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Having finally broken his trophy hoodoo, Harry Kane is desperate for Tottenham to do the same.

The Bayern Munich striker lifted his first piece of silverware with the Bundesliga ‘Meisterschale’, ending a 15-year wait, but his old side have spent even longer in the doldrums.

Spurs have been without a trophy since the League Cup in 2008, but have the chance to finally correct that on May 21 when they face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Kane will clearly be tuning in, and spoke to the media about his hopes during Bayern’s title celebrations.

“They've obviously had a tough season, there's no hiding from that,” he said. “But to reach the Europa League final is a great achievement.

"It's not an easy feat to beat the teams that they've beaten so full credit to them, I'll be watching and hoping they can win.”

Kane left what had been his lifelong club in 2023, moving to Bayern in an £88million move.

In north London he’d faced heartbreak with two League Cup runners-up medals, a second place in the Premier League, and silver in the Champions League final.

So he knows how much it means to the fans, and is also aware how important he still is to them.

He continued: "It could be a good month for a lot of Spurs fans, because I know a lot of them have reached out to me and they're happy to see me lift this title.

"And of course, I think we'd all be happy to see Spurs win that.”

Bayern clinched the title a week earlier with runners-up Bayer Leverkusen dropping points against Freiburg.

Kane got to celebrate with his teammates at a restaurant in Munich, but then the real party started at the Allianz Arena next time out in front of the home fans.

Bayern beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 with Kane scoring, and with it being their final home match, they then got to lift the trophy.

Explaining what that emotion was finally like, Kane said: “It's been a long time coming.

“My first championship is obviously a big feeling, a big thing for the club as well, so I'm just waiting to enjoy it as much as possible.

"I wanted to win, I wanted to make sure we had a good result and then we could really enjoy it and that was the case.

“Just having my hands on that trophy feels special and I'm going to enjoy the next couple of weeks, for sure.

“It just feels amazing. It was a weight on the shoulders, so it's nice to have that lifted and now we can enjoy it.

“This is better than an individual award. I think it's no secret that this is one thing that's kind of been missing from my CV.

"I've had plenty of individual accolades and been close on many occasions to team trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn't quite worked. So this is a better feeling for sure.

“I've had plenty of ups in my career as well without winning the biggest trophies.

"But of course I've had some sad moments and some tough moments, but resilience is something that I've had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn't change me as a player.

"I'm still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can be.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted the Europa League final will come too soon for injured Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old has become an integral member of the Spurs squad this campaign with his energetic and marauding displays in central midfield.

When Tottenham's injury problems struck, the Swede came to the fore with mature displays in an inexperienced team.

But sadly his season is over after he picked up an ankle issue, and he is set to miss out along with James Maddison who picked up a knee problem.

Bergvall was seen wearing a medical boot ahead as he sat on the sideline during the Lilywhites' Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt.

Now Tottenham have reached the final, where they will face Premier League rivals Manchester United.

And ahead of the Bilbao showpiece, Postecoglou was asked about the potential of Bergvall being available.

"Yeah, that is unlikely," he said. "If we had another two weeks, potentially he could.

"I am sure he will be trying, I am sure [James Maddison] will be trying mate, just to get the strip on.

"Unfortunate for both of those guys, but that has been our season. Nothing has run smooth.

"I am sure there will be parts of themselves really disappointed they are not part of this most important part, but they have been so integral to us getting here.

"As I mentioned after the game, I don’t think there is a single player in the dressing room who hasn’t contributed to help us get to where we have got to today and should we have success, we’ll make sure they get acknowledged in the right way."

Elsewhere, though, Tottenham are set to be buoyed by the return of Heung-Min Son.

The South Korean forward was forced off in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt.

He was subsequently absent with a foot injury but now could get some game time against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Postecoglou added: "Yeah there's no [fresh injuries], everyone got through OK the other night.

"Half hopeful that we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow so he'll be the only one that sort of can come back in."

The Australian will have to balance his squad, which was ravaged by injury earlier in the campaign, ahead of the final.

And he admits he'll have to manage the minutes of players, especially after similar exertions against Tamworth on an artificial pitch resulted in injuries back in January.

He added: "It's a challenging one, but we've tried to navigate that for the last sort of couple of months.

"I think particularly Micky [van de Ven], [Cristian] Romero and Destiny [Udogie] to a certain extent because they've missed a huge chunk of the season and you always know when guys come back you've got to really manage them because Romero's and Micky's season, they had a couple of setbacks after coming back and we just didn't want to go down that path.

"We've changed our structures and our processes so that when they come back, we keep them back.

"We've done that really well, I think the last two or three months, but part of that has just been managing their minutes so it will be a balancing act.

"I think they need to get some game time between now and then, which where that happens, look, unlikely tomorrow because I think what we do know about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players, it's fair to say they were sore.

