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Tottenham Hotspur would be nowhere near the relegation mess they currently find themselves in had they had a player like Ethan Ampadu in their ranks, Tim Sherwood has claimed, while TEAMtalk can reveal a big update on Leeds United’s plans to tie the midfielder down to a new deal.

The Whites have enjoyed a tremendous April so far, booking a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, while successive Premier League victories over Manchester United – a first at Old Trafford in 45 years – and Wolves have powered Leeds United to the cusp of safety.

For a newly-promoted side, the 2025/26 season has, so far, exceeded expectations.

However, despite moving to 39 points for the season and now having, according to Opta, just a 0.4% chance of relegation, Leeds know the job is not done yet and will look to put more points on the board when they travel to face Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

One man who has proved hugely influential over the course of the season is club captain Ampadu.

The 25-year-old has been a model of consistency for the Whites this season (indeed, the same can be said throughout his entire time at Elland Road), starting 30 times in the competition this season, and racking up 2673 minutes.

With his contract due to run down in June 2027, we revealed earlier this year that the Whites will look to tie the star down to a new and improved deal this summer.

Happy at Leeds, and due a significant pay-rise, our exclusive report back in January revealed the strong confidence that a deal would quickly be agreed.

Now, in light of safety almost being assured, Leeds are ready to ramp up their quest to secure Ampadu’s signature and a new four-year deal is being prepped that will see his wages rise significantly.

And with Leeds now on the cusp of Premier League safety, sources understand talks over a deal are expected to ramp up behind the scenes over the coming weeks. If all goes to plan, his extension will be confirmed once the current season draws to a close.

The 25-year-old’s contract is expected to run through until summer 2030, ensuring his peak years are spent with Leeds United.

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Tottenham would benefit from having Leeds star, pundit claims

One of the sides to suffer from Leeds’ form this season is Tottenham Hotspur, who, somewhat unfathomably, find themselves deeply entrenched in a relegation battle and facing a first demotion from the top flight since 1977.

With five games remaining, Spurs – winless in the Premier League in 2026 so far – are two points from safety.

Given their predicament this season, the club’s former manager Tim Sherwood has hit out at a lack of leaders in their side.

And he believes that had Spurs had Ampadu in their ranks, they would be nowhere near the danger they are currently in.

Assessing Leeds’ chances of survival and surveying what Spurs currently lack, Sherwood reckons Ampadu has helped drag the West Yorkshire side towards safety.

”Looking through their group of players, at the beginning of the season, would Tottenham have taken many of them, and I would have said no but in hindsight now when you look at it, you look at someone like Ethan Ampadu, he’s not only a good player, he’s a very, very good player, but he’s also a leader,” Sherwood explained.

“He’s someone who wants to stand up, he’s not old, but he’s got a lot of experience and he drives his teammates forward and that is what you need in this situation, you need someone willing to stand up and pull others in the correct direction with you.

“That’s what Ethan Ampadu has done, he’s not alone, but he is dragging them to safety in this league.”

Leeds also want to tie down several other stars

At the same time, Leeds also plan to open new deal talks for a trio of other stars in Pascal Struijk, Brenden Aaronson and Illia Gruev, who have all played important roles this season.

Like Ampadu, the trio’s deals all expire in summer 2027.

With regards to Struijk, we can reveal his form has alerted a trio of Premier League sides, with Aston Villa among those interested.

Leeds United also have to make a summer decision on Karl Darlow, himself recently linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who will be out of contract on June 30 and free to join a club of his choice.

The Whites, though, could look to keep the veteran star – so impressive in recent weeks – around into next season and beyond, though much will depend on their quest to sign a new No.1 and what is decided on the future of Lucas Perri.

Striker Lukas Nmecha, meanwhile, has also dropped the clearest indication yet that he hopes to extend his contract at Leeds.

A Tottenham Hotspur insider claims a former striker would be keen on rejoining the club this summer, even if the club end up dropping down to the Championship.

