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Tottenham are among the clubs showing an interest in Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter, talkSPORT understands.

The Belgium international is valued at £21.5million by his current club, who he joined permanently from Juventus last summer after a loan spell in Turin.

Spurs have earmarked De Winter as a potential summer replacement for Atletico Madrid target Cristian Romero.

talkSPORT reported in May that Romero is open to the possibility of a move, although Thomas Frank ideally wants to keep him.

De Winter is also being eyed by Inter Milan, who could face Spurs in the upcoming season's Champions League.

The 23-year-old came through the Juventus academy and featured on just two occasions for their senior side.

First-team minutes followed during a loan spell with Empoli in the 2022/23 season before a switch to Genoa.

De Winter's deal included an obligation to buy and he completed the permanent move after meeting certain conditions.

He made 26 appearances last season, although spent a few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The defender has also earned four caps with Belgium and has played in both of their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches so far.

Spurs will be eyeing a new centre-back target this summer with the news of Jarrad Branthwaite signing fresh terms with Everton emerging earlier this week.

He was of interest to the north London side as part of their plans to strengthen ahead of head coach Frank's first season.

Kevin Danso has completed a permanent move to Spurs following his loan spell from Lens, as well as Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

Luka Vuskovic is another defensive arrival from Hajduk Split in a deal that was agreed almost two years ago.

However, Spurs have seen their £50million bid for Mohammed Kudus rejected by West Ham.

They turned to the winger after cooling interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Antoine Semenyo has also been eyed, but he has recently extended his contract at Bournemouth until 2030.

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Gerrard pays tribute

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has posted his condolences to Diogo Jota and his brother after their tragic passing.

Gerrard wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of Jota: "RIP Diogo.

"Condolences to his family and his friends during this incredibly sad time."

Liverpool fan and part-owner of the club, NBA icon LeBron James, has also sent his thoughts to Jota's family.

He wrote on X: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected!

"YNWA JOTA!!"

'It doesn't make sense'

Cristiano Ronaldo has now paid tribute to Portugal teammate Diogo Jota with a post on social media.

The football icon wrote: "It doesn’t make sense.

"Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got married.

"To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them.

"Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you."

A moment's silence

UEFA have announced that a tribute will be made in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother at the Women's Euros.

Spain face Portugal tonight at the tournament and a silence will be observed before that game.

There will also be a silence before every other game in Switzerland today and tomorrow.

Their statement reads: "UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today."

Wolves' message

Wolves have released a statement following the death of their former player Diogo Jota and his brother.

"We are heartbroken," Jota's former club posted on X.

"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.

"Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

"You will be truly missed, and always remembered."

Another of Jota's former clubs, Atlético Madrid, also wrote on social media: "Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André.

"We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace."

'He gave us such great moments'

Wolves fans are remembering Diogo Jota fondly this morning, looking back on his time at the club.

Jota spent two years at Molineux and played a major part in their promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

Ben, a Wolves fan, has called in to talkSPORT to recall some of his best memories of the Portuguese forward.

He said: "It's awful. My wife phoned me a little while ago to tell me because she knew I was a massive fan. He was one of the greatest players that I've seen play for Wolves.

"I remember when he first started playing for us and I went to the match with my father-in-law and I said to him on the first game when he played for us I said, 'This kid can play at the top level'. And I've never really said it for anyone.

"But he gave us some such great moments at Wolves with him and Raul [Jimenez] in that season when we played in the Premier League for the first time.

"He was a great, great player, just brilliant to watch. He actually scored one of my favourite goals at Molineux as well - a goal that I'll always remember.

"I am devastated. It did really hit me hard this morning."

'Deeply saddened'

Many of football's leading organisations are sending their condolences to Diogo Jota and his brother following their passing.

UEFA posted: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.

"Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."

The FA said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal."

And the EFL wrote: "Devastating and heartbreaking.

"Everyone at the EFL is truly saddened by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool."

Clubs send condolences

Liverpool's fellow Premier League clubs are posting tributes for Diogo Jota following his death this morning.

Merseyside neighbours Everton posted: "We are devastated by this tragic news. Everyone at Everton is sending their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva."

Manchester United also wrote: "Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news."

Chelsea paid tribute to Jota too, saying: "Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time."

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time," Spurs posted on X.