"I remember when we played Tamworth, we actually got a couple of injuries in the game straight after that, I think, because of the surface.

"So we've got to be really careful about tomorrow's game, but next Friday it's a bit different. I think we've just got to make decisions we think [are right], ultimately we want to be in a great condition come the final of Europa, so we'll use that."

Ange Postecoglou delivered a passionate dressing room speech to his players after Tottenham reached the Europa League final.

Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt with a 2-0 away win in their semi-final second leg to give them a 5-1 aggregate victory, setting up a mouth-watering all-English showdown with Manchester United.

Postecoglou's side headed to Norway with the tie all-but sealed after beating their opponents 3-1 in the first leg.

But they made sure to avoid any upset at the Aspmyra Stadion, with goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro booking their trip to Bilbao on May 21.

After a miserable season domestically, the Europa League final now presents itself as a huge opportunity Spurs to end on a high.

The north Londoners sit 16th in the Premier League table, having suffered injuries to a number of key players, while their head coach has faced plenty of criticism for his side's woes this term.

And after Tottenham earned their shot at landing their first major trophy since 2008, Postecoglou hailed his group's resilience in a rousing speech in the away dressing room.

Footage shows the Australian addressing his team, who had to wait for the celebrations to die down as goalscorers Solanke and Porro shouted with joy

He told his players: "I've been in this game a long time, I've experienced it all. But I'm so proud how all of you have stuck together.

"Not one time have I felt people aren't believing or have lost what we have in here. It's just outstanding.

"People will never realise what it's taken for you guys to be in this position and you deserve all the credit for that.

"It's unbelievable what you've done. To come to this place, a difficult place, and win comfortably. All the things we've had to deal with."

Spurs were without captain Son Heung-min for both legs of their European semi-final, while playmaker James Maddison suffered a season-ending injury in the first leg.

And with a number of other notable absentees on Thursday night, Postecoglou made sure to hail their role in the season's success.

He continued: "There are people who aren't with us today and are back home.

"Fraser [Forster] has played a big part, Sonny [Son Heung-min], Madders [Maddison], Lucas [Bergvall], Radu [Dragusin].

“They've all played a big part and everyone has contributed. That's the main thing that's got us to this point - we've had problems for sure, but we've stuck together. You deserve it."

With three Premier League games remaining before their final face-off with United, Postecoglou delivered a rousing final message to his message, as he backed his group to deliver a long-awaited trophy.

The 59-year-old went on: "Now we have just under two weeks to prepare. Every day is important. Every day, every training session, every game we have between now and then is about getting ready for that big game.

"You can change things. 400 supporters here today, they will never forget it. And there's thousands back home.

“You can make something really special. I keep saying to you: 'This is the group of players that are going to do it.'

"Focus on that for now, you deserve all the credit. You've been outstanding.

Urging his players to savour the moment, Postecoglou finished: “Tomorrow we focus, but tonight we [celebrate]."

And his players duly followed up on his instructions, bursting into celebration in the dressing rooms at the end of the emotional rallying cry.

If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up - Bissouma

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was overjoyed to reach the Europa League final.

The former Brighton man's importance to Spurs has ramped up following serious injuries to James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall.

Speaking to Spurs' X account, he said: "I'm happy, especially for the club because it deserves more than where we are now [in the league].

"To go to a final, for me, is something special. As a kid, I never would have believed I would come and play for Spurs one day and now that I'm here, I'm in a final. That's something I can't explain, I don't have the words to say it.

"I feel like I'm dreaming. If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up. But the reality is we did it, we're in the final.

"I'm really happy for the club, for my team-mates, for the staff, for the fans, for everyone. Now we just have to be one, a Spurs family, to go to Bilbao and bring the trophy back home. Spurs fans, this is for you. I'm so happy. One more game and we go."

Howe about it?

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe sat firmly on the fence when discussing whether he fancies two derbies next season.

The Magpies' arch-rivals, Sunderland, are in the Championship playoffs and three potential matches away from Premier League promotion.

The Black Cats are in semifinal first leg action against Coventry this evening, live and exclusive on talkSPORT.

When asked if he wants Sunderland to win to facilitate the top-flight return of the Tyne–Wear derby, Howe said: "I think I was asked this yesterday and I very much sat on the fence.

"If the games come, we'll embrace the games.

"But it's interesting to see the playoffs, obviously I saw a bit of the game last night, and I think the playoffs always had a lot of drama, so let's wait and see."

Roll out the red carpet

More from Liverpool boss Arne Slot on comparisons between Trent Alexander-Arnold and his fellow right-back Conor Bradley.

He said: "Let's not compare with Trent already, they are different types in my opinion, we all see Conor's potential.

