talkSPORT

Ange Postecoglou could meet the same fate as Martin Jol on Thursday night.

The Tottenham boss is at risk of losing his job if his side are knocked out of the Europa League by Eintracht Frankfurt.

Postecoglou could be sacked immediately after the match in a repeat of Jol's Spurs exit.

The Dutchman was dismissed following a 2-1 defeat to Getafe back in October 2007, with Juande Ramos replacing him just two days later.

However, reports at the time and player accounts of the match claim Jol was let go at half-time.

Jermaine Jenas had been signed for Spurs by Jol but was not involved against Getafe.

He recalled in 2015: "I remember speaking to him before the game because I was carrying an injury and his face was just blank, as if he was looking right through me. In the weeks leading up to that, you could tell something had changed within him.

"It was leaked in the papers that Spurs were speaking to Juande Ramos. We'd seen it, he had obviously seen it, so it was impossible to ignore. As players, we were trying to concentrate on doing our jobs - and we all liked Martin - but there's no doubt it was distracting."

Meanwhile, Darren Bent told talkSPORT in 2023: "Yeah at half-time, during the game when I was at Tottenham. I can't remember what game it was. Martin Jol got sacked during the game.

"He was standing on the touchline, he's got a face on him. We come in at half-time, there is all this commotion so I said to Ledley [King], 'Oi, Ledders, what is happening?'

"He said to me, 'Ah the gaffer has been sacked'. Do you know what is mad, now I think about it? His team talk before the match was really subdued. He just said, 'Get out and play lads'."

However, Jol has denied the suggestion he was sacked during the match and instead found out from his nephew at full-time.

Speaking days after his departure, he explained: "The first I knew was when I saw my nephew in the tunnel immediately after the game and he pulled me to one side and told me what everyone else seemed to know already.

"So it is rubbish to say that I heard it before the game."

Reports that Jol would be leaving had filtered through to supporters during the match, with fans chanting his name throughout.

The atmosphere at White Hart Lane left a lasting impression on their outgoing manager.

Jol added: "I went into the dressing room to tell the players and say farewell to them - and they all stood up and applauded me.

"It was a strange night because it was my final game in charge but it was also a special night. I had a great connection with the Tottenham fans and that will always be there.

"The fans were unbelievable the way they were chanting my name throughout the game, and I am a little embarrassed because they knew before me that I was gone."

Despite the nature of his exit, Jol later said he had no 'hard feelings' or 'unfinished business' despite feeling 'bruised' by the experience.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy also admitted his regrets over how the decision was handled.

In an open letter to fans at the time, Levy said: "Several events clearly did not happen as we all would have wished and I am the first to admit that things could have been handled differently and better."

Jol had guided Spurs to a pair of fifth-place finishes in each of his full seasons in charge in north London.

His achievements at the club were recognised by then Getafe boss Michael Laudrup following the result.

He backed Jol, stating: "Given what he did last season I don't think he will have a problem finding a new job."

Following his Spurs exit, he joined German side Hamburg at the end of the campaign.

Jol later had spells in charge of Ajax, Fulham and Egyptian giants Al Ahly but has been away from the dugout since 2016.

Postecoglou will be hoping he can avoid being let go this week with two years still remaining on his Spurs deal.

The Europa League remains his side's only route into Europe next season and their last hope of a trophy this term.

Following 21 defeats across all competitions, Spurs are also 15th in the Premier League with six matches remaining.

Sunday's loss to Wolves leaves them just two points above 17th-placed West Ham.

The tie against Frankfurt is level at 1-1 following the first leg, with the winner facing either Bodo/Glimt or Lazio in the semi-finals.

Career highlight

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will always remember this game as a career highlight after his side knocked out Real Madrid.

"One of the best nights in my football career," he said.

"We played against a team with the biggest history. It has been an inspiration for all of us on this competition.

"To be able to win the tie in the manner we have done - I think we have to be very proud of ourselves.

"It is very difficult. After two-to-three minutes you realise anything can happen in this stadium.

"Fortunately, a lot of things went for us. Overall, we did what we had to do to win the game."

Arteta continued: "The history we have in this competition is so short. The third time in our history of what we have just done and we have to build on that.

"All this experience is going to help us, for sure. We had full belief that we could beat this team and the players did it."

Statement win

Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal can win the Champions League after their 'big statement' at the Bernabeau tonight.

Saka told TNT Sports: "We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away.

"[I'm] very proud of this team. Tonight was a big statement and I am so happy for everyone.

"We felt comfortable. We are quite good when we get into a low block. It took a lot of running but we managed to do it."

On his first-half penalty miss, he added: "It can happen. I tried something, but it didn't work.

"I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win and then I will review it properly."

Saka was then asked whether he thinks Arsenal can win the Champions League: "Yes. I like to believe that."

'We want to win this competition'

Arsenal's Declan Rice has reacted to huge win for the Gunners after picking up Man of the Match yet again.

He told TNT Sports: "It is such a special night for this club, a historic night for this club.

"We had an objective in this competition - we want to win this competition.

"We had so much belief and confidence that we had enough to come here and win the game. We had it in our mind and we have done it in real life. What a night for the club."

Rice added: "It is massive. I sensed it before I turned up to the club that we were on an upward trajectory.

"In this competition, we have done amazingly well. We fully believe it and we have full trust in the manager - he is unbelievable.

"Semi-final, it is massive for us and we want to take tonight in."

Name-dropping

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo...the list of Real Madrid's attacking stars could go on and on.

However, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes a former Stoke striker would have made the difference this evening.

Real made 42 crosses this evening and only connected with seven, which is clearly a very, very poor success rate.

And Courtois mentioned the need for big man in the box if you're sending in crosses, bringing up an ex-teammate of his.

He said post-match: “We crossed a lot, but we didn’t have a player like Joselu."

The Belgian also seemed to take aim at some of his teammates, adding: "We need to start playing as a team, not as individuals.

"We need to start being honest with ourselves."

Courtois would then go on to name-drop Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as his brutal assessment continued.

He said: "We are a team, but sometimes I feel like we play too individually, when they double-team Vini or Kylian, sometimes it works out, but 3, 4 times, it doesn't.

"If we want to win, we need to be better."

