talkSPORT

Deal agreed

Arsenal have been heavily linked to Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich over the last few days.

However, the Gunners have now been dealt a major blow to their hopes, as Kimmich has now agreed a deal to stay at Bayern.

The midfielder was out of contract in the summer, and he would have had plenty of suitors from around Europe - including PSG.

But, according to Sky Germany, a total agreement has now been reached between him and the club.

Kimmich will sign a new deal with the German giants until 2029, with final paperwork set to be completed this week.

An announcement could be made before Bayern's Champions League last 16 second leg against Leverkusen next Tuesday.

'He deserves this moment'

Ruben Amorim praised Joshua Zirkzee for his recent performances after he scored during Man United's draw this evening.

Zirkzee netted his first European goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

The Dutchman and Rasmus Hojlund have been misfiring this season, but they both started again in Spain.

And manager Ruben Amorim spoke about the duo post-match.

On Zirkzee, Amorim said: “He deserved it, he is working well and he is improving a lot of things in his game.

"He deserves this moment and he was important for us today."

On Hojlund, the United boss continued: “He is trying really hard.

"He made the runs, we know that Real Sociedad has a high line and he used his pace to win and fight.

“He has to continue playing and not being anxious.”

New role?

Enzo Maresca has revealed that he believes Reece James is a midfielder and not a defender.

James has spent his career as a right-back, right wing-back or a centre-back as part of a three-at-the-back system.

But Maresca has started to play him further forward and in a midfield role, and that's where he played this evening.

The Chelsea captain was alongside Moises Caicedo in front of the defence, scoring in a 2-1 win against Copenhagen.

Speaking post-match about James' new role, the Blues boss said: "We know how important he is for us.

"He's our captain, a fantastic player. We need him fit, so that is our duty, our target because for sure he is going to help us.

"He can play in many positions because the good players can play in many positions.

"You can ask Reece, when I signed for Chelsea, the day after I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder.

"I see Reece as a midfielder. Since day one. I sent him a clip when he was on holiday about how he can be a midfielder.

"He has played in full-back, central defender, so the main target for us is to keep him fit."

Maresca added: "First of all, when you watch a player you sometimes need to use imagination and imagining a player doing something.

"I watched some of his games when he was on loan at Wigan where he scored a fantastic goal from 25 or 30 metres.

"The best thing about Reece at the moment is he is helping the team with leadership."

Another injury blow

Tottenham have potentially been dealt another injury blow as Dominic Solanke hobbled off against AZ.

Spurs lost to their Dutch opposition in the Europa League and also lost Solanke again, in his first game back.

The striker hadn't played a game since January 15 and now there's potential that he's going to be out again.

However, Ange Postecoglou is hoping it's nothing serious, saying: "I think it was a knock, hopefully it's nothing too bad."

On the game itself, Postecoglou added: "Too many times we were just circulating the ball without any real intent to hurt them.

"No fault for the goal, it happens. It's more about the collective tonight rather than the individuals.

"Collectively, we were nowhere near the level we needed to be and that's the thing we need to address."

Setback

Scotland and Middlesbrough have suffered a major blow after on-loan Liverpool winger Ben Doak was ruled out for a further period following an operation.

Doak has not played since January 25 because of a thigh injury and it has now emerged he has undergone surgery.

Boro manager Michael Carrick told a media conference: "He's back at Liverpool doing a bit of rehab. We'll see how that goes and how long he's going to be out for.

"It's unfortunate for us as a squad and Ben individually. He will be back stronger and he will be back soon enough."

When asked if he would return to the Championship club this season, Carrick said: "We will have to wait and see. It's hard to say either way. Liverpool are going to look after his rehab initially and see where it progresses from there."

Doak is set to miss Scotland's two-legged Nations League play-off against Greece later this month as Steve Clarke's side bid to stay in the top tier.

The 19-year-old's performances were a key factor in Scotland improving to the extent they avoided bottom spot in their group and automatic relegation. The former Celtic player set up three of Scotland's final four goals of the competition.

Doak has delivered three goals and seven assists in 24 Championship games this season and was named EFL Young Player of the Month for November.

Out of this world

FIFA are considering increasing the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams to mark the centenary of the event.

The biggest tournament in world football currently hosts 48 teams after being recently increased from the traditional 32 for the 2026 competition.

The 2030 World Cup will be held in Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, where the inaugural edition was staged, set to host three games.

"A proposal to analyze a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member in the 'miscellaneous' agenda item near the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5, 2025," a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.

"The idea was acknowledged as FIFA has a duty to analyze any proposal from one of its Council members."

The report stated that the suggestion was greeted with 'stunned silence'.

Postecoglou must win Europa League to keep his job

Simon Jordan believes that Ange Postecoglou's future as Tottenham boss hinges on the club winning the Europa League.

Speaking on White and Jordan, he said: “Ange Postecoglou needs it to save his job because Tottenham are built upon playing in Europe.