"Last week I walked on pitch with him and for me, it was a surprise to hear from him, he had a comment about the stadium, and it was the first he was there as well. For me, he is already there ahead of development than being at Chelsea for the first time.

"Unfortunately, he hasn't been fit all season, but to become a good player you have to be fit all season, but we have a lot of confidence in him as a very good full-back for Liverpool."

On rotation, Slot added: "Conor will start [against Arsenal], he needs playing time, games under his belt to be prepared for next season."

On Liverpool fans' reaction to Alexander-Arnold's announcement, Slot continued:

People have an opinion, Trent, me or anyone, nothing new. Maybe a bit more negative than he is used to. I am not here to tell the fans how to react. The boys had a few days off, so I will wait and see how he feels. I have spoken to him on Whatsapp, but let's wait and see. I am not here to tell the fans how to react. Trent said that us, as a team and club, not to be too distracted by this announcement, so I hope all the energy goes to the players, the fans and as little as possible to Trent, unless it is positive.

"Light at right-back? Is that true? We have Conor and Curtis Jones, so four players [alongside Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah].

"I agree one of them is the ideal position, and Gomez can play there well, but favourite is centre-back, Jarell, it's the same.

"I think it is a surprise to you if I say we are looking at this or that, we don't talk about the positions we want to improve the team. We have just won the league, we were so competitive v PSG, it is not easy to find better players to improve us, they need to be available and we need to be able to afford them."

T-Rent is due

Arne Slot has given his first reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold's official announcement that he will be leaving Liverpool.

The Dutchman said: "I think like everyone who likes LFC and is a fan of us, we're disappointed because a good human is leaving, but also a very good full-back as well.

"I also worked at clubs like AZ and Feyenoord when good players left, so I am a bit more used to it. The experience I have and this club as well, if a good player leaves, the next good player steps up, and that is what will happen again."

Do you know where Trent is going?

"He hasn't said anything, just that he will leave, so it is impossible to comment if he will play in the Club World Cup.

"You see by my smile, we both know where he is going to, but it hasn't been said yet, so that's impossible for me to comment on."

"Team selection will be the same as last week, same thought process goes through my mind for Sunday's game.

"If Conor [Bradley] was available for Chelsea, he would have started against Chelsea already, but he wasn't, so there's a fair chance he will start, Conor."

Opponent confirmed

Chelsea now know who they will face in the Europa Conference League final after beating Djurgarden.

The Blues will come up against Real Betis.

Betis have reached their first-ever major European final after beating Fiorentina in extra time of their clash.

Antony has been in superb form and another goal this evening has helped his side book a spot in the showpiece.

The Spaniards will take on Enzo Maresca's side in a couple of weeks and Maresca has been speaking post-match.

He said: "Very happy, the job is done and now we have almost 20 days to prepare for this final. Hopefully, we can win this trophy.

"It's good overall, good performance with many young players.

"It is almost a second team. Very happy for the young boys and very happy to reach the final."

Snapping back

The Spurs boss' pleasantries didn't last too long...

He's bitten back at a reporter in his post-match press conference after being asked a question to do with Man United.

A reporter asked: "Man United have constantly said that this competition won't save their season...would it save Tottenham's season? Is it different for Tottenham?"

Ange Postecoglou replied: "I don't care. What do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me?

"Ask the Manchester United manager why he says that. Me? I've said all along that this is important."

He continued: "You know better than me, you follow this club more than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?

"The question answers itself. What's happening right now is people are fearing that it might actually happen.

"They're trying to tear it down and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and try to compare us to Man United."

Proud

Ange Postecoglou is delighted that his Spurs side have made it through to a major European final.

They've had a dismal year, and Postecoglou remains under a lot of pressure, but for tonight, that will all be forgotten.

"Couldn't be prouder of the lads," he told TNT Sports. "We knew it was a difficult place to come.

"We're aware of the record they have here, the pitch. I think the lads handled it well. Excited, we're in a final.

"We've grown in maturity and we understand exactly what's required. I think that's where we won the game.

"We kept them to a minimum in the first half and did what we needed to do."

On seeing the fans celebrating, Postecoglou continued: "It's why you do what we do. You understand the context of what this football club has been trying to achieve for quite a while.

"Managers and players come and go but the supporters are a constant. There were 400 here tonight and maybe a few more snuck in and many more at home.

"I hope we gave them something to smile about."

'I'm stressed already'

Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Mason Mount and given his thoughts on reaching the Europa League final.

"It's the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season," the Man United boss said.

"I'm stressed already because of the final. If we don't do it, it means nothing, but we're happy to be there, so let's see.

"I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment, but we're trying.

"We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League."

On Mount, Amorim added: "I'm so happy for him. He is such a player. He works really hard, he has quality.

"When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player, you just want to help him.