Arsenal are through!

It's a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 for Arsenal as they comfortably beat Real Madrid!

The Gunners went into tonight with a 3-0 lead and they managed to keep Real at bay before stealing a historic win.

They have become the first English team ever to win twice at the Bernabeu in the competition.

Bukayo Saka's goal seemed to put the tie even more out of reach for Real, but Vinicius Junior reignited some hope.

But as time ticked on, the possibility of a comeback dwindled away and Mikel Arteta's side defended their lead.

Gabriel Martinelli then completely wrapped things up.

Arsenal will now face PSG in the semi-finals.

Brick wall

Real Madrid have failed to register a single shot on target in the first half of a Champions League home match for the first time since March last year.

They've had six shots in total but David Raya has not been called into action for any of them.

Arsenal are defending superbly and they've forced Real into having shots from distance, with only one coming in the box.

The hosts need at least three goals and there's now only 45 minutes to find them at the Bernabeu.

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "Saliba has been brilliant with balls in the box and he's marshalled things very well."

Time-wasting

David Raya has been booked after 36 minutes.

He's already taking a very long time to take his goal kicks and the referee has had enough.

The Arsenal goalkeeper will have to be careful if he wants to waste time later on in the game now.

Real Madrid haven't had a chance since their penalty was overturned and the atmosphere has been impacted.

They need something to get the excitement going again.

It's been a busy first half for this man...

And breathe...

We're just over half an hour in and this has been crazy.

Bukayo Saka has missed a penalty and Real Madrid have just had one overturned after a long VAR check.

Arsenal are still 3-0 up on aggregate and this suits them down to the ground, especially if they can get to halftime.

The game has calmed slightly after all the drama, but there's sure to be more just around the corner.

OVERTURNED!

VAR OVERTURN THE DECISION!

The referee goes to the screen and changes his mind after being shown a variety of replays.

Arsenal survive and it's not a penalty!

Declan Rice's yellow card is also rescinded.

A UEFA statement reads: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice”.

Stuart Pearce live on talkSPORT: "You knew there was going to be excitement in this game and wow.

"Arsenal have had two pieces of good fortune."

GOAL!! Aston Villa 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain (Nuno Mendes)

From one fullback to the other, that is that for Villa!

It's almost a carbon copy of the first, as the home side are caught high up the pitch on the counter once again.

This time, PSG come down the right-hand side and within three passes, the ball is pulled back to Mendes, unmarked in the box.

The defender then shows a striker's instincts as he opens up his body and guides a shot past Emi Martinez and in off the far post.

GOAL!! Aston Villa 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain (Achraf Hakimi)

THAT COULD BE CURTAINS FOR VILLA ALREADY!

From one blunder before kick-off to one on the pitch has gifted Hakimi the opener to all-but knock Villa out of the competition.

Despite making a bright start, the visitors break down the left-hand side before a low cross is drilled into the box.

Emi Martinez makes a complete hash of dealing with it and palms it straight to Hakimi, who makes no mistake with his first-time finish.

Moroccan Hakimi has had a hand in more UEFA Champions League goals than any other defender this season (7 - 2 goals, 5 assists).

Belle of the ball

Jude Bellingham believes tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal is 'a night made for Real Madrid'.

The reigning European champions return to the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening aiming to overturn a 3-0 deficit.

"I've heard it a million times since last week, I've seen a million videos - it's really motivating stuff," England international Bellingham told a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"It's a night that's made for Real Madrid.

"A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world.

"Hopefully, we can add another special night."

Champions League team news

Aston Villa face a do-or-die showdown at home to Paris Saint-Germain this evening, with just one change from Unai Emery.

Amadou Onana replaces Jacob Ramsey, with Marcus Rashford retaining his place in attack despite Ollie Watkins scoring on Saturday.

For PSG, skipper Marquinhos returns from suspension, while Bradley Barcola starts to confine Desire Doue to the bench.

Aston Villa XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Onana, Rogers, McGinn, Rashford

Subs: Olsen, Proctor, Disasi, Mings, Maatsen, Bogarde, Barkley, Bailey, Asensio, Watkins, Ramsey.

PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

Subs: Beraldo, Doue, Hernandez, Kimpembe, Lee Kang-In, Mayulu, Mbaye, Ramos, Safonov, Tenas, Zaire-Emery.

Elsewhere, Niko Kovac makes four changes to his Borussia Dortmund side that claimed a 2-2 draw in Der Klassiker at the weekend.

Emre Can drops out of the squad with a groin injury, while the trio of Giovanni Reyna, Julian Brandt and Salih Ozcan are all benched.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has made four alterations to the starting XI he sent out for the club's 1-0 win over Leganes last time out.

Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Gerard Martin replace Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia, Pedri and Alejandro Balde.

Borussia Dortmund XI: Kobel; Couto, Anton, Sule, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Svensson, Gross; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier.

Subs: Meyer, Lotka, Ozcan, Reyna, Brandt, Duranville, Ryerson, Watjen, Mane, Kabar, Gittens.

Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Aruajo, Martin; Gavi, De Jong, Lopez; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal.

Subs: Pena, Kochen, Martinez, Torres, Pedri, Fati, Torre, Christensen, Victor, Olmo, Garcia, Fort.

Knee Zirk Reaction

Joshua Zirkzee's season could be over, with BBC Sport reporting there is some doubt over whether the forward can feature again.

Manchester United were dealt a crushing blow when Zirkzee limped off in the second half of Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.

Red Devils coach Ruben Amorim had his head in his hands as the 23-year-old clutched his hamstring and hit the deck.

The Netherlands international has since been undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury.

He was almost certainly set to be ruled out of Man United's huge Europa League showdown with Lyon on Thursday.

However, now, there are fears that the severity of his hamstring issue could rule him out for the remaining weeks of the season.

Man United have six Premier League games left, in addition to four potential Europa League ties, should the club reach the final in May.

Zirkzee has netted three Premier League goals since arriving at Old Trafford from Bologna for £36.5million last summer.

Eating out of the Palm of his hands

Cole Palmer's one-word social media post has left Chelsea fans pointing the finger at Enzo Maresca.

