TEAMtalk

Aston Villa were forced to compromise to seal the signing of a versatile defender who Tottenham made consistent efforts to sign in the final stages of the winter window.

Tottenham bolstered their centre-back depth on Sunday upon landing Kevin Danso from Lens. The Austrian joined on a six-month loan that contains a €25m/£20.9m obligation to buy.

However, Ange Postecoglou and co pushed for a second addition at the heart of defence, with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi among many pursued in the dying embers of the January transfer window.

The issue for Spurs was Disasi, 26, had long since agreed personal terms with Aston Villa. Disasi continued to give priority to Villa even after Unai Emery’s side baulked at Chelsea’s hefty £5m demand for a loan fee.

Tottenham swept in, quickly agreeing to pay the £5m fee to seal a loan agreement with Chelsea. However, despite repeated attempts, Spurs were unable to change Disasi’s mind and Villa finally splashed the cash.

The club eventually agreed to match Chelsea’s £5m loan fee demand and are also covering Disasi’s entire salary during the loan. There is no option or obligation to buy in the deal.

The move was officially confirmed by Aston Villa in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A short statement read: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea.

“The Frenchman joins Villa on a deal until the end of the season. Disasi has amassed over 300 senior club appearances as well as being capped five times at international level.

“The central defender has experience in the Champions League and has also represented his country at the FIFA World Cup. Welcome, Axel!”

Among the reasons Villa were so steadfast in their pursuit of Disasi is the Frenchman’s versatility.

Villa were seeking a flexible option who can cover the positions of centre-back and right-back. Don’t be surprised to see Disasi deployed at right-back on occasion during his loan.

Did Tottenham sign an alternative centre-back?

Spurs explored the signing of Maxime Esteve (Burnley) and are understood to have submitted a late £20m bid. Burnley value their centre-half at £30m and the deal did not progress.

Tottenham had also looked into the signing of Fikayo Tomori in the days prior, though the England international rejected Spurs and wound up staying with AC Milan.

The club also tabled a giant £70m bid for Marc Guehi. But again, Spurs were denied, with Danso the only centre-back to arrive.

And with Radu Dragusin now out for the season after suffering an ACL injury, Tottenham are effectively no better off in such a crucial position.

There was far more positive news at the other end of the pitch, however, with Tottenham succeeding in bringing the in-demand Mathys Tel to north London.

The full details in Tottenham’s coup – including their successful last-ditch attempt to include a key clause – can be found here.

Tottenham have secured the signing of promising teenage striker Phoenix Offiah with his father and rugby legend, Martin Offiah, telling TEAMtalk exactly what Ange Postecoglou’s side can expect from the 15-year-old.

Offiah senior was one of the greatest try-scoring wingers in rugby league history but now his two sons are making their own way in professional sport.

The former Wigan star’s eldest boy Tyler is a promising winger in the youth ranks at Gallagher Premiership leaders Bath and last week his youngest son Phoenix signed for Tottenham Hotspur.

Phoenix, 15, is a talented young striker who was snapped up by Spurs on an 18-month academy contract after impressing on trial, much to the delight of proud dad Martin.

Offiah Snr, 59, exclusively told TEAMtalk: “It’s been a long road for Phoenix to get this far. He played rugby union at Ealing Trailfinders, like his brother, up until the age of eight and scored a really good try at Twickenham.

“After that, he said ‘Dad, I want to play football’ but he was just as good at rugby as Tyler. It wasn’t for him, though, and I said ‘It’s your life, I’ll support you on your journey’. So when he was about 10 he got scouted by Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

“He chose QPR because it was closer to home and spent two years in their development system. When QPR told Phoenix that he wasn’t the finished article, he was very distraught and went away to work hard on his skills.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham injuries: Who’s out and when they’re back amid Postecoglou sack talk

‘An opportunity arose at Tottenham’

Coach Jack Gostelow, who was released by Brentford aged 16, specialises in nurturing young talent and has worked with Phoenix for the past five years.