Spurs are facing playing in the second tier of English football for the first time in almost 50 years, as they currently sit in 18th position in the Premier League table with just five games remaining.

Roberto De Zerbi’s men had looked on course for their first league win of 2026 before Brighton crushed their hopes with a stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday.

While there have been some signs of improvement from Tottenham under their new manager, the results are not aligning ahead of another critical trip to bottom club Wolves this weekend.

But even if the worst-case scenario materialises, trusted Spurs source Alasdair Gold is confident that the north London club would be able to bring in a former striker banging in goals for fun in the Netherlands.

Troy Parrott left Tottenham for AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024, having been deemed not good enough to make the breakthrough at the club.

However, the Republic of Ireland frontman has gone from strength to strength in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring 50 goals in 92 games for Alkmaar, as well as helping them win the KNVB cup in Rotterdam on Sunday.

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Tottenham have the edge in discounted Parrott chase

Parrott is the fifth top scorer in Europe’s top 15 leagues this season, when also adding in international goals, and continues to thrive away from England.

Tottenham inserted a 20% sell-on clause in the deal that saw Parrott join AZ, with the player currently valued at around €25m (£21.7m). That would mean Spurs getting a discount, if they do decide to try and bring Parrott home.

And Gold sees that as a distinct possibility, telling Football.London: “Understand Parrott would be keen on a return to a club he loved, regardless of their top-flight status, if he was to get the chance to show what he can do in their shirt.

“The young striker was always desperate to be a success for Spurs and distance has not changed that.”

Tottenham might have a battle on their hands to seal a return for Parrott, however, with the likes of Napoli, Real Betis, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax all said to be targeting the 24-year-old.

Liverpool are seriously looking into the signing of Tottenham midfielder, Archie Gray, and the Reds could test how genuine Spurs are about sticking to their transfer stance.

Gray finds himself at the centre of growing transfer speculation as the 2025/26 Premier League season nears its conclusion.

The 20-year-old England Under-21 international, signed from Leeds United for £40 million in 2024, has stood out as one of the club’s few bright sparks during a challenging campaign marked by inconsistent results and relegation fears.

His versatility, allowing him to feature in central midfield, centre back or at right-back, combined with his composure and tactical intelligence, has impressed scouts across Europe.

Sources have stated that Bayern Munich are very keen on the talented Englishman and have made further movements towards securing his signature this summer.

The Bavarian giants, alongside Premier League champions Liverpool, are actively exploring a potential move, with sources suggesting they are monitoring his situation closely and preparing to act should the opportunity arise.

Tottenham, however, view Gray as a vital part of their long-term project. Club insiders insist he remains “untouchable” alongside teammates such as Lucas Bergvall.

Spurs are determined not to sell if they secure Premier League survival, with Gray himself showing strong commitment to the club and a desire to help them through their difficulties.

He has previously spoken of his ambition to establish himself in north London and has no immediate wish to depart. Yet the threat of relegation changes the landscape dramatically….

Relegation could open door to Archie Gray sale

Should Spurs drop into the Championship, Gray would likely become one of the most sought-after young players in European football.

A significant financial hit from demotion could force Tottenham to listen to substantial offers, potentially in excess of £60 million, despite their reluctance.

Other clubs keeping tabs include Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa domestically, while Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have shown past admiration.

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For now, Gray continues to focus on helping Spurs avoid the drop and delivering mature performances that belie his years.

The coming weeks will prove critical: survival would allow Tottenham to retain their prized asset, but relegation would trigger intense interest, bids and test the club’s resolve like never before.

With his contract offering protection until 2028, Gray holds a strong position, yet the summer promises to be one of the most pivotal periods in his burgeoning career.

Tottenham Hotspur face an anxious summer as interest in Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall intensifies, with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on signing the midfielder, TEAMtalk understands.

The 20-year-old, who signed a contract extension until 2031 last year, is regarded as a cornerstone of the club’s future plans.

However, with Spurs battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League, rival clubs are circling, and well-placed sources have provided an update on his situation.