After a blistering start to the season, the Blues' talisman has struggled for form in recent months, with his 14-game goal drought continuing in his side's 2-2 draw against Ipswich on Sunday.

Palmer's faltering performances have coincided with Chelsea's woes of late, who now face an uphill battle to claim one of the five Champions League qualification spots up for grabs.

The draw with Ipswich saw Enzo Maresca's side drop to sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with Aston Villa in seventh.

Having stayed radio silent in the immediate aftermath of the weekend's game, the playmaker then reposted an 'on this day' video shared by the club's official account.

With the clip marking a year since Chelsea's 6-0 win over Everton, which saw Palmer score four goals, he reshared footage of his first strike from the night, a stunning solo effort.

Captioning the post, the England star simply wrote: "Enjoyment," alongside a beaming face emoji.

'He still has a future'

Troy Deeney believes that Martin Odegaard is still a key player for Arsenal, but admits that Ethan Nwaneri will replace him in the long run.

Speaking totalkSPORT.com about whether Arsenal has outgrown Odegaard, Deeney said: "Not yet I wouldn't say, I do think there's a succession plan where Ethan Nwaneri goes in that No.10 as a more a long-term solution.

"I think Martin Odegaard does a lot for the team that a lot of people don't see.

"Just the position and the cuteness of his play, I think he's excellent, but looking back at that game [Madrid], there was nobody that played less than a 9/10. They were all excellent."

Deeney added: "I think he sets the press, he runs a lot, he's the one that runs and everybody follows, he's definitely added to Declan Rice as well.

"I think you've seen now, Declan Rice looks like he can run all over everybody, I think he gets that from Odegaaard.

"Does he take too many touches? He went through a spell of missing chances in November/December time, he didn't score.

"I just think, has he got to that place now where he is looking to slip somebody else in, and maybe understanding that maybe shooting is not his forte I suppose. But I still think he has a future."

'No timeframe' on Eddie Howe return - Tindall

Newcastle are placing no timeframe on Eddie Howe's return to work as he battles his way back from pneumonia.

The 47-year-old Magpies head coach was taken to hospital on Friday evening after feeling unwell for several days and now faces a spell away from the club following his diagnosis.

Number two Jason Tindall and coach Graeme Jones will take charge of the team in his absence as they attempt to steer the Carabao Cup winners into the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and Tindall has revealed his long-term ally will not be rushed back.

He said: "There is no exact timeframe. That is something we will assess day by day. The only question I can answer is that he is in the best possible hands and everything will be guided by them on a day-to-day basis.

"He will only come back when he is ready to come back and it will be on the guidance of the people taking care of him."

Worth his weight in Silva

Fulham are braced for a battle to keep manager Marco Silva beyond the end of the season.

Silva’s stock is high after leading the Cottagers to the FA Cup quarter-finals and into contention for a European place.

With Bournemouth hopeful of persuading Andoni Iraola to commit his future to the Cherries, Silva is emerging as a front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Postecoglou faces the sack even if Spurs win the Europa League after leading the north Londoners to SEVENTEEN Premier League defeats this season.

As previously reported by talkSPORT, ex-Everton and Watford boss Silva, who has also been touted for a possible switch to Juventus, has a release clause of around £8m in his contract.

Fulham would ideally like to tie Silva down to a new long-term deal, but he is not in any rush to put pen to paper.

It's Gunner happen!

Arsenal are confident their move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will be completed by early June, talkSPORT understands.

Gunners fans were concerned by reports in Spain that Real Madrid would attempt to hijack their move for Zubimendi.

However, sources close to the Emirates Stadium have told talkSPORT negotiations are progressing well to make the Spain international their first signing of a busy summer.

Zubimendi has a £52m release clause in his contract that Arsenal have told Sociedad they are willing to activate.

The 26-year-old Basque native previously looked set to move to the Premier League last summer.

A deal with Liverpool was agreed, but Zubimendi ended up staying put in Spain after a last-minute change of heart - but now he looks set to finally make the switch to the English top flight.

Cherry picked

Bournemouth are resigned to losing defender Dean Huijsen this summer, talkSPORT understands.

Huijsen has a £50million release clause in his contract and has held talks with a host of clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.

The 20-year-old is also on the radar of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but talkSPORT understands he is more likely to remain in the Premier League.

Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-back even with captain Virgil van Dijk agreeing a new contract.

Huijsen’s arrival would facilitate the possibility of England international Jarell Quansah, wanted by Newcastle, departing.

Spain international Huijsen, who cost Bournemouth a bargain £16m, also fits the profile of Chelsea’s recruitment policy.

Meanwhile, Spurs are likely to lose Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid in the forthcoming transfer window.

Rooney set for EFL lifeline?

Wayne Rooney could be offered a surprise managerial lifeline by Blackburn, talkSPORT understands.

Blackburn only appointed Valerien Ismael in February after John Eustace quit to join Derby, but the Frenchman is already under pressure after winning just one of his eight games in

charge.

TalkSPORT has been told Cheshire resident Rooney would be a contender to step into the hot-seat at Ewood Park.

Rooney has been out of work since being sacked by Plymouth in December after winning just five of his 25 games in charge.

The England and Manchester United legend turned TV pundit still harbours ambitions to be a success in the dugout after spells at Derby, Birmingham and DC United.

Double boost for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been handed a welcome boost with Thomas Partey and Ben White involved in training on Tuesday.

Arsenal travel to Spain for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid holding a 3-0 advantage.

White missed Arsenal’s home clash with Brentford after picking up a fresh injury in training.

Meanwhile Partey was forced off during the clash with the Bees, sparking concerns over his availability.

However both players now look likely to be involved.

There was no sign of Riccardo Calafiori though, following the knee injury picked up on international duty.

Man United's Antony decision pays off

Manchester United will not receive a loan fee from Real Betis for Antony as a result of his successful loan.

As part of the deal, the Red Devils insisted that Real Betis pay a small percentage of his salary and a penalty fee if the winger didn’t play at least 15 games.

This was to ensure that the Brazilian got regular game time so they could assess his progress in the summer.

Had Antony not met the threshold of 15 games, Real Betis would have had to pay a penalty clause of around £480k.

