talkSPORT

Winning run over

Bayern Munich were unable to continue their 100 per cent record at the Club World Cup.

Vincent Kompany's side were beaten 1-0 by Benfica in their final game of Group C.

Their progression to the knockout stages was already confirmed prior to the match, but they have now finished second.

It means they will face Flamengo in the last 16.

The Brazilian outfit are one of three clubs left in the group stage who can qualify with a 100 per cent win record.

Juventus and Manchester City in Group G are the other two teams.

Not going just yet

Neymar has agreed to extend his contract at Santos until the end of 2025, talkSPORT understands.

The Brazilian returned to his boyhood club at the beginning of the year after a tough spell at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

His current deal expires at the end of the month, but he is now set to remain with Santos beyond then.

Neymar initially shone for the club from 2009 to 2013 to attract interest from Barcelona.

The forward won LaLiga and the Champions League in Spain before completing a world-record £200million move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar lifted five French league titles and left in 2023 for Al Hilal, but suffered an ACL injury not long after signing.

Al Hilal announced the mutual termination of his contract in January and he returned to Santos, totalling 237 appearances in his two spells.

Problems

Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial struggles.

As per RMC Sport, they couldn't convince the National Directorate of Management Control to lift restrictive measures on the club.

They were given a provisional relegation to the second tier of French football in November and are reportedly €500million in debt.

Despite the latest decision, RMC Sport say that Lyon can appeal it within seven days.

It follows the story of Bordeaux, the six-time French champions who had to file for bankruptcy due to their financial issues.

They were sanctioned with an administrative relegation to the Championnat National, which is the third division in France.

Someone new for the Toon

Newcastle are also exploring other options instead of Anthony Elanga, talkSPORT understands.

After having their £45million offer for Elanga rebuffed, the Magpies could set their sights elsewhere in the summer window.

Respective PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund wingers, Johan Bakayoko and Karim Adeyemi, are among the players of interest.

Mohammed Kudus is also a target at St. James' Park.

talkSPORT reported earlier in June that West Ham rejected a player-plus-cash deal for the Ghana international from Chelsea.

The Blues were willing to offer the likes of Robert Sanchez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Kudus.

He has rejected interest from Saudi Arabia as he wants to stay in the Premier League.

Forest are fans

Nottingham Forest are in talks for Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah, talkSPORT understands.

However, neither are related to a potential Anthony Elanga exit.

talkSPORT reported earlier on Tuesday that Forest have rejected a £45million offer from Newcastle United for Elanga.

It is understood they do not want to sell the winger and would only entertain offers north of £60m.

Mbangula currently stars for Juventus after progressing through their academy.

The 21-year-old has played 32 matches for the Italian giants and hit nine goal contributions in all competitions.

One of his teammates in Turin is Weah, the son of Monaco and AC Milan legend George Weah.

He joined Juventus from Lille in 2023 and has netted seven times in 78 outings.

Glasgow calling

Max Aarons has completed his medical at Rangers, talkSPORT understands.

He is moving to Ibrox in a straight loan from Premier League side Bournemouth.

The deal is expected to be completed later this week.

Aarons had a breakthrough spell with Norwich City before signing for Bournemouth in 2023.

However, he has made only 14 league starts for the Cherries in two seasons and featured 27 times in total.

The right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Valencia, although featured just five times.

Hotting up

Chelsea training has been 'almost impossible' ahead of their crucial Club World Cup clash, according to Enzo Maresca.

The Blues have been preparing to face Esperance de Tunis, live on talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, in Philadelphia.

Temperatures reached a whopping 37 degrees celsius and industrial fans could be seen cooling the players down.

Head coach Maresca spoke on the challenges they have faced due to the heat during his pre-match press conference.

"It is almost impossible to train or to make a session because of the weather. Now we are trying just to save energy for the game.

"This morning's session has been very, very, very short. It's not easy in these conditions with these temperatures.