Arsenal's message read: "The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Diogo’s family, friends and all associated with Liverpool Football Club. Rest in peace, Diogo."

Manchester City also posted a picture of Jota and his Portugal teammate Bernardo Silva, writing: "Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.

'He wears the 20 and we just won 20'

A Liverpool fan has called into talkSPORT to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and called for the club to consider retiring his shirt.

Jota wore the No.20 and the Reds had just won their 20th top-flight title after an incredible season.

Reds supporter Turab said: “I wasn’t sure if this was true, but I jumped out of a meeting. It’s tough and I don’t know how to process it.

“My thoughts go out to his family, his young kids. I’m reading that he’s just got married a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s a tough one....He wears the 20 and we just won 20.

"Personally, I just feel like they should take into consideration retiring his shirt.”

Liverpool statement

Liverpool have just released a statement confirming the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother.

Their statement reads: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

'We will continue to provide them with our full support."

Devastating

Diogo Jota's death has heartbreakingly come less than two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.

The pair have three children together and they shared pictures of their special day on June 22 on social media.

Reacting to Jota's passing, ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told talkSPORT: "Heartbreaking, I was shocked, like all of us.

"We all love football, winning losing, players your team should sign, but it all becomes irrelevant when you hear news like this.

"Liverpool seem to have to deal with tragedies over the years, but the Liverpool family will come together as they always do. There's a togetherness in this city. they will have to come together and try and use this to inspire them and kick on for Diogo.

"I can't imagine what these players are going through, I never lost one of my teammates."

Heartbroken

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, alongside many others, has reacted to the news of Diogo Jota and his brother's passing.

Carragher wrote on X: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning."

"Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."

Rio Ferdinand has also reacted, posting: "Absolutely heartbreaking. "My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!"

Jota's ex-teammate at Wolves, Ruben Neves, has also posted on Instagram, paying tribute to the Liverpool star.

He wrote: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"

'Shocking, devastating news'

More tributes have been flowing in live on talkSPORT.

Ex-England captain Stuart Pearce said: “The Liverpool family will need to unite behind his family. My heart goes out to the family. They’ve lost two sons.”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: “Shocking, devastating news. Two brothers enjoying an evening together, their family must be beside themselves.”

Spanish football expert Phil Kitromilides has also given some extra information on the road on which Diogo Jota passed away.

Kitromilides said: “The people that I have spoken to say this isn’t a dangerous part of the motorway.

“This is a route that people take from Madrid to Portugal, it is right on the border.

“The sense of shock is palpable. It is actually quite overwhelming this morning.”

'I love him'

Liverpool fan Lee has called into talkSPORT this morning and paid tribute to Diogo Jota on air.

He said: "He's the closest player I've seen to Robbie Fowler scoring.

"I love him, the kids love him. I don't know what to say to my kids now when they come home from school.

"I'm supposed to get them new tops next week, all with his name on them. I'm still going to get them anyway.

"I'm just gutted. But this won't break Liverpool Football Club, this will bring us all together. We're the best fans in the world."

Full statement

The Spanish Guardia Civil has given a verbal statement, confirming the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.

"The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking," the statement read.

"It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.

"The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed."

When asked to confirm the identities of those involved in the accident, the Guardia Civil said: "The player and his brother, Andre Silva."

Heartfelt messages

The footballing world continues to send its messages for Diogo Jota after the passing of the Liverpool star and his brother.

Former Reds player Stan Collymore has posted on X, writing: "I'm sure like many in the football family there's just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota's death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too.

"Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club. Devastating."

Meanwhile, Man United legend Gary Neville wrote on social media: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."

Jota's former club Porto, also shared images of him and his brother in the club's shirts along with a statement.

Their statement reads: "FC Porto is in mourning.

'It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.

"Rest in peace."

'Utterly devastated'

The Portuguese Football Federation have released a statement on the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother.

Their message reads: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.

"Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.

"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.

"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.

"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily."

Rest in peace

In some devastating news this morning, Liverpool star Diogo Jota has passed away in a car crash, according to reports.

The incident occurred on the A-52 in the Spanish province of Zamora.

The 28-year-old and his brother, Andre, were killed while they were travelling from Penafiel when their car went off the road, per Marca.

Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash.

"The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire,'" a statement read.

"1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.

"From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene."

The Portuguese international had spent the last five years at Liverpool, following a move from Wolves in 2020.