“I can’t see how it’s not the case. He has the built in and legitimate excuse of having massive injuries and I like Ange and want Tottenham to do well, but in the games that they’ve lost they’ve had full teams out against teams at the bottom of the league and the players on the pitch should have been enough to overcome the adversity.

“If you finish 12th in the league and don’t get anywhere in the cup competitions, how is that success?

“It’s a disaster economically. People look at Tottenham and think it’s a good club to be involved with and most managers would bite your hand off to be with a club like that.

“They’ll find a replacement a replacement for Ange Postecoglou – whether it’s the right one or they’ll go in the right direction, who knows. But if they finish 12th or 13th in the league and don’t get anywhere in the club, I’ll be surprised if he’s still in the job.”

Not done yet

Virgil van Dijk has warned Liverpool's Champions League suffering is not yet over after coming through a gruelling examination against Paris St Germain in the Parc des Princes.

"It should be a great game and we have to be ready to suffer as they are a very good team who were unbeaten for a very long time," said Van Dijk of the second leg.

"A team that has blown sides away this season and we have managed to keep a clean sheet (PSG failed to score at home for the first time this season), get a 1-0 win and put ourselves in a good position.

"I think you could see, it was not the usual game we like to play.

"We don't want to be playing this way because everyone who plays football wants to have the ball a lot and wants to be dominating opponents.

"But we played against a team with a lot of quality, world-class quality, and they made it very difficult for everyone in the world so far and they made it difficult for us but we found a way and we have to try to finish it off next week."

'It's hard to accept'

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall has admitted he is finding it hard to accept his season is over due to a broken bone in his foot.

Hall sustained the injury in his side's Premier League defeat by Liverpool at the end of last month and is set to undergo surgery.

The 20-year-old has established himself as the Magpies' first-choice left-back this season after his loan move from Chelsea was made permanent in a summer deal which could rise to £35million including add-ons.

Hall told Newcastle's official website: "It's quite hard to accept at the minute, but I'm still young and there are many opportunities ahead, I'm very confident in that.

"I haven't had it before in my career, but watching us train every day and watching the team play is something that I'm really not looking forward to, but I've got so much faith in the boys to get us over the line and do what we need to do."

Ben Doak returns to Liverpool for treatment

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Ben Doak has returned to Liverpool to undergo rehabiliatation.

The on-loan Liverpool starlet - who was the subject of significant Premier League interest in January - has undergone surgery on a problem that has ruled him out since January.

Explaining the situation, Middlesbrough boss Carrick said: "Ben's back at Liverpool doing a bit of rehab which is can be quite normal so he's back with Liverpool and we'll see how that goes and how long he'll be out for.

"For now we'll have to wait and see.

"It was quite recent, he was doing his rehab and then it came about (that he needed surgery) so it's unfortunate for all of us but it's part of the game and he'll be back stronger and soon enough."

Asked if it means he's played his last game for Middlesbrough, Carrick said: "It's hard to say either way, to be honest."

Doak has scored three goals and provided seven assists in 24 matches for the EFL side.

Tragic news from Instanbul

A Rangers supporter has died in a road traffic accident in Istanbul ahead of the team's Europa League last-16 showdown with Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

The Ibrox club announced the news in a statement on Thursday morning.

It read: "We are devastated to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters in a road traffic accident overnight in Istanbul.

"The immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"We are remaining in constant contact with both the Turkish and British authorities over this tragic incident."

More than 2,000 Gers fans have made the journey to Turkey to watch their team take on Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce side this evening.

Fenerbahce expressed their "condolences to Rangers FC and the community".

A statement from the Gers' hosts, translated from Turkish, read: "We have learned with deep sorrow that a Rangers FC fan who came to Istanbul to support his team in the first match of the UEFA Europa League last 16 round, where Fenerbahce will host Scottish representative Rangers FC, passed away as a result of a traffic accident.

"We would like to express our condolences to the family of the deceased fan, the Rangers club and the community."

A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We are aware of the death of a British man in Turkey and are in touch with the local authorities."

Battle of the Buffet

Rio Ferdinand has proven so committed to his verbal feud with Liverpool fans - by conceding one of his most historic Arsenal battles.

The Manchester United legend riled up Reds supporters during his live TV commentary of the club's 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Ferdinand called for a red card against Ibrahima Konaté for his shove on Bradley Barcola that went unpunished by the referee and VAR.

The former England defender boldly stated: “That is a foul. The push is in the back, so it's a foul. If that's not a red card I'll be amazed.”

Ferdinand later doubled down on his comments in a post on social media, by writing on X: "Just to clarify for all the Liverpool fans who are still tweeting me… Konate should’ve been sent off last night!"

In response, a clip of the 46-year-old's similar challenge on Freddie Ljungberg during the 'Battle of the Buffet', also known as 'Pizzagate', was shared in the comments.

Ferdinand wrote alongside a laughing emoji: "Foul, straight red. Got away with it."

Man United famously beat Arsenal 2-0 at Old Trafford in October 2004 which ended the latter's record-breaking 49-match unbeaten run.