But after four goals and four assists in his 15 games so far, the deal has worked out in everyone's favour with reports in Spain stating that the club and player are keen to extend the deal beyond the summer.

A glimmer of hope?

Kevin Hatchard believes that Paris Saint-Germain’s lack of cutting edge in attack is Aston Villa’s only real hope of joy in their Champions League clash tonight.

Villa are 3-1 down ahead of the return leg, with Unai Emery’s side needing a comprehensive victory to advance to the semi-finals.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “The real weakness that they’ve had through the season has been a lack of clinical edge in attack.

“That sounds crazy when you think that Ousmane Dembele has better than a goal a game in 2025, they’ve got Barcola and Kvaratskhelia but earlier in the season but earlier in the season that was the issue.

“That’s what’s changed but even in the first leg they missed some opportunities.

“If Villa can get the first goal then that might just put a seed of doubt in there and get them looking at each other but they’re a very, very good side these days.”

Substitution error 'really strange' - Silva

Marco Silva has hit out at the officiating error that saw Ryan Sessegnon incorrectly take off in Fulham's clash with Bournemouth.

Fourth official Tim Robinson held up the number 30 for Sessegnon instead of 20 (Saka Lukic), before refusing to correct the error.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Silva said: "It was a complete lack of communication with the fourth official. He was probably more concerned with other things and not doing his job really.

“Our player saw the number 32 or 33 but we’ve seen many many times with the lack of communication and in three changes he didn’t give us the time to change again.

“For us, his attitude is really strange and his decision because next week it is going to be different.

“It’s really strange. The player was there but he didn’t let us do what we wanted to do and many times we see that lack of communication. It wasn’t a good night.”

Huijsen celebrates birthday win

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen celebrated his 20th birthday by beating Fulham on Monday night.

The Spanish defender played the full 90 minutes as the Cherries won 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.

After the final whistle, Huijsen told Sky Sports: "It's definitely going to be a memorable birthday!

"I think as a team we did so well today, not necessarily how we played but the fight we gave and the togetherness we had. It's great to get a win again and we are back in the running [for Europe].

"[We had] the will to win, we were really hungry to win. We all did a great job, we ran as much as we could. Credit to the team."

The win sees Bournemouth leapfrog Fulham into eighth place as they tussle for a spot in Europe next season.

Meanwhile, Huijsen continues his impressive campaign, adding: "I believe in my abilities and try my best for the team. The fans were great tonight, it gave us an extra push

"We play high press football, we are fearless in that sense, I am so happy we could win."

Getting closer

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has the best chance for Chelsea as we near the final stages of the first half.

The former Leicester midfielder fires a curling first-time effort towards the top corner, but it's tipped wide.

Cole Palmer got a shot away just before that opportunity and it was his blocked attempt that fell to Dewsbury-Hall.

The pressure continues from the Blues.

Can they find an opener before the break in Warsaw?

One-way traffic

Half an hour in and we're still goalless.

This hasn't been a thriller at all, but Chelsea won't be too disappointed with their performance so far.

The Blues have been totally dominant, having over 70 per cent of the ball and continuing to probe for an opening.

Legia Warsaw are sitting very deep and it's making things really difficult for spaces to be found in the final third.

Scott Minto live on talkSPORT: "This is attack vs defence.

"If the defence can have some sort of counter-attack, they'll be happy. Chelsea are controlling this game.

"They're not creating enough, but they just need to keep moving the ball around and tire them out."

Incredible atmosphere

The Legia Warsaw fans have been superb.

After filling the stadium with smoke from flares to start, they've now all just been bouncing in the stands.

It's surely making this a tougher task for Chelsea.

Although the Blues have got a grasp on the game following a frantic start, and they're putting pressure on.

Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku have had the only shots for Enzo Maresca's side as we reach the 15-minute mark.

This tifo was more entertaining than the game so far.

Kick-off!

The early quarter-finals in Europe are now underway!

A strong Chelsea team will be looking to take a big step towards a semi-final place with a win this evening.

Legia Warsaw won't make things easy for them in Poland, but the Blues should have much more quality.

You can follow the game live on talkSPORT, with commentary coming from Joe Shennan and Scott Minto.

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.

Not another one...

Some bad news for Tottenham ahead of this evening's game.

Wilson Odobert could miss out against Frankfurt as Spurs journalist Paul O'Keefe states that the winger has complained of hamstring tightness.

He has been sent for scans and there is 'no definitive answer' on the extent of the issue or if there is one at all.

Odobert has already missed a chunk of games due to a hamstring injury, with the same problem massively impacting the club.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Timo Werner and Destiny Udogie have all also suffered the same injury this season.

Ange Postecoglou won't have wanted a fresh issue to arise ahead of such an important quarter-final tie...

European action

After the Champions League quarter-finals got off to a brilliant start, we're now set for the Europa League!

Ange Postecoglou will feel his Tottenham side HAVE to beat Frankfurt at home this evening to keep his job.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Ruben Amorim are desperate for some joy after a dismal campaign so far.

But before those two get going in the quarter-finals, Chelsea are in the early kick-off in the Europa Conference League.

The Blues are massive favourites to win that competition, so they'll be aiming to get off to a winning start in Warsaw.

Financial Fair Pray

A verdict into the Premier League's hearing into Manchester City's alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play is unlikely to be made before the summer.

Hearings looking into the English club's financial dealings from 2009-2018 have been taking place for months - with a possible outcome originally mooted for this spring.

However, the complexity of case has ruled out such a deadline and its much more likely to be revealed after the end of the season, talkSPORT understands.

Crucially, the deadline for any points deductions this season had already passed - meaning that should City be found guilty then the club would be docked points next campaign.

Pep Guardiola's side have been charged with breaking FFP rules around 100 times over nine years, from 2009 until 2018.

Their alleged offences have coincided with the club blossoming into the dominant force of English football.

City won the Premier League three times during that period in question - in 2012, 2014 and 2018.

Their charges vary from failing to provide accurate financial information, not complying with UEFA's FFP rules, and not disclosing manager compensation.

However, not all relate to financial issues - 35 relate to allegedly failing to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.

Talk to Frank

Frank Lampard has been charged with misconduct by the FA after his red card during Coventry's Championship clash with Burnley.