"He is perfect for this position as he can be a midfielder, but also runs like a winger, so I'm really happy for him."

Stepping up

Mason Mount just put in his best performance in a Man United shirt, coming off the bench to score twice.

And what a time to do it, securing a place in a European final.

He has become the first substitute to score a brace in a European knockout match for United since David Beckham in April 2003.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, he said: "It was too long [waiting for a night like that]. I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

"Today it paid off, and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."

On his second goal from a long way out, Mount continued: "When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out, I had it in my head if it comes to me, 'first touch and shoot'.

"I didn't want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net."

"The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us," he added. "For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I've been waiting a long time for.

"To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly."

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will fight for European silverware in this season's all-England Europa League final.

Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate whilst United overcame their first half scare at Old Trafford to win 7-1 against Athletic Bilbao.

The Premier League sides will now meet on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain to battle for Europa League glory.

It will be the first all-English final in the competition since 2019, when Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 for their second title.

Spurs somewhat coasted in their second leg clash against Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.

A 3-1 victory in the first leg last week had all-but sealed the aggregate result, but Ange Postecoglou's side still had to cross the line.

They did just that as Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro scored in a 2-0 win at the Aspmyra Stadion to ensure an upset was avoided.

Spurs last won the competition in 1984 when it was branded as the UEFA Cup and now await their first European final in six years following their Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.

Opponents United stormed to a 3-0 aggregate lead against Bilbao in the first leg, but were pegged back during the first half in the second.

Mikel Jauregizar scored with a stunning long-range strike to pull the Spanish side back into the tie with 31 minutes on the clock.

But a double from Mason Mount and goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund restored United's comfortable aggregate lead to set up a clash with Spurs.

The Europa League final now presents itself as a huge opportunity for both teams to salvage their dreadful seasons.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and a point behind 15th-placed United with three fixtures remaining.

Their standings make it impossible for them to qualify for European football next season via league position.

So, the stakes at the San Mames Stadium will be even higher for the showpiece match in less than two weeks' time.

But for the loser, it will represent their worst season in the Premier League.

United will finish the season with their lowest points tally and in their lowest Premier League finish.

As for Spurs, who have lost 19 top flight matches, they are set to finish in their lowest position and pick up their fewest points.

Whoever wins in the Europa League will have another opportunity to lift a European trophy at the start of the 2025/26 season in the Super Cup final.

Meeting them there will be the Champions League victors, with Paris Saint-Germain taking on Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, Germany.

As well as this, Europa League triumph will guarantee a spot in the Champions League next season.

The Europa League final is set and we will see an all-English showpiece between Manchester United and Tottenham.

Both of the Premier League sides' seasons fully depend on success, and now they meet to compete for a European trophy.

The Red Devils thrashed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Spain, and then backed that up with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford to go through.

Meanwhile, Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg and then 2-0 in the second to book a place in Bilbao.

Here’s all you need to know about this year’s Europa League final…

Europa League final: Date and kick-off time

The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.

It is being held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain - home of Man United's semi-final opponents, Athletic Bilbao.

Kick-off is currently scheduled for 8pm.

Broadcast details for the final are yet to be confirmed, but it is set to be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be on hand for all the latest news and build-up.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Man United's route to the final

Quarter-final: Lyon

April 10 - 2-2 (a)

April 17 - 5-4 a.e.t (h)

Semi-final: Athletic Bilbao

May 1 - 0-3 (a)

May 8 - 4-1 (h)

Final: Tottenham, Wednesday, May 21

Tottenham's route to the final

Quarter-final: Eintracht Frankfurt

April 10 - 1-1 (h)

April 17 - 0-1 (a)

Semi-final: Bodo/Glimt

May 1 - 3-1 (h)

May 8 - 0-2 (a)

Final: Man United, Wednesday, May 21

Europa League final: Tickets

Ticket sales for this year’s Europa League final opened on Monday, April 7.

Fans can apply for tickets to the game up until April 11. More details are here.

The majority of seats will go to fans of the participating teams once they are decided, but those who have applied will then go into a ballot for the remaining seats.

Tickets are not being sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the ballot awarding tickets to successful applicants who will be notified via email.

The two teams that reach the final will have 15,000 tickets each to sell to fans.

Prices for fans of the participating clubs are set at £34 as part of UEFA’s Fans First initiative, while other prices vary from £56 to £206.

Europa League final: What has been said?

Arsenal legend Martin Keown thinks that by winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou will save his job as Tottenham boss.

When asked whether Postecoglou’s job as Spurs manager depends on his side going all the way in Europe, Keown said: “Without doubt.

“He’s saying that in his second season, he always wins a trophy. He’s been quite defiant.

“Let’s see if they can go and do it now. Remarkably, if they win the Europa League, they can make it into the Champions League which is just incredible.