It sparked a melee between the two sets of players in the tunnel afterwards - in which Cesc Fabregas infamously hit Sir Alex Ferguson with a slice of pizza.

Bull by the horns

Alan Brazil has claimed that Red Bull is looking to invest in Celtic.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “The big news, of course, Rangers, if that goes through, that will be interesting, with the San Francisco 49ers putting money in. They are part of Leeds as well.

“I was told this a few weeks ago, but I was told it was advanced talks.

“I thought, interesting. I also heard Celtic and Red Bull were interested in taking a piece of Celtic. But I don’t know if that is true or not. You get so many things sent to you, don’t you?!”

Arne Slot has 'defied a myth' with Liverpool reign

Simon Jordan believes that Arne Slot deserves huge credit for the job he's doing at Liverpool this season.

Asked if a treble for Slot would surpass Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola’s similar success, Simon Jordan said: “Of course because they built teams and he inherited one and had to stamp his personality onto it.

“He’d be setting himself a bugger of a task to emulate that because he’d have set the highest standard that he can – the only thing he can do is go and win four trophies.

“Slot was given a beautiful set of cards and people didn’t forecast that he could do this – he hasn’t added to it and so he’s defied the myth that you need to surround yourself with your own people.

“If you’re an effective manager and you point people in the right direction then you can achieve outcomes.

“There’s a whole number of defining factors: Salah is at the highest level he’s been, they’ve seen the decline of other sides in the league but that’s not to diminish Liverpool.

“They romped through the Champions League group – the only competition they didn’t turn up to was the FA Cup and that’s because they chose not to, they’ve got a League Cup to look forward to.

“This isn’t a Liverpool side that has been irreplaceable or the rock and roll era of Jurgen Klopp, but they dug in, bit down on the gum shield and ground out result against a formidable PSG side who are very difficult to play against.”

Xhaka - 'It shouldn't happen'

Granit Xhaka did not hold back with his comments after Bayer Leverkusen were thrashed by Bayern Munich.

The German champions slipped to a 3-0 first leg defeat away to their Bundesliga rivals on Wednesday night.

Leverkusen were also reduced to 10-men as their hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals were all but ended.

With Bayern two goals up, Nordi Mukiele was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Kingsley Coman.

The sending off meant Leverkusen were forced to play the final 28 minutes with 10-men, with Xhaka slamming his team-mate after the match.

He told DAZN: "Despite going behind, we were well into the game. And then we got a stupid red card, which was totally unnecessary.

"It shouldn't happen to us. It was so far from the goal. But I think there are other stories to tell today."

Alisson 'the best in the Premier League history'

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is 'the best goalkeeper of the Premier League era'.

That's the view of the Daily Mail's Dom King who waxed lyrical about the Brazilian goalkeeper following his heroics in Paris.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, King said: "He’s the best goalkeeper to ever play for Liverpool. He’s the best of the Premier League era.

“Last night was spectacular but Alisson doesn’t really make saves for the cameras, he’s so fast at getting into position that he makes things look routine.

“He’s absolutely fabulous and he’s every bit as important to this team as Salah and Van Dijk. He’s off-the-scale brilliant.

“I’m fully respectful of Peter Schmeichel, David Seaman and all the great goalkeepers that we’ve seen but this fella is a different level above.”

'Jose is not stupid!'

Alan Brazil says that he could see Jose Mourinho managing Rangers, even if he would prefer him to lead his beloved Celtic.

The Special One discussed the prospect of managing in Scotland and with the Gers job currently available, it provided a big talking point in the talkSPORT Breakfast studio ahead of tonight's clash between his Fenerbahce side and Rangers in the Europa League.

“Don’t even think about going there, Jose," Brazil said. "There’s only one place to go – don’t even think about it!

“You never know with the new people coming in, the San Francisco 49ers, they’re going to clear the can of worms out, put their own people in and Rangers will come back.”

Responding to Gabby Agbonlahor suggesting that Mourinho will end up in Saudi, Brazil said: “Jose’s got enough money!

“Jose will know that Rangers are a sleeping giant. He’s not stupid, he’s clever and with the right funding and his knowledge it would be interesting.”

Asked if he could see it happening, Brazil said: “Yeah, I could.”

'English Robbery'

Liverpool's Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain has been slated by L'Equipe.

The notoriously brutal French publication claimed that the Reds' 1-0 win over PSG was a 'robbery'.

Luis Enrique's side dominated the game with 71 per cent possession, 27 shots and 10 shots on target - a stark contrast to Liverpool's two shots and one on target.

While Alisson Becker's masterclass in goal played a key role, the Merseysiders were perhaps fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Ibrahima Konate avoided a red card for what appeared to be a professional foul.

But as we all know there's only one stat that matters and that was aided by Harvey Elliott's 87th minute winner as the Parc des Princes which has given Arne Slot's side the advantage in their last-16 tie.