"We are going to try to do our best."

Chelsea must at least draw against Esperance to qualify for the last 16 of the Club World Cup.

Test for Town

Ipswich Town face a battle to keep Omari Hutchinson.

The 21-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in 2023 on loan from Chelsea and was key to their promotion from the Championship.

Hutchinson fully joined the Premier League newbies in a club record deal worth £22.5million last summer after an impressive first season.

He scored three league goals and assisted another two in 31 matches before Ipswich were relegated by finishing 19th.

The Daily Mail have now reported that Hutchinson has become of interest to Premier League and European clubs.

Everton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham are said to be monitoring his progress alongside Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Their report also says that Hutchinson is keen to continue playing at the highest level, but is grateful to Ipswich for his opportunities.

Rejected

talkSPORT understands that Nottingham Forest have rejected a £45million from Newcastle for Anthony Elanga.

Forest want £60million plus for their star winger.

This approach comes a year on from Newcastle's last bid for Elanga, after talks were advanced last summer.

That move never materialised, but now the Magpies are back in for the forward who had the third-most assists last season.

Elanga set up 11 goals in the Premier League and scored another six, prospering in Nuno Espirito Santo's set-up.

Eddie Howe is wanting to add another wide player to his squad but it may be hard to prise him away from Forest.

New bid

Chelsea are set to place a third bid for Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who remains the club's top left-winger target, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues have seen bids of £30m and £42m rejected so far, with the latter coming on the June 10th deadline, shortly before the Club World Cup started.

Chelsea were not prepared to go any higher prior to the tournament.

Chelsea and Dortmund are currently holding talks in America, with both teams at the Club World Cup, and there is optimism an agreement can be reached.

Gittens is waiting for a breakthrough having already agreed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old only wants a move to Chelsea despite fresh links with Bayern.

Dortmund are willing to sell Gittens since he's not viewed as a tactical fit at the club, despite featuring in 49 games in 2024/25, contributing 12 goals and five assists in all competitions.

talkSPORT understands Chelsea are hoping to seal a transfer for around £45m and are not far off Dortmund's valuation. The parties were only believed to be around £5m apart when last negotiating.

The clubs are currently in fresh and advanced talks over the structure of the deal, with Chelsea optimistic their third bid will prove successful. Dortmund want a large proportion of the fee paid upfront.

Chelsea also appreciate Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and Lyon's Malick Fofana, but have now ruled out a move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams due to the overall cost of the transfer. The Spanish winger is holding out for a move to Barcelona if he leaves Bilbao, while Bayern are also competing for his signature.

Gittens is Chelsea's top choice, and a breakthrough could come before the end of June.

Pitch complaints

PSG boss Luis Enrique has complained about the pitches at the Club World Cup following his side's win over Seattle Sounders.

Jude Bellingham has already spoken out about the poor state of the pitches in the USA for the tournament.

And Enrique echoed those thoughts when speaking yesterday.

He said: "They are way off the condition of the pitches in Europe. A lot. It's fine but the ball bounces like it's a rabbit.

"Today, because it used to be artificial and now it's natural, they had to fix it. In the break, they had to treat it, but every ten minutes it went dry. For our style of game, it's a problem.

"Obviously I'm not using this as an excuse. I'm saying this today after we won. But it's a problem."

'Why not dream?'

Inter Miami will play European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Club World Cup this weekend.

It sees Lionel Messi take on his former club while he, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets meet their ex-manager, Luis Enrique.

Speaking about the huge test, Alba said after reaching the knockout stages: "I'm proud of the team, and now we're competing against a top team like PSG. It's great.

"For me, they're playing the best football in Europe, and well, it's obviously a very difficult match, but we're going to try to compete."

He added: "Why not dream of beating the European champion?

"It will be very difficult. We know the quality of all the players, and for me, Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world. I know him very well.

"This is football, and it's 90-something minutes, and well, why not dream? ... They're [PSG] the ones who play the best football today.

