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Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of two players who are both in their prime, and the double coup won’t cost Spurs a penny in transfer fees, according to a report.

Tottenham did splash the cash last summer, including breaking their transfer record when paying £65m for Dominic Solanke. Archie Gray cost £40m, Wilson Odobert £25m and Lucas Bergvall £8.5m. Timo Werner was also brought back to north London for a second loan spell.

Gray and Bergvall are young players still honing their craft, while Odobert – who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury – and Solanke haven’t hit the ground running. Werner has provided exactly what you’d expect from the German – occasional electric attacking play overshadowed by large spells of frustration.

As such, it should not perhaps come as a surprise to see Tottenham struggling down in 11th position in the Premier League table.

But according to a fresh update from TBR Football, Spurs have ramped up a superb double deal that can help make next season a more fruitful affair.

It’s claimed Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of Lille pair Angel Gomes and Jonathan David.

Gomes and David, both 24, are in the final year of their respective contracts at Lille. Neither look likely to sign a new deal, with the report claiming: ‘both players have confirmed to Lille they are leaving at the end of the season when their contracts expire.’

As such, overseas sides can forge pre-contract agreements with the duo come January 1. TBR Football state Tottenham intend to do exactly that and are deep in discussions with the players’ respective agents.

A pre-contract agreement would lead to the players arriving when their deals expire in the summer.

As such, Tottenham’s cause this season would not be helped, though they would be landing two readymade stars ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and without having to pay any transfer fees.

What would Tottenham be getting in Gomes and David?

Gomes spent 14 years on Manchester United’s books between 2006-20. The dynamic midfielder joined Lille when searching for regular minutes and hasn’t looked back since.

Gomes plays primarily in central midfield and has shown an eye for an assist. Indeed, he provided 10 assists across all competitions last term.

His excellent form in France resulted in Gomes making his senior debut for England earlier in 2024. The midfielder has since gone on to rack up four caps.

David, meanwhile, has operated at roughly a goal every other game during a fine spell with Lille.

His record stands at 101 goals in 206 matches across all competitions. He’s been at his most potent best this season, notching 17 times in 23 matches including four goals in five matches in the Champions League group phase.

Both Gomes and David have drawn persistent links with other leading Premier League sides, meaning Spurs may have to act fast if they’re to sign both or even just one of the pair.

Latest Tottenham news – Romero savages Levy / Bissouma leaving?

In other news, Cristian Romero appeared to launch a verbal assault on Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board amid increasing pressure on manager Ange Postccoglou.

“Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate,” said Romero.

“You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they [the board] realise it.”

Postecoglou is the fifth Tottenham manager, including caretakers, that Romero has played under since arriving at the club in 2021.

“The last few years, it’s always the same – first the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible,” Romero added.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Elsewhere, Football London’s Alasdair Gold has revealed why Spurs and Postecoglou would be open to selling Yves Bissouma in 2025.

“The problem is that Bissouma is 28 and he should be one of the inspiring leaders of this group,” wrote Gold.

“In truth, he’s just not and were it not for Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension, he would be more likely playing in the Europa League matches than in the Premier League.

“The midfielder has got all the talent in the world and the ability to dominate matches, but his game is too inconsistent as are his decisions on and seemingly off the pitch.

“Tottenham have Archie Gray who could eventually be a long-term option in the role and Postecoglou has been using Lucas Bergvall in the position in the past two matches, with the 18-year-old Swede tidy once again when he came on against Chelsea.”

Cristian Romero has pinned the blame for Tottenham’s poor form on the club’s board, saying they are ‘responsible’ for a lack of progression in recent years.

Spurs have failed to win in their last four games and their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday has left them 11th in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of the top four.

Pressure is beginning to mount on manager Ange Postecoglou. But with world-class coaches such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte also failing to find success at Tottenham, there’s a fair argument to say the manager isn’t the problem.

Sources exclusively revealed to TEAMtalk on Monday that Postecoglou is safe in his job for now, with the Tottenham hierarchy set to back him in January with new signings.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes following Spurs’ loss to Chelsea, Romero said a lack of spending is seeing the club fall behind their rivals.

“Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate,” said Romero.

“You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they [the board] realise it.”

Romero: ‘Hopefully they realise who’s responsible’

Postecoglou is the fifth Tottenham manager, including caretakers, that Romero has played under since arriving at the club in 2021.