Offiah added: “Phoenix worked really hard, he tried to get in at Chelsea but had growing pains and then Brentford didn’t really want him, so he’s had a lot of rejection.

“He then joined a team called London Elite under a guy called Oliver Hinckson and has been playing for them since last August. And then randomly an opportunity arose over Christmas where Tottenham academy’s grassroots liaison manager called Phoenix into a trial game.

“He was playing for a scratch team against the Tottenham Development team and he didn’t event start the match. But he came off the bench to score the winner against Tottenham and from there they brought him into the development centre for a couple of weeks.

“Then they upgraded him to a full academy trial and he played three games, scoring on his debut against Ipswich. In two and a half games, I think he’s managed four assists and a goal.”

Phoenix makes it onto the small screen

Intriguingly, Phoenix is also starring in a CBBC documentary about Tottenham’s youth set-up.

Offiah revealed: “It’s a reality TV show and the cameras were there in the room when Phoenix was told he was being offered a contract. So in the space of few weeks he’s gone from playing grassroots football to getting an 18-month contract at Tottenham.

“He’s now fighting to earn a scholarship and his next game is a cup match against Reading on Wednesday for Spurs’ Under-15s. It’s a massive commitment with four days a week training and time out of school and studying while at Tottenham, so it’s pretty intense.”

Meanwhile, in the West Country, 18-year-old Tyler is making his way at Bath and is also involved in England’s Under-20s squad.

Nephew Odel, 22, plays for Brighton and is currently on loan at League One outfit Blackpool.

Offiah said: “My parents came here from Nigeria and I enjoyed a fantastic rugby career to make them proud. Now it’s time for the next generation of Offiahs to make a name for themselves.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has managed to secure an all-important option to buy in the club’s loan deal to sign exciting attacker Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich which was completed late on deadline day.

Spurs had previously been willing to spend €60m (£50m) on the 19-year-old French forward during initial talks last week, only for the player to initially them down.

However, after Manchester United backed out of a move of their own for Tel, the Bayern star made a U-turn and will now be a key member of Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit Tottenham squad for the remaining months of the season.

In terms of the option to buy that has been negotiated, it’s reported that it will be for £45m (€55m) and that Tel will sign a six-year deal if the option is activated at the end of the season.

The teenage forward will wear the No.11 shirt.

IN-DEPTH ➡️ Tottenham injuries: Who’s out and when they’re back amid Postecoglou sack talk

Dawson, Carragher impressed with Tel deal

Meanwhile, former Spurs defender Michael Dawson was delighted to see his old club get a quality signing over the line after worrying times in north London.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Dawson said: “It’s an amazing U-turn, maybe he’s been sounding everything out and seeing what the best option is for him. He’s only 19 and his game-time has been limited this season. But it’s a great fit – ideal for the football Ange Postecoglou wants to play.

“He’s a young, hungry, talented player and he can operate across the frontline. It’s a good deal and a no-brainer for Spurs. They have been plagued by injuries and this is a much-needed and positive signing for them.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has also given his take on the transfer and whether or not he thinks it’s a good deal for Tottenham and the player himself.

Carragher added: “It doesn’t look like Tel had too many options. To be fair to the lad, if Arsenal and Manchester United were there you would probably pick those clubs ahead of Tottenham. I could understand that.

“The fact that Tottenham are getting him on loan now, I think that’s a good deal for both teams. He can get a look at Tottenham, Tottenham can get a look at him – a young player with potential.

“He hasn’t played too much football at Bayern Munich at all. If he settles in well at Tottenham, he will get definitely lots of chances. They creates chances and scores goals, they are one of the most exciting teams in the league.

“So I think this move works for player and the club. He obviously fell out of favour at Bayern Munich, he didn’t get the minutes he would have liked. So this works for everybody.”

Tottenham are reported to have failed with a £20million bid for outstanding Burnley defender Maxim Esteve as they push to sign another centre-back before the 11pm transfer deadline.