"They're very versatile, with very good wide players, and guys in midfield who have the ball. Overall, they're the most complete team, for me. We'll see how far we can go and try to compete."

Boro boss

Middlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach.

The former Luton boss replaces Michael Carrick in the dugout, signing a three-year contract at the club.

Speaking after his arrival, Edwards said: “It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be head coach of this great football club.

"It’s something that’s not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. There is an amazing fanbase.

“It felt instantly that this was right for me and it got me excited.

"If I was going to come back in, I wanted to come back in at a place where we had a chance, and we have a really good chance here.

“We have a brilliant owner who historically gives his coaches time, support, and the tools needed to try and be successful. I can’t wait to get started now.”

Ban extended

Rico Lewis will miss Manchester City's Club World Cup game against Juventus and their upcoming last-16 tie.

That is because the defender has had his suspension increased following a red card against Wydad AC last week.

He had already missed Man City's win over Al Ain, but now he will be forced to sit out for two more fixtures.

Lewis was sent off for a sliding challenge that ended up clipping his opponent in the head in the latter stages of their opener.

Pep Guardiola and players were left raging at the decision.

They have appealed the decision to extend the ban but were unsuccessful and now Lewis misses three games.

Fixture change

The Premier League's fixtures were only announced last week, but there has already been a change to the schedule.

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford has been moved from Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 17.

The game at the City Ground will kick off at 2pm.

The Premier League explained that the game has been forced to move due to cricket being played at Trent Bridge.

On that Saturday, Trent Rockets' men and women are set to be in action in the Hundred.

And Forest requested that their game be moved to the Sunday due to the clash at the close-quarters venues.

In talks

According to reports in Italy, Sunderland are in talks to sign Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente.

Lauriente worked with Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris at Lorient before he moved onto Serie A.

He has gone on to play over 100 games for Sassuolo and stuck with his club despite their relegation to Serie B in 2024.

The Frenchman went on to score 18 goals and provide six assists in 33 second-tier games, leading his side to the title.

Sunderland are looking to secure their second signing of the summer following their return to the Premier League.

Enzo Le Fee signed on a permanent deal as their first arrival.

Atleticoing home

Atletico Madrid have become the first big Club World Cup side to face a shock exit.

The Spanish outfit have been knocked out despite beating Botafogo 1-0 on Monday night.

Antoine Griezmann scored in the 87th minute but due to the goal difference between the two sides, Atletico finished third in Group B.

Table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain were 2-0 winners over Seattle Sounders to confirm their progression to the knockout stages.

They and Botafogo join Flamengo as the three confirmed sides in the upcoming last 16.

PSG will meet the runners-up in Group A, which will be one of Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, Botafogo will face the winners of Group A.

Changes incoming

Enzo Maresca will select a new-look starting XI in Chelsea's final match in the Club World Cup group stage.

The Blues face Esperance de Tunis, live on talkSPORT, days after their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.

Chelsea beat Los Angeles 2-0 beforehand but need at least a draw in their next match to progress to the knockout stages.

Head coach Maresca has revealed that tiredness in the camp will lead to selection changes for what is a crucial match.

"Tomorrow we will do some rotation because the ones who played two games are quite tired to play again," he said in his press conference.

"So we will make rotation and we will see if there is a chance for those who haven't played as much.

"Reece, the reason why [he didn't train] is because he is ill. Levi Colwill has also been ill in the last two days, but today was better and part of the session."

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Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice as they close in on the signing of just their second Japanese star.

talkSPORT understands that Spurs have agreed a £5million deal to sign Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Should the 20-year-old's move go through as expected, it would be a record transfer for a player in the J1 League moving overseas.

Spurs have previously tried their luck in bringing in a highly-rated Japan international from their national top-flight division.

In January 2003, the north London outfit signed Kazuyuki Toda from Shimizu S-Pulse on a 12-month loan deal - hijacking Sunderland's move to sign the player.