“Postecoglou has that in the locker, it can certainly happen for him.

“Would he still stay in the job? Man United won the FA Cup last year, and people said that papered over the cracks [with Erik ten Hag].

“But I think if he wins the Europa League, it gives him time, it gives him another season. Then, if he can keep his players fit, they can impact the Premier League.”

'I'm stressed already'

Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Mason Mount and given his thoughts on reaching the Europa League final.

"It's the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season," the Man United boss said.

"I'm stressed already because of the final. If we don't do it, it means nothing, but we're happy to be there, so let's see.

"I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment, but we're trying.

"We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League."

On Mount, Amorim added: "I'm so happy for him. He is such a player. He works really hard, he has quality.

"When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player, you just want to help him.

"He is perfect for this position as he can be a midfielder, but also runs like a winger, so I'm really happy for him."

'One more game'

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke has reacted to his side reaching the Europa League final this evening.

The striker said: "[It feels] So good. It's been a long season and we're down to the business end.

"One more game to go and hopefully we can do it.

"We knew it was going to be very difficult, they started well. We knew we had to be disciplined."

He continued: "They [the fans] are phenomenal, the last game at home was the same.

"Hopefully, the fans can make it to Bilbao and we'll have another special day."

Stepping up

Mason Mount just put in his best performance in a Man United shirt, coming off the bench to score twice.

And what a time to do it, securing a place in a European final.

He has become the first substitute to score a brace in a European knockout match for United since David Beckham in April 2003.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, he said: "It was too long [waiting for a night like that]. I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

"Today it paid off, and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."

On his second goal from a long way out, Mount continued: "When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out, I had it in my head if it comes to me, 'first touch and shoot'.

"I didn't want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net."

"The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us," he added. "For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I've been waiting a long time for.

"To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly."

GOAL! Man United 0-1 (3-1) Athletic Bilbao: Mikel Jauregizar

WHAT A GOAL BY MIKEL JAUREGIZAR!

IT'S GAME ON AT OLD TRAFFORD!

Harry Maguire plays a terrible pass out from defence and it allows Athletic Bilbao to fire two long shots away.

The first is blocked but then Jauregizar fires a superb curling strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Man United will be even more nerve now!

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "What an incredible strike.

"Onana got two hands on it and swiped it into the corner. We've got a game on our hands now."

Sneaky

The most exciting thing at Stamford Bridge has been the fans.

It's been reported that a lot of Djurgarden fans have brought tickets in the Chelsea end for this evening's game.

And they've all jumped over the barriers to join the away end!

The Swedish fans will be enjoying themselves in London.

Their side have had a couple of chances so far, but Chelsea remain 4-1 up on aggregate and cruising.

Penalty shout

Patrick Dorgu gets pushed down in the penalty area.

The Man United fans appeal loudly from the stands, but the referee waves them away initially.

He then pauses play as VAR take a look at the incident.

Dorgu seems to get in behind Andoni Gorosobel before getting a hand on his back that knocks him down.

However, after a check, nothing is given and play continues.

Fabio Paratici has recommended Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham Hotspur as a potential Ange Postecoglou replacement, talkSPORT understands.

Former Brighton boss De Zerbi, now at Marseille in Ligue 1, is believed to be open to a return to the Premier League.

As reported last week, ex-Spurs managing director Paratici has held talks over returning to the club after serving his FIFA ban.

The Italian stood down in April 2023 and was handed a worldwide ban after being found guilty of financial malpractice at Juventus.

Paratici now appears to have suggested his compatriot De Zerbi's name for the Spurs hotseat should Postecoglou leave.

De Zerbi joined Brighton from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022 and was the successor to Graham Potter, who moved to Chelsea.

The 45-year-old guided the Seagulls to European qualification for the first time in the club's history at the end of his first season.

Brighton reached the last-16 of the Europa League, but were knocked out by Roma.

De Zerbi spent a second season at the club, however it was announced ahead of the final day that he would leave.

He then moved to France last summer by joining Marseille, who are second in Ligue 1 behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United were also linked with De Zerbi, who reportedly showed his Marseille players his offer from the Old Trafford side.

The Italian could be set to return to the Premier League after just one year away should Spurs make a managerial change.

talkSPORT reported in March that the north London side have a list of potential replacements if they part ways with Postecoglou.

Sources claim that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola would be Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's top target.

Marco Silva and Thomas Frank of Fulham and Brentford respectively are other targets for Spurs.

However, both have hefty release clauses in their current contracts.

Postecoglou has endured a difficult second season at Spurs as they sit 16th in the Premier League with only 11 wins.

However, they could be set to reach the Europa League final, with the second leg against Bodo/Glimt live on talkSPORT 2.

Sneaky

The most exciting thing at Stamford Bridge has been the fans.