He began his professional career at Pacos de Ferreria before joining Atletico Madrid and having a loan spell at Porto.

Jota won the Premier League title with Liverpool and scored 65 goals across 182 appearances for the club.

Rest in peace, Diogo.

DCL replacement

Everton have reached an agreement in principle with Villarreal to sign striker Thierno Barry, talkSPORT understands.

The 22-year-old forward has a £34m release clause, but Everton have been able to negotiate a lower fixed payment in the region of £28m.

Add-ons could take the total package closer to £35m, and are believed to be largely individual performance related.

Barry scored 11 LaLiga goals last season and featured for France at the Under-21 European Championship this summer in Slovakia.

He will be seen as a replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the 28-year-old leaving the Toffees on a free transfer.

Birmingham land Prem star

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Tommy Doyle on a season-long loan from Wolves.

The midfielder has joined the newly-promoted side for their return to the Championship.

Doyle joined Wolves on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer after an initial loan.

He went on to make 24 Premier League appearances for the club last season.

The former England under-21 international now joins Blues as their third summer signing.

German defender Phil Neumann has arrived on a free transfer from Hannover.

Meanwhile, Under-21 Euros-winning goalkeeper James Beadle has also joined on loan from Brighton.

Birmingham are fresh from winning League One last season to secure promotion at the first attempt with a record points tally.

New No.20

João Pedro has had his Chelsea number revealed!

He'll be taking Cole Palmer's old digits, donning the No.20 after Palmer moved to No.10 at the end of the season.

Pedro completed his move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton earlier today in a deal worth £60million.

And the Brazilian's old manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has been speaking about his departure from the Seagulls.

Hurzeler said: "This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.

“It’s also an exciting move for Joao: it gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team ahead of the World Cup next summer.

“Joao has given us some wonderful moments – during my time and before I came to the club – so on behalf of everyone, I would like to thank him for his service over the past two seasons and wish him the best for the future.”

Simply the Best

Chelsea are set to sign 19-year-old defender Kian Best on a free, according to The Mirror.

Best was released by Preston North End back in May, which was something he learnt via a post on social media.

He responded to Preston announcing his departure from the club with a post saying: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”

Interest from Chelsea is reported to have emerged last month and he has now completed a medical at the Blues.

Best is expected to join the club's development squad.

No deal

West Ham have rejected a £50million bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Mohammed Kudus, talkSPORT understands.

The offer was placed by Spurs last week but was immediately rejected by the Hammers.

Spurs turned their attention to the Ghanaian international after cooling their interest in Eberechi Eze.

Kudus scored five goals and got three assists last season and is valued by the Europa League winners due to his versatility.

Valentin's Day

Brighton have announced a second departure of the day.

Along with João Pedro, Valentin Barco has left the Amex too.

Barco, who signed for the Seagulls in January 2024 for around £7million, only made seven appearances for the club.

The 20-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the time before spending the first half of last season on loan at Sevilla.

He was then loaned to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, playing 15 games during a successful season for the French club.

Liam Rosenior's side qualified for European football and Rosenior has now re-signed Barco on a permanent deal.

Strasbourg had an £8.5m obligation to buy at the end of his loan.

Brighton's technical director, David Weir, said on the deal: “This is a move that suits all parties.

"We wish Valentin the best of luck for the future.”

Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new long-term deal at Everton in a summer transfer blow to Tottenham.

The centre-back has extended his stay at the Toffees until 2030 and will remain integral to their defence under David Moyes.

"I'm over the moon," Branthwaite said. "It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about.

"The trust the Club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.

"I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we've got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them.

"And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it's an exciting project and it's something I want to be part of.

"Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season."

Manchester United failed in a pursuit for Branthwaite last summer, with Chelsea one reportedly interested party this time round.

Spurs were also keen on the Englishman, who has featured 86 times for Everton, but have now missed out on a defensive target.

Their squad plans could be affected by Branthwaite's decision to stay at Everton amid uncertainty over the future of Cristian Romero.

talkSPORT reported in March that the Argentinian is open to a move to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone is a big admirer of the 27-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current deal in north London.

Spurs could therefore be open to an offer in preparation for a debut season with Thomas Frank as their head coach.

They have already signed Kevin Danso from Lens in a £21million deal after his loan spell during the second half of the 2024/25 season.