Arriving at White Hart Lane with great expectations, the midfielder was limited to 189 minutes spread across four Premier League outings.

Former boss Glenn Hoddle waxed lyrical over Toda upon his signing, who had helped Japan reach the last-16 of the World Cup just months earlier.

Hoddle said: "Toda is an immensely impressive midfielder and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.

"His addition to the squad will give us more options in this area, and I am sure the fans will quickly see the benefit of his strengths."

Toda was just the third Japanese player to make the move to the Premier League after Junichi Inamoto and Akinori Nishizaw.

But both men struggled in England, with Nishizaw failing to feature during his loan spell at Bolton in the 2001/02 season, while Inamoto couldn't break into the Arsenal team that same campaign.

Inamoto would eventually become the first Japanese star to feature in the Premier League the following term during his loan at Fulham.

Highlighting the struggles of his compatriots before him, Toda told the club's website: "I understand that a Japanese player has not really succeeded here and I want to change that image and become the first player to succeed.

"Junichi Inamoto said it took a year to adjust. I hope it won't me take a year to adjust. I want to adjust as quickly as I can and play for Tottenham."

Before adding: "I'm very happy to be here. It's a great club, great history, great players and this is my dream, to be part of the Premiership.

"Now I am here to play and show my best and hopefully I will succeed here."

But to say Toda's time at Spurs was underwhelming would be an understatement.

Despite arriving in January, it took until March 1 for him to even make the bench, where he remained an unused substitute for six straight matches.

He finally made his debut at home to Manchester City on Good Friday, where he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

His display saw him rewarded with a first start three days later away at West Brom, but he failed to last the full 90 minutes after being hooked at half-time.

A first start at White Hart Lane against Manchester United then followed, where he lasted 78 minutes, as Spurs lost 2-0 to the eventual champions.

Reflecting on the match in 2019, Toda revealed how he caught the attention of tough-tackling Roy Keane for all the wrong reasons following a battle with David Beckham.

He recalled: "Yes, I was a little nervous! My wife and my mother came to the stadium to watch.

“Manchester United were very strong, organised, many world-class players. I was not able to do well! Roy Keane was tough.

"I remember in the second half I did a big tackle on David Beckham. After that tackle, Roy Keane was staring at me. I remember that!”

Toda's final outing for Spurs came on the last day of the 2002/03 season, where he was brought off the bench for the last 21 minutes in a 4-0 home defeat to Blackburn.

After becoming a first-team regular towards the end of the campaign, Toda would then pick up a calf injury that kept him on the sidelines for the start of the next term.

And following a disastrous opening six games into the 2003/04 campaign, Hoddle was sacked, where he was replaced by David Pleat on a caretaker basis.

Just one month later, Spurs cut short Toda's loan spell, with Pleat insisting there is no room for him in his squad.

He remarked: "There is increasing competition for places in midfield so we probably would not sign him now."

But Toda has no regrets about how his time in England panned out, insisting he fulfilled a dream by playing for Spurs.

The 47-year-old stated: "It was the biggest challenge in my life. I did my best. My ability was not enough, maybe, but I did my best.

"I played only four first team games for Spurs, but it is still so special for me.

“I was so excited when I knew Spurs were interested in signing me. It was a dream come true. I made as much effort as I could. I have no regrets, I did the best I could.

"I played with many world-class players – Robbie Keane, Gus Poyet, Jamie Redknapp, Darren Anderton. That was good for me as a footballer. I learned a lot in that time.”

Toda would remain in Europe - joining Dutch side ADO Den Haag for the remainder of the season - before returning to Asia in 2004, where he stayed before retiring in 2013.

Nick Kyrgios is ready to commit the cardinal sin when it comes to football fandom.

The tennis star has never been one to mince his words having become embroiled in controversy more times than he can remember.

But his latest act is sure to get fans of north London’s big two talking after appearing to switch his football allegiance whilst live on air at talkSPORT.

