glentoran first team despite his tender age. The transfer vultures in the Premier League began to circle and Spurs barged all others aside to win the race.

Now, a fresh update from Football London has shed new light on Tottenham’s coup.

Arrival date; vanquished Prem rivals revealed

Firstly, they state Tottenham beat five Premier League rivals in the scrap for Feeney. The five clubs left licking their wounds are West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

Furthermore, the report added the deal Tottenham have struck will contain add-ons that will greatly benefit Glentoran in future years.

Finally, the report stated the signing is due to be announced next week when Tottenham declare their new influx of academy scholars.

The battle to sign Feeney was fierce, as is the fight for who he’ll represent in the international arena.

Feeney is eligible to play for Northern Ireland and Wales and despite his father playing for Northern Ireland on 46 occasions, Feeney switched allegiance to Wales when representing their Under-16s earlier in 2024.

A top playmaking talent has reportedly said yes to a move to Tottenham this summer, although a fee for his services is still to be agreed.

Ange Postecoglou is looking to strengthen right through the spine of his side this summer, with another centre-back, potentially two midfielders and a new No.9 also on his radar.

The need to bring in another No.10 is not quite as pressing, with James Maddison already on board, but that has not stopped continued links to Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham remain the frontrunners for the 25-year-old in a move that could end costing £68m including add-ons.

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However, other cheaper targets remain in the frame, and a report from the Turkish media suggests that the north London club are actually closing in on a move for Fenerbahce star Sebastian Szymanski ahead of Eze.

The Poland international has been linked with a move to Spurs since the winter transfer window, but it appears things have been moved up a notch regarding a proposed move.

The report states that negotiations are coming to end between Tottenham and Fenerbahce and that the player looks set for a move to England.

It’s claimed Szymanski has agreed personal terms with Postecoglou’s men as they look to tie him down to a four-year deal.

Talks will continue between the two clubs to agree on the transfer fee, with Tottenham said to have offered €17.5million. However, they will almost certainly need to up that bid.

Szymanski poised for Tottenham switch

The report finishes by stating that as soon as agreement on the fee has been reached, the 25-year-old will will travel to England for a medical.

Indeed, Tottenham appear to have beaten out the likes of Lazio and Marseille for the attacker’s signature.

Szymanski made 55 appearances for the Super Lig side last season, scoring 13 goals, and is currently contracted at Fener until June 2027.

His proposed exit will certainly come as a blow to new Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho as he looks to make his mark in Turkish football.

The former Tottenham boss moved to Fener earlier this month and has already taken charge of his first training session at the club.

If these reports from Turkey are to be believed, then it appears that Spurs have indeed moved on from the much more expensive Eze in favour of landing Szymanski.

Quite where the Pole fits in though remains an unanswered question, especially given that Maddison is Postecoglou’s first choice No.10.

The former Leicester man did have a rather alarming dip in form during the second half of the season, something that cost him a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024.

However, Maddison is expected to bounce back if he gets a strong pre-season under his belt this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given the opportunity to sign prime striker target Jonathan David for a cut-price fee, with a journalist providing a comprehensive update on the club’s forward plans.

Tottenham sold club icon Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer in a £100million deal but have never truly replaced the England captain. Richarlison’s form remains unconvincing, while Son Heung-min is not as deadly at centre-forward as he is on the left flank.

Tottenham do also have Timo Werner and Alejo Veliz in their squad, both of whom are capable of operating at No 9. But Werner is not the most effective in front of goal, while Veliz is only 20 years old and is still developing.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou knows that if his side are to challenge the elite clubs in England and beyond, they must have a lethal goalscorer leading the forward line.

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Spurs have been linked with a host of strikers in recent months, including David, Santiago Gimenez, Ivan Toney and Lois Openda, plus several others.

Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold has now provided his information on the club’s hunt to bring in a new attacker.

It is revealed that despite links with strikers such as Brentford’s Toney, Feyenoord ace Gimenez and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, Spurs are not planning concrete moves for any of those players.

Juventus forward Federico Chiesa has also been tipped to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Spurs chiefs will not bid for him, either.

Tottenham transfers: New Jonathan David price emerges

Spurs have scouted RB Leipzig’s Openda and have been impressed by what they have seen. But the fact Openda’s €80million (£68m) release clause does not become active until 2025 means he will be too expensive for Spurs this summer.

Instead, Spurs’ new main objective to fill the Kane void is Lille’s David. Manchester United have been credited with interest in the Canadian, but Spurs reportedly made the first approach for him on Monday.

David’s value was previously as high as €60m (£51m), but this has dropped as a result of him refusing to pen a new contract with Lille.

It had been thought that David would cost Spurs €40m (£34m) this summer, but in a huge boost for Postecoglou, Gold states that the 24-year-old will actually be on the move for just £25m.

Lille will be angry with the fact that they did not manage to tie David down to a new contract, as they now look set to take a financial hit after paying Gent £25.5m for him back in August 2020.

Should Spurs miss out on David, then other options include Juve’s Dusan Vlahovic and Bournemouth talisman Dominic Solanke.

Although, Vlahovic and Solanke will cost far more than David, so it is understandable why Spurs are eager to sign the latter as a priority.