Lampard was sent off by referee James Bell after the full-time whistle when his side lost 2-1 to the Clarets.

In a statement on the club’s website, it read: “Coventry City Head Coach Frank Lampard has been charged with misconduct by the FA following the EFL Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday 5th April.

“It is alleged that Lampard acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official around the field of play after the final whistle, which led to his dismissal.

“The Sky Blues Head Coach has until Monday 14th April to respond to the charge” it concluded.

Devil's Del

Manchester United may have to win the Europa League to be successful in their pursuit of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

Delap is high on United’s list of summer transfer targets after scoring 12 Premier League goals for the struggling Tractor Boys this season.

Asked whether it was a certainty that the striker leaves Ipswich this summer, talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent, Alex Crook, told Breakfast: "Yeah, I think so.

"It was put to me a couple of days ago that half the Premier League have enquired about Liam Delap.

"You can understand why - the release clause is in the region of £30million to £40m once relegation is confirmed. He's scored 12 goals in a team that have struggled by and large.

"They've not been as bad as Leicester and Southampton, but they've not been that much better Ipswich.

"I think he has ambitions to continue his career at the highest level.

"We know he's right at the top of Manchester United's wishlist.

"They might have to win this Europa League in order to get him, because my information is that he wants to join a club playing in Europe next season.

"Obviously, the only way that can happen for United is if they go all the way in that competition and get into the Champions League via the back door."

Sticky Toffee

More from TalkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent, Alex Crook, who has been detailing the latest Manchester United transfer news.

He told Breakfast: "We know there's huge interest from them in Jarrad Branthwaite.

"They had a couple of offers turned down last summer. Everton were keen to keep him then. I don't think Everton's stance has changed.

"I'm not sure United are going to be able to get towards the figure that Everton would want to do business because they've got a big overhaul planned. Jim Ratcliffe tells us that funds are tight.

"I reported a few days ago that Matheus Cunha is on their wanted list. I think it's the top end of the pitch that they're going to make their priority because goals have been a massive problem.

I think it's one goal in 26 games for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee...He's only scored six all season. That has to be where the money is spent, really."

Red alert

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are both expected to sign new two-year deals at Liverpool.

TalkSPORT's Chief Football Correspondent, Alex Crook, told Breakfast: "I think there's always been an inner confidence and inner belief from the corridors of power at Liverpool that these two would put pen to paper.

"I think there's always been a desire from both Salah and Van Dijk, despite what Mo said publicly at times, to continue their journey in the Premier League.

"And we first got wind of it, as you say, towards the end of March when high-ranking sources in Saudi Arabia were telling TalkSPORT they were no longer in active negotiations with Mo Salah.

"Their belief was that not only did he want to stay and play in a top European league, but ideally he wanted to commit his future to Liverpool.

"So some good news, I think, when it comes to those two. I was told yesterday that negotiations have really ramped up over the last couple of weeks and are drawing towards a positive conclusion.

"We obviously broke the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold had agreed terms with Real Madrid.

"But I think if you'd ask most Liverpool fans if they could choose to keep two of the three, I think these would have been the two names they'd have clumped for, to be honest."

Vill your boots

Aston Villa's stars weren't spared by French newspaper L'Equipe after releasing their latest batch of highly critical player ratings.

Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey were both handed the lowest scores out of the two teams, with both receiving 3/10s.

L'Equipe say the former was targeted as Villa's 'weak point in defence' while the latter 'struggled to exist offensively'.

Head coach Unai Emery was also marked at 3/10, with the newspaper saying, 'his team refused to play and was understandably punished'.

However, Villa legend and talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor defended his former club despite their shortcomings in Paris.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: "I just think all round, Aston Villa players must be proud of themselves.

"You're playing against the best team in the world, teams will go to that stadium and get beat six, seven [nil].

"For Aston Villa, to keep it down to 3-1, you're in the tie on Tuesday, and anything can happen."

Tour of the Etihad

Former Manchester City star Kolo Toure has lifted the lid on his low-key return to the club this season as under-18 assistant coach.

The retired defender made his comeback to City last summer - 11 years after leaving as a player for Liverpool.

Now, the Arsenal invincible is one game away from helping the academy to the FA Youth Cup final.

Toure told the Manchester Evening News: "I was looking to get back into a job and when the opportunity came and I spoke to Thomas [Krucken, City Academy Director] about an opportunity to come here, it was fantastic.

"Especially working for the club I played for, I had a great time playing here. My connection to Man City has always been there because I worked with the loan players for a moment.

"When the opportunity came, I was very happy, it's very important for me to stay in the game."

"You can always improve yourself as a coach and it's good to work with young players because you get to know the future players," Toure continued. "How they act, how they are, what they like, what they want from you.

"That was a really important step for me, to keep getting the knowledge of the game, with my experience as an ex-football player and then as a coach. It's the right step to stay in the game and keep improving myself and enjoying football."

Kyl-er blow

Kyle Walker admitted his 'heart kicked in' when pleading with the referee not to send off Dele Alli during his debut for Como last month.

The former Tottenham and England teammates were on opposite sides when Walker's AC Milan beat Cesc Fabregas's men 2-1.

Dele ended his near-750 day absence from competitive football when he was brought on in the 81st minute.

However, he lasted less than 10 minutes before seeing red for a challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek - despite Walker's appeals.

"I think my heart kicked in. Anyone else, I would have just let them get sent off," said Walker to BBC Sport.

"But with Dele, I know how hard he's worked to get his chance at Como. It's a good club for him to try and revive his career."

Manchester City loanee Walker added: "We wanted 10 men, but for the personal relationship that I have with Dele, for the years I've known Dele, for what he's been through - which he's publicly said and I think he's been very strong and open about that - to then get sent off for not really a cynical challenge, he was a little bit hard done by."

Millwall hit with FA charge

Millwall have been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control following the club's FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.

TalkSPORT revealed last month that the FA were investigating homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell.

Chilwell, who is on loan from Chelsea, played the full 90 minutes for Oliver Glasner's side during Palace's 3-1 win on March 1.

During the match, shouts of 'Chelsea rent boy' were aimed at Chilwell by the travelling supporters in the 5th and 20th minutes.