More misery for Magpies

Just when you thought Newcastle's personnel woes before the Carabao Cup final couldn't get any worse.

The Daily Mail report star centre-back Sven Botman is set to undergo a knee operation and will miss Sunday's final against Liverpool.

Botman has not been sighted since Newcastle beat Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on February 5.

The Dutchman has played just six matches for the Magpies all season having only returned from ACL surgery in January.

Also sidelined for Newcastle's Carabao Cup final is left-back Lewis Hall, who is out for the season with a fractured foot.

Star winger Anthony Gordon is out for Sunday's fixture too albeit due to suspension after he was shown a straight red card for striking Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke in the FA Cup.

FULL TIME!

That's tonight's Champions League action wrapped up and what a set of results that was!

A Harry Kane double and a shocking error from Matej Kovar helped Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, gifting Vincent Kompany's side a huge advantage going into the second leg.

Leverkusen will also have to do without Nordi Mukiele, who was sent off following a second yellow card.

In Lisbon, 10-man Barcelona had Raphinha to thank as they beat Benfica 1-0.

Pau Cubarsi's red card in the 22nd minute forced Barca boss Hansi Flick into a slight re-shuffle, but Raphinha saved the day with his second-half strike.

Barcelona's Wojciech Szczesny also played a starring role, keeping out wave after wave of Benfica attacks.

The Portuguese side took a total of 26 shots but Szczesny and his backline helped keep the hosts at bay.

Harvey Elliott helped Liverpool to a major smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital.

Roll on the second legs next Tuesday!

GOAL! Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen - Harry Kane

KANE GETS HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT!

He made no mistake from the penalty spot, blasting past Kovar into the top right corner.

The penalty came about after Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba had his hands all over Kane on a corner and sent him tumbling to the turf.

It was initially missed by Oliver, but after a VAR review the official was left with no choice but to award a penalty as Tapsoba received a yellow card for his troubles.

Bayern are really running away with this tie now...

Tottenham Hotspur will resume their Europa League campaign against AZ on Thursday.

AZ vs Tottenham Hotspur best bets

Draw - 11/4 with SBK

Tottenham over 0.5 goals first half - 7/10 with BetMGM

Son Heung-min to score any time - 7/4 with Betfred

AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur odds

Find the latest match odds for AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.

AZ vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions

So it all comes down to this.

Out of the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, and stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table, Tottenham Hotspur’s season - and possibly Ange Postecoglou’s future - hinges on the Europa League.

Whichever way you look at it, this has been a hugely disappointing campaign for Spurs. They missed out on Champions League qualification by just two points last term; at the time of writing the north Londoners are 13 points adrift of the top five.

In the end they were heavily beaten by Liverpool in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, while Postecoglou’s side fell at the fourth-round stage of the FA Cup.

Winning the Europa League would make up for everything. In fact, it would be the ideal outcome of Tottenham’s season.

Without a trophy since 2008, Spurs are desperate to get that monkey off their back.

They have had some excellent teams and world-class players in the years since then, most notably the sides led by Harry Redknapp and Mauricio Pochettino that contained the likes of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Harry Kane.

Yet Tottenham have continually failed to get their hands on a piece of silverware. Forty-one years have now passed since they last went all the way in a continental competition.

Secondly, a Europa League triumph would earn Tottenham a place in next season’s edition of the Champions League, qualification for which was the club’s primary aim at the start of the campaign.

The bookies have Postecoglou’s team down as favourites to win the Europa League, but there could be a little Premier League bias at play there. Athletic Bilbao and Lazio finished second and first in the league phase and both teams are in good shape as the round of 16 gets under way.

Tottenham are undoubtedly dangerous, though. They are in the advantageous position of being able to place all their eggs in the Europa League basket. Postecoglou is starting to get players back from injury too.

“In Europe, it’s a pretty set path,” Postecoglou said of the tournament’s immovable schedule. “It does give us a chance to map out the rest of our season and also give the players some clearer objectives to how we would tackle it.”

The first of those objectives is to beat AZ on Thursday.

AZ vs Tottenham Hotspur betting tips

AZ host Tottenham Hotspur as the Europa League round of 16 gets under way on Thursday.

Draw

AZ should not be underestimated. They are currently sixth in the Eredivisie, which does not exactly suggest a Europa League winner in waiting, but they beat Fenerbahce and Roma among others in the league phase.

In fact, AZ took 10 points from a possible 12 at home in the first part of the tournament, before beating Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate in the play-offs.

AZ have struggled on their travels so Tottenham should progress over two legs, but they will struggle to come out on top at AFAS Stadion.

Spurs are still without first-choice centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, while AZ showed in a 4-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the home leg that they can be electric going forward.

At the odds available, a draw looks like the way to go.

⚽ Select a draw at 11/4 with SBK ⚽

Tottenham over 0.5 goals first half

AZ’s stadium is not the biggest with a capacity of just under 20,000, but it produces quite a racket when it gets going.

The Dutch team will attempt to feed off that and exploit Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities with a front-footed approach.