Fellow defender Luka Vuskovic has also joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in a £12m move, which was agreed in September 2023.

At the opposite end of the pitch, talkSPORT understands Spurs are interested in signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

The winger is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer.

Eberechi Eze has also been discussed at Spurs, but the Crystal Palace star could join their north London rivals Arsenal instead.

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In an alternate universe, Harry Kane has won three Premier League titles and continued to smash home goals in England.

Instead, Tottenham rebuffed four bids from Manchester City during the summer transfer window in 2021 to keep their talisman in north London.

Not even an eye-watering £100million bid from City was enough to twist Tottenham's arm.

However, Rory Jennings believes City should have tested Tottenham's resolve even more with a bigger bid.

"I think they made a mistake, Manchester City, all those years ago not signing Kane when they could have done," Jennings said on talkSPORT's Transfer Insiders.

"But they did their best."

City boss Pep Guardiola later opened up on the Kane saga from his side and insisted he 'never was disappointed' at the club's inability to land his top target.

"Now you can say, 'Harry Kane didn't come and everything is going well', but at the time I didn't know it," Guardiola said in 2021.

"We tried, but Tottenham were clear that it was not going to happen.

"When that happens two, three, four times, it's over.

"After that we saw the squad and we were not so sure. We then lost at Spurs and against Leicester in the Community Shield.

"I never was disappointed in what the club cannot do in the transfer market. I've never created a fire here. When we have some talks and we cannot agree, we do it internally."

Although City boss Pep Guardiola didn't land a superstar striker in the summer of 2021, he managed to do so a year later in the form of Erling Haaland for £51m.

The Norwegian has proved to be one of the shrewdest acquisitions of the Guardiola era having scored a staggering 124 goals in 146 appearances across all competitions.

Haaland's impressive haul has also fired City to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Despite Haaland's brilliance in the box, Jennings emphatically stated Kane remained a superior player.

But he also noted it would have been incredibly unlikely for City to have ever paired Haaland and Kane in the same strike force.

"If the role in the team is there for him, because simply being the best doesn't mean that you definitely get in the team or the team wants to sign you," Jennings said.

"For example, with Erling Haaland. Of course, Harry Kane is a sensational footballer and far better, far superior to anything Erling Haaland could offer.

"If you've got Erling Haaland, you probably don't have Harry Kane as well.

"There has to be room for him in the team."

As for Kane, he remained with Tottenham until August 2023 when he got his move away to Bayern Munich.

The England captain has since shattered countless records in the Bundesliga thanks to his 85 goals in 95 games.

Kane also ended his lengthy wait for silverware thanks to Bayern winning the 2024/25 Bundesliga.

Tottenham are interested in West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer.

Kudus is one of Spurs' leading targets, as talkSPORT revealed last week.

Spurs are yet to place a bid, but are in talks regarding a move for the 24-year-old Ghanaian.

Kudus scored five goals and got three assists last season and is valued by Spurs due to his versatility.

There is a belief within the club that he can get his goalscoring into double figures, having found the net eight times in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Spurs have also looked at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, but ended their interest recently after learning they must pay £65m or more, which is more than the fee they spent on Dominic Solanke.

Unless the price drops, they won’t revisit that deal.

Bryan Mbeumo and Eberechi Eze have both been discussed as options as well.

However, the Brentford attacker only wants Manchester United, with productive talks continuing to finalise that move to Old Trafford, while Eze is open to an Arsenal switch should they advance their interest.

Nothing is moving to date between Spurs and Palace winger despite appreciation.

Kudus is believed to be open to Spurs and was the subject of a player-plus-cash deal from Chelsea, which the Hammers rejected.

And his departure could lead the Hammers to turn their attention to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall or Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Ghana international also has Saudi interest from Al-Nassr.

Kudus has a Saudi-specific release clause of £120m, although Al-Nassr, like Spurs, believe West Ham will sell of significantly less.

Should Kudus end up joining Spurs, he would become the first player to move directly from West Ham since Scott Parker in 2011.

Although Kudus appears destined for the exit door at West Ham, Hammers boss Graham Potter would certainly prefer to have the Ghanaian flyer in his ranks.

Speaking in May, Potter felt the 24-year-old's struggles were down to the team's overall lack of functionality.

But Potter also pointed out it was the responsibility of the player and the coaching staff to maximise his vast potential.