It's been reported that a lot of Djurgarden fans have brought tickets in the Chelsea end for this evening's game.

And they've all jumped over the barriers to join the away end!

The Swedish fans will be enjoying themselves in London tonight.

Their side have had a couple of chances so far, but Chelsea remain 4-1 up on aggregate and cruising.

Double boost

As Athletic Bilbao are without the Williams brothers tonight, their task of scoring four goals gets even harder.

Nico and Inaki are major threats out wide for the Spaniards, but both of them are sidelined through injury at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim was asked about the boost that could give his Man United team for this huge game.

He told TNT Sports: "I think it is always hard. I don't want my team thinking about that.

"They are two players scoring and assisting in many games for the opponent, we know that. But we don't care who is on the pitch.

"We have to understand the new players in their positions, of course, but we focus on ourselves."

Team news!

The teams are in for tonight's Europa League semi-finals!

Man United have named an unchanged side from their first leg win against Athletic Bilbao.

Victor Lindelof is part of the back three while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte continue in the centre of midfield.

Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are in behind Rasmus Hojlund, with Amad Diallo on the bench.

As for Bilbao, they are without Nico and Inaki Williams in a huge blow.

The Spaniards are also forced into a change at the back as the suspended Daniel Vivian comes out for Unai Nunez.

Andoni Gorosabel starts over Oscar De Marcos at right back.

Man United XI: Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund.

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Fredricson, Kamason, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Amad, Mantato.

Athletic Bilbao XI: Agirrezabala, Gorosabel, Alvarez, Nunez, Yuri, De Galarreta, Jaureguizar, Djalo, Berengeur, Gomez, Sannadi.

Subs: Simon, Paredes, Vesga, Guruzeta, Lekue, De Marcos, Prados, Canales, Boiro, Olabarrieta, Rego, Varela.

For Tottenham against Bodo/Glimt, James Maddison is out injured so Dejan Kulusevski starts in midfield.

That's the only change made to Spurs' team from the first leg.

Richarlison continues in a wider role along with Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke in the forward line.

Mathys Tel will be a threat off the bench.

As for Bodo/Glimt, they have Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen back from suspension and they both start.

Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Gunderson, Berge, Hogh, Blomberg, Saltnes, Bjorkan, Moe, Sjovold, Hauge, Evjen.

Subs: Lund, Nielsen, Auklend, Fet, Helmersen, Maatta, Soril, Hansen, Jensen.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Johnson, Richarlison, Solanke.

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Danos, Spence, Davies, Sarr, Oluesi, Ajayi, Odobert, Gray, Moore, Tel.

'One last push'

Ruben Amorim has issued a final message to the Man United fanbase ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg.

United are 3-0 up heading into tonight's game against Athletic Bilbao and they have one foot in the final.

However, Amorim was keen to point out that the job isn't done and called for 'one last push' from the players and fans.

He wrote on the club's website: "Tonight, we have a job to finish.

"Of course, I was happy with the result, and many aspects of our performance, in Bilbao a week ago – but we must all remember that we are only halfway through this tie.

"As we welcome Ernesto Valverde and Athletic Club to Old Trafford, there is still a lot of hard work for us to do if we are to reach the UEFA Europa League final.

"Athletic Club are a very good team, and they caused us problems in the opening stages in San Mames, so we cannot just assume the game will go the same way it did last Thursday. We will need total focus and effort to keep control of the game, and the tie.

"It is a boost to be playing the second leg at home because we know what a special place Old Trafford can be on European nights, as we saw in the quarter-final against Lyon last month, when the fans helped us get over the line.

"The support we have received throughout such a difficult season has been incredible and we want to reward our fans by winning the UEFA Europa League.

"But, before we even think about that, we have to reach the final, and we cannot take anything for granted until that task is complete.

"So, let’s all pull together tonight for one last push to secure our place back in Bilbao."

Youri joking...

Aston Villa have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Youri Tielemans could miss the rest of the season after picking up a muscle injury, according to The Athletic.

The 28-year-old is yet to miss a single Premier League game this campaign, but now he's set to be sidelined.

Tielemans will sit out of Villa's clash against Bournemouth this weekend and potentially games against Spurs and Man United.

There is said to be a chance that he's fit to face United on the final day, however, it is believed to be only a small hope.

The Belgian has been a key player for Unai Emery's side all season, starting 52 of 54 matches in all competitions.

To now be without him for the tense season run-in as Villa push for a place in the Champions League would be a massive blow.

They currently sit seventh in the Premier League, three points behind Chelsea, who occupy the fifth and final UCL spot.

No excuses

Spurs hold a 3-1 lead heading into their monumental Europa League semi-final second leg this evening.

But nerves will be there and even more so when considering the plastic pitch that Bodo/Glimt play on.

Ange Postecoglou's side are going to have to play on an unfamiliar surface and that could make a big difference.

Speaking about the surface, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario admitted he was wary about it but that it's not an excuse.

He said: "We knew about it before coming in.

"Many teams have played here, so nothing has worried us about the surface. You cannot change the condition of the pitch - it is just about how quickly you adapt.

"I don't have a lot of experience on [artificial surfaces], but it's fine. We will be ready."

Roll out the red carpet

Ian Wright has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Roy Keane said on Stick to Football: "Is it more that he's a local lad, he's a Scouser, is that more so than his footballing decision? You can't begrudge him the move. It's an amazing move for him."

Ian Wright added: "Did you see his statement? It was beautiful, he spoke with such eloquence simply because he's come to a point where it's not about them being better, it's just on his journey.

"It's just the next step. Honestly, I'm delighted for him. Roy, I remember you saying, if you could think back, if you had the chance, if that opportunity came would I take it? I cannot understand that people are not excited about the fact he's won everything he can win there, and now he's going to arguably one of the best in the world."

Wright continued: "It's like people can't be happy for the fact that he's come from here and he's going there."

Not in the same league

Gabby Abonlahor made a point about Celtic's European ambitions when discussing Rangers' success in the Europa League this season.

The Light Blues made it to the quarter-finals of the competition before being eliminated by Athletic Bilbao.

However, the Gers will get another shot to go deep in UEFA's second tournament next year after finishing second in the SPL.

Celtic, meanwhile, haven't reached the knockout stages of the Champions League proper for 13 years despite their domestic dominance.

The Hoops crashed out of Europe's elite in the playoffs to Bayern Munich, with drop-downs into the Europa League no longer allowed.

“If it’s Man United or Spurs, are they better equipped for the Champions League than Celtic next season?”, Alan Brazil told talkSPORT

“Do you think Celtic would have been more equipped for a Europa League run like Rangers have been? Celtic would get to a semi-final of the Europa League”, Gabby stated, to which Brazil replied, “Yes.”

“Look at the great runs Rangers have had in recent years in the Europa League, imagine what Celtic would do in that competition.”

Paq it in

Lucas Paqueta's legal team has been blamed for the stress caused by the lack of clarity surrounding the Brazilian's ongoing case.

The West Ham star is under investigation for 'spot-fixing', having been alleged to have deliberately picked up four bookings for financial gain.

The Hammers midfielder is awaiting trial, with the case rumbling on at the London Stadium for nearly two years.

A lifetime ban from football if found guilty has been touted as a potential punishment, which appears to be impacting Paqueta.

The 27-year-old succumbed to tears after he was shown a yellow card during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

Speaking on White & Jordan, talkSPORT host Jim White said: “When you think of it, a year on [from his FA charge] and nothing’s happened.”

Simon Jordan responded: “You have to ask yourself why? What is taking the time? Is it the investigation or is it the legal construct of his defence that’s being put forward, and a variety of objections that might be coming from the defensive side of things?

“I would assume that they must have compelling evidence to bring such a charge, it can’t be on the basis of hearsay. If there was no substance to this, there must be a mechanism where Paqueta’s legal team could have cut through and said, ‘You’ve got no basis for this. You’ve got no substance behind this. This isn’t even grounded in anything that vaguely resembles a meaningful set of observations.’

“I don’t understand if I’m Paqueta and I’ve got all the resources that I’ve got, plus a football club that will support me economically, why I’m not dragging these people kicking and screaming to the first available date to concentrate their minds on the reality of the ramifications of what’s happening to my career.”

White questioned, “So you’re saying Paqueta’s legal team have to get this going?”

Jordan snapped back, adding: “I’m saying that there must be a reason why these two years of torment, as people refer to them, have been allowed to drag on.

“Why is it taking so long? If Paqueta is innocent, then you would like to think he’d be on the front foot, screaming and shouting via his legal representation.”

Spend it like Beckham

David Beckham and Gary Neville completed the takeover of League Two side Salford City.

The former Manchester United teammates have done so with a new consortium committed to infusing significant funds into Salford.

They were already co-owners of the club alongside ex-Man United teammates.

Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have now relinquished their stakes but will continue to hold positions at Salford.

Following the 2024 departure of majority shareholder Peter Lim, Beckham and Neville sought investment partners that would bring success to Moor Lane.

Founder of advisory firm Consello, Declan Kelly, and chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, Lord Mervyn Davies, have now teamed up with the ex-professionals.

The Athletic reported that it is believed around $15-20 million has been raised to boost Salford’s ‘sporting and infrastructural ambitions’ over the next five years.

Tottenham are on the brink of reaching the Europa League final as they fight in their semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have had a nightmare season, but their impressive run in Europe means they still have a shot at silverware.

Spurs lead 3-1 on aggregate after the first leg last week, putting in a strong performance to now take a two-goal advantage to Norway.

A draw with West Ham at the weekend ended their four-game Premier League losing streak and that brings some positivity to the build-up to this huge tie.

Bodo/Glimt haven’t played domestically since their first-leg loss and they will have their home crowd behind them as they look to embarrass Tottenham.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: Never done before

Tottenham can achieve something they’ve never managed before on Thursday.

After winning the first-leg last week, Spurs made it eight victories in Europe this season, which is only three less than their Premier League tally.

Should they win the second leg too, it would see them break a 64-year record.

Since their first ever appearance in a major European competition in 1961, they have never won nine games across a single campaign.

Spurs will feel they can go to Bodo/Glimt and achieve this feat, especially when considering recent history when having a two-goal lead.

Since the 2009/10 season, there have been 92 instances of a side winning the first leg of a Europa League knockout match on home soil by a 2+ goal margin.

Only nine teams have failed to progress in the overall tie, with all eight prior semi-finalists to achieve the feat progressing to the final.

With their 3-1 first leg victory, Tottenham made it five wins out of five against Norwegian opposition in major European competition. They’ve never faced sides from a specific country more often whilst keeping a 100% win-rate in the process.

Bodø/Glimt have lost seven of their last 12 knockout matches in European competition (W3 D2), although all three victories during that time for the Norwegian side have come on home soil, including a 2-0 victory over Lazio at the quarter final stage.

Tottenham won their last away UEFA Europa League game 1-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt, but haven’t won back-to-back away matches in major European competition since November 2013 (3 in the Europa League), and last did so in knockout stages in March 2008 (2 in the UEFA Cup).

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: Team news

Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Gunderson, Berge, Hogh, Blomberg, Saltnes, Bjorkan, Moe, Sjovold, Hauge, Evjen.

Subs: Lund, Nielsen, Auklend, Fet, Helmersen, Maatta, Soril, Hansen, Jensen.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Johnson, Richarlison, Solanke.

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Danos, Spence, Davies, Sarr, Oluesi, Ajayi, Odobert, Gray, Moore, Tel.

Kasper Høgh has netted seven goals in the UEFA Europa League for Bodø/Glimt this season, the joint-most of any player, alongside Olympiakos’ Ayoub El Kaabi and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. His 50% shot conversion rate is the joint-highest of any player to score 3+ goals this season, whilst across the competition’s history, only James Tavernier in 2021-22 has netted as many goals in a campaign whilst holding a higher conversion rate (7 goals – 53.8%).

Dominic Solanke has recorded eight goal contributions in the UEFA Europa League this season (4 goals, 4 assists), the most by a Spurs player in major European competition since Carlos Vinícius during the 2020-21 campaign in this competition (9 – 6 goals, 3 assists).

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: What has been said?

Postecoglou was still left frustrated at the negative narrative surrounding Spurs, even after beating Bodo/Glimt in the first leg.

Speaking about people doubting his side heading into the second leg, he said: "If you expect something to go wrong, it will.

"People are their experiences and Tottenham supporters have had some near misses for a long time, so there’s always this safeguarding of not getting too excited about what’s happening. But part of creating a winning culture is not to fall into that trap.

"Winners don’t think about things in that way, they don’t think about what could possibly go wrong - they have a real clarity around what they need to do to win, and I’m trying to create that with that group of players.

"The narrative around the club is not positive at all.

"Whether you follow the club or not, there’s always some sort of negative connotation to everything that happens at the club. That’s existed for a very long time, you need to break through that."

Including qualifiers, Bodø/Glimt have won nine of their last ten home European outings (L1), scoring 2+ goals in all but one of those matches – a 2-1 defeat to Qarabag during this season’s UEFA Europa League group stage.

Across their major European history, Bodø/Glimt have lost all four of their matches against English opposition, including their only one on home soil vs Arsenal in October 2022 (0-1). Each of the other three defeats have seen the Norwegian side concede exactly three goals

No side in the UEFA Europa League this season has netted more goals on home soil than Bodø/Glimt (19). Since the 2009-10 campaign in this competition, only Bayer Leverkusen have struck more home goals in a single season than the Norwegian outfit (21 in 2023-24).

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: talkSPORT coverage

This Europa League semi-final second leg will take place on Thursday, May 8.

Kick-off at Aspmyra Stadion is schedule for 8pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of the game.

Commentary will come from Alex Crook and former England striker Dean Ashton.

To tune in to talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will be running a live blog of the action too.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: talkSPORT BET Odds

Match odds:

Bodo/Glimt - 6/4

Draw - 27/10

Tottenham - 6/4

To qualify:

Bodo/Glimt - 9/2

Tottenham - 1/9

*odds subject to change