L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi reported that Spurs made an official bid to sign Esteve from the Championship side as they look to bolster their defensive options after being rebuffed by Crystal Palace earlier in the day in their efforts to land Marc Guehi.

It was then reported that their defensive focus had switched back to Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, although that is once again off the table as they now pursue a deal for Esteve instead.

Tottenham only recently confirmed the signing of Kevin Danso from Lens on loan to bolster a depleted back line, although Micky van de Ven should be fit to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield on Thursday night.

Cristian Romero could also return soon, but that is not stopping Ange Postecoglou hunt more defensive recruits and it appears that Esteve could be north London bound. However, Spurs will have to up their offer to £30m to get their man.

Indeed, the report adds that the Clarets have rejected the offer of £20m, with the promotion chasers demanding an additional £10m to even enter into negotiations as the clock ticks down.

Esteve has been a real rock at the heart of a water-tight Burnley defence that has conceded a remarkable nine goals in 30 Championship outings.

The 6ft 4in France Under-21 international joined Burnely initially on loan last season before completing a permanent move in the summer and has played 27 times this term.

When he arrived at Turf Moor last February, Ligue 1 expert Luke Entwistle, who is also editor in chief at Get French Football, gave the lowdown on the player’s qualities.

“He isn’t your archetypal modern centre-back,” he said.

“Despite often playing on the left hand-side of a back-three, the left footer isn’t the most progressive player, be it carrying the ball forward or through his distribution.

“Within a back-three system, he is given licence to be aggressive in his defending, pushing into the midfield to apply pressure which he does very well.

“His languid style means that he is quite effective in duels, be it in the air or on the ground. But whilst he is a positive defender who likes to win the ball high, he’s also composed when defending in-and-around his box.”

“Given his stature, Estève is deceitfully strong I’d say and he uses that strength well to dispossess his opponents, this coupled with a good turn of speed, makes him an effective defender when running back to goal as well.”

Dragusin ACL injury confirmed

Meanwhile, Tottenham have received the news they were dreading on Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin.

The defender will be out for the remainder of the season and likely the first half of the 2025/26 campaign after tearing his ACL during last week’s Europa League game against Elfsborg.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club exactly a year ago, is set to undergo an operation in London and is not expected to return until some point next season.

Dragusin looked in agony as he clutched his knee and collapsed to the turf before being hauled off against the Swedish club, with the club having to wait until the swelling went down before giving a confirmed diagnosis.

The addition of Danso will certainly help a Tottenham back line that could have first-choice pairing Van de Ven and Romero back together soon, although there are concerns that the latter could have to wait longer for his return as Tottenham tread carefully over his fitness.

Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly willing to satisfy two conditions that Manchester United were not in the race to land talented Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel in the closing hours of the winter transfer window.

Spurs’ pursuit of the French forward looked dead after Tel rejected a permanent switch to north London last week. However, what looked like an impossible deal has now been resurrected as Ange Postecoglou’s men close in on the loan signing of the 19-year-old.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg told Sky Sports News United had been in talks over a deal for the France Under-21 international until Sunday evening before the negotiations fell through.

Plettenberg then added that Tel has decided to join Tottenham after all, as he felt that they offered the best project in terms of assuring him game time until the end of the current season.

Adding to that, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has now explained to United in Focus that there are two main reasons why Spurs beat their Premier League rivals to Tel’s signature.

One of those is that the German club demanded a substantial loan fee of £6.5m for just a four-month loan spell, which the Red Devils had no interest in paying.

However, Tottenham agreed to pay the amount to the Bundesliga giants to secure the teenager’s services on a temporary deal – especially given their ongoing injury crisis.

Additionally, Bailey states that Rubem Amorim’s men were insisting on adding an option to buy to the loan deal, while Spurs were more receptive to a straight loan agreement – a move Bayern and Tel were clearly happier with, given how highly the Bavarian giants still value the player for the future.