Bergvall arrived from Djurgarden in 2024 and has shown flashes of his considerable talent despite limited appearances and injury setbacks this season. His composure on the ball, vision and physical presence have drawn comparisons with some of Europe’s brightest prospects.

Tottenham have repeatedly insisted he is “unsellable”, rebuffing enquiries in January. However, the club’s precarious position could force them to listen to creative offers if they drop into the Championship.

Arsenal and Chelsea lead the domestic pursuit in terms of work done and analysis. Both their north London rivals and west London neighbours are monitoring the situation closely, with sources suggesting Chelsea are preparing ‘imaginative proposals’ to tempt Spurs.

Sources say that Arsenal are interested, but the rivalry between the sides makes things complicated, and puts them behind Chelsea in the race. The London duo are far from alone in tracking the youngster, though…

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Tottenham facing fight to keep Arsenal, Chelsea target

We understand that Aston Villa remain interested in Bergvall after making direct contact in January, while Liverpool were linked earlier in the year but made no real movements at time, however they are ones to watch.

Further afield, former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is understood to view Bergvall as an option for Fiorentina in Serie A, though sources have played down a move away from England.

Barcelona, who lost out to Spurs when signing the Swede, have not entirely ruled out a future approach if their finances improve and still hold Bergvall in high regard.

Bergvall himself has given no indication he wishes to leave. He has spoken positively about developing in the Premier League and contributing to Tottenham’s rebuild.

But football is a results business, and a relegation would test even the strongest loyalties.

Sources have stated he doesn’t want to play in the championship, however, so far, he is loving life under Roberto De Zerbi.

For now, Spurs hold the cards thanks to their long-term deal. Whether they can resist the inevitable summer pressure remains to be seen, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the sides poised to strike.

Tottenham Hotspur have acted on their interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Chevalier after being rejected by a Juventus star, according to reports.

There will be big changes in N17 this summer, regardless of whether Tottenham stay up or are relegated to the Championship. Cristian Romero is destined to leave, and he could be followed out of the club by the likes of Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Randal Kolo Muani, Destiny Udogie and Joao Palhinha.

We exclusively revealed on February 24 that Spurs have decided to sell Vicario this summer amid serious concerns over his form.

Sources also confirmed to us that Spurs are intensifying their search for a new goalkeeper.

Italian outlet Tuttosport reported last week that Spurs are among the English clubs who have made approaches for Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio, only to learn that he intends to stay in Turin.

As per French source RMC Sport, Spurs have turned their attention to PSG’s Chevalier.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have ‘already made enquiries about his situation’ as they weigh up a potential move for the 24-year-old.

The report notes – as with most players Spurs are linked with – that any transfer will be dependent on them staying in the Premier League.

Chevalier emerged as one of the best young shot-stoppers in Europe last season, conceding just 36 goals in 34 league appearances. That saw Chevalier win the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Season award and also earn a €40million (£35m) switch to PSG, as Luis Enrique opted to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But Chevalier has not been able to replicate his impressive Lille form at the Parc des Princes. Amid concerns over the Frenchman’s displays and mental fortitude, Enrique has chosen Matvey Safonov as his No 1 since late January.

With Chevalier warming the bench in recent months, clubs across Europe have taken notice of the situation.

The one-cap France international would still like to become a success in Paris, but he could be tempted into transfer talks if Enrique decides his PSG career is over.

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Tottenham transfer news: Two Ligue 1 keepers eyed

Chevalier clearly has great ability, it is more a question of confidence and form. He could end up being a great signing for Spurs if De Zerbi places his full trust in the shot-stopper.

However, Spurs is a tough place to play at the moment, with the fanbase angry at just how poor this season has been. Therefore, north London might not be the best place for Chevalier to go if he leaves PSG.

Interestingly, Spurs have been linked with a different Ligue 1 keeper to replace Vicario.

We revealed in February that Lens’ Robin Risser is emerging as a key target for Spurs.

And closer to home, Spurs are also being credited with a move Leeds United’s Karl Darlow, who is a free agent this summer but has proved a model of consistency for the Whites since being elevated to the side ahead of summer signing Lucas Perri.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot wants to bring Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani to Anfield in the summer transfer window, according to the Italian media, but we believe that the Reds’ owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), should not make this mistake.

Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury has seen Liverpool become active in their pursuit of a replacement for the France international.

Ekitike will spend the next nine months on the sidelines recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture after suffering the injury against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

TEAMtalk understands that Liverpool have already identified Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement for Ekitike.

Gordon is a left-winger by trade, but the Newcastle United and England international has played as a forward, too.

However, there are suggestions that Gordon is open to a move to Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are not putting all their eggs in one basket, with TuttoJuve – a Juventus-centric Italian news outlet – reporting that last season’s Premier League winners are planning to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG as a replacement for Ekitike and have a ‘strong interest’ in the on-loan Spurs striker.

Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on a season-long loan deal from PSG in the summer of 2025.

The 27-year-old France international forward is under contract at PSG until the summer of 2028.

TuttoJuve has reported: ‘According to sources close to the club, Arne Slot has approved Kolo Muani’s profile during a meeting with the Reds’ management.

‘The objective is clear: to find a versatile striker capable of filling the void of Hugo Ekitike, who is sidelined by a serious Achilles tendon injury, while also beginning the transition following the announced departure of Mohamed Salah.

‘The Frenchman’s attacking versatility, capable of playing both as a central striker and as a right winger, and his ability in open spaces are perfectly suited to Slot’s dynamic, vertical style of football.’

TuttoJuve has reported that Juventus, too, are keen on Kolo Muani, with PSG willing to sell him for €40million (£35m, $47m).

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Liverpool must make immediate U-turn on Randal Kolo Muani

It would be a mistake for Liverpool to sign Kolo Muani from PSG in the summer transfer window.

Yes, there is a need for FSG to sign a replacement for Ekitike, but the on-loan Tottenham striker is not the answer.

The 27-year-old has failed to make an impact at Tottenham and has not done enough to show that he can be a success in the Premier League.

Just five goals and four assists in 36 matches in all competitions for Tottenham this season demonstrate Kolo Muani’s ineffectiveness.

The Frenchman has scored just one goal all season in the Premier League for Spurs in the 2025/26 campaign.

Now, there are some mitigating factors. Kolo Muani had a muscle contusion and head injury this season, which saw him miss a combined 60 days.

Tottenham are also now under a third manager – Roberto De Zerbi – this season, following the departures of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

However, that does not eclipse the fact that Kolo Muani is not very good. If he were, then PSG would not have sent him out on loan twice.

Kolo Muani is not the only transfer link emerging between Liverpool and Tottenham.

Arsenal could pile more misery on Tottenham Hotspur by launching a controversial summer move for classy midfielder Lucas Bergvall, according to a report.

This season has been drastically different for the north London rivals. While Arsenal are pushing to win their first Premier League title since 2003-04, having also reached the last four of the Champions League, Tottenham are at serious risk of getting relegated to the Championship.

Tottenham have already sacked Thomas Frank and parted ways with Igor Tudor, with new boss Roberto De Zerbi now desperately trying to guide them out of the bottom three.

Spurs will have to sell some of their best players even if they avoid the drop. But if they go down, then there will likely be a mass exodus in N17.

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Chelsea are both ‘plotting summer moves’ for Bergvall.

Chelsea and Aston Villa remain interested in the Swede after making approaches in January, while Arsenal have recently joined the race.

Spurs view Bergvall as ‘unsellable’, particularly if close rivals such as Arsenal and Chelsea come calling.

But the report suggests transfer talks could start at £50million if De Zerbi’s side drop down to the second tier.

Despite being only 20 years old, Bergvall is too good to play in the Championship, and he would likely back himself to join a top club operating in the Champions League.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been tipped to submit ‘creative offers’ to prise the starlet out of Spurs’ hands.

Bergvall joining either of those sides would be hugely controversial and would immediately end his relationship with the Spurs fanbase.

Barcelona could also enter the frame for the eight-cap Sweden international, having missed out on him to Spurs in July 2024.

Bergvall has been affectionately labelled the ‘new Eriksen’ thanks to his creative nature and sublime technique.

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Bergvall could leave but Gray to stay

The youngster, who looks set to reach world-class status in the future, has registered one goal and five assists in 30 appearances so far this term.

The fact he missed eight league games between January 24 and March 15 contributed to Spurs’ downfall, as they lost five of those matches.

Archie Gray is another young player who has impressed despite Spurs’ clear issues. Liverpool have been linked with the English talent, but we revealed on Thursday that he is among three untouchable stars for Spurs.

Cristian Romero looks set to leave regardless of how Spurs’ season ends.

The centre-back has long been linked with a move to Spain, and both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested heading into the summer.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson will join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window if the north London club stay in the Premier League, according to Fabrizio Romano, and TEAMtalk can reveal that the Scotsman is not the only player who has such an agreement in place with Spurs.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on April 12 that Robertson and Tottenham have an agreement over a 2026 summer move.

The Scottish left-back will leave Liverpool as a free agent at the end of the season, and Tottenham plan to snap up his services on a free transfer.

Sources have told us that Tottenham reached an understanding with Robertson earlier this year when they tried to sign him in the January transfer window.

We understand that newly-appointed Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is on board with the idea of bringing Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

There is interest in the 32-year-old Scotland international left-back from Celtic and Hull City, too.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now reported on the agreement between Robertson and Spurs, claiming that the transfer will go through should Tottenham retain their Premier League status for next season.

Tottenham are currently third from bottom in the Premier League table with 31 points from 33 matches, a point behind 17th-placed West Ham United, who have played 32 matches.

Romano said about Tottenham and Robertson on his YouTube channel: “One player you already knew, I told you, is Andy Robertson, the Scottish left-back who is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season on a free transfer and is set to join Tottenham if they stay up in Premier League because, according to my information, there is already, in this case, an agreement on everything between Robertson and Tottenham, depending on Premier League status, and so that’s going to be a crucial step.”

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Tottenham Hotspur have Marcos Senesi agreement – sources

Robertson is not the only Premier League star that Tottenham have reached an agreement with, with sources telling us that Marcos Senesi, too, could join last season’s Europa League winners.

Senesi will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season when his current contract with the Cherries runs out.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that an agreement on personal terms is now in place between Senesi and Tottenham.

However, the 28-year-old Argentina international central defender will only move to Tottenham if they do not get relegated to the Championship.

We also understand that Barcelona could make a move for Senesi if the Catalan giants are unable to strike a deal for Inter Milan central defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Romano added about Senesi: “The club in advanced negotiations with Marcos Senesi is Tottenham Hotspur.

“The conversation is very advanced, but nothing will be signed until Tottenham know they will be in Championship or in Premier League, and so that’s the status, but these two deals could be ‘here we go’ in case Tottenham stay in Premier League.”

Robertson and Senesi are not the only soon-to-be Premier League free agents that Tottenham are keen on, though.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has revealed what it would take for him to leave the club, with relegation not the most prevailing factor.

Spurs pulled off a coup by luring De Zerbi back into management to help with their fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League, though they did have to move heaven and earth to get the former Marseille boss on board.

It has been reported for months that De Zerbi was Tottenham’s dream replacement for Igor Tudor, but it was initially assumed that he would wait until the summer before returning to management following his exit from Marseille earlier this year.

De Zerbi did reject Spurs last month, but he was tempted to make a U-turn after being offered eye-watering terms by the struggling Premier League side, who certainly had their pants pulled down in negotiations.

The Italian boss has publicly refuted claims that he will leave Spurs if they are relegated to the Championship, but he has now conceded that another factor could lead him to depart the club.

“The problem is not the league,” De Zerbi responded to reporters when asked directly whether he would remain at Spurs regardless of what league they are in next season.

“The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project.”

And when pushed to clarify that having a strong relationship with the Spurs hierarchy and being aligned on ambitions, instead of their league situation, is the key factor regarding his future, De Zerbi responded: “Yes. Everyone on the same page”.

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Spurs ‘agreed’ deal could collapse, with three exits ‘inevitable’…

And despite currently being in a relegation battle, Spurs are also active in the transfer market.

In recent days, Spurs have moved to the front of the queue in the race to sign Liverpool veteran Andy Robertson on a free transfer, and they could even pull off a double raid if they stay up.

And their second summer signing could be Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi after we revealed an ‘agreement’ between the two sides over a free transfer, though this could collapse on two conditions.

Should this deal go through, Spurs’ third summer addition could be a Leeds United star as they work on a left-field signing.

Also, regardless of whether Spurs avoid relegation, there will inevitably be plenty of outgoings this summer.

We have reported that Spurs have identified three players who are ‘untouchable’ in this summer’s window, while exits for three other stars are considered ‘inevitable’.

Former Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld has launched a scathing attack on the current first-team squad for the predicament the club finds itself in, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven being named and shamed.

Alderweireld and fellow Belgian Jan Vertonghen formed one of the best central defensive pairings for Spurs in the Premier League era during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure in north London. Indeed, the duo were part of a team that finished second in the league in 2017 and then reached the Champions League final two years later.

However, since Pochettino’s sacking seven years ago, Tottenham have been through multiple managers and have also lost some elite talent, ultimately leading to a slide down the table over the past two seasons, with Europa League success now very much viewed as more of an outlier.

Indeed, this season has seen the club lurch from one disaster to another and the club now sits 18th in the Premier League table, and are starring down the barrel of a first relegation in 49 years.

Now Alderweireld has taken shots at all aspects of how the club are currently operating, with Spurs working under their third manager of the season in Roberto De Zerbi. However, it’s the players who are the main focus of the Belgian’s wrath.

“I think you also need to start looking at pure quality,” Alderweireld told ESPN NL.

“What do big players do? What do quality players do? That is to be decisive at important moments, achieve your level … And that has not been happening all season.

“Players who were acquired for a lot of money but who nevertheless don’t deliver and not in just one or two matches or a period, but throughout the whole season.

“You just have to conclude that they are not good enough in terms of quality.”

Alderweireld also highlighted the staggering drop off in form of Romero and centre-back partner Van de Ven, with the former almost certain to move on this summer, regardless of relegation.

“I look at Romero, I look at Van de Ven … They just aren’t reaching their level,” he added. “Again, not for a period, but actually for an entire season.

“Then I also look at Romero who gets red cards too often, doesn’t make the right decisions and therefore lets his team down.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham sources name ‘untouchable’ trio who will NOT be sold after relegation – but three other exits look inevitable

Tottenham squad simply not good enough

With Spurs having moved on from both Thomas Frank and interim boss Igor Tudor this season and then losing De Zerbi’s first game in charge, Alderweireld insists it’s the players, not managers, who must take greater responsibility for the club’s downfall.

“Now you notice that the coach isn’t the problem, it’s really purely the squad,” Alderweireld said. “The quality in the squad, the responsibilities of the players. You could always put another coach in charge, but you notice that they just don’t deliver what they need to deliver.

“And that is ultimately just quality.”

However, he does feel that “structural problems” behind the scenes have also contributed to the club’s decline, adding: “It comes down to shaping the right people, the right team. And those purchases have gone wrong, and that has been happening year after year. So that is indeed a structural problem.

“I have also read that the club is run fantastically from a business perspective, but not as a football club and as a football club everything matters.

“Your value is on the pitch, and that shows what the club looks like. And that’s not good.”

To say this season has been a shambles is completely correct, and unless the club starts winning soon – starting with Saturday’s must-win clash at home to Brighton – a first relegation since 1977 will be on.