The 30-year-old Australian is of Greek origin much like former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and previously admitted his admiration for Spurs due to his compatriot.

However, it appears that Kyrgios is ready to wash his hands of Spurs following the club’s decision to axe the Europa League-winning boss earlier this month.

And Kyrgios is not prepared to stay quiet about where his future footballing attention lies.

The former Wimbledon finalist has revealed that he will now show his support to Tottenham’s bitter rivals Arsenal in what could be described as the cardinal sin.

The move marks the first switch across the north London divide since Sol Campbell’s infamous move in 2001 although there may have been one or two less high-profile ones over the years!

Kyrgios joined talkSPORT Breakfast on Tuesday to discuss all things tennis while taking on a few questions from listeners.

The tennis star was asked if he can still support Spurs following Postecoglou’s sacking and his response was emphatic.

“Half the reason why I do like Tottenham is because of Ange so I’m not sure,” he said before revealing a bombshell. “I think I might have to jump on the Arsenal bandwagon.

He continued: “I played a lot of FIFA (video game) in the past so I’m not sure my supporting cast to Tottenham ever meant much.

Kyrgios then doubled down on his plans saying: “Yeah, I’ll jump on the Arsenal bandwagon.”

For many, it might feel as though Kyrgios' decision is an ill-timed one considering Spurs' recent success.

Postecoglou was victorious in ending the club's 17-year wait to end their trophy drought last month.

That has given Tottenham fans bragging rights, at least for now, over their north London rivals whose last trophy came in the 2020 FA Cup final.

The Gunners have built a squad capable of challenging for honours but have fallen short in the Premier League title race in each of the last the seasons.

Arsenal had high hopes for Champions League success particularly after their 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in April, only to fall to eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

Arsenal secured second place in the table but the debate rumbles on as to who posted the most success season between the north London giants.

Spurs finished just one placed above the bottom three having recorded a whopping 22 league defeats.

But their success in the Europa League final against Manchester United handed them a trophy and a route into next season's Champions League.

And on paper that is more than what Arsenal were able to serve up for their trophy-starved fans.

Arsenal supporters - including Kyrgios - could yet see their neighbours lift another trophy before the new Premier League season kicks off as Tottenham face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13.

Gareth Bale has confirmed that he's part of a consortium to buy a controlling interest in boyhood club Cardiff City.

The football icon, who is Wales' all-time leading goalscorer, described the prospect of linking up with the Bluebirds as 'a dream come true'.

The group involving Bale made an initial enquiry earlier this month, which was rejected by current owner Vincent Tan.

Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere for F1: The Movie, Bale told Sky Sports: "We are interested in getting Cardiff. It's my home (town) club, it's where I grew up and my uncle used to play for them.

"To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true."

Bale had been linked with Cardiff after leaving Real Madrid in 2022 but decided to end his playing career with Los Angeles FC.

He was recently linked with a reported bid to take over Plymouth, who like Cardiff were relegated from the Championship last season.

However, Bale dismissed the claims that he was in for Plymouth, as he told talkSPORT on the red carpet: "I have no idea where Plymouth came from to be honest with you.

"It's always been Cardiff that we're trying to get and being from Cardiff I'm very passionate, I see how passionate the Wales and Cardiff fans are.

"It's an interesting time, an exciting time, and hopefully something can be done."

Cardiff will begin the 2025/26 season in League One after they came bottom of the Championship.

It marks the first time they'll play in the third tier of English football in 25 years, but Bale is vying to get them back to the top should he and his consortium get the keys to the Cardiff City Stadium.

Bale continued to Sky: "It (Cardiff) is a club close to my heart. It's where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.

"I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together.

"We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done."

Bale began his stellar playing career with Southampton, making his debut for them aged 16 in April 2006.

It wasn't long before the big clubs came calling with Bale opting to join Tottenham in the summer of 2007.