Spurs may have to dig in for parts of the first half in particular - and as anyone who has watched them this season knows, that is not exactly a strength of theirs.

At the same time, there will be opportunities for Tottenham to penetrate at the other end of the field.

We like their chances of finding the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes in Alkmaar.

⚽ Back Tottenham to score over 0.5 goals in the first half at 7/10 with BetMGM ⚽

Son Heung-min to score any time

Postecoglou made his priorities clear with his team selection against Manchester City last week, leaving Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence out of his starting line-up.

Those players should now be fresher for the trip to AZ, with all three set to return to the XI here.

Son has not had the best season of his career and it is now clear that the South Korea international is past his peak.

But Son remains a dangerous player and none of his team-mates have scored more goals in the Europa League.

The Tottenham legend can play his part as his team attempt to establish a first-leg lead on Thursday.

⚽ Choose Son Heung-min to score any time at 7/4 with Betfred ⚽

📺 How to watch AZ vs Tottenham Hotspur

Location: AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar, Netherlands.

Date and time: Thursday 6th March, 5.45pm.

How to watch: TNT Sports 3.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

Premier League winner predictions

Premier League top scorer odds

Premier League relegation odds

Champions League winner odds

Championship promotion odds

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing

Only gambles with money they can afford to lose

Never chase their losses

Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed

Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Ange Postecoglou sarcastically fired back at a reporter after being left stunned regarding a question about Yves Bissouma's recent skiing trip.

The Tottenham Hotspur boss was forced to defend the Mali international over clarification on whether the midfielder's mini-getaway was sanctioned.

After a weekend off with Spurs out of the FA Cup, the north London outfit are back in action on Thursday in their Europa League last-16 tie away at AZ Alkmaar.

Ahead of the match, Bissouma took to Instagram on Monday to share images of himself at a ski resort.

And in Postecoglou's pre-match press conference on Wednesday, one reporter looked to quiz the Australian on whether he had given his players time off ahead of a crucial match.

The ex-Celtic boss was left mystified by the question as he closed his eyes in almost disbelief, before having a little chuckle to himself.

Sarcastically responding, the 59-year-old said: "Seriously, what sort of question is that?

"No I didn’t, we were training but he decided to go skiing…

"Come on mate, you’re better than that!"

Refusing to back down, Postecoglou was then asked whether Bissouma did indeed go skiing.

Issuing a bullish response, he remarked: "Well, he obviously did."

As for his views on whether he has any concerns over the leisurely activity, Postecoglou remarked: "I don’t worry about those things, mate.

"They’re adults, they’re human beings, they had a couple of days off.

"They can choose to use that time as wisely as they can to help them be ready for what’s in store for us.

"You kind of hope that they’re sensible about these things and go about whatever they do in a manner that befits the position they hold, but I have no concerns... and he’s fine."

Bissouma is in line to feature for Spurs in their last-16 first leg tie against AZ Alkmaar, who they beat 1-0 during the league phase of the Europa League in October.

The 28-year-old has featured in 32 games in all competitions this season - scoring two goals.

And he will be vying to be named in Postecoglou's line-up having been left on the bench during their previous 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

The Europa League represents Spurs' only chance of silverware this season as they look to win a first trophy since 2008.

Rafael van der Vaart spent only two seasons with Tottenham Hotspur but it was long enough to declare they were 'maybe the best' team he played in.

Van der Vaart moved to north London in 2010 from Real Madrid, where he played alongside a galaxy of superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso, to name five.

Although he left the glamour of Madrid behind, he joined Tottenham at a time when they had numerous stars of their own.

Ledley King, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe were all on the club's books prior to the Dutchman's arrival.

In Van der Vaart's second season, Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kyle Walker all joined to further strengthen Tottenham's impressive squad under then-boss Harry Redknapp.

Even though the team recorded Premier League finishes of fifth and fourth in his two years at the club and failed to land any domestic or continental silverware, Van der Vaart waxed lyrical about the 'fantastic team.'

"Before this interview, I was thinking about that time, you think, 'Wow, that was maybe the best team I ever played in,'" Van der Vaart told talkSPORT Breakfast.

Van der Vaart's first season at White Hart Lane coincided with his best goalscoring return in the league since the 2002/03 campaign with Ajax, as the Dutchman netted 13 times.

A primary reason behind the attacking midfielder's impressive goal return was down to Redknapp and the legendary manager's reluctance to shackle his attacking gem, and a telepathic understanding with Peter Crouch.

It's why Van der Vaart looks back at his entire two-year stint at Tottenham as the time he felt the best on the pitch.

"I think you have different phases in your career," Van der Vaart said.

"Of course, Ajax especially in the beginning. Then I moved to Hamburg and I had a great time.

"But when you look at team, quality, talent and potential ... I think I had the best time at Tottenham.

"Also with Harry Redknapp of course, a coach that I really liked because he gave me so much freedom on the pitch."