It’s an unusual deal for Tottenham to agree to and pretty much sums up the situation they are with regards their forward line, with Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert all still out.

It does mean that signing Tel permanently is going to become incredibly difficult for Spurs in the summer, if he does make a big impression in north London – with his value almost certain to skyrocket.

Tel is poised to become Tottenham’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Antonin Kinsky and Sunday’s confirmation of Kevin Danso’s transfer from RC Lens to bolster the defence.

Postecoglou urged to use Tel centrally

Meanwhile, Plettenberg has also explained how Postecoglou should use the French forward in the remaining months of the season.

Tel is capable of laying through the middle or out wide, but Plettenberg is adamant as to where his best position is.

He told Sky Sports News: “This is a very good solution for Tel, Tottenham and Bayern.

“He has reconsidered his decision. He was in talks with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. I’m convinced that in the end Spurs have presented the best project in order to get match practice. This is the most important for Tel.

“Now it’s up to Postecoglou to place him in the right position. He’s not a winger, he’s a striker. Let him strike, let him score goals!”

Tottenham have reignited their interest in Chelsea star Axel Disasi as Ange Postecoglou’s side looks to strengthen their defensive options late in the transfer window.

Spurs agreed a loan deal with Chelsea for Disasi last week but the move was derailed after the player snubbed the switch, as his preference was to join Aston Villa.

However, a move to Villa Park is off the cards for the Frenchman as Chelsea do not want to strengthen a direct rival. Tottenham had agreed to pay a loan fee of £5million to seal a deal for Disasi, which Chelsea were happy with, but the move was put on hold due to the player’s stance.

Spurs turned their attention to other targets and made a £70million bid (including add-ons) for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi this morning, but the Eagles made it clear that he isn’t for sale this window.

But in a dramatic twist, Matt Law of The Telegraph claims that Tottenham are once again pushing to sign Disasi on loan until the end of the season.

“Tottenham Hotspur have resurrected their move to sign Axel Disasi on loan for the rest of the season. Spurs still have an agreement in place with Chelsea to sign Disasi on loan for the rest of the season for a fee of £5 million,” Law has reported,

“Disasi has been reluctant to join Tottenham, instead favouring a proposed move to Aston Villa, which led to Spurs looking at alternative targets. But negotiations have restarted and Spurs are now making a new move to convince the player.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Deadline day latest as Tottenham ignite shock Tel twist; Man City AGREE €60m signing

Tottenham still pushing to seal Axel Disasi loan deal

TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher exclusively revealed back in December that Disasi could be one of the players to leave Chelsea this window.

Enzo Maresca has already said yes to offloading the the 26-year-old as he doesn’t believe he fits into his system and prefers other players ahead of him.

Disasi, who joined Chelsea from Monaco for £38.5million in 2023, has played a bit-part role for the Blues and has started just four Premier League games this season – hence why he’s open to a move.

Tottenham are now pushing to reach an agreement with the player and it remains to be seen whether Disasi can be convinced to make a dramatic U-turn.

Meanwhile, Spurs are set to sign Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel – pending a medical – in what is arguably the biggest shock of deadline day so far.

Tottenham are expected to be active right up until the deadline at 11pm and another new centre-back, after the signing of Kevin Danso from Lens last week, remains a top priority for Postecoglou and his team.

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

Mathys Tel is on his way to sign with Tottenham and two separate sources have revealed the “huge” role Ange Postecoglou played in the January transfer window’s most shocking move.

Tottenham are on the cusp of completing a deal that less than 48 hours ago, looked impossible to make. Mathys Tel – Bayern Munich’s 19-year-old striker – emerged as the winter window’s hottest topic upon informing the Bundesliga side he wished to leave.

Tel’s intention to find a new club related to his lack of playing time in Bavaria. With Harry Kane unmoveable in the striker position, Tel’s lack of action was through no fault of his own.

Spurs – desperate for reinforcements in multiple areas of the pitch – acted decisively when meeting Bayern’s €60m/£50m asking price with with their first bid.