The Selhurst Park visitors also aimed chants of 'let him die' at Jean-Philippe Mateta whilst he received treatment for a serious head injury - but those did not breach FA regulations.

Following the confirmation of an FA charge, a Millwall statement read: "The chant in question is condemned by Millwall Football Club, and once again it strongly emphasises its zero tolerance policy against discrimination of all kinds.

"The club remains committed to working tirelessly to eradicate homophobic chanting, and any other form of discriminatory abuse, from the sport."

Doing it for the boss

Tottenham's Brennan Johnson has said the squad want to win the Europa League to keep Ange Postecoglou at the club.

Postecoglou is under major pressure and could be sacked if Spurs don't taste glory on the European stage.

But Johnson and the rest of the team are backing their boss.

The Welshman said: "Of course, we want to win for everyone at the club - us players, the manager and all the backroom staff who have been through some tough times this season.

"It's down to our own mistakes. There were a lot of games we have not performed good enough. Winning this competition would be great and it would be an unbelievable feeling to win.

"We don't want to look too far past this game, but for us to win it for everyone at the club will be massive.

"I don't really care about what other people and the critics are saying. I love all the players in the squad, the management staff.

"We've created a really tight-knit group. It's something that we just want to do for each other because we have had some tough times and there would be no better joy to celebrate it with people who have gone through it."

Trading blows

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and current goalkeeper Andre Onana have been going head-to-head.

Matic will take on his former side tomorrow night in the Europa League quarter-finals, and he has responded to comments from Onana that United are 'way better' than Lyon.

"I don't know - you know, to say that you need to have cover for something like that. Onana?" he said before puffing out his cheeks

"You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.

"If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's history, you need to take care of what you are talking [about].

"If David De Gea or Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that, then I would question myself.

"But if you're one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United's modern history, then he needs to show that before he says. We will see."

In response to that, Onana has now come back at Matic with a brutal shot of his own, posting on X alongside a picture of him holding the FA Cup trophy: "I would never be disrespectful to another club.

"We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.

"At least I've lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can't say the same."

'I am gone anyway'

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been discussing his future at the club this afternoon.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Spurs' Europa League quarter-final against Frankfurt, he was asked about whether winning the competition would help win over his critics.

Postecoglou replied: "I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle.

"Whatever noise there is, now or in the future, that shouldn't diminish that desire. Everything in my professional life has come through a struggle.

"Hopefully, we have worked our way into a position where we can make an impact for during what has been a disappointing season for us. I just think there's a real determination to take this opportunity.

"I just think you can't win the argument of convincing people.

"[Someone] wrote, even if we win [the Europa League], I am gone anyway. That's just the general sentiment of the people.

"If you try to use that as a motivation, you are not going to win anyway. It's got to be something more in it for us.

"For us, what's most important is that we have been through a tough time, but we are still in a position to make an impact."

'It’s been an honour'

Assistant referee Darren Cann will officiate his final professional match this weekend when Manchester City take on Crystal Palace.

A Premier League statement read: "Cann will be hanging up his flag after the fixture at the Etihad Stadium, which will bring to a close an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, two of which have been spent at the very top of the game.

"Since reaching the Premier League in 2005, Darren has officiated a record-breaking number of matches with Saturday marking his 579th and final appearance – the most by any match official in the competition’s history.

"In total, he has overseen more than 1,000 professional matches domestically and on the international stage, setting the benchmark for consistency and professionalism."

Cann said: “This Saturday will be my 579th – and final – Premier League match. It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.

“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever but, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100% in every single match throughout my career.

“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.

“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”

Ange Postecoglou must make good on his promise to deliver Tottenham Hotspur silverware this season - or he runs the risk of being sacked.

That's the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes the Australian's future lies in achieving Europa League glory this term.

Spurs welcome German giants Eintracht Frankfurt to north London on Thursday night for their quarter-final first leg tie, live on talkSPORT 2.

For Postecoglou, who took charge of his side in 2023, success in Europe's second-tier competition represents the only chance of ending the club's 17-year trophy drought.

In September 2024, the ex-Celtic manager vowed to deliver a trophy this term - insisting he 'always' wins things in his second season at a club.

And seven months on, the 59-year-old is under huge pressure with Spurs languishing in 14th spot with seven Premier League games remaining.

With 16 top-flight defeats already, Spurs are just three losses shy of equalling their all-time Premier League record of 19 - which they set during the 1993/94 and 2003/04 terms.

And there is a danger that Postecoglou could guide Tottenham to their lowest points total and lowest Premier League finish.

A large section of the Spurs fan base have started to turn on their manager, as shown by their travelling supporters chanting in unison, 'You don't know what you're doing' during their 1-0 away defeat at Chelsea last week.

It appeared as though Postecoglou cupped his ears to the Spurs fans following Pape Matar Sarr's equaliser at Stamford Bridge - which was eventually ruled out by VAR - though he has strenuously denied making the gesture.

For Keown, he is of the view that should Postecoglou wish to remain employed at Spurs, he must win the Europa League - which starts with overcoming Frankfurt.

Asked by talkSPORT.com about whether his job rests on the upcoming tie with Frankfurt, the Arsenal Invincible said: "Without doubt.

"He's saying in his second season he always wins a trophy, he's been quite defiant."

Keown then stated that success could depend on the availability of starting centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who are finally back to full fitness. Van de Ven and Romero have missed 28 and 27 matches respectively due to injuries this season.

The ex-England defender remarked: "He's [Postecoglou] now one by one getting all these players back.

"Van de Ven was rested at the weekend [for 3-1 win over Southampton], so he's ready, he played 80-odd minutes the one before.

"Romero is another player that is really important, so I think that's where they've really suffered is when they've lost their two central defenders.

"That platform for them to go and play their high press, but have players at the back to deal with it.

"So let's see if they go and do it now [win Europa League]."

With Spurs eight points off the top ten, it seems their only chance of plying their trade across the continent next season lies in winning the Europa League, which will book them a Champions League spot.

For Keown, he has claimed that should they win the trophy, it could lead to a potential Premier League title charge, though has admitted European glory could paper over the cracks in what has been a disappointing campaign so far.