Despite a tough start to life at Spurs, he became their main man as he announced himself on the world stage with stellar performances against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

After winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year award on two occasions, Bale secured a then-world record £85million move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

The Welshman's first season saw him win the Champions League, scoring in the final as Real Madrid got the better of rivals Atletico Madrid.

He collected a further four Champions League winners' medals, most notably scoring twice in the 2018 final as Los Blancos beat Liverpool 3-1 in Kyiv.

The achievement he'll look back on the most fondly will be what he did on an international stage, having spearheaded Wales' charge to Euro 2016 - their first major tournament in 58 years.

Bale scored three times at the tournament as Wales exceeded all expectations by reaching the semi-finals before they succumbed to eventual winners Portugal.

He also played a huge role in Wales qualifying for Euro 2020 as well as the 2022 World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sign Japan international Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs will pay a £5million fee to seal a record transfer for a Japanese player from the J1 League.

Takai has been with Frontale since joining their youth set-up in 2011, becoming part of the senior side 11 years later.

The 20-year-old has featured 78 times for the club, scoring four goals as a centre-back, and he won the Japanese Super Cup last year.

Takai has also earned four caps with the Japan national team.

He is expected to become part of the Spurs first team once his move to north London has been completed.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Denso, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are among their other centre-back options.

Danso recently completed a £21m permanent move after his initial loan spell from Lens.

Forward Mathys Tel has also permanently joined from Bayern Munich with a switch worth around £30m as Spurs speedily prepare for next season.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Croatian goalkeeper Luka Vuskovic arrives in the summer from Hadjuk Split in his homeland.

Spurs have been interested in signing Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

However, talkSPORT understands that Manchester United have made an improved offer for the Cameroon international.

As a result, Spurs are now expected to shift their efforts and focus on a move for Eberechi Eze.

The Crystal Palace talisman was linked with Spurs last summer before another excellent campaign at Selhurst Park.

Eze scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City to earn Palace their first ever piece of major silverware.

He is understood to have a release clause of £68m that kicked in at the end of the season.

Spurs are also reportedly keen on a deal for left-back Dennis Cirkin.

The defender was previously in their academy before he moved to Sunderland in 2021.

Cirkin's contract with the Black Cats expires next summer.

Manchester United have improved their offer to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo to a package worth in excess of £60million, talkSPORT understands.

Talks have accelerated in the past 24 hours and will continue this week.

Mbeumo has always made it clear to the Bees his preference is to join United over reuniting with Thomas Frank at Tottenham.

United have already agreed personal terms with Mbeumo on a contract worth around £250,000-a-week.

Spurs are now expected to focus their efforts on a swoop for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Eze has been an incredible talent at Selhurst Park since making his move from Queens Park Rangers in 2020.

He has scored 40 goals and assisted another 28 in 127 appearances to become one of the best players outside the 'Big 6'.

The 26-year-old also scored the winning goal against Manchester City to crown Crystal Palace as FA Cup winners.

Eze's contract doesn't expire until 2027, so a reasonable sum would need to be paid by any interested clubs.

talkSPORT reported United and Spurs' interest in the attacking midfielder in September.

He is understood to have a release clause of £68m that kicked in at the end of the season.

City have also held historical interest in the England international.

As for United, the signing of Mbeumo would see them continue their summer spending after a disastrous campaign.

Matheus Cunha has already completed a £62.5million from Wolves.

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has also emerged as a target as per reports.

Moise Keane of Fiorentina, and formerly Everton, is another name linked with an Old Trafford switch.

United have also been linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has previously worked with head coach Ruben Amorim.

However, talkSPORT understands that Gyokeres expects to join their Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in re-signing former youth star Dennis Cirkin from newly-promoted Sunderland.

The Ireland-born defender moved to London aged three and became part of the Spurs academy, although he didn't make any senior appearances.

Cirkin left in 2021 to sign for Sunderland when they were in League One and has since featured 116 times for them in all competitions.