However, Tel snubbed the chance to sign for Spurs, with some outlets stating he preferred Manchester United and others claiming he was destined to stay in Munich.

Man Utd acted on their own interest, launching a loan proposal and also getting Tel’s approval on the player side.

However, Bayern preferred a deal that contained a permanent solution, be that a loan with an obligation to buy or an outright transfer. Accordingly, Tel to Man Utd quickly fell through, with Arsenal next to seriously explore a move.

But on Monday afternoon it emerged Tottenham weren’t content to take no for an answer and at the second time of asking, had convinced Tel to join.

Spurs have altered the terms of their deal with Bayern and will now sign Tel via a straight loan that does not contain an option or obligation to buy.

As such, the talented 19-year-old – who can also play on the left wing – will return to Bayern in the summer.

And according to two separate sources, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou played a starring role in Tottenham pulling off one of the highest profile deals in the winter window.

Taking to X, French reporter, Julien Laurens, wrote: “Ange Postecoglou spoke with Mathys Tel at length earlier today and convinced him to come to Tottenham.

“Huge role played by the Spurs manager to get one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe!”

Echoing those claims, Sky Sports journalist, Michael Bridge, provided his insight into the role Postecoglou played.

“My understanding is Ange Postecoglou had a long conversation with Tel and how he’ll use him,” Bridge said.

“The player liked what he heard and has changed his mind. It’s very similar to how James Maddison joined Spurs the other summer and he said [it was down to] the conversation he had [with Postecoglou].

“Maddison said he was umming and arring between a few clubs until he sat down with [Postecoglou].”

TEAMtalk has consistently reported Tel’s primary motivating factor when choosing who to join is playing time and the assurances the buying club make.

Tel was restricted to just 1,406 minutes of action across all competitions last season. But showcasing his quality and potency despite still being a teenager, Tel racked up 16 goal contributions at a ratio of a goal or assist once every 88 minutes.

Our insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been informed Postecoglou personally guaranteed Tel he’ll be a ‘key’ player at Spurs.

With Tel now on the move to north London, don’t expect to see the France youth international warming the bench too often.

Tottenham are set to sign Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel on loan in one of the biggest shocks of deadline day, after the 19-year-old stunningly U-turned on his decision to snub Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy travelled to Munich last week to try and thrash out a deal for Tel, but the youngster decided against joining the north London club at the time.

Reports later suggested that Tel had decided to join Manchester United, before the Red Devils pulled out of negotiations after failing to agree terms with Bayern.

Arsenal are also big admirers of Tel, but in an incredible twist Tel is now set to join Tottenham on a loan deal that does not include an obligation or option to buy.

The deal was first announced by Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, before Fabrizio Romano provided more details on the agreement.

“BREAKING: Mathys Tel to Tottenham on loan, here we go! Straight loan and NO buy option clause,” Romano posted on X.

“Agreement reached between clubs as Bayern have accepted player’s decision and player on his way [to take his medical] with agent Gadiri Camara.” Romano also added in a later update that Tottenham will cover Tel’s FULL salary as part of the deal, reported to be around £80,000 per week.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Deadline day latest as Tottenham ignite shock Tel twist; Man City AGREE €60m signing

Deadline day drama: Tottenham get Tel, another centre-back still wanted

Tel’s future was always a story that was going to go down to the wire but it comes as a major shock to see him join Tottenham.

Man Utd’s move for the talented forward broke down as they wanted to sign him on loan, while Bayern were demanding a permanent sale or loan with an obligation to buy.

Bayern have since softened their position and Tottenham have acted fastest to agree a straight loan deal for Tel which will give Postecoglou a much-needed reinforcement in attack.

Spurs have been on the lookout for attacking additions over the past month and the benefit of signing Tel is that he can play as a winger on either flank or centre-forward.

The French youth international will therefore provide cover for Dominic Solanke, who is currently out with an injury, compete with Richarlison for a starting spot and cover for the likes of Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson on the wings.