He said: "Remarkably, if they win the Europa League, they can make it into the Champions League, which is just incredible.

"We could have six Premier League teams playing in the Champions League next year, that would be something to behold.

"He's [Postecoglou] got that in the locker, it could certainly happen for him. Would he still stay in the job?

"Manchester United won the FA Cup last year and a lot of people said that tainted really what was happening, it papered over the cracks.

"But I think if he wins that [Europa League], it gives him time, it gives him another season.

"And then if he keeps his players fit, he can impact the Premier League.

"But right now, they're too low down in the visions for that, for a Spurs team to be really taken seriously right now."

While Spurs have struggled this season, Frankfurt have been hugely impressive, with Dino Toppmolle's men sitting third in the Bundesliga table.

And as their 6-2 aggregate win over Ajax in the last-16 showed, they have the firepower to trouble any side left in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou says he's more than aware of sentiment that Europa League glory may not be enough to save his job at Tottenham Hotspur.

Referencing a piece he read, Postecoglou admitted he might be 'gone anyway', even if he becomes the one to end Spurs' 17-year trophy drought.

Speaking before their Europa League tie with Eintract Frankfurt on Thursday night, the 59-year-old said: "I came to this club with a clear purpose of rejuvenating a squad that was coming to the end of a cycle.

"I just think we're in that position that the good stuff we may do is going to be turned into a glass half full rhetoric and from that perspective I don't think that can be a driver in what we want to do. The lads are really keen to bring success to the club.

"I don't think you're going to win that argument of convincing people, well I think [someone] wrote that even if we win it, I'm gone anyway.

"That's not having a go at you, that's just saying the general sentiment of people.

"So if you're trying to use that as a motivation, you're not going to win that anyway.

"There's got to be more in it for us and for us what is the most important thing as a group is that we've been through a really tough time but we're still in a position where we can make an impact and you don't know how often you get those opportunities."

Wales forward Brennan Johnson joined the manager in the press conference, adding: "We want to win for everyone at the club - us players, the manager and all the backroom staff who have been through some tough times this season.

"It's down to our own mistakes. There were a lot of games we have not performed good enough. Winning this competition would be great and it would be an unbelievable feeling to win.

"We don't want to look too far past this game, but for us to win it for everyone at the club will be massive.

"I don't really care about what other people and the critics are saying. I love all the players in the squad, the management staff."

It's been a hugely challenging season for Postecoglou's side, having exited all English cup competitions while they sitting in 14th in the Premier League.

They are 17 points clear of the relegation zone but 16 league defeats this term is alarming form for a club that always aspires to make it into European spots.

Postecoglou's comments come after months of speculation over his future in charge of the club, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola in contention to take the job.

Just last week, Postecoglou vowed to 'keep fighting' after he faced abuse from the fans during their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

He admitted he understands some of the criticism from Tottenham fans but insists that he doesn't get affected by it.

Postecoglou added: "I get that they (the fans) are frustrated and angry.

"At the same time, I understand the criticism towards me. But if anyone looked at the players and said they aren't trying - then I am sorry they are not watching the right game."

His side did manage to pick up three points against Southampton, subjecting the Saints to the earliest relegation in Premier League history on Sunday.

Manchester United may have to win the Europa League to be successful in their pursuit of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

Delap is high on United’s list of summer transfer targets after scoring 12 Premier League goals for the struggling Tractor Boys this season.

But with Chelsea also showing strong interest in activating Delap’s cut-price £40million release clause, sources close to the England Under-21 ace say his preference is to play European football.

United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and their only hope of qualifying for Europe is via the backdoor route into the Champions League.

United's only route back to Europe's top table is to lift the Europa League title.

Ruben Amorim's men - the highest-ranked team left in the last-eight - travel to face Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final on Thursday night.

Chelsea and United are by no means the only options for Delap - who has been urged on talkSPORT to snub a move to Old Trafford - with a host of other clubs in England and across Europe, including German pair Frankfurt and Leipzig, in the race.

Spurs eye raid on London rivals

Tottenham are preparing a summer swoop for Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs are eyeing England international Mitchell as a replacement for Destiny Udogie, who has endured a poor season.

While some reports have claimed Mitchell is out of contract this summer, it is thought his deal actually expires in the summer of 2027.

That means Palace are in a strong position to demand a fee of around £50m for the 25-year-old north Londoner.

Mitchell has played 161 Premier League games for Palace.

West Ham look to plunder relegated side

West Ham are leading the race to sign England defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

Walker-Peters will depart Saints as a free agent this summer, sparking a mass exodus from the newly-relegated south coast outfit.

talkSPORT have been told the Hammers have already made ex-Spurs defender Walker-Peters a contract offer via his representatives in a bid to steal a march on other potential suitors.

While Graham Potter is happy with the form of first-choice right-back Aaron Wan Bissaka, he believes Walker-Peters can be a valuable addition due to his ability to play on both sides.

As previously reported by talkSPORT, West Ham also have an interest in Walker-Peters’ Saints teammates Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale.

They are also among the clubs keen on teenage midfielder Tyler Dibling.

Impressive Cherries ace to Saudi?

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a target for Saudi Arabian Pro-League side Al-Nassr if they failed to land Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

Semenyo is on a shortlist of three Premier League stars drawn up by the Riyadh-based side along with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Kudus.

Mitoma has already made it clear he has no interest in a move to the Middle East after Al-Nassr made an offer worth in excess of £90m in January.

Kudus is a more attainable target with West Ham understood to be open to a mega-money transfer.

Ghanaian international Semenyo has played a major role in Bournemouth’s bid for a European place this season and the Cherries would be reluctant to lose him.

Family means everything to Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro and a heartwarming clip proved just as much.

The Premier League shared an eight-minute video detailing the Spaniard's journey from his humble beginnings in western Spain to north London.

Because his parents had to work, Porro was raised by his grandparents in Don Benito.

He grew a love for the game while playing for local club C.A. Gimnastico.

But when Porro turned 14, he knew he would have to make an almighty sacrifice if he was to live out his dream of becoming a footballer.

He left his town of nearly 40,000 people and moved to Madrid, where he joined the academy at Rayo Vallecano in 2015.

"I left when I was very young," Porro said in the video.

"But I remember it was one of the toughest moments of my life."

Porro's grandfather added: "We took him to Madrid. It's so hard to leave a boy of 14 years old in Madrid. We left a 14-year-old, alone in Madrid."

After they had dropped off Porro, his mother described the drive home as 'terrible'.

However, Porro spoke of how his grandfather 'encouraged me' to take the bold step at such a young age.

"I had to leave my family and everything behind," Porro said.

"I was very young and still needed their support. If you want something in life, you have to sacrifice something in return."

Although Porro never went on to make a senior appearance for Rayo, he made his LaLiga debut for Girona in 2018.

A temporary switch to Valladolid followed before he joined Portuguese giants Sporting CP in 2020 on an initial two-season loan before the move became permanent in May 2022.

However, Porro was only halfway through the 2022/23 season when Tottenham came calling.

The north London side signed him on loan for the remainder of the campaign with an obligation to sign the Spaniard in the summer for £34million.

Porro has gone on to make almost 100 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions and has registered nine goals and 17 assists playing as a right-back or on the right wing.

It is a journey that may never have happened had Porro not taken the brave step of leaving home as a young teenager.

However, Porro's mother and grandfather couldn't be more proud of how his career has gone to date and told the Spanish international just as much in an emotional video.

Porro had to wipe away tears, but they came flooding straight back when he spoke to the pair over Facetime.

"You're crying, and you never cry," Porro's grandfather said.

"A man like yourself, with a handsome face like that!"

After the call ended, Porro paid tribute to his family and vowed to deliver plenty more on the pitch going forward.

"Thanks to you, I am who I am today," Porro said.

"This doesn't end here. Just as my grandfather said in the video, he always wants more and he will have more."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy received a sizable pay increase as revealed in the club’s latest accounts released last week.

Spurs disclosed their latest financial results up to June 30, 2024 which showed that club directors were paid a total of £5.068million.

Levy, the highest-paid director, received a whopping £3.728m, an increase from the £3.581m received for the period up to June 2023, although he was also paid a £3m bonus for that period.

The 63-year-old did not receive a bonus for June 2024 however his earnings for the period dwarf that of Chelsea’s highest paid director who netted £1.69m.

The figures are unlikely to strengthen ties between Levy and the club’s disgruntled fanbase, who have held the Spurs supremo responsible for the club’s dismal form this season.

Prior to Sunday’s clash at home to Southampton, fans protested against Levy outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Flags and signs were emblazoned with messages calling for a change of ownership with one reading: “Enough is enough, ENIC Out!”

It was aimed at ENIC Group who purchased a controlling share of the club in 2001. Another flag simply read: “Time for change.”

There was a continuation of chants calling for ‘Levy Out,’ which has been a regular theme in the stands this season.

And it appears that disillusioned Spurs fans have no plans to let up anytime soon with further protests planned in the near future.

A fan-led group tasked with helping bring about change at the club have said that many supporters feel alienated by the club’s current ownership.

“The New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a state of the art facility, but at what cost? Ticket prices are among the highest in the Premier League, forcing many fans, some of whom have supported Spurs for decades, to give up their season tickets or attend fewer games,” said a representative for ‘Change For Tottenham’.

“For years the team has lacked investment in key areas, particularly in defence, while transfer windows have felt reactive instead of proactive. The result? Another trophy-less season looms, extending a drought that has lasted since 2008.”

Levy acknowledged the calls for the club to spend more and insisted 'spending must be sustainable in the long term'.

"We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club," Levy said.

"Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power."

Fans have become increasingly frustrated by the club’s failure to compete for major honours.

Spurs are without a trophy since 2008 although there is still an opportunity to lay that ghost to rest in this season’s Europa League.

But it has been Tottenham’s woeful domestic form that has caused uproar with fans left feeling short-changed despite huge investment.

Levy has splashed over £1bn on transfers since the club’s last triumph but with Spurs languishing 14th in the table and boss Ange Postecoglou’s future unclear, the situation remains tense at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A failure to win the Europa league would see Spurs miss out on a lucrative place in the Champions League for a third successive season.

Brennan Johnson had to be consoled by Heung-min Son after being denied the chance to secure his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Johnson had already scored twice in the Premier League clash with Southampton on Sunday and had the perfect chance to grab his first-ever hat-trick in the competition.

Brought down by Saints' star Wellington with the score at 2-1 in Spurs' favour, the forward grabbed the ball in the sixth minute of injury time to round off his achievement.

However Pedro Porro took the ball off him and passed it to captain Cristian Romero who then passed it on to Mathys Tel.

Tel, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich in January, had scored just once since joining Tottenham and was keen to open his Premier League account - something that he managed with well a well-taken kick into the top corner.

But while the game ended with a 3-1 win for Spurs, Johnson looked deflated as he came off the pitch and was consoled by Son for being denied his chance to complete his hat-trick.

Speaking to the club's official website after the game, Johnson explained: "It's only normal for me to want to take the penalty.

"There's only a certain amount of talking to do before it gets quite messy.

"I've been in the situation before when I've had people wanting to take the ball off me and it kind of unsettles you a little bit.

"I knew the game was pretty much done but still, I didn't want to unsettle anyone or start any disagreements.

"So, once the decision was made, I just had to get on with it.”

Reflecting on Johnson's performance, Ange Postecoglou said: "It’s tough but I think whenever Brennan plays that he's always a goal threat.

"He has been really good for us in terms of goals and, even though I don't rate them highly, even his assists have been important to us as today he won the penalty.

"He's really important for us in the way we play and I don't think he has been inconsistent this year.

"The disruptions we've had in the team and the ability to get some real cohesion in the group has disrupted everyone this season.

"Great for him today, I was really pleased for him, not just goals but his general play was really good.

"He's important for us as a wide player there aren't many around that are a constant goal threat like he is. I'm really pleased for him today."

Johnson arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 2023 in a £47.5million deal from Nottingham Forest.

Since then he has played 74 times, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists in the process.

Still just 23 years of age, the Welsh star will be hoping to become the main man in north London in the years to come.

Tottenham are next in action in the first leg of their crucial Europa League quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

The second leg takes place a week late and is their last chance of securing European football for the 2025/26 campaign.