He was also part of their promotion-winning side last season as the Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.

Now Spurs could be set to bring him back to north London, as The Northern Echo have reported their interest in negotiating a deal.

Sunderland will work on agreeing a new contract with Cirkin as his current terms expire at the end of June 2026.

The left-back's deal from Spurs to Sunderland in 2021 is said to have included a buy-back clause for the former.

As per the Sunderland Echo, the fee stood at £6million but the clause expired on June 30 in 2024.

Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence were the regular left-back selections for Spurs during the 2024/25 campaign.

Ben Davies also played in the position, although he typically operates more as a centre-back.

Spurs recently announced that Sergio Reguilon will leave at the end of his contract after a five-year spell.

Thomas Frank has become the new head coach and has already overseen a summer signing in Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman first joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich in January but his move has been made permanent for around £30m.

Kevin Danso was also a loanee, but he too has completed a full move due to a reported £21m obligation to buy clause.

Luka Vuskovic is another arrival in a £12m move from Croatian club Hajduk Split, with the deal being agreed in September 2023.

However, talkSPORT understands club captain and legend Heung-min Son will discuss his Spurs future during pre-season.

Although an option to extend his contract to 2026 was triggered, his future at the club remains unclear.

Saudi Arabian sides Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah have expressed an interest and are prepared to pay €40m [£34m] for the South Korean.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in re-signing former youth star Dennis Cirkin from newly-promoted Sunderland.

The Ireland-born defender moved to London aged three and became part of the Spurs academy, although he didn't make any senior appearances.

Cirkin left in 2021 to sign for Sunderland when they were in League One and has since featured 116 times for them in all competitions.

He was also part of their promotion-winning side last season as the Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.

Now Spurs could be set to bring him back to north London, as The Northern Echo have reported their interest in negotiating a deal.

Sunderland will work on agreeing a new contract with Cirkin as his current terms expire at the end of June 2026.

The left-back's deal from Spurs to Sunderland in 2021 is said to have included a buy-back clause for the former.

As per the Sunderland Echo, the fee stood at £6million but the clause expired on June 30 in 2024.

Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence were the regular left-back selections for Spurs during the 2024/25 campaign.

Ben Davies also played in the position, although he typically operates more as a centre-back.

Spurs recently announced that Sergio Reguilon will leave at the end of his contract after a five-year spell.

Thomas Frank has become the new head coach and has already overseen a summer signing in Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman first joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich in January but his move has been made permanent for around £30m.

Kevin Danso was also a loanee, but he too has completed a full move due to a reported £21m obligation to buy clause.

Luka Vuskovic is another arrival in a £12m move from Croatian club Hajduk Split, with the deal being agreed in September 2023.

However, talkSPORT understands club captain and legend Heung-min Son will discuss his Spurs future during pre-season.

Although an option to extend his contract to 2026 was triggered, his future at the club remains unclear.

Saudi Arabian sides Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah have expressed an interest and are prepared to pay €40m [£34m] for the South Korean.

Jacques Santini holds the unwanted Tottenham record of managing the fewest games after stepping down in 2004.

But it's what he did after his resignation that infuriated club chairman Daniel Levy, sparking a heated war-of-words.

Santini arrived in June 2004 with big expectations having impressed in his native France.

He guided Lyon to the Ligue 1 title in 2002, before he was appointed to take charge of the French national team - where he won 22 of his 28 fixtures.

One of his victories came against England at Euro 2004, where Les Bleus were knocked out by eventual champions Greece in the quarter-finals.

Prior to the tournament, he had already agreed to become Spurs' second permanent manager since Levy became chairman in 2001 - succeeding Glenn Hoddle who boldly set his sights on Premier League glory.

But Santini ended up quitting in November 2004 on the eve of a London derby with Charlton.

In total, he oversaw 13 matches in all competitions, with Spurs winning just three of their opening 11 top-flight games.

His time at the club remains the shortest managerial spell in terms of games coached in their 143-year history.

In a candid statement, Santini cited personal issues as the reason for his departure - though that was the furthest thing from the truth.

A message to fans read: "My time at Tottenham has been memorable and it is with deep regret that I take my leave.

"Private issues in my personal life have arisen which caused my decision. I have therefore requested to return to France. I very much hope that the wonderful fans will respect my decision.

"I should like to thank Frank Arnesen [sporting director] and Daniel Levy for their understanding. I wish the club and the supporters all the best for the season."

Though just a week later, he revealed issues with the club hierarchy - while expressing his frustration about the transfer policy which saw Spurs sign Michael Carrick.

He told French television station TPS: "I can confirm I have no major family problems and I don't really mind too much what has been said about me.

"Right from the off there was a problem with who was in charge at Tottenham. I was told I was in charge of first-team matters, but things were not clearly defined.

"Perhaps we should have spoken more when I signed, but when I arrived it became clear that I was only in charge of coaching the team and not buying players.

"We never found a way of agreeing how to prepare the season and how to buy new players. It is true that I did not want to sign Michael Carrick.

"Michael is a good player, and is showing that now, but I didn't need another midfielder.

"What I really wanted was another centre-forward to provide more options and put pressure on other players.

"Jan Koller [from Borussia Dortmund] was one player I wanted to bring to the club, unfortunately there was not enough money to buy him.

"I reminded people before the Portsmouth match [October 18] of what I wanted, but they said they weren't that bothered about a new centre-forward.

"This was frustrating for me, because I was just starting to get my message through and I was not getting any support."

His comments instantly forced Levy into making a statement, where he accused him of betrayal in lying about family issues.

He raged: "Firstly, I find it totally incomprehensible that Jacques claims not to have understood the role he took at this club or, indeed, his contract, which spelt it out.

"He himself was both coach and technical director at Lyon.

"Secondly, at no time during our discussions did he say or suggest that he had any problems working with Frank Arnesen.

"Jacques asked to leave for personal reasons, he resigned on this basis and that's what he told the players when he left.

"If this is not the case then he has clearly been less than honest with us.

"I'm deeply disappointed and personally let down that he has chosen to make these comments late in the day.

"And I am absolutely flabbergasted that he should say he has 'family problems'.

"I cannot help but feel that, given all the events of today, this club, both on and off the pitch, is now better equipped to move forward."

Arnesen then came out to deny a rift with the ex-Lille boss, as he told the Evening Standard: "If he has a problem, it's his problem. I've no problems with Mr Santini.

"He is the one in this situation and it is up to him how he handles it, so you will have to ask him why he has said these things."

Before adding: "The issues are his. The chairman has made his announcement and that is enough for the club.

"I want to concentrate on the future and working for the benefit of Tottenham."

Even Martin Jol, who was Santini's assistant before replacing him in the dugout, hit out at the Frenchman, declaring his tactics were unsustainable in achieving long-term success.

Commenting on the club's defensive style, Jol remarked: "That gave us some results in the first five or six weeks and we were fully behind it then.

"We had to be as he was the head coach and we were his assistants! As we had an unsettled group, with a lot of new players, this was a good choice.

"But that was a dead-end street if you want to play football and to improve your football and want to attack. It leads to nowhere."

It wasn't long before Santini was again at loggerheads with Spurs as he accused them of failing to deliver on promises - and an apartment that suited his requirements.

He told L'Equipe in February 2005: "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours."

Before stating: "My only regret is having signed too early [for Tottenham].

"I should have waited until after Euro 2004 even if that means I might have missed my chance."

Folowing Santini's departure, Spurs lost their next three league matches under Jol - conceding nine goals in the process.

But their fortunes improves as they ended up in ninth spot in the Premier League, before Jol guided them to back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in the next two seasons.

As for Santini, he returned to management at Auxerre in 2005, but was sacked the following year in what remains the last club he has coached.