Tottenham’s transfer window isn’t done yet, either, with Postecoglou’s side working on bringing in another new centre-back, after signing Kevin Danso from Lens.

The London club saw a £70million bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi rejected earlier today, so chairman Daniel Levy is clearly willing to splash the cash for a new defender.

Tottenham also remain interested in Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi. Spurs agreed a loan deal with the Blues but the player turned down the move. However, Postecoglou’s side haven’t fully given up on signing the Frenchman.

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

Deadline day has arrived and we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates throughout the day as clubs scramble to get their last bits of business done before the transfer window closes.

It’s been a far more active winter transfer window than last year and that’s spilling over into deadline day too, with a number of Premier League sides still working on some major moves.

Clubs in England have until 11pm to complete their transfers, so stick with us for all the twists and turns as they happen over the course of the day.

Keep checking our live blog below for the latest updates on deals being agreed (or falling through), medicals taking place, contracts being signed and done deals getting announced!

Tottenham have failed with an audacious bid to sign Crystal Palace centre-back, Marc Guehi, though they are doing all they can to secure an alternate deal after going above and beyond in their agreement.

Spurs landed Kevin Danso from Lens on Sunday, with the Austrain centre-back joining on a six-month loan that contains an obligation to buy. As such, Danso will turn his temporary move permanent in the summer to the tune of €25m/£20.9m.

But with Tottenham competing on four fronts and ravaged by injuries, the besieged club are seeking further additions – including at centre-back.

“The club is still looking there for opportunities,” said Postecoglou in the aftermath of Danso’s signing.

“They’ve been working hard and we don’t want to bring just anyone in, and sometimes that takes a bit longer, which is frustrating for everybody.”

Spurs moved for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori before the England international snubbed the opportunity to join.

That prompted Tottenham to sweep in for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi who has the green light to leave before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Aston Villa had long since agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old, though Unai Emery’s side were unwilling to match Chelsea’s demand regarding a loan fee.

With Tottenham desperate for more bodies, they weren’t so reluctant to meet Chelsea’s high asking price and a club-to-club agreement on a six-month loan was forged.

Per reporter Ben Jacobs, the loan fee agreed between Spurs and Chelsea is around £5m. That is a significant price to pay for a short-term loan and indicates Tottenham’s determination to provide Postecoglou with reinforcements at all costs.

Another factor emboldening Chelsea to do business with bitter rivals Tottenham is the fact they’re not a threat to Chelsea’s aims of qualifying for the Champions League.

Aston Villa – who currently sit just three points behind the Blues – are very much a contender for UCL qualification at Chelsea’s expense.

But while Chelsea and Spurs found common ground on the loan fee, Disasi rejected the chance to move across London.

And per the latest from Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are refusing to give up on Disasi after seeing an entirely separate bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi turned down.

“Tottenham keep trying for Axel Disasi after loan fee agreed with Chelsea as revealed yesterday, no green light yet from player,” wrote Romano on X.

“Spurs also made a late bid for Marc Guehi in last 48 hours as top target but Palace rejected, will now run to summer; out of contract in June 2026.”

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been told Spurs’ bid for Guehi totalled £70m.

Fletcher has also been informed Tottenham are willing to back off from Disasi and pursue other targets if it becomes apparent the Frenchman simply will not budge.

Tottenham are not content to bark up the wrong tree for the next 13 hours and will switch to alternatives if their latest attempts to convince Disasi don’t succeed.

Latest Tottenham news – Leon Bailey, Noah Okafor

In other news, Tottenham are also seeking to add firepower to their frontline.

Spurs put a call into Aston Villa to discuss a move for Leon Bailey. The 27-year-old Jamaican is also in Manchester United’s sights, though per the Athletic, United’s move has not progressed.

AC Milan’s Noah Okafor is another attacking option in Spurs’ sights. The latest on that deal via Gazzetta dello Sport can be found here.