Tottenham could certainly do with someone of Van der Vaart's ilk right now given the team sits a lowly 13th in the Premier League, with the Europa League the club's only chance of silverware this term.

Should Ange Postecoglou's side fall short in the Europa League, it would mark the 17th-straight season without a trophy.

As to what Tottenham can do to end a drought unbecoming of a team with their state-of-the-art stadium and training ground, Van der Vaart believed the club must stop overpaying for 'normal' players and instead should be prepared to fork out more for those who will take them to the next level.

"At the end of the day, I think Tottenham always tried to go to the next level, but the last step is the biggest," Van der Vaart said.

"Of course, you can build a new stadium and everything is perfect. If you compare it to my time, we were still on the Chigwell training ground and everything was smaller. White Hart Lane, which for me, was the best ambience I ever played in. Now, everything is big. You want to go to the next step and you don't play like that.

"At the end of the day, they bought so many players for crazy money in my point of view. You can buy less players and buy better ones and pay a little bit more. But now these days, they pay money for normal players."

Van der Vaart added: "At the end, it's the talent of the group and in my days, we had so much talent it was unbelievable."

Van der Vaart and the rest of the Tottenham faithful will have to wait until the summer to see whether Postecoglou and the club heed his advice about how to spend the transfer budget.

But a Europa League trophy would go some way to attracting a higher calibre of players and, at present, is the only way Tottenham feature in Europe next season given their position in the table.

Tottenham believe they are leading the race for Southampton teenage talent Tyler Dibling.

Dibling is expected to leave the south coast once sorry Saints’ return to the Championship is sealed.

The England under-21 international is out of contract in the summer of 2026 and talkSPORT has been told he unhappy with the new deal he has been offered.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy believes that will make it difficult for Saints to stick to their valuation, in excess of £50m.

As well as Spurs, Newcastle and Aston Villa had made initial enquiries around prising the 19-year-old Dibling away from St Mary’s.

Cunha to Arsenal off the cards?

Matheus Cunha’s hot-headedness could cost him his dream move to Arsenal.

Cunha has been the shining light in Wolves’ fight for survival, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.

With his recently-signed contract including a £62.5m release clause, Arsenal are expected to make a strong play for the Brazilian this summer.

But sources have told talkSPORT Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reservations about Cunha’s character.

Cunha was sent off during Wolves’ FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday for lashing out at Milos Kerkez.

The incident comes after he was hit with a two-match ban earlier this season for clashing with a member of Ipswich’s backroom staff.

Liverpool join race for Bournemouth star

Liverpool are set to make a move for sought-after Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Kerkez is ready to leave the Dorset coast after putting himself on the radar of several top Premier League and European clubs with a string of stellar performances for the Cherries.

The notebook has had it confirmed the former AC Milan youngster is on Liverpool’s radar ahead of a summer rebuild at Anfield.

Kerkez was signed by Bournemouth in the summer of 2023 when Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes was in situ at the Vitality Stadium.

He also recently switched agents, paving the way for a potential exit.

Newcastle eye Pope replacement

Newcastle’s interest in Burnley clean sheet king James Trafford has put Nick Pope’s future at St James Park in doubt.

Newcastle are confident of finally signing the £30m rated Trafford this summer, although talk he has already agreed personal terms have been played down to talkSPORT.

With Martin Dubravka signing a new contract and Newcastle still conscious of potential PSR issues, Trafford’s arrival could see them cash in on long-standing number one Pope.

Pope will also want to be playing regularly in the Premier League to enhance his chances of being included in England’s squad for next year’s World Cup.

Harry Redknapp was left with his head in his hands after Benoit Assou-Ekotto admitted he didn't know who Tottenham's blockbuster new signing was.

The year was 2010 and Redknapp was building a promising Spurs side with global superstars aplenty.

While already boasting Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Jermaine Defoe in their roster, Tottenham brought in Rafael van der Vaart on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2010 in an £8million deal that certainly got tongues wagging.

Joining from Real Madrid, the Dutch star was the real deal and seen by many as the last piece of the jigsaw in a Spurs side who were ready to challenge for major honours.

But while the superstar signing left fans very excited, the hype and hysteria of the deal was lost on Assou-Ekotto.

The French defender has a reputation for being an 'anti-footballer' as he saw the game as simply a job and refused to be drawn into the celebrity fanfare that came with life as a Premier League star.

Asked if it's true that Assou-Ekotto didn't like football, his Spurs teammate Sebastien Bassong told Inside Spurs: “That’s 110 per cent true.

“Benoit, I had him on my podcast a long time ago and he found out that he was good at football but he’s so down to earth and he’s now back in France living in a small village and doesn’t do anything.

“He doesn’t travel – he’s travelled too much, that’s what he said, he’s just taking care of his kids.”

Responding to a comment that Assou-Ekotto would be a better fit in today’s game where players are more protected and enjoy more privacy, Bassong said: “He said that he wouldn’t because he’s too truthful.

“If he was saying things he thought that the narrative would be twisted and his words on social media.

“But if you’re talking about Rafa, do you know the story about when Benoit met Rafa (Van der Vaart) for the first time?

“Rafa signed for Spurs on the last day of the transfer window and the next day we had a team photo so Rafa was there and Benoit was late and was sitting next to me and Rafa was coming with Harry (Redknapp).

“Harry was introducing him to everybody and everybody knew who he was because he’d come from Real Madrid.

“He came to Benoit and he said to me, ‘who is that?’

“Harry introduced them and said: ‘Rafa, this is Benoit’ and Benoit was like, ‘what’s your name?’

“He didn’t have a clue about who Rafa Van der Vaart was and Harry got so embarrassed and was like, ‘don’t worry, don’t worry’.

“But that’s how he was. Before a game he’d be playing and he’d ask me, ‘the player I’m up against, is he left-footed or right-footed? I’ll deal with him, just give me some clues'."

That season, Tottenham secured a fifth place finish in the Premier League and made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

They then finished fourth in the Premier League in 2011/12, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the process.

Van der Vaart went on to spend two seasons with Tottenham in which he scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists in 77 games in north London.

Meanwhile, Assou-Ekotto made over 200 appearances for Spurs and is fondly remembered as something of a cult hero for the Lilywhites.

Mathys Tel ignored Harry Kane when naming the best player he has ever played with.

The duo were team-mates at Bayern Munich prior to Tel's loan switch to Tottenham on deadline day.

Kane combined with the Frenchman for four goals in their 42 appearances together since the start of last season.

Both players scored and assisted twice each across those strikes during their time playing together.

However, Tel named a different former Bayern team-mate after being asked to name the best player he has ever played with.

The 19-year-old told TNT Sports: "They are all top players but Sadio Mane was working everyday so hard. After training, before and (up) to the games. So he is an example for me."

Mane and Tel made 11 appearances together during the 2022/23 season, the former's only campaign in Germany.

After signing from Liverpool, he scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances for the club.

Their partnership would come to an end in 2023, though, as Mane was sold to Al Nassr.

Tel also revealed what Kane told him before he joined Spurs during the winter transfer window.

He explained: "He told me ‘you will enjoy it, the training ground is very good. If you need anything just call me and I can help you.’"

Kane previously backed the teenage forward to succeed in North London after his signing was announced.

The England captain said: "Mathys is a great guy, really hard-working, full of potential so it'll be important for him to get some minutes under his belt and some regular game time to develop and keep improving to fulfil all the potential that he has.

"It's great for Tottenham to have a young, hungry player with loads of talent to hopefully score some goals and push Tottenham as far as possible.

"I'm wishing him all the best and hope he has a fantastic time there, I'm sure he will."

Tel's loan spell with Spurs is scheduled to last until the end of the season, with an option to buy included in the deal.

He has so far made five appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring once.

Dele Alli was named in the Como matchday squad for the first time this weekend.

The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder has not played a match in more than two years, but has made the biggest step towards a return.

The 28-year-old was listed on Como's squad for their clash with Roma on Sunday as a debut could be looming.

The club posted their squad sheet with Alli listed as the number 8 and they said: "First one for Dele! We're buzzing, just like you guys."

He started training with Cesc Fabregas' side over Christmas and the club were cautious over what that meant.

"Let’s see. It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more," Fabregas said at the time.

However, it appears Alli quickly proved himself and penned a contract until 2026.

The last time he played a match was back in February 2023, for Besiktas, while on loan from Everton.

A groin injury cut short that temporary spell and he saw his Toffees contract expire in June 2023.

But he had been allowed to use theToffees' Finch Farm training facility to build up his fitness ahead of a potential comeback.

That's when Como stepped in and gave him his chance.

Alli has struggled for regular over the last few years after seeing his role and game time diminish at Tottenham.

He played 269 games for Spurs before signing by Everton for £10million.

Just 13 appearances later, he became a free agent.

Injury problems continued and that stopped him from signing another Premier League contract.

In July 2023, he opened up on how he became addicted to sleeping pills upon his return from the stint in Turkey.

"Now is the right time for me to tell people what's been going on," he said.

"It's tough to talk about because it's something I've hid for a long time.

"I'm scared to talk about it.

"When I came back from Turkey I found out I needed an operation I was in a bad place mentally and I decided to go to a modern day rehab facility for mental health.

"They deal with addiction and trauma. I felt it was time for me.

"You can't be told to go there - you have to know and make the decision yourself or it's not going to work.

"I was caught in a bad cycle and things that were doing me harm."

He also went on to open up about how he was sexually abused as a child by a friend of his mum's.

He said: "Everton were amazing and supported I will be grateful to them forever.

"For them to be so honest and understanding I couldn't ask for anything more during a time I was making the biggest decision of my life - doing something I was scared to do. I'm happy I've done it."

Making the Como squad is a big step back for Alli, having admitted he contemplated retiring when he was 24.

Gareth Bale might be the greatest British footballer of all time, but one former Tottenham player is in no doubt about who his best teammate was.

Bale was at Spurs from 2007 to 2013 and became unplayable in his final two seasons in the Premier League before Real Madrid broke the world record transfer fee to sign him for £85million.

There, he won 15 trophies, including five Champions League crowns, playing an integral part in each victory.

Yet it was a teammate at both Spurs and Real that one former colleague rates above anyone he played with.

Recalling his time alongside Bale at White Hart Lane, Sebastien Bassong told talkSPORT: “When we played [Inter] Milan I was playing alongside him and Samuel Eto’o came to me and said, ‘Who’s that guy?’

“I said, ‘You’re about to find out, he’s gonna retire Maicon’, and he put him in a grave.

“He could have played by himself on the left, left-back and left wing. He was an introvert, he didn’t talk much.”

“But…” Bassong continued. “I’ll still go for Luka [Modric].”

Rating the Croatian legend as his greatest-ever teammate, Bassong explained why the six-time Champions League winner was like no other.

“Luka, we called him Mozart, he’s the best one because he won the Ballon d’Or, at Spurs I’d go for Luka - no doubt,” he began, before explaining the 39-year-old’s leadership qualities.

“Luka isn’t a talker, he’s an introvert by nature, but when Luka spoke everyone listened.

“Luka doesn't get angry, but if he does there’s a reason because he’s so good and efficient. That’s the kind of person you want to follow, when he says something, give the ball to Luka and he’s going to dictate the game.

“One day I had the ball and he came square to me and I didn’t give him the ball because there were two players on his back. He came to me and said, ‘Bass, give me the ball’. I said, ‘Yeah but…’ He said, ‘Just give me the ball!’

“The next time I gave him the ball and he did something amazing, dropped his shoulder and went past two players, out to the right then a Crouchy [Peter Crouch] goal.

“He came back to me and said, ‘What did I tell you, give me the ball!’ I said, ‘Listen boss, from now on I’ll give you the ball!'

"He was a leader, he was the boss, he was a captain and someone you want to follow.”

Modric headed to the Spanish capital a year before Bale in 2012, and created a legacy of one of the game’s greatest ever players.

A World Cup finalist who’s still going strong at 39, Modric received a special tribute after a stunning long-range goal against Girona on February 23.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked if Modric will receive a new contract and become the first player to appear for Los Blancos at the age of 40, and replied: "I have another player who won a Champions League at 40, who was [Paulo] Maldini.

“The two can be compared in terms of what a footballer has to have. There is a genetic element, but above all it is the commitment they have.

“That is the only way to reach 40, like Luka will…”

Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to Djed Spence after Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Tottenham.

The City boss was seen giving Spence a playful slap at full-time while engaging in deep discussion.

It’s not the first time the Spaniard has imparted his words of wisdom on opposition players and the in-form Spence was next on the list.

Spence, who was unlucky to be on the losing side on Wednesday night despite only coming on as a second-half substitute for Destiny Udogie, saw his display appreciated by Guardiola who made a beeline for him after the final whistle.

And in true Guardiola fashion, he showed his appreciation by slapping the 24-year-old in view of the cameras.

Asked what he said to Spence after his side’s win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Guardiola said: “ ‘Why do you run too much? You should be more calm’.

He continued: “[Destiny] Udogie is quite similar, the pace of this team is difficult to… Maybe Liverpool, but they are unbelievable, unbearable, and every time they have the ball and run, they’re unstoppable; Spence, Pedro Porro, Udogie, [Dejan] Kulusevski, [Heung-min] Son.

“It’s an incredibly physical team with a clear idea, they play really good. They played without [Cristian] Romeo and [Micky] van de Ven; two of the best central defenders in the league…”

Spurs gave a good account of themselves particularly in the second half as they pushed to cancel out Erling Haaland’s 12th-minute goal.

Guardiola’s side dominated the early exchanges which saw Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario called into action.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou’s half-time team talk appeared to make a difference to his side’s approach after the interval but were unable to breach a City defence that had kept just one clean sheet in their last ten outings.

Speaking after the match Postecoglou admits his side paid the price for their poor first-half showing.

“First half, I think there was some overeagerness there, especially with the ball,” he said. “I thought we were wasteful and we allowed City to get a bit of rhythm in there and when they do that, they pick you off and obviously scored, granted some good chances in there.

“We hung in there, which is the most important thing, stayed, it was only 1-0 at half-time, second half, we just calmed down a little bit with the ball and really relentless without it, I thought we dominated the whole second half, played in there half, created chances but obviously missing the goal and disappointed to lose.”

“Like I said, we’re missing that sort of final action a little bit but we were just a lot more calmer, a lot more clear-headed in our movements in what we needed to, I just thought in the first half, we were just too eager to try and go and hurt City and we kind of paid the price for that.”

Tottenham’s exit from the FA Cup means they are not back in action until next Thursday when they take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16.

The competition now provides Postecoglou’s men with their only shot at silverware and with that, a potential spot in next season’s Champions League.