“The last few years, it’s always the same – first the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible,” Romero added.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Romero is under contract with Tottenham until 2027 and when fit, he’s undoubtedly one of their most important players in their squad.

He has been linked with moves away from the London side though, with Real Madrid reportedly admirers of the Argentinian international.

Tottenham round-up: Bissouma to leave? / Cunha linked

Meanwhile, Postecoglou is reportedly willing to listen to offers for midfielder Yves Bissouma in 2025.

The 28-year-old has failed to find any sort of consistent form at Spurs and, while he has fared better under Postecoglou than Conte, injuries and inconsistent performances from the 43-times capped midfielder have become part of his narrative throughout his time in N17.

If it wasn’t for Rodrigo Bentancur being unavailable due to suspension it’s unlikely Bissouma would be getting as many minutes. Reports suggest that Tottenham could offload him next year, with youngster Archie Gray viewed as his long-term replacement.

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly one of several clubs to have shown interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are ‘keen to hold talks with his agents.’

Cunha, 25, has been excellent for Wolves this season but has been unable to stop his side’s dismal form that’s seen them drop to second-bottom in the Premier League table.

Under-fire Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has said Cunha will ‘definitely not’ be sold in January but it’s claimed that Tottenham could test the club’s resolve with a bid, while a move next summer could be on the cards.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is willing to listen to offers for Yves Bissouma in 2025 with an in-the-know journalist revealing the major reason the player has failed to live up to expectations and having already named the huge talent Spurs want as his replacement.

The Mali international moved to Tottenham in summer 2022 for an initial fee of £25m, which would rise to £35m once add-ons were factored in. Prised from Brighton, who were left with little option to sell the player after he made it clear he would not extend his deal at the Amex which had just a year left to run, big things were expected of Bissouma in north London.

However, the 28-year-old has failed to find any sort of consistent form at Spurs and, while he has fared better under the management of Postecoglou than he did previous boss Antonio Conte, injuries and inconsistent performances from the 43-times capped midfielder have become part of his narrative throughout his time in N17.

Now according to journalist Alasdair Gold, Spurs are willing to sell Bissouma in 2025 and will open the door to potential offers for the star.

Explaining why his time at Spurs now looks up, Gold believes the player’s failure to become the midfield leader they expected him to be, and the fact that they have two good young options coming through in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, will likely see time called on his career with Spurs.

“The problem is that Bissouma is 28 and he should be one of the inspiring leaders of this group.

“In truth, he’s just not and were it not for Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension, he would be more likely playing in the Europa League matches than in the Premier League,” Gold wrote on Football.London.

“The midfielder has got all the talent in the world and the ability to dominate matches, but his game is too inconsistent as are his decisions on and seemingly off the pitch.

“Tottenham have Archie Gray who could eventually be a long-term option in the role and Postecoglou has been using Lucas Bergvall in the position in the past two matches, with the 18-year-old Swede tidy once again when he came on against Chelsea.”

Spurs already have a deal in place for Bissouma’s replacement

While Tottenham spent a lot of money last summer on signings for the future in Gray and Bergvall, they did also negotiate a clause to give them first refusal over a deal for Real Betis’ USA midfielder Johnny Cardoso next summer.

Spurs officials secured an agreement for the 18-times capped United States midfielder while negotiating the sale of Giovani Lo Celso and we understand they will have a 10-day period from July 1, 2025, to sign off on his signing and bring the player to the Premier League.

Now Gold has strongly indicated that is an option Spurs are willing to take up, with Bissouma only starting 48.35% of matches he could have been available in since his arrival.

“There is also the option to sign Real Betis’ 23-year-old defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso next summer. The USA international currently has a hamstring injury, showing that even just having an option for Spurs to buy you can bring an injury,” Gold continued.

“At this stage, Tottenham would likely accept a decent bid for Bissouma next summer. He’s only started 44 Premier League matches out of a potential 91 in his three seasons since arriving from Brighton for £30m.

“The problem is whether he would want to leave, for any move would likely be a step down and he will only have a year left on his deal next summer, putting him in the position of power.”

Latest Tottenham news: Postecoglou stays; new transfer link for Son Heung-min

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk that any speculation over the future of Ange Postecoglou is inaccurate and not only do the club currently have no plans to sack the manager, but Daniel Levy is preparing to back the Aussie with a sizeable transfer kitty in the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, speculation over the future of Son Heung-min continues to gain column inches with Galatasaray the latest side linked with a move for the talismanic South Korea forward.

His deal at Spurs is due to expire next summer and reports in Turkey claim the 32-year-old has been identified as the preferred replacement for Victor Osimhen amid claims he has been lined up for a blockbuster Premier League transfer.

And finally, with Spurs having struggled for central defensive options in recent weeks, it’s been reported that club scouts are keeping a close watch on a Bournemouth talent with regards a possible future move. Chelsea are also among his admirers.

Tottenham have failed to win in their last four games and with pressure mounting on Ange Postecoglou, we can reveal Spurs’ stance on his future as manager.

The North London side’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday has seen them drop to 11th in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.

Some supporters are demanding that Tottenham replace Postecoglou as manager, while others continue to back the Australian coach who has been hampered by several key players being hit by injuries.

Sources close to Tottenham have informed TEAMtalk that Postecoglou is safe in his job for now and that the club’s board are planning to back him in the January transfer window.

We understand that there will be no haste taken in any decision and Spurs’ chiefs are eager for Postecoglou’s project to work. There is also an acceptance behind the scenes that the manager needs reinforcements to be capable of delivering trophies.

The difference in squad depth between Chelsea and Tottenham on Sunday was clear to see as Chelsea replaced superstars with more high-level players and Spurs were forced to bring on inexperienced teenagers.

Although the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are extremely talented they’re not yet good enough to push Tottenham up the league table.

Tottenham prepared to back Postecoglou in January

TEAMtalk sources have made it clear that Tottenham chiefs such as Daniel Levy are well aware there is major criticism coming from supporters and they want to play their part in fixing the situation.

Postecoglou was made aware when he took charge in the summer of 2023 that Spurs would have to sell superstar striker Harry Kane and he accepted that he wouldn’t be able to keep him or get a replacement of the same level.

Tottenham splashed out a club-record fee on Dominic Solanke this past summer and he’s scored five Premier League goals so far – but he’s still no Kane.

Defensive woes are also at the forefront of the club’s mind, with injuries causing havoc to the backline. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returned to the starting XI on Sunday, before later hobbling off with new or reoccurring injuries.

Defensive reinforcements will be one of Tottenham’s main focuses in the transfer window next month, with recruitment chiefs scouring the market for suitable options.

But this is a message that is being greeted with caution, as history shows that Tottenham chairman Levy always looks for the best deal. If he is to back Postecoglou in January, there may have to be an understanding that big money must be spent.

Tottenham round-up: Matheus Cunha interest / Inter centre-mid eyed

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly one of several clubs to have shown interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are ‘keen to hold talks with his agents.’

Cunha, 25, has been excellent for Wolves this season but has been unable to stop his side’s dismal form that’s seen them drop to second-bottom in the Premier League table.

Under-fire Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has said Cunha will ‘definitely not’ be sold in January but it’s claimed that Tottenham could test the club’s resolve with a bid, while a move next summer could be on the cards.

In other news, Spurs are reportedly considering a swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi.

Reports in the Italian press state Tottenham are willing to pay a ‘significant’ fee of €35million (£29.3m / $36.9m) to bring Frattesi to the Premier League. Tottenham have been put on alert by the fact Frattesi has ‘complained’ about his lack of game time at Inter.

Frattesi is resultantly ready to consider offers this winter and Spurs are the frontrunners to land him, according to various Italian outlets.

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Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of landing Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window, and Galatasaray want Heung-min Son to replace him.

United’s current striker crop aren’t up to much at present. Though Marcus Rashford has come into form of late, with three of his four Premier League goals this season coming under Ruben Amorim, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are leaving a lot to be desired.

In a combined 37 games in all competitions, the striker pair have eight goals. United are currently 13th in the Premier League, and change is clearly required.

According to Il Mattino, United are one of the European heavyweights who would like to sign Osimhen in January, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. TEAMtalk is also aware that Chelsea remain interested in the Nigerian, who has a €75million (£62.1m/$79.3m) break clause in his Galatasaray loan.

It is believed Napoli would like to raise funds from Osimhen in the winter window.

It would leave Galatasaray short up top if he was to be sold, and while they’re likely to come up with a short-term solution in January, it’s believed their longer-term one is the signing of Tottenham star Son.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the South Korean forward – whose contract with Spurs runs out in the summer – is on their agenda.

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Son a fine Osimhen replacement

It has been suggested that Galatasaray would like to land Osimhen on a permanent deal, though TEAMtalk sources have stated there is no chance of that happening.

In any case, they would surely like to source a quality replacement for a man who has already bagged 10 goals and provided five assists for them this season.

Son is on five goals and four assists for the season, but has an incredible body of work behind him, including tallies of 17 goals and 10 assists just last term, meaning he’d be a fantastic replacement if Galatasaray could land him.

Whether or not that is possible is a big question, though, given United are also said to want Son – in a move which is unlikely for them – as are Real, and the forward has also apparently offered himself to Barcelona.

What happens at Galatasaray is of no consequence to United, who will know if they trigger Osimhen’s release clause, they are at least in with a chance of landing him, though other clubs could do the same.

Man Utd round-up: Jonathan David talks open

United and Arsenal are both said to have opened talks in attempts to land Lille forward Jonathan David.

Another potential transfer won’t happen until 2026, but the wheels are in motion for the Red Devils to land American teenager Nimfasha Berchimas, who has the green light to join United for a month of training.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville has labelled the club “weak” for the manner in which they have let sporting director Dan Ashworth go.

And ahead of a new director being sought, it’s believed Jason Wilcox will take on most of his responsibilities.

Jamie Redknapp has warned Tottenham they could be making a serious blunder firing Ange Postecoglou with no one obvious to replace him and with the Sky Sports pundit setting what he feels is a realistic target for the under-fire Aussie to prevent the situation worsening.

The pressure is building on the 59-year-old’s shoulders in the wake of a miserable run of form that has seen Tottenham pick up just one win in seven matches to leave them 11th in the Premier League table and seven points adrift of the top four. Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea, in which the side had let slip an 11th-minute 2-0 lead, has done him little favours either, with the loss adding salt to the wounds of recent unacceptable losses at home to Ipswich and away at Bournemouth.

And while Jamie Carragher has turned the screw on the Australian by admitting his reign is turning into a “nightmare” and that his “excuses are starting to wear thin”, his Sky Sports colleague Redknapp is adamant that Daniel Levy would be making a big blunder pulling the axe on his reign right now, explaining that success in the Carabao Cup is a realistic target for them this season.

“They have to win a trophy – that’s the stick they are beaten with. If they win a trophy this year it will give them confidence and belief that they can get top four,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“They need to change the history of this club. For too long they’ve had an attitude of not being successful and letting people down. Whereas if they win a trophy it will give Ange a bit of breathing space.

“They’ve got Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, they can win that. If you look at the winners of that trophy recently it’s either been Man City, Man Utd or Liverpool. Winning that is more important than finishing top four.

“The owners may disagree, but it would be great for the fanbase and the players.”

GO DEEPER

▶️ Carragher fears Postecoglou sack with Tottenham excuses ‘starting to wear a little thin’

▶️ Postecoglou sack: Tottenham boss warned he’s a few games from brutal Levy decision unless one thing changes

Postecogolou sack? Tottenham told not to compromise on beliefs

Redknapp also doubts there is another manager out there who could appease Tottenham supporters and they need to think carefully about whom they appoint after some less-than-successful and more pragmatic choices in recent years.

“For a Tottenham fan, they had [Antonio] Conte, who was pragmatic; they had [Jose] Mourinho – didn’t work; they had Nuno [Espirito Santo] – didn’t work here.

“Now you’ve got to the complete opposite [end of the] scale and for Tottenham fans for 10, 15 games last season, they thought, ‘This is it, we’ve found it. This guy is going make us play beautiful football, expansive, we’re going to win’.

“You’ve gone from one extreme to the other and it feels like we’ve said the same thing for the last 10 years of coming to watch Tottenham.

“I just don’t know really which way they’re going to go next because if you sack him, then where else do you go?”

As well as facing Man Utd in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 19, they have also been handed a trip to non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup – the lowest-ranked side still left in the competition – given them a golden chance of winning through to the fourth round.

Postecoglou himself is also adamant that his players remain on side with his beliefs and that they still have a real sense of purpose despite recent disappointments.

“There’s still plenty to play for us in terms between now and January just to make sure that we keep performing,” the Spurs boss said

“I still sense within this squad there’s a real kind of conviction in what we’re doing, and if we maintain that, then we’ll turn our season around and hopefully at some point, we hit some smoother waters just in terms of some of the things that are happening at the moment. Some of it’s self-inflicted, but hopefully, we can get some more consistency.”

Next Tottenham manager: Rival Prem manager linked

Meanwhile, with pressure building on Postecoglou, a report has suggested Spurs have already started to look at possible replacements – and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is a name that has figured prominently in recent days.

The Northern Irishman helped the Tractor Boys claim a shock win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season – their only Premier League victory to date this season – and the former Man Utd coach also rejected the chance to move to Chelsea over the summer as they sought a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.

Elsewhere, speculation over the future of Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has also risen again over the weekend. Linked with a move to Manchester United last week, the 32-year-old, who looked visibly distraught at full-time on Sunday, has reportedly now offered himself to Barcelona.

On the incoming front, Tottenham are said to be readying an offer to land Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi who could be sold by the Italian champions owing to financial pressures.

Big Ange’s miserable record since going top of the Prem last season

Postecoglou got off to a flying start to his Tottenham reign, winning eight of his first 10 matches in charge, and drawing the other two, to ensure he made the best start ever by a debutant manager in the Premier League.

However, in the 43 matches since, Postecoglou has LOST more than he has won, giving him a meagre 42% win percentage record and ensuring he has only collected 60 from 129 points available.

It’s easy to see why the pressure is building and why questions are now being raised over his future.

Jamie Carragher is growing increasingly concerned for Ange Postecoglou’s chances of remaining in the Tottenham hotseat by describing Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea as a “nightmare” and admitting his excuses are “starting to wear a little thin” – though the under-fire Spurs manager has hit back with a strong response of his own.

Tottenham were cruising early on against the Blues on Sunday when goals from Dominik Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski put them 2-0 to the good after just 11 minutes. But with Jadon Sancho then pulling a goal back, a spectacular second-half collapse saw Chelsea run out 4-3 winners to thrust Enzo Maresca’s side into the heat of the title battle and leave Tottenham in a dire situation.

It now means Spurs have won just one of their last seven games, while the capitulation to the Blues was their seventh in the Premier League already this season – to leave them seven points adrift of the top four – Postecoglou‘s target for the season – and down in 11th place.

Carragher quickly expressed his concerns about Postecoglou’s future at full-time, revealing he ‘does not expect Postecoglou to be here next season’.

Now his opinions from his in-game commentary have also come to the surface, with the Sky Sports pundit suggesting his excuses will no longer work with the Tottenham fans.

“A match that sums up the Big Ange reign! They’ve seen this movie before, it’s starting to wear a little bit thin,” Carragher said on Sky Sports‘ commentary of the match after Cole Palmer had scored his second penalty to make it 4-2.

“I’ve said before how naive this Tottenham side is: they want to play pure football, but it’s just not working. What started out as a really good day for Tottenham has turned into an absolute nightmare.”

Carragher continued: “This is a real bad one for Ange Postecoglou. I don’t know how he explains this one… whatever he says I doubt it’s going to go down well with the Tottenham supporters.

“They’re so close to being a good side but it’s just not happening for them.”

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Postecoglou responds to Carragher’s comments and Merson weighs in

With Carragher also hitting out at the Spurs boss over his failure to adapt his tactics and change his approach, the 59-year-old insists he is not prepared to alter the style that has served him so well in his career so far.

And he insists his high-pressing style remains the right way to go about things.

“It was good enough to get us ahead in the game so I am not sure why we should change our approach,” Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It was a game of big moments. If we score at 2-2 and go 3-2 ahead then the pressure is on them and they have to open up like we did when we conceded. But like I said, disappointing that we let them get the advantage in a self-inflicted way.”

He added: “Their penalties were poor on our behalf. We didn’t need to make those challenges and it was hard for us to claw it back. I think sometimes when you are in this position we are, you are desperate to do the right thing. You probably need a calmer approach. The guys are desperate to do the right thing and unfortunately, it cost us.”

Paul Merson, though, also expressed his concerns for Postecoglou’s future and suggested he may be out of his depth.

“I don’t mean to sound disrespectful but I’m watching the game, Spurs are 2-0 up against Chelsea and it’s like they are playing against Kilmarnock or St Mirren and he’s the Celtic manager and got the best players,” he said on Sky Sports.

“They haven’t got the best players at Tottenham, so they have to change it. You can’t go, you have a shot, we have a shot and we can destroy you like they have over the years. You’ve got to be cute and say, ‘we’re 2-0 up here, let’s counter-attack’.”

Latest Tottenham news: Manager linked with Postecoglou job; Son’s Barcelona link

Meanwhile, with pressure building all the time on Postecoglou, a report over the weekend claims Spurs have already started to look at possible replacements – and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is seemingly figuring highly at the very top of their wishlist.

McKenna rejected the chance to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea over the summer, signing a new contract at Portman Road instead, and his links to Spurs make him a fairly obvious candidate.

Elsewhere, speculation over the future of Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has also risen again over the weekend. Linked with a move to Manchester United last week, the 32-year-old, who looked visibly distraught at full-time on Sunday, has reportedly now offered himself to Barcelona.

On the incoming front, Tottenham are said to be readying an offer to land Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi who could be sold by the Italian champions owing to financial pressures.

Jamie Carragher criticised Yves Bissouma and Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Chelsea in a seven-goal thriller on Sunday.

Tottenham got off to a fantastic start, with Dominic Solanke giving the home side the lead in just the fifth minute. A Marc Cucurella slip allowed Brennan Johnson to steal before crossing into the box, and Solanke did brilliantly to poke into the net.

Another Cucurella slip cost Chelsea in the 11th minute. Dejan Kulusevski dribbled into the box unchallenged and proceeded to send a low left-footed drive into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Jadon Sancho gave Chelsea a lifeline by making it 2-1 before Pape Sarr headed onto the crossbar.

Following half time, a clumsy Bissouma tackle on Moises Caicedo in the box saw the referee give a penalty and Cole Palmer stepped up to convert and put Chelsea on level terms.

Palmer was instrumental to Chelsea taking the lead too. He turned Destiny Udogie inside out and had his shot blocked, which saw the ball fall to Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine smashed home on his left foot to send the travelling Chelsea fans wild.

Chelsea had another spot-kick in the 83rd minute after Sarr had a rush of blood to the head and tackled Palmer from behind in the penalty area.

Palmer continued his fantastic record from the spot by chipping Fraser Forster with a delightful Panenka penalty. Son Heung-min netted late on for Spurs, but it was not enough as Postecoglou’s side fell to a 4-3 defeat to their London rivals.

On commentary, Carragher was stunned by Bissouma’s decision to slide in and give Chelsea their first penalty, labelling it ‘braindead’ from the midfielder.

Pundits stunned by Tottenham decision-making

After the match, fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp questioned Sarr’s decision-making when handing Chelsea their second spot-kick.

“You know how skilful he [Palmer] is. That is so clumsy, that is so bad because this was the moment that cost them the game. Ridiculous challenge, you just cost your team,” Redknapp said.

“That’s two ill-disciplined [tackles] from your two defensive midfield players.”

It wasn’t just the Spurs players who came in for criticism, as Carragher also tore into Postecoglou.

“Unless he makes this team hard to beat, he won’t win anything,” the former Liverpool defender added.

“When I hear a manager say, ‘we play the same way [no matter what]’, it’s nonsense, it’s absolute rubbish.”

Carragher continued: “He [Postecoglou] said something in his interview there about how well they played. He said, ‘when we’re at our best we cause teams problems’.

“I can’t imagine any manager I played for for Liverpool, if we conceded four in a game, would say in the interview that we played well.

“I’ve never been able to get my head around certain managers who say, ‘we play a certain way and we will never change’.

“There’s this idea, this pure game, the Tottenham fans saying they’ve got their Tottenham back. You won’t win anything. You won’t challenge, [or] do anything.

“If it doesn’t change, he won’t be here next season.”

Tottenham superstar Heung-min Son has reportedly ‘offered to join’ Barcelona, and he’d be able to do so for free at the end of the season given his contract situation.

Son has been one of the very best players in the modern era for Spurs. Playing over 400 games, the South Korean has been directly involved in over 250 goals for the club.

He has been relied upon even more since striker partner Harry Kane left for Bayern Munich in 2023.

But it was recently reported that Son’s entourage were unhappy that Tottenham were not to offer him a new contract, and would merely trigger the one-year extension available in his current deal.

It was thought that could push him away, and as per recent reports cited in Spain, that’s what has happened.

El Nacional references reports that Son has ‘offered to join’ Barcelona, where he could of course go for free if he does not agree to the one-year extension, with his current deal expiring in the summer.

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Son talks with Spurs opened

There are conflicting reports on Son’s future at the moment, though.

Of late, it was suggested that Tottenham were in the process of handing the forward his extra year.

Since then, though, it’s been suggested that Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in him.

While interest from some sides may seem farfetched, Barcelona are a club who have struggled financially of late, and taking a quality player like Son for no fee is something they would likely be keen on if possible.

Tottenham round-up: Next manager eyed

If they are to get rid of current boss Ange Postecoglou at any point, Spurs will reportedly look to replace him with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.

Meanwhile, it’s believed Tottenham are ready to speak to Wolves forward Matheus Cunha about a move.

They’re also said to be readying an offer to land Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi.

And it’s believed Chelsea had scouts present to watch Illia Zabarnyi keep Spurs’ attackers at bay in Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory of late, and the Blues were impressed by the defender who is also being watched by Postecoglou’s men.

Former Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand is unconvinced that Ange Postecoglou did the right thing by going to the away section at the Vitality Stadium after the hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat on Thursday.

The travelling Tottenham contingent on the south coast were understandably in an unforgiving mood after witnessing an awful performance from their side, following on from the 1-1 home draw against 10-man Fulham last weekend.

They jeered Postecoglou when he walked over to them to applaud supporting the team, with several abusing the Australian, who stood his ground and accepted responsibility for the defeat.

And speaking to the media before Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, Postecoglou explained his actions to reporters again, saying: “They felt like they needed to give me feedback, so I thought I’d get close enough for them to make sure they were heard.

“Hopefully after 18 months, you’ve realised that I am who I am. I don’t really care. Whether people think I’m an easy target or, soft target. I’m going to shy away from it. I’ve fought my whole life and I’m not going to race down the tunnel because some people feel like they need to give me some direction.”

Ferdinand, however, is not convinced that Postecoglou should have engaged with te Tottenham fans in the first place.

The former Tottenham striker told Amazon Prime: “I’m always sceptical about the managers going onto the pitch and walking around.

“When you win it’s great and I know you want to appreciate the supporters, but when you lose games it’s difficult. You’re always going to get what he had there.

“Sometimes when a run of results go the wrong way, a manager heads straight down the tunnel, I think that’s what you’ve got to do at the end of the game.”

Pressure building on Postecoglou

After a poor run of results, sandwiched by an incredible 4-0 win at reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, the pressure is mounting on the 59-year-old.

Indeed, a report from Football Transfers claims that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has emerged as a potential replacement for Postecoglou should he be shown the door.

McKenna rejected the chance to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea over the summer, signing a new contract at Portman Road instead, and his links to Spurs as a former Under-18s coach make him a fairly obvious candidate.

The Northern Irishman also masterminded a famous Ipswich win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November as he looks to keep his side in the Premier League after securing successive promotions since taking charge back in December 2021.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs learn cost of Ligue 1 target / January Reguilon exit

Tottenham have been told how much it will cost to sign rising Lens star Abdukodir Khusanov amid competition for his services from Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, it has been claimed.

Tottenham need defensive reinforcements as they usually struggle when starting centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are out injured.

Khusanov is the latest centre-half to emerge on Tottenham’s radar. According to new reports, Tottenham are ‘monitoring’ the 20-year-old’s exciting development and have scouted him on several occasions this year.

The report, which comes from CaughtOffside, states that Khusanov’s solid performances in Ligue 1 – despite his tender age – have alerted a host of top clubs to his potential.

Meanwhile, a struggling La Liga side is reportedly willing to take a Tottenham outcast off of Ange Postecoglou’s hands by offering him a January transfer exit.

Super Deporte claims Getafe are willing to ‘negotiate hard’ with Spurs to sign out-of-favour left-back Sergio Reguilon in early 2025.