TEAMtalk

A top Ligue 1 striker has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future despite being talks over a new contract at his current club.

Lille frontman Jonathan David is the player in question, having been heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea over the course of the summer transfer window.

While United were on the hunt for a new forward – one which eventually saw them land Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5million – David was very much in the running for a switch to Old Trafford.

However, the Canada international ended up remaining in France, despite being told he could seek a transfer away over the summer and had indeed held talks with multiple competitors.

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“There were a couple of offers and we just didn’t finish the deal, that’s it,” said the 24-year-old attacker, who finished as Ligue 1’s second-highest scorer last season with 19 goals.

“I spoke to a couple of teams. I spoke with coaches. But ultimately we [David and his inner circle] made the decision to stay.”

The pacy forward, who has also been linked with Juventus, has started the new campaign in impressive fashion again, scoring three goals in seven club matches so far. David also scored and grabbed an assist in Canada’s 2-1 win over the United States on Saturday and there has been speculation that clubs could renew their interest in his services when January arrives.

And with Lille president Oliver Letang willing to offload David, talks regarding an extension would, if successful, retain the attacker’s value for another year.

“Right now we’re speaking with (Letang) about a possible extension,” David also confirmed to The Athletic. “We’ll see how that goes.”

David still keen on Premier League switch

Adding more insight into what the future might hold for him, David did hint that a move to England certainly appeals, although it’s certainly not the be-all and end-all.

The Lille star added: “I’m open to anything. I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world.

“And for me, it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges.”

In terms of United‘s interest, they currently have Rasmus Hojlund as their main No.9, with Zirkzee also able to play up front or as a No.10.

David also shares those qualities but it’s unclear, at this stage, whether United retain an interest in the player after their capture of Zirkzee from Bologna.

Tottenham also added to their striking ranks with the addition of Dominic Solanke, although neither Arsenal or Chelsea signed a new No.9 despite being in the market for one.

To that end, the London duo could well revisit their interest in David when the new year comes around.

David will certainly be a goal threat for whichever club he moves to next, having notched 124 times in 272 club career outings so far.

Tottenham could end up losing one of Ange Postecoglou’s most reliable squad members before the Turkish transfer window shuts, according to reports that have emerged on Monday.

Clubs in Turkey can still bring in fresh additions up until September 13 and it appears that Galatasaray are plotting a move for a Spurs defensive backup capable of feeling numerous roles in north London.

It’s been a busy summer of ins and outs at Tottenham as Postecoglou builds a squad he feels is much more suited to brand of football he likes to play.

Gone are the likes of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon and Giovani Lo Celso, who were all sold, while Pierre-Emile, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon were loaned out and Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon released.

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Sergio Reguilon is another player who could be on the move after his own Turkish links, while reports in Turkey state that veteran Welshman Ben Davies is very much on the radar of Galatasaray.

With just four days left of the Super Lig transfer window, the Turkish champions are still looking to add to their squad and Davies has emerged as a target.

Indeed, Takvim reports Galatasaray are looking to switch to a back five after the arrival of Victor Osimhen from Napoli, and the Wales international is seen as an ideal candidate to play on the left side of a back three in that system.

Spurs already considering Davies replacement

The potential loss of Davies would be a potentially damaging blow to Postecoglou when he has no means of replacing the 31-year-old now that the summer window has closed to English clubs, bar the addition of free agents.

Replacing Davies long term is certainly something Tottenham have been pondering, having held discussions with Serie A outfit Lecce over a move for their left-back Patrick Dorgu.

The 19-year-old has been in the news this week after scoring just 42 seconds into his debut for the senior Denmark side when called off the bench for their Nations League clash against Switzerland last week.

Capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or as a left wing-back, the player has earned comparisons to Tottenham legend Gareth Bale for his pace and ability to soar up and down the flanks.

However, Spurs will reportedly face competition from Manchester United for Dorgu’s signature, as reported in Monday’s edition of Euro Paper Talk.

Davies facing more bench duty

As for Davies, the versatile defender has been at Tottenham since 2014 but has been rarely used by Postecoglou when Destiny Udogie has been fully fit.

Davies, however, played a critical role for Spurs last season when Micky van de Ven was injured and Cristian Romero banned, filling in at centre-back alongside fellow full-back Emerson Royal in a makeshift central defensive pairing.

But with Davies not looking like he will be a regular starter this season, the report adds that Galatasaray are looking to take advantage of the situation and offer him more game time.

If he did move to Turkey, Davies could end up playing alongside his former Tottenham teammate Davinson Sanchez in Galatasaray’s back three.

The Welshman, who is contracted until June 2025, has scored nine goals in 330 total appearances for Spurs although only 19 of those came last term.

Postecoglou’s men are back in action on Sunday when they welcome Arsenal in the north London derby.

Manchester United are to launch a bid to rival Tottenham for a Danish teenager, Newcastle are planning a giant offer to sign a classy Inter Milan star, an Arsenal man is wanted back by his former club, while two Euro giants will compete to prise Mo Salah away from Liverpool.

LECCE STAR DORGU WANTED BY MAN UTD AND TOTTENHAM

Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to go head to head in the January window for the signing of teenage Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu with the Serie A side willing to sell if their asking price is met.

The 19-year-old has been in the news this week after scoring just 42 seconds into his debut for the senior Denmark side when called off the bench for their Nations League clash against Switzerland last week. All the rage in the Danish media, the player has already caught the eye for his performances in Serie A, where he has starred for Lecce since his arrival from Nordsaelland’s youth academy in summer 2022.

Capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or as a left wing-back, the player has earned comparisons to former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale for his pace and ability to soar up and down the flanks.

Having been watched by Liverpool last season and amid claims he is viewed by Anfield scouts as a potential long-term heir to Andy Robertson, an approach for his services was made by Tottenham over the summer with Ange Postecoglou’s side also keen on the teenager.

That approach was since confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Spurs did not follow up on their initial enquiry after being quoted a fee of £29.5m (€35m / $39m) by the Serie A side.

It’s understood, though, that Postecoglou is keen to bring in another left-sided full-back, especially with Ben Davies’ deal due to expire next summer and with the long-serving Wales international eligible to leave on a free in 2025.

However, multiple reports in Italy, including Sportmediaset, now claim Spurs are ready to launch a fresh move for his services in January with Davies inching ever closer towards the exit door.

Lecce, for their part, are unlikely to stand in his way if their asking price is met and would want a minimum €30m, rising to €35m with add-ons, for the 19-year-old.

Postecoglou, though, is not likely to have a free run at his signing with Manchester United also reportedly preparing an approach of their own for his services.

United continue to be troubled by issues at left-back with Diogo Dalot having to deputise for the injury-prone Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia so far this season.

And with the signing of a new left-back very much at the forefront of Erik ten Hag’s mind, it’s claimed Dorgu has been identified as the perfect signing for the Red Devils in the January window.

As a result, it’s claimed both clubs are ready to ‘act now’ to try and secure his signature and with Lecce’s asking price unlikely to deter either from a winter window move.

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TOTTENHAM STAR APPROACHED OVER SHOCK GALATASARAY MOVE

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has received contact from Galatasaray over a surprise switch to Istanbul and with the Turkish transfer window set to close on Friday and with his deal in north London due to expire next summer. (various)

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has already received preliminary interest from former club Atletico Madrid over a free-transfer return next summer, while Juventus and Barcelona are also among those keen on a player who is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement in just four months time. (various)

Leicester are leading Everton and Bournemouth in the race to sign free agent attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazici, who has been without a club since leaving Lille at the end of last season. The 27-year-old registered 12 goals and addedfour assists from 42 games in all competitions last season. (Jeunes Footeux)

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier is pushing to leave St James’ Park amid big-money offers for his services from both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. (TalkSPORT)

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel feels Erik ten Hag needs to change his system if he is to get the very best out of Rasmus Hojlund. (Tipsbladet)

Real Madrid have resoundly ruled out the prospect of Aurelien Tchouameni leaving for Arsenal or Liverpool in 2025 with the France star to take on an increasingly important role following the retirement of Toni Kroos. (Fabrizio Romano)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has ‘refused’ Liverpool’s first offer of a new contract, with the defender well aware of Real Madrid’s interests in acquiring his services as a free agent in summer 2025. (Sport)

NEWCASTLE PREP HUGE OFFER TO SIGN CLASSY INTER STAR IN JANUARY

Newcastle are ready to table a lucrative contract offer to Denzel Dumfries to convince him to leave Inter Milan in January and with his deal at the San Siro due to expire in 2025. (InterLive)

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has confirmed he has spoken with Sweden teammate Alexander Isak about a potential switch to St James’ Park, having been linked with a big-money move to Tyneside. (Fotboll Skanalen)

Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte has played down claims he came close to joining Real Madrid this summer from Al Nassr, but has admitted he is “open” to returning to mainland Europe after admitting his situation is “far from normal”. (Marca)

Tottenham and Chelsea target Jonathan David is in talks over an extension to his Lille contract with the Canada forward falling out of contract in June 2025. (The Athletic)

Barcelona are exploring the possibility of exploting the clause to bring back striker Oscar Mingueza for just €10m (£8.5m / $13m) after his electric start to the season at Celta Vigo, where he has two goals and two assists from four appearances. (Marca)

Barcelona want to offer Frenkie de Jong a new deal but on reduced terms as they look to tie down the Netherlands midfielder to a new long-term deal following recent links to both Manchester United and Bayern Munich. (various)

Manchester United have been told De Jong remains committed to Barcelona amid claims the Red Devils are ready to launch a fresh move for the midfielder’s services in January. (Fabrizio Romano)

LIVERPOOL SUPERSTAR MO SALAH SUBJECT OF FRESH DOUBLE INTEREST

Liverpool superstar Mo Salah will be the subject of colossal offers from both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, with both sides looking to compete for the signature in 2025 with the Egyptian star yet to extend his contract at Anfield. (Nacional)

Barcelona are ready to make Germany pair Jonathan Tah and Joshua Kimmich major 2025 transfer targets as Hansi Flick looks to make his mark on the LaLiga giants. (Mundo Deportivo)

Mike Maignan faces a big decision on his AC Milan future with the Serie A side potentially forced to sell the France goalkeeper if he does not commit to a new deal in the coming 10 months. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Unwanted Juventus winger Filip Kostic has reached an agreement in principle to sign for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. (Tuttosport)

Former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay has completed the first part of his medical as he closes in on a free-transfer switch to Brazil with Corinthians. (Fabrizio Romano)

Galatasaray are ready to make a second raid on Italy to follow up on the huge Victor Osimhen loan after agreeing a deal with Roma to sign Poland full-back Nicola Zalewski from Roma on a permanent transfer. (Sky Italia)

Tottenham have handed Sergio Reguilon – the sole remaining player they aim to offload – a transfer ultimatum amid an important deadline now being less than a week away, according to multiple reports.

Tottenham successfully rid their books of numerous unwanted stars over the summer. Among the first-team stars to depart in various guises were Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon, Emerson Royal, Tanguy Ndombele, Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Alejo Veliz, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett.

Exit opportunities were also sought for left-back Sergio Reguilon who does not feature in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

Explaining why, the Athletic – who labelled Reguilon the ‘last man standing in Tottenham’s outcasts’ – recently stressed Postecoglou favours full-backs who maraud inside and become heavily involved in the build-up play.

In essence, Reguilon’s plight closely matches what has happened with Ben Chilwell under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. Their greatest strength going forward is not a trait their managers value highly.

Tottenham partly to blame for Reguilon being stranded

But despite Tottenham making it clear Reguilon was up for grabs, a move did not materialise. Reporter Ben Jacobs subsequently claimed the blame partly lays with Spurs.

Indeed, he explained Tottenham pushed for a Reguilon to leave either in a permanent deal or in loan deal that contained an obligation to buy.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the bulk of interest in Reguilon only centred around loan moves and no club was willing to include an obligation to buy.

As such, Reguilon has remained in north London where his outlook for the current campaign is exceedingly bleak.

Along with fellow full-back Djed Spence, Reguilon was recently omitted from Tottenham’s squad for the group phase of the Europa League.

Reguilon is in the final year of his Tottenham contract and according to several fresh updates, Spurs have set their sights on offloading Reguilon to Turkey.

Turkey or bust for unwanted Reguilon

The Turkish transfer window (closing on September 13) is one of very few that still remain open. Fenerbahce – now managed by Jose Mourinho – have been linked with a late move for either Reguilon or Chilwell.

Per the latest from Football Insider, Reguilon has been given a ‘Turkish ultimatum’ by Spurs.

In other words, he’s been informed if he doesn’t join a Turkish club he’ll spend the next four months in limbo until the January window opens.

The obvious question to ask is if Tottenham don’t find a buyer, why not just use Reguilon as back-up to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies?

On that front, Postecoglou has already hinted Reguilon might not be reintegrated into the first-team set-up even if he remains in north London.

When speaking about Lo Celso and Reguilon (prior to Lo Celso’s re-signing with Real Betis), Postecoglou said the pair “don’t have to get integrated back into the squad” if they failed to secure moves away.

He continued: “It’s pretty clear where they sit in terms of where we are as a squad and where we are as a team.

“But I’ve never been one to force people out. They’ve got decisions (to make) about their own careers and what they want to do.

“And if they’re still here, they’re still here. We’ll work around that scenario. But it certainly won’t affect the way we work in the first team.”

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Spurs could accept unfavourable terms to avoid situation souring

The lack of viable exit destinations now means Tottenham may be forced into accepting less-than-ideal terms for a player in the final year of his contract.

To facilitate an exit, Spurs may have to accept a loan that does not contain an option or obligation to buy.

Such a move would mean Tottenham don’t generate a transfer fee as Reguilon would become a free agent when the loan ends, but it would net them a saving on wages.

It would also remove from the picture a player who Postecoglou has zero intention of using and who according to the Athletic, can be a problem in the dressing room if things aren’t going his way.

Indeed, their report stated ‘there is an internal perception at Tottenham that when things aren’t going well or Reguilon is not being selected to play, he is not the easiest character.’

Aston Villa came forward to try and sign Tottenham Hotspur target Semih Kilicsoy during the recent summer transfer window but failed to complete the deal as they did not get close to Besiktas’ asking price, it has been claimed.

Kilicsoy is a 19-year-old forward who mainly plays on the left flank but has also been used as a central striker or right winger if needed. He was born in Istanbul and spent time in the Besiktas academy before making his senior debut for the club in February 2023.

Last season was a breakout campaign for Kilicsoy, as he notched 11 goals and three assists in 23 Super Lig games to make a name for himself as one of the best young players in Turkey.

Not only did that form see Kilicsoy break into the Turkey national team, but he also emerged as a transfer target for some major clubs over the summer.

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Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are just some of the teams who were linked with the teenager.

At one stage, it was claimed that Tottenham were in the driving seat to land Kilicsoy, but he never actually ended up arriving in the Premier League.

It has now emerged that Villa tried to win the race for the rising star, though their €15million (£12.7m / US$16.6m) proposal was not enough to get Besiktas to sell.

In an interview with Turkish source Aslinda, Besiktas’ ex-general manager Sinan Engin revealed Villa’s approach.

Aston Villa news: Semih Kilicsoy bid rejected

“Do you know that Aston Villa offered €15m for Semih Kilicsoy and Besiktas did not accept it,” he said (via Sport Witness).

While Villa were willing to pay €15m, Besiktas actually want more than €30m (£25.4m / US$33.2m) before letting the attacker leave. The Super Lig giants are in a strong position as Kilicsoy’s contract with them runs until June 2028, while they are also fully aware that he has the potential to become a top-class winger.

It might not be a bad thing that Kilicsoy missed out on a switch to England this summer. After all, Unai Emery already has a brilliant forward line which includes versatile stars such as Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers and Jaden Philogene.

Moving to Villa Park ahead of the 2024-25 campaign may have seen Kilicsoy spend large amounts of time on the bench, which would have affected his development.

Instead, Kilicsoy can continue playing week in, week out and push to become even deadlier in the final third. Should Kilicsoy enjoy another fantastic season with Besiktas, then his potential suitors will likely return for him next summer.

Plus, with an extra year of senior football under his belt, the youngster will be better equipped to properly fight for a first-team spot.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham failed in their efforts to bring in a new left-back during the summer transfer window as Ange Postecoglou chased more competition for Destiny Udogie.

Postecoglou put more focus on strengthening Spurs’ midfield and attack than defence over the summer, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall arriving in the engine room and Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner (loan) and Wilson Odobert adding to the forward line.

It came as a bit of a surprise that another centre-back was not added to the squad to compliment Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin, especially after Tottenham‘s struggles in that position last season.

Both full-back options were also considered in terms of more depth, although Djed Spence was kept on to act as Pedro Porro’s deputy after Emerson Royal’s exit to Milan. On the left, veteran Welshman Ben Davies covers Udogie, who has not yet reached the heights of last season as he still battles back to full fitness after a left quadriceps injury suffered towards the end of last term.

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However, it appears that the north London club were actively looking at adding another left-back to their squad, with Romano stating that Tottenham made an approach for Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.

Spurs weren’t the only big club to have set their sights on the versatile Dane, who turns 20 next month, as Juventus and Milan were also linked with bids of their own.

Dorgu asking price proves problematic

However, the trio of suitors were all scared off by the potential £29.5m (€35m, $39m) asking price, as reported by Romano.

Indeed, Lecce were determined to keep hold of the highly-rated defender, who scored on his senior international debut for Denmark in a Nations League win over Switzerland on Thursday night.

Despite his normal position being as a left-back, Lecce have actually been using Dorgu in a more advanced role so far this season, as part of an attacking trio supporting the centre-forward – the sort of versatility Postecoglou loves in his fluid system of play.

Dorgu joined the Serie A side’s youth academy from Nordsjaelland in 2022 and was purchased a year later for just €200,000.

His current contract with the club runs to June 2027, though he is expected to negotiate an extension at improved personal terms.

Romano does not add whether Tottenham will be back in for the player when the January window opens, although his price tahg will likely need to drop for that to be the case.

Posetcoglou’s men are back in action on September 15 when they welcome north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Tottenham were reportedly stubborn about getting the right deal for a first-team star this summer, with the defender missing out on a number of potential moves in the process.

The north London club has overseen a fairly dramatic change to Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad over the last few months, with the likes of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon and Giovani Lo Celso all sold, Pierre-Emile, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon loaned out and Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon released.

However, one of the names who did not move on, as expected, was full-back Sergio Reguilon.

And now a fresh report has detailed that the Spaniard had several chances to leave the club during the summer only for his departure to be complicated by the club’s firm stance on the terms of an exit.

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According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham were focused on finding a permanent solution for Reguilon, making negotiations more difficult than expected in the process.

Though Reguilon attracted interest from various European clubs, including Barcelona, purs were reportedly adamant about securing a deal with at least an obligation to buy, rather than agreeing to another loan deal.

That approach made it challenging when it came to moving Reguilon on, despite his exclusion from Postecoglou’s plans for the current season.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs stated: “I think the Reguilon situation is very interesting at Tottenham, because he had options during the course of the European window, but Tottenham were quite tough on terms.

“And it made it very difficult to resolve the Reguilon situation, which has been throughout the window, frayed more around a loan than a permanent deal, albeit a loan with an option, potentially, or from Spurs’ point of view, an obligation, if they can get it.”

Turkish switch remains an option for Reguilon

The 27-year-old left-back, who also saw interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League end after their window shut on September 2, remains a potential option for Turkish sides before the closure of their window on September 13.

Reguilon arrived at Tottenham from Real Madrid and made a strong early impression before falling away and spending the 2022/23 season on loan with Atletico Madrid.

He had two separate loan stints at Manchester United and Brentford last season, although neither club opted to pursue a permanent move for the Spain international.

It was thought that a switch to join Thomas Frank’s men was on the cards after Reguilon showed some of his old form at the Gtech Community Stadium as he notched four assists in 16 games, but it was not to be.

As we stated above, a potential move to Turkey remains a possibility, with Fenerbahce said to be keen on signing him. However, it remans to be seen whether Tottenham look to initiate a clause to buy the player again within any transfer talks.

Postecoglou’s men are back in action after the international break on September 15 when they have the small matter of a north London derby against Arsenal.

Life has moved fast for Johnny Cardoso ever since the United States international midfielder moved to Europe last January.

The 22-year-old joined Real Betis from Brazilian side Internacional during the January transfer window and has so impressed in little over half a season in La Liga that Tottenham Hotspur have already moved to secure a first option on him at a pre-agreed price of €30 million.

It was a savvy move from Spurs who, as part of the negotiations to sell Argentinian playmaker Gio Lo Celso back to the Andalusian club they signed from in 2019, extracted additional value from the deal by obtaining the rights to jump the queue for one of the most interesting and high-potential young players in the Spanish top flight.

Cardoso was born on New Jersey and has represented the USA at under-23 and senior level, but to all intents and purposes he is a Brazilian footballer.

Born to Brazilian parents, the Cardosos moved back to their South American homeland when baby Joao Lucas – nicknamed “Johnny” – was just a few months old.

Cardoso came through the youth academy at Internacional to make his senior debut for the club a few days before his 18th birthday.

He soon became a regular starter at the Beira-Rio, racking up 144 appearances and scoring seven goals for the side from Porto Alegre.

That was enough to attract Betis’ attention, and the club from Seville splashed €6 million to take him to the Estadio Benito Villamarin midway through last season.

Cardoso hit the ground running in La Liga. After making his debut in a 4-2 loss to Barcelona on January 21, he played a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Mallorca a week later. Over what remained of the campaign, the 22-year-old started 15 of Betis’ 17 fixtures, coming off the bench in the other two.

Despite his impressive displays after his cross-continental switch, anyone expecting Cardoso to showcase the kind of flair, trickery and creativity associated with players who learned their trade in Brazil would have been disappointed.

Instead, he is a player in the mould of the classic Brazilian defensive midfielders – more Dunga than Romario, more Casemiro than Neymar. Strong and athletic at 6ft tall, Cardoso is a fierce competitor who doesn’t swerve a physical challenge in his duties protecting the backline. On the ball, he keeps things relatively simple, with a conservative approach to passing.

Measured against fellow La Liga midfielders last season, Cardoso ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90 (2.17), the 94th percentile for tackles (3.25), the 93rd percentile for dribblers tackled (1.49).

The ballast the young midfielder adds to the middle of the park will no doubt be the key feature of his game that has attracted Tottenham’s interest. Ange Postecoglou’s side shipped 61 league goals last season. Only Chelsea (63) and Newcastle (62) finished inside the top 11 places with a worse defensive record, while rivals Arsenal (29) conceded fewer than half as many goals as their north-London rivals.

Cardoso’s robustness extends to aerial duels, too. He ranked in the 93rd percentile among La Liga midfielders last season for aerials won per 90 (2.58) and was in the 88th percentile for success rate in aerial duels (60.3 per cent).

The 14-cap rising USMNT star also proved a creative tackler, if such a thing is possible, ranking in the 96th percentile among midfielders in Spain’s top flight last term for defensive actions per 90 that led to a shot (0.20).

“Johnny is a player that interests not only Tottenham, but many other teams, he has a great projection,” Betis president Angelo Haro told Mundo Deportivo.

“In this case, within the Gio operation, they asked us for an option to buy for a value that for us was important and interesting and we gave them that option.”

The Spanish side’s sporting director, Manu Fajardo, sung the young midfielder’s praises, too.

“Johnny’s performance is extraordinary,” he said. “He’s going to bring a lot of joy to Beticismo. Tottenham has a purchase option in amounts that will satisfy Betis if they occur.”

No timescale has been reported regarding when – or, indeed, if – Spurs will trigger their option to sign Cardoso from Betis. And the Premier League club might have indirectly aided his development by selling a creative player of Lo Celso’s calibre to Los Verdiblancos to play alongside the American.

But if Cardoso’s progress continues at its current rate, Tottenham have locked down player who could anchor their midfield for a generation.

Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham has detailed how he expects “better performances” from Brennan Johnson in his second season at the club, with the forward compared to Marcus Rashford.

Johnson’s first season at Spurs saw him acquit himself well. In 32 Premier League games, the forward scored five goals and provided 10 assists.

Those returns followed eight league goals and three assists in his final league campaign with Nottingham Forest.

If he continues in that consistent manner, Tottenham should be in good touch.

But more contributions will be expected for him to become a genuine star, and given Spurs finished fifth last season, him adding more could elevate them up the table.

Former Spurs man Sheringham feels there are indeed bigger things coming from the forward.

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Sheringham expecting improvements from Johnson

“I’m expecting better performances from Brennan Johnson this season, more consistent performances,” Sheringham told football.london.

“That’s what you expect from your players in their second season at the club.”

Indeed, having clearly settled well in his first season, Johnson will hope to build upon those performances.

Sheringham also feels it’s unclear what the Welshman’s best position is, and that he’s similar to Manchester United forward Rashford in that respect, given his abilities when he plays out wide.

Johnson compared to Rashford

“I’m still not sure what his best position is. Is he a right winger? Is he a centre-forward? I’m not really sure,” Sheringham added.

“He’s a little bit like Marcus Rashford, in that he’s a player that plays wide, but you wouldn’t call him a winger because he doesn’t really get that many crosses into the box.”

Last season, Johnson played on both the left and right wings, as well as in the No.10 role, and up front.

The majority of his attacking returns came from the flanks.

In his first Premier League season with Forest, he also played on the wings at times, but he was used up top more often.

With Dominic Solanke coming through the door in north London, the potential of a spot up top seems slim, and with Johnson having largely played as a right-winger this term, the likelihood is that will be one of his main stations.

Tottenham have announced a midfielder who holds two club records has been loaned to Belgian side Westerlo, while two first-team defenders have been omitted from Spurs’ Europa League squad.

The English transfer window slammed shut last Friday, though plenty of windows around the world have remained open.

Friday September 6 is deadline day in Belgium and top flight side Westerlo have completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine with plenty of time to spare.

Devine, 20, holds two records at Tottenham which were both set on the same day.

The attacking midfielder became Tottenham’s youngest ever player in senior football when debuting in an FA Cup clash with Marine back in January of 2021.

Devine was aged just 16 years and 163 days at the time and wasted no time smashing a second record minutes after his introduction from the bench.

Indeed, when scoring the fifth of Tottenham’s five goals on the day, Devine also became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at senior level.

Fast forward to the present day and the now 20-year-old remains highly regarded in north London even though his career hasn’t progressed as many might have hoped.

Devine was loaned to League One side Port Vale last term before being handed a tougher challenge when loaned to Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle for the second half of the season.

Alfie Devine completed Westerlo loan after Spurs U-turn

Tottenham initially intended to integrate Devine into their first-team plans ahead of the 2024/25 season and the rising star appeared in five of six pre-season friendlies.

However, when the late decision was made to reverse course and loan Devine out, many of the Championship sides that were previously chasing his signature had already signed alternative targets.

As such, Devine’s options narrowed and a move to Belgium by way of Westerlo has now crossed the line.

The deal – a season-long loan with no option/obligation to buy – was confirmed by both Tottenham and Westerlo on Thursday afternoon.

Devine will now line up in the same eleven as centre-back Luka Vuskovic who is heading to Spurs in 2025.

Tottenham announced way back in September of 2023 they’d agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Croatian defender from Hajduk Split.

The deal was reported to be worth approximately £12m – a significant fee for a 16-year-old. Vuskovic will arrive in north London in the summer of 2025 and has already been capped at Under-19 level for Croatia.

He spent the second half of the 2023/24 season loaned from Hajduk Split to Polish side Radomiak Radom. Vuskovic was then loaned to Westerlo for the full 2024/25 season on July 9.

Tottenham axe two familiar faces from Europa squad

Elsewhere, Spurs have announced their Europa League squad for the upcoming expanded group phase.

Clubs are allowed to name 25 players, with four spots filled by club-trained stars.

However, following the exits of homegrown stars such as Japhet Tanganga and Oliver Skipp, Tottenham only have two players eligible for the club-trained spots (goalkeeping duo Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman).

As such, Tottenham have been forced to name a reduced squad of just 23 and the end result is full-backs Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon have missed out.

With Emerson Royal sold to AC Milan and Spence not named, new signing Archie Gray may be in line to feature at right-back if and when Pedro Porro is rested and rotated.

Gray is a central midfielder by trade, though often spent time deputising at right-back with former club Leeds United.

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Tottenham Europa League squad in full

Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragușin, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison

Forwards: Son Heung-min, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Richarlison

Clubs can alter their Europa League squad ahead of the knockout stages after the January window closes.