“He’s been working hard since we’ve been here, I’ve said that many times in press conferences (about Kudus),” Potter said.

“Sometimes when the team isn’t functioning as well as you’d like, individuals within the team can suffer with that.

“He gives his best and the maximum he can and I think it’s probably just the little things that haven’t gone his way have gone his way recently.

“We can see the talent, we can see the potential but it’s our responsibility, and his, to try and get more.”

Alan Pardew believes Tottenham would be a better fit for Eberechi Eze than Arsenal.

However, the former Crystal Palace boss does not expect the England international to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Eze has been strongly linked with a move after another impressive season in South London.

The 27-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Those strikes included the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May.

talkSPORT understands that Arsenal have since added Eze to their list of left wing targets.

Meanwhile, Spurs are also considering an approach as they weigh up triggering the £68million release clause in his contract.

With two years left on his deal, though, Pardew expects Eze to remain at the club for Palace's Europa League campaign.

He told The Final Word: "He’s secured for two or three years on his contract so I think they can be a bit bolder.

"I don’t think there’s any financial pressure there. They have new owners into Crystal Palace, more funds coming in.

"So I think Eze will stay and I don’t think that’s a bad thing because I think he’s one of those he doesn’t get stressed out by things. He’s quite a cool guy, he’s quite grounded.

"I think he’ll have another great year at Crystal Palace, hopefully."

Asked who Eze should join out of Spurs or Arsenal, he added: "My Arsenal friends, all June (said) if they get the right number nine, they’ve got a great chance of winning the league and I do agree with that.

"Would Eze take them nearer to that title? Possibly but I think they’ve got enough quality with everybody there.

"So therefore, I have answered your question."

Pardew continued: "I think he should go to Spurs if he leaves the great Crystal Palace."

Eze joined the Eagles from Queens Park Rangers back in 2020 and has gone on to become a key player for the club.

Having penned a new deal in November 2023, his current contract still has two years remaining.

He has also forced himself into the England squad during his time at Palace.

Since making his debut two years ago, Eze has gone on to score once in 12 caps for the Three Lions.

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Harry Kane has gone almost his whole career as a lone striker, having never recaptured the magic of playing with Souleymane Coulibaly.

The pair formed a good understanding at Tottenham youth and reserve-team level, where it wasn't always clear who would make it.

Kane spent much of his early years on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester, before breaking into the Spurs first-team.

Former boss Tim Sherwood, who handed him his senior debut, revealed that he even resisted instructions to get rid of Kane.

In contrast, club officials had high hopes for Ivory Coast youth international Coulibaly, dubbed 'the new Didier Drogba'.

"They started calling me the new Drogba after the Under-17 World Cup," he said, as reported by the BBC in 2016.

"But he is a legend, and it would just be nice just to meet him."

Coulibaly proved the individual breakout success of the 2011 U-17 World Cup, which featured Memphis Depay and Sebastien Haller, while Jordan Pickford and Raheem Sterling represented England.

At age 16, he scored nine goals in four games and finished with the Golden Boot, despite Ivory Coast crashing out at the last-16 stage.

Coulibaly found the net four times against Denmark and notched a hat-trick against Brazil, which then equalled a tournament record set by ex-Liverpool star Florent Sinama-Pongolle ten years prior.

A month later, Spurs beat out Europe's leading clubs, including Real Madrid, to pluck him from Italian club Siena's youth team.

“Tottenham went to Italy and made me the offer. It was a good opportunity for me. The ambition was good there, so I signed,” Coulibaly told The Set Piece Podcast in 2020.

“The programme at Tottenham was really good for young players. They were planning what they were going to do with the training ground, and I could develop with a young team.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me. I started training with the first team when I was 16 years old, with Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.

“Harry Redknapp was the one who brought me there. It was a fantastic experience.

“The only thing that was difficult for me at Tottenham was the language because I wasn’t speaking English. I was only speaking Italian.

“But the secretary at Tottenham – his name was Roberto – helped me a lot. He could speak Italian, Spanish and English.

“In football, I was doing good. I scored a lot of goals for the Under-18s, and I scored a lot of goals in the reserve team as well.”

One of those goals stands up above the rest, a dipper into the top corner from 20 yards for the U21's in a 4-0 win over Southampton.

However, Coulibaly never had the chance to show his worth in a competitive game and joined Italian Serie B side Bari in 2014.

“The only regret I have is not playing for the club because they did everything for me,” Coulibaly added.

“They helped me a lot, even when I was sick. I went on holiday to the Ivory Coast and I was sick. Tottenham brought me back and helped me. I was trying to give back the help they gave me by trying to play for the first team one day.

“But I trained with a lot of good players and learned from them. That was the most important thing for me personally. You take that experience and try to move on. I don’t regret my career. I just regret not giving back what the Tottenham fans were expecting of me.”

Following his Spurs exit, a journeyman career followed - first at Pistoiese and then back in England with Peterborough United.

He scored five goals in 32 appearances for the League One Posh in the 2015-16 season, but finished that campaign in the division below on loan at Newport.

Coulibaly then bounced about from Kilmarnock to Al Ahly in Egypt, before enduring stints in Glasgow, Tunisia, Cyprus, and Algeria.

Since late 2024, he found himself at Pickering Town, who currently ply their trade in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

In contrast, Kane has gone on to become England and Tottenham's record goalscorer, before a transfer worth over £100million to Bayern Munich where he has won the Bundesliga title.

Coulibaly said: “Harry Kane was a hard worker. He wasn’t the Harry Kane who people see today, but he was a guy who gave 100 per cent in training.

“He was the one who worked very hard in training and in matches. You know how football is, when one manager gives you the chance you become who you are. That’s what happened to Harry Kane.

“When he started playing with Tim Sherwood, he wasn’t great. But game by game he became the Harry Kane that everyone knows now. I’m not surprised he became like this. He had a great work ethic and was a good professional.

“If I had the chance, like a lot of people had at Tottenham, I don’t think I’d be here,” Coulibaly concluded.

“I’d be playing first team in Tottenham because I know my ability. I know what I’ve got in my locker. If I was there when Mauricio Pochettino came, who knows?

“But it didn’t happen, so that’s why I’m here. I was expected to play in the Premier League for Tottenham, to help them achieve whatever they wanted. But, you know, football is like this.

“Sometimes you go down, sometimes you go up. The best way is to keep going. That’s what I’m doing.”

Cristiano Ronaldo. Thierry Henry. Ronaldo Nazario. Zinedine Zidane. Rivaldo.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown tested himself against some of football's greatest ever players during his 21-year professional career.

During his spell with the Gunners, Keown experienced first hand the silky skills that Manchester United icon Ronaldo had to offer.

He played against him during the infamous Battle of Old Trafford clash in September 2003, which saw the Portugal international leave Ashley Cole with egg on his face.

While he shared the pitch with Rivaldo on four occasions - twice for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League - as well as twice for England against Brazil in international friendlies.

The 1997 friendly also saw Keown tasked with keeping Ronaldo Nazario quiet - as well as 1994 Ballon d'Or winner Romario.

Zidane was twice Keown's nemesis during France vs England battles, with the 2000 friendly seeing the defender face Arsenal teammate Henry.

However, none of those five players left him in awe like Tottenham Hotspur cult hero Chris Waddle.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether there was a particular moment from his career that a rival player left him in awe.

And without hesitating, his mind flashed to an encounter against Waddle in March 1989 at White Hart Lane during his third and final season at Aston Villa.

Waddle scored both goals in Spurs' 2-0 win, finding the back of the net in either half.

His opener in the 23rd minute saw Waddle race onto a through ball on the edge of the box, before jinxing past Keown where he then rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

And his second was a thing of beauty, as he flicked the ball over Keown, before unleashing a stunning volley into the top right corner.

Commenting on who the footballer that left him starstruck on the pitch, Keown said: "Do you know what? It happened more than once!

"But one that sticks in my mind was playing against Chris Waddle for Spurs vs Villa.

"It was a midweek game and I went to press him on the edge of the box.

"And I got as tight as I could and he just hit it round me.

"And when I looked, it went over, he's a left-footed player, it went over my left shoulder.

"And when I looked in the goal, it was in the right-hand side of the goal.

"It was like unbelievable, like a banana shot that he hit round me.

"So respect to him, he was a handful.

"And he probably doesn't get the credit he deserves, top player."

Waddle spent four seasons at Spurs, where he scored 42 goals in 173 matches in all competitions, which earned him a move to French giants Marseille.

He proved to be nothing short of sensational during his three years at Stade Velodrome - winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles having banged in 29 goals from 149 outings.

His dazzling displays saw him named voted by fans as the club's second best player in their first 100 years of existence, behind Jean-Pierre Papin.

Affectionately dubbed as 'Magic Chris', he certainly showcased his wizardry to Keown in a match he has never forgotten.

Tottenham's attacking stocks look set to take a hit.

According to Sports Illustrated reporter Juan Pablo De Luca, Argentinian side Racing Club are in 'very advanced negotiations' with Tottenham's Alejo Veliz.

De Luca added Racing have already tabled a formal offer to the north London club and there is 'optimism' a deal can be completed over the weekend.

Fellow Argentinian journalist German Garcia Grove added Racing's offer is approximately £3.7million and would acquire 60 per cent of Veliz's rights.

Should a deal be reached, it would bring an end to Veliz's adventure in north London after just two years.

The 21-year-old moved to Tottenham from Argentinian side Rosario Central for an estimated £13million in August 2023.

Upon signing, former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou noted Veliz was one for the future but had 'a lot of talent for a youngster.'

"He's got a great profile," Postecoglou said.

"He is a big guy, but he's very mobile and he works hard.

"He's already made an impact in the Argentine first division and again good to have him in."

He went on to make just ten appearances across all competitions for Tottenham in his debut campaign and scored only twice.

Veliz bagged his first goal for the club in a 4-2 loss to Brighton in December 2023.

With game time limited, Veliz moved to Spanish side Sevilla on a six-month loan in February 2024.

Upon signing he was handed the no.10 shirt, which was once worn by Argentinian icon Diego Maradona.

However, Veliz managed only six appearances for Sevilla for a grim total of just 31 minutes of action.

Veliz was once again sent out on loan for the 2024/25 season to another LaLiga side, Espanyol.

The 21-year-old's tenure in Barcelona began brightly as he started eight of Espanyol's first 11 league fixtures.

However, he started only two more LaLiga matches for the remainder of the season.

In total, he made 27 total league appearances for Espanyol but registered just one goal, which he scored in a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on August 31.

Veliz also earned two starts for Espanyol in the Copa del Rey in which he bagged a hat-trick against sixth-tier side San Tirso SD.

Should Veliz depart, it would signal the first permanent exit under new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Frank was announced as Postecoglou's successor on June 12 and has already made a key signing in the form of Mathys Tel, who moved to north London on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich.

Arsenal have added Eberechi Eze to their list of left wing targets, talkSPORT understands.

Eze, also being considered by the Gunners' north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, has a release clause of around £68m in his Palace contract.

The Crystal Palace ace would be a cheaper option than Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is also on Arsenal's radar.

Eze became a target for Tottenham after they briefly looked at a deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, who now appears destined for Manchester United.

The England international has been a sensation at Selhurst Park since he joined from Queens Park Rangers in 2020.

Eze has registered an impressive 40 goals and 28 assists from 167 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents outside the 'Big Six'.

Eze's biggest goal came in last season's FA Cup final as Palace won their first ever major trophy with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Eze finished with eight goals and eight assists as Palace ended the season 12th.

Eze's impressive displays at club level did not go unnoticed, as he was handed his first senior England call-up in May 2021.

The 26-year-old went on to feature three times for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 as they made it all the way to the final but were beaten 2-1 by Spain.

A deal for Eze will not be cheap given the attacking dynamo's contract runs until 2027, meaning teams will be expected to pay his entire release clause.

News of Arsenal and Tottenham's interest comes almost a year after Palace chairman Steve Parish was left 'astounded' by how few clubs were after Eze in the 2024 summer window.

"I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs in the same window and we didn't have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have," Parish told Sky Sports.

"I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy's just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person."

Although there may have been a surprising lack of interest for Eze last summer, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew did not believe that would be the case this time around.

In fact, Pardew likened Eze's ability to that of Dutch icon Johan Cruyff.

“He has this great ability to just glide past people," Pardew said on talkSPORT Breakfast in April.

"It's almost silky, like Johan Cruyff used to move - just shift it and just leave people for dead.

“He's not particularly rapid in terms of taking people on for a pace. He's just clever. And he manoeuvres the ball to create a shot or create a pass. And he's as good as anybody at doing that.

“I'm sure Palace won't thank me for saying, but I think he could play for one of the big clubs for sure.”