The Sun

JACK GREALISH came close to signing for Tottenham, claims the North Londoners' former technical director Steve Hitchen.

Grealish, 29, left Aston Villa for Manchester City for £100million in 2021.

Three years earlier, however, Spurs failed in a £25m bid.

In September 2018, Grealish even admitted: "I thought I was leaving. Before the new owners, Villa needed the money so I kind of accepted that me going would save the club."

Hitchen played a major role in Tottenham's recruitment at the time, before going to leave in 2022 following Fabio Paratici's arrival.

Recently appearing on the Decision Makers podcast, the 48-year-old relived Spurs' failed bid for Grealish.

He said: "We were very close to getting Jack Grealish, which would have been probably one of the best signings.

"Jack Grealish was a 'Tottenham player'. He would have set the place alight.

"He had the skills, he would have got the fans off their seat. He would have been a difference in that time.

"We had Dele at that time and I think those two would have pushed each other as well.

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"To miss out on that player was massive in that period."

Astonishingly, Tottenham did not sign a single player in that 2018 summer transfer window.

They then failed to recruit anyone in January 2019, despite Mousa Dembele leaving for Guangzhou R&F.

Hitchen went on to reveal that Spurs nearly pulled off a huge deal for a Dembele replacement.

He added: "We were really close to getting Frenkie de Jong.

"I think Frenkie de Jong, again, is a 'Tottenham player'. I think he would have made a big difference for us.

"We had to replace the irreplaceable in Dembele. Probably Frenkie could've gone into that position and really succeeded at Spurs."

Since leaving Tottenham, Hitchen has become director of football at talent agency Unique Sports Group (USG).

Live Blog

WHEELER DEALERS

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd dealt Tel blow with forward set for Deadline Day SWITCH, Arsenal ‘STILL in for Watkins’

DEADLINE DAY is HERE as the January transfer window rapidly heads towards a frantic finale at 11pm TONIGHT!

Manchester United have received a major blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, with the 19-year-old set to join Tottenham on loan for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly STILL eyeing up a blockbuster move for Aston Villa superstar Ollie Watkins after having their opening bid rejected earlier in the window.

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Follow all the latest moves with our live blog below...

Spurs bid for Burnley star

Tottenham have launched a £20million bid for Burnley defender Maxime Esteve.

The Frenchman has been a key player under Scott Parker, playing 27 times in the Championship.

Spurs are hoping to lure him to London tonight, according to L’Equipe.

But their £20m offer may not be enough with Burnley holding out for £30m.

Newcastle keep tabs on Kluivert

Newcastle are looking at a move for Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert.

Dad Patrick spent one season at Toon in 2004.

And Justin could become the latest Kluivert to move to St James’ Park after a barnstorming season.

He netted a hat-trick in the Cherries’ 4-1 win against Newcastle earlier this month and is highly rated by Eddie Howe.

Done Deal - Asensio to Villa

Aston Villa have completed the stunning signing of Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Spanish winger joins on a loan deal until the summer.

Asensio won three Champions Leagues during his time at Real Madrid.

And he could make his debut alongside fellow new loanee Marcus Rashford in Sunday's FA Cup tie against Tottenham.

Fofana back at Chelsea

Chelsea have recalled striker David Datro Fofana from his loan at Goztepe.

The 22-year-old has suffered a major knee injury that will keep him out for the season.

And Fofana will undergo his rehab at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivorian joined Chelsea in 2023 for £10million from Molde but has played just four times for the Blues amid loans at Union Berlin and Burnley.

Exclusive – no further United signings

Man United are not expecting to make any further signings - but there could be more outgoings, SunSport can exclusively reveal.

Red Devils chiefs are pleased with the three deals they have completed for Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.

A source told SunSport that United were not prepared to pay over-the-odds for other targets, including loanees with no buy option.

But the club is braced to lose at least one more first-team star tonight following Marcus Rashford and Antony's exits.

Holding set for Palace exit

Rob Holding is set to end his Crystal Palace nightmare with a loan move to Sheffield United.

The defender has barely featured since joining the Eagles from Arsenal.

And he is now set to drop to the Championship as the Blades battle for promotion.

Coventry were also keen on Holding but he wanted to work with Chris Wilder, who has just signed a new long-term deal.

Garnacho staying at United

Man United have decided NOT to sell Alejandro Garnacho amid links with Chelsea and Napoli.

The Argentinian winger was thought to be up for sale this month.

Chelsea and Napoli were both in talks over a deal that could reach over £60million.

But following Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa loan, Garnacho will remain at Old Trafford tonight.

Exclusive by SunSport’s Jack Rosser

Sunderland have launched a bid for Southampton striker Adam Armstrong.

The Championship promotion chasers have lodged a loan bid with Saints for the boyhood Newcastle fan.

There is a lot of Championship interest in the striker, who has struggled for minutes under Ivan Juric and has just two Premier League goals this season.

Southampton do not want to lose the forward on the cheap and he is thought to be reluctant to join Sunderland.

Napoli beat Spurs to striker

Napoli have reportedly won the race for AC Milan striker Noah Okafor.

The Swiss star was a target for Tottenham, who are now set to sign Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel instead.

It means Napoli are unlikely to follow up interest in Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho, who remains in Chelsea’s sights.

While their move for ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin may also be in doubt, leaving the Frenchman stranded at Fenerbahce.

Luiz to stay in Italy

Douglas Luiz is unlikely to return to England today.

The former Aston Villa man was being lined up by both Man City and Chelsea after struggling at new club Juventus.

But City are set to sign Nico Gonzalez from Porto, while Chelsea are set to have a quiet end to the window.

And it means Luiz is set to stay in Serie A until at least the summer.

United suffer fresh blow

Man United could be in the market for late defensive reinforcements.

That’s after Lisandro Martinez was potentially ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

The ace was stretchered off clutching his knee during yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

And it could force United into moving for a short-term centre-back before tonight’s deadline.

Chelsea ‘blocked’ Felix’s Villa move

Chelsea reportedly refused to allow Joao Felix to join Aston Villa.

Fabrizio Romano claims the Blues did not want to strengthen a direct rival in the league.

It means Felix is now set to join AC Milan on loan.

Chelsea also took the same stance when Villa bid for Axel Disasi, with the Frenchman still a target for Tottenham.

Malacia set for Dutch return

Tyrell Malacia is heading back to Holland with PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutch champs are close to wrapping up a loan deal for Man United’s misfit left-back.

Malacia came close to joining Benfica last week before a move collapsed.

But PSV have come to his rescue after United signed a replacement in Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.

Everton line up forward

Everton are reportedly hopeful of landing a new striker today.

And it’s reckoned they are targeting Nottingham Forest ace Taiwo Awoniyi.

The ace has played second-fiddle to Chris Wood this season.

But Forest may be reluctant to let him go in case their Kiwi star suffers an injury.

Kelly's Juventus move 'in doubt'

Lloyd Kelly's Juventus move from Newcastle in doubt.

The centre-back has agreed a loan move to Italy, with the option to make his deal permanent in the summer.

However, Kelly is regarded as a non-EU player and needs a work permit.

And Di Marzio claims Juve are in a race against time to sort his paperwork, which could potentially see the move collapse later tonight.

Disasi to Spurs back on?

A deal to bring Axel Disasi to Tottenham on loan from Chelsea could well be back on!

Earlier in the day, that ship appeared to have sailed given the French defender was holding out for a move to Aston Villa.

But a temporary move from the west of the capital to the North is now a possibility before 11pm.

Tel to Spurs latest

Tottenham are still in discussions over the terms of Mathys Tel's loan switch from Bayern Munich.

German sources seem clear that it will be just a straight loan.

But sources close to Spurs have told SunSport that talks are ongoing over the structure of the deal.

Tel, 19, is in London looking to tie up his shock late switch.

Wolves skipper set to depart

Wolves have agreed an escape-route for former skipper Mario Lemina who is on his way to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The Molineux club have agreed a fee of just under £3million for the 31-year-old Gabon international.

Lemina has not played since telling Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira he wanted to quit the club at the start of January.

The midfielder, whose contract was set to expire this summer, has since apologised and made himself available for selection until his future was resolved.

Now, both parties appear to have settled their differences, paving the way for Lemina to join Galatasaray

Blues land new midfielder

Chelsea have reportedly agreed to sign St-Étienne midfielder Mathis Amougou.

However, the Telegraph claim he will go straight out on loan.

When his move to Chelsea is completes, the teenager is expected to be loaned back out immediately to RC Strasbourg, according to L'Equipe.

Strasbourg is also under Todd Boehly's BlueCo ownership so the club has a close relationship with Chelsea.

Breaking - Coady/Dawson swap collapses

Talks over a potential swap deal between Wolves' Craig Dawson and Leicester City's Conor Coady have collapsed, reports our man Graeme Bryce.

The double-deal was always regarded as a long shot and have not progressed to the satisfaction of all four parties.

It means there will be no fairytale return to Molineux for former Wolves skipper Conor Coady.

While Dawson is likely to remain sidelined by Vitor Pereira at Molineux.

Arsenal still keen on Watkins

Arsenal have not given up hope of signing Ollie Watkins today.

The Independent claims Aston Villa’s star striker remains on Arsenal’s list.

That’s despite the Gunners having a bid rejected for Watkins last week.

Villa have no intention of selling after parting ways with Jhon Duran and want Watkins to stay at Villa Park.

From SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse

Middlesbrough have confirmed Samuel Iling-Junior has signed on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

The winger, 21, spent the first half of the campaign with Serie A side Bologna and featured in the Champions league for the Italians.

The England youth international signed for Villa from Juventus last summer after four years at the Italian giants.

Boro also hope to add former Man City and Leicester star Kelechi Iheanacho to their ranks.

City strike Gonzalez deal

Man City have agreed a £50million deal to sign Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez.

The Barcelona academy product will become City's fourth major signing of the window.

Gonzalez had already agreed personal terms with the champs before Porto accepted a £50m bid.

He plays in the No6 role currently vacated by the injured Rodri, but is also capable of featuring in a more advanced role.

Arsenal urged to sign Vlahovic

Philippe Senderos has told former club Arsenal to pull out all the stops for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

He told CasinoHawks: "Dusan Vlahovic could take Arsenal closer to the title, but Mikel Arteta has a clear idea of how he wants to play and who he wants in that nine position.

"We’ve seen Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz there, but Vlahovic is a fantastic player who has performed in the Italian league and been a success.

"It’s difficult to judge him this season, but he could certainly have a big impact in the Premier League, why not."

MATHYS TEL has made a dramatic U-turn after agreeing to join Tottenham on loan, reports say.

Tel and his agent Gadiri Camara shared pictures of them travelling to London in a private jet today on deadline day.

Tel will join Spurs until the end of the season, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

It is a straight loan deal, with NO option to buy in the forward's short-term clause, meaning he will return to Germany in the summer.

The structure of the deal is still being negotiated but Bayern have accepted Tel's decision to try his luck in the Premier League.

Agent Camara posted snaps of him and Tel looking suited and booted in a luxury private plane on Instagram hours before the close of the window at 11pm tonight.

It comes just days after Tel snubbed the chance to switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 19-year-old allegedly turned the North London club down, with Manchester United and Arsenal both interested at the time.

Spurs had been negotiating with the French teenager after reportedly agreeing a £50million deal with Bayern.

And chairmanDaniel Levy even jetted to Germany to help try to seal a deal before Tel refused it.

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But now the teenager has seemingly gone back on his decision to reject Tottenham and will join Ange Postecoglou's side.

They are expected to cover his full salary until the deal expires in June.

Tel has been a fringe player at Bayern this season, playing only 344 minutes across their Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.

He is yet to score this term, but at 19 remains a thrilling talent.

He scored nine goals and provided six assists across the Bundesliga and Europe last season - and mostly as a substitute.

Bayern paid roughly £23m to land him from French side Rennes at the age of only 17 in 2022.

Once confirmed, Tel will be Spurs' fourth signing of the January window.

His addition would come as a huge boost to boss Postecoglou, who has been calling for “help” to his frontline all transfer window.

Kevin Danso was signed from RC Lens on Sunday on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £20m in the summer.

And 18-year-old Korean star Yang min-hyeok came during the first days of the window.

Before young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was thrown straight into the starting XI after signing for £13.3m from Slavia Prague.

Tel might jump start into Prem duties too, with Tottenham currently suffering from a horrific injury crisis.

Spurshave NINE first-team players sidelined through injury, including Radu Dragusin and defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.

Keeper Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also out.

Postecoglou's men sit 14th in the Prem, after winning just eight of their 24 games this season.

Spurs had hoped to bring in Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, but the France international joined Juventus instead.

They currently have £65million striker Solanke sidelined and not expected back for another couple of weeks due to a knee injury.

I’m not going to talk about any individuals.

“We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.

“I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.

“We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.

"We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time.”

TOTTENHAM have made a shock approach for Chelsea star Axel Disasi, according to reports.

Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his squad with his side on the brink of being pulled into a relegation battle.

Chelsea are supposedly trying to offload Disasi before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night.

Reporter Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs have made a late move for the French centre-back.

But Tottenham are already behind in the race for his signature as Aston Villa have already agreed personal terms with him.

Villa are pushing hard to bring in Disasi after Diego Carlos' exit and Tyrone Mings' latest injury blow.

The player will supposedly decide on his future this weekend.

Spurs have turned their attention to Disasi after Radu Dragusin joined their lengthy injury list during Thursday night's 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League.

In their scramble to find another centre-back, they have already been turned down by Fikayo Tomori, who wants to stay at AC Milan.

Spurs are also struggling to convince attackers to join after being rejected by Mathys Tel.

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The club had agreed a £50millon deal with Bayern Munich for the forward and chief Daniel Levy flew out to Germany to seal the deal.

But the 19-year-old star has opted to stay and fight for his place at Bayern.

Spurs also enquired about Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, but looks set to remain at Old Trafford.

Amid an injury crisis and poor form, Postecoglou is in danger of being sacked.

The under-fire boss summed up his frustrations, saying: "Every time I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it's usually been an oncoming train."

TOTTENHAM have been rejected by Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.

Spurs had been negotiating with the French teenager after agreeing a £50million deal with Bayern.

The North Londoners had hoped that the allure of guaranteed game time would help attract Tel, despite them being 15th in the Premier League.

And chairman Daniel Levy even jetted to Germany to help try to seal a deal.

Despite Levy's efforts, the 19-year-old has opted to turn Tottenham down.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa all remain "in contact" regarding a swoop for Tel.

But Spurs will now move onto other targets.

Ange Postecoglou's side have also been linked with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.

While Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling has also been discussed.

Spurs are also looking at possible defensive reinforcements, with a swoop for AC Milan's former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori in the works.

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Tel, meanwhile, has been struggling for minutes at Bayern and told the club's hierarchy he wants out this week.

He only signed a new deal at Bayern Munich last March and is currently contracted to the club until 2029.

But the versatile attacker has made just five starts across all competitions this season with manager Vincent Kompany looking elsewhere in his squad to find contributions in front of goal.

The former Stade Rennais starlet had a more fruitful campaign last term, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in the Bundesliga.

Some reports claim that Tel is yet to make a decision on if he wants to leave Bavaria on a permanent of temporary basis, with Bayern open to both options.

A Premier League switch before Monday's deadline remains a strong possibility, just not to Tottenham.

TOTTENHAM suffered yet another injury blow as Radu Dragusin was forced off.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou vented his frustration with recent squad setbacks ahead of Thursday's Europa League win over Elfsborg.

He planned to take off centre-back Micky van de Ven at half-time against to ensure he keeps his backline fresh.

But it was replacement Dragusin who picked up a knee injury when the defender went down off the ball after a tussle with striker Jalal Abdullai.

He was taken off - replaced by forward Dane Scarlett - as replays revealed Dragusin coming down on his knee awkwardly.

TNT Sports' Glenn Hoddle: "That looks quite serious because look, he plays the ball there and then he's landed and wow, he holds his knee."

Spurs have NINE first-team players sidelined through injury, including defenders Djed Spence, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.

Keeper Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also out.

Postecoglou - who has blamed Tottenham's woeful league form on injuries - did make light of Dragusin's knock.

The outspoken Aussie pretended to pull his hamstring when stretching for a ball that went out of play.

Spurs cruised into the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to goals in the final 20 minutes from Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore.

And on Dragusin's injury, he said: "It is too early to say what it is, we will need to investigate further.

"But it was his knee which is not good.

"We have another game on Sunday. The club will be working hard behind the scenes to see if we can get something done."

Live Blog

EURO VISION

Europa League LIVE SCORES: FCSB vs Man Utd on NOW plus updates from Tottenham vs Elfsborg as last 16 race reaches climax

THE final league phase matches of the Europa League are taking place RIGHT NOW.

Manchester United travel to FCSB knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the top eight of the table and automatic qualification to the last 16.

A draw may well be enough for the Red Devils as they sit two points above the knockout play-off spots.

It's a little more complicated for out-of-form Tottenham, who only have one point more than the teams in 9th and 10th.

A win for Spurs over Elfsborg would guarantee automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League.

TV channel: TNT Sports (various)

Live stream: discovery+

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Midtjylland 1-0 Fenerbahce

Jose Mourinho's side have fallen behind to a goal from Diao.

That means his team drop into the bottom segment in the table which would mean an early departure from Europe.

The hosts cement their play-off spot as a result also.

From Dan King at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Lucas Bergvall got a big cheer from the away fans when his name was announced, in recognition of a fellow Swede making his name in the Premier League.

The Elfsborg supporters will be even happier with the teenager now as he's given the ball away a number of times already. Ange Postecoglou has told him twice to calm down.

A pretty low-key start to this game otherwise, a few openings down the left for Spurs but no tough saves yet for Pettersson.

Athletic Club 1-0 Viktoria Plzen

Nico Williams is the scorer for the Spanish outfit.

That moves them up to third spot, leapfrogging both Tottenham and Man Utd.

Latest Europa League scores

Ajax 1-0 Galatasaray

Anderlecht 1-0 Hoffenheim

Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Viktoria Plzen

Braga 1-0 Lazio

Dynamo Kiev 0-0 FK RFS

FC Twente 0-0 Besiktas

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

Ferencvaros 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

Lyon 0-0 Ludogorets

Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-0 Porto

Midtjylland 0-0 Fenerbahce

Nice 0-0 Bodo/Glimt

Olympiacos 0-0 Qarabag

Rangers 1-0 Union Saint-Gilloise

Roma 0-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

Real Sociedad 0-0 PAOK

Slavia Prague 0-0 Malmo

Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg

View of Craig Mahood watching Rangers vs Union SG

A bit of a stop-start opening 25 minutes but Rangers have that all important lead.

You have to feel for Leon King, who sees his big opportunity end just 13 minutes in after a head knock.

Nico Raskin won't have believed his luck to have a free header from seven yards to open the deadlock.

The delivery from James Tavernier was absolutely different class but this makeshift back four are sure to be tested.

Ajax 1-0 Galatasaray

Akpom shoots from the edge of the box and the keeper makes a save.

Traore hits the loose ball first time to give the Dutch side the lead.

As things stand

Well, well, well. Rangers move up to NINTH in the table with that opener.

Ironically, a Manchester United goal would move Gers into the top eight as things stand.

Fenerbahce or Braga - who are leading Lazio at the moment to save their Europa League campaign - the current potential opponents for Rangers as things stand.

Rangers 1-0 Union SG

They play a corner short and as it is whipped into the box, Raskin is completely unmarked at the back post.

He heads into the far corner to give Rangers the lead.

Goal - Nicolas Raskin (Rangers)

FCSB 0-0 Man Utd

Hojlund gets to the byline and cuts it back to Mainoo who is completely unmarked on the penalty spot.

He takes it on first time and sends it sailing over the crossbar.

The young midfielder last scored for the Red Devils in the FA Cup final, an area of his game that must improve.

Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg

Nearly 80% of the ball has gone Spurs' way so far.

Sadly for the home fans, they are shooting like stormtroopers currently.

As things stand

Well, not much changes for the three British sides as their potential opponents remain the same.

Such is the complete borefest of the opening quarter of an hour.

Rangers 0-0 Union SG

The battle seems to be in the middle of the park but Rangers are putting pressure on but are lacking that final pass.

So far in this one, neither side has had a shot on or off target.

Rangers 0-0 Union SG

The defender has barely had a sniff with Philippe Clement clearly not an admirer.

A few minutes in he has a head knock after an accidental clash. Five minutes later when chasing back, he goes to ground and clearly signals that he's seeing double.

Huge disappointment for him given the huge opportunity he had tonight. He's replaced by Ross McCausland.

Ferencvaros 1-0 AZ

Ben Romdhane with a brilliant header, diving backwards and cushioning it towards the top corner.

That goal takes them from 22nd to 15th in the table.

Braga 1-0 Lazio

Braga on the other hand, need victory to stay in Europe.

They have made the perfect start with an early goal from Ricardo Horta.

As a cross comes into the box, he sweeps it into the bottom corner as the stadium erupts.

FCSB 0-0 Man Utd

There is no urgency to get through the transitions to attack quickly, happy to just pass it around.

Hojlund is already dropping deep looking for the ball.

He spends so little time in the penalty area, his lack of goals should not be rocket science to the coaching staff.

Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg

Spurs pile forward and it is worked to Son out wide.

He cuts inside and looks to get a shot away but it is a routine save for the keeper.

Elfsborg look keen to get forward also, they are playing for their European status this evening.

Action, drama and surprises lay ahead

We are almost ready for kick-off in all the Europa League games.

The beauty of this format means that the table can change multiple times throughout the night.

If we have anywhere near as many goals as last night, we are all in for a treat once again.

English teams with important goal

Both Man Utd and Tottenham will be looking for one specific outcome this evening, to secure a top eight finish.

It rewards the teams who finish in those places automatic qualification to the last 16 which frees up two weeks of not having to play.

With their struggles in the Premier League this season, that is key for them to have any hope of changing their fortunes in the remainder of the campaign.

Pre-match feeling at Ibrox

Both Rangers and Union SG are safely in the play off round heading into this final game.

Gers are two spots ahead of the visitors heading into the contest but only down to goal difference.

The atmosphere really building at Ibrox as it usually does on these Thursday nights. With a chance to sneak into the top eight, it'll be all systems go on the back of two very encouraging performances.

They would need five other results to go their way for that to happen but it's not out of the realms of possibility.

Leon King is in for his first start since May which is a big call from the manager but needs must at this point.

Belgian feeling good about style

Despite being all but assured of their progression, Clement was asked whether the focus will be on trying to force themselves into the top eight this evening:

Yes like always, we always play for the win. You saw against Man Utd we always play for the win. We miss six defensive players today, which is massive.

Philippe Clement

Clement needing point in Glasgow

Rangers know what is required in their final league match tonight.

They will need at least a point to guarantee their play-off spot in the final league table.

Not that will be the focus for Philippe Clement, he will want a convincing win in front of their own fans.

View from SunSport's Tom Barclay in North London

TOTTENHAM'S objective is clear: Beat Elfsborg tonight, and they are through to the last 16 of the Europa League without a pesky play-off next month.

Their Swedish opponents are currently in their own pre-season and have only played two competitive games since December 12.

But both of those were 1-0 victories in this competition against Qarabag and Nice, underlining the threat Oscar Hiljemark's side pose.

Micky van de Ven makes his first start since December 8 after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea.

While 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore starts out wide in Ange Postecoglou's starting XI.

Away from the game, Spurs are trying to bolster their injury-hit squad and have made a £50million approach for Bayern Munich's wantaway forward Mathys Tel.

Live Blog

DONE DEALS

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd seal ‘£30m deal’, Neymar set for stunning move, Arsenal and Spurs ‘eye Williams’

THE January transfer window is heating up with some MEGA moves in the pipeline as Deadline Day rapidly approaches on Monday, February 3.

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu.

Elsewhere, Neymar is set for an emotional return to boyhood club Santos, after his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal was terminated.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly willing to meet the £48.5m release clause for 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Elsewhere, Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Patrick Dorgu.

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Man Utd close on defender

Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Patrick Dorgu, according to reports in Italy.

It is claimed Dorgu will make an immediate switch to Old Trafford for an initial £29million - with a further £4m in possible add-ons.

Dorgu, 20, joined Lecce in 2022 and made his senior debut at the beginning of last season.

He has racked up 57 appearances for the Serie A club, chipping in with five goals, too.

Potter eyes striker reunification

West Ham are currently the frontrunners to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on a loan deal before the end of the month, according to the Daily Mail.

A troubled time with injury has meant that the 20-year-old striker, who burst onto the scene as a teenager under Graham Potter at Brighton, has found it difficult to pin down a place in the team.

The Republic of Ireland international has only made two Premier League starts for the Seagulls this season and hasn't featured in any capacity since December.

Chelsea pair set to leave

Chelsea have begun their latest clearout with Renato Veiga joining Juventus on loan and Aston Villa closing in on a deal for Axel Disasi.

Veiga, who joined Chelsea from Basel last summer, will spend the remainder of the campaign in Italy after Juventus agreed to pay a loan fee of almost £4million and cover his wages in full. Juventus do not have an option to make the move permanent.

Villa, meanwhile, are in talks with Chelsea over the terms of a loan move for Disasi, with a loan fee and salary coverage still under discussion.

Neymar set for emotional return

Neymar rolled credits on his hapless stint in Saudi Arabia as he had his contract with Al Hilal terminated by mutual consent.

The star forward moved to the Saudi Pro League from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and signed a whopping £2.5million-a-week deal with the club.

However, the Brazil international endured a series of injury setbacks, including a devastating cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 season.

The 32-year-old only managed one goal and three assists in a mere seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.

And now, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Neymar is heading back to Santos.

The versatile forward burst onto the scene with the Brazilian giants where he amassed a staggering 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances.

That led to a big move to Barcelona in 2013 where he registered 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches during a four-year stint that included two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the 2015 Champions League.

Wolves chase Disasi

Wolves are looking to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Chelsea's Axel Disasi.

The Blues defender is wanted by both West Midlands clubs after falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Villa are in pole position with boss Unai Emery looking for new players after selling Diego Carlos and seeing Tyrone Mings hit by a fresh knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to West Ham.

Wolves are considering him as an option, with boss Vitor Pereira believing they are one centre-back short as they battle for Premier League survival.

They started the season with four but lost Yerson Mosquera for the entire season to a knee ligament injury.

Under the new coach, they play with three at the back, and veteran Craig Dawson has to be managed at 34.

Disasi has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. He has started just three Premier League games all season.

Napoli 'set to resume talks for Garnacho'

Italian giants Napoli are expected to go in for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho once again before the window shuts.

The Serie A side are hopeful of reaching an agreement in principle with the 20-year-old, but they are reliant on the Red Devils lowering their current demands.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Garnacho, but they have not shown official interest at this moment.

United are reportedly reluctant to sell the winger, but if a sizeable bid comes in, they are not in the financial position to turn it down.

Villa eye move for Joao Felix

Aston Villa could move for Chelsea's Joao Felix as Emi Buendia looks to be leaving the club.

Villa winger Buendia is close to agreeing a loan to Bayer Leverkusen, which includes an option to make the deal permanent for £17million.

Buendia, 28, signed a one-year contract extension until 2027 on Sunday.

But his future appears to be away from Villa Park with boss Unai Emery looking for his replacement.

And the Spaniard could move for 25-year-old Blues forward Joao Felix.

Felix was Emery’s top summer target before the Portugal star’s £38.4m move from Atletico Madrid to Stamford Bridge.

And, with Felix starting just three times in the Premier League so far this season, Villa could reignite their interest before the January transfer window closes.

Whether a move would be permanent or on loan may depend on another piece of business.

City sign defender

Manchester City have signed Christian McFarlane from New York City FC.

The 18-year-old left-back has become the first homegrown player at NYCFC to progress to a Premier League club.

Biggest deals this month

Manchester City have been the biggest spenders in the Premier League this season as they look to recover from a poor start to the season.

However, PSG's signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli is the most expensive deal of the month so far.

Here is a look at the biggest transfers that have happened this month...

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain) – £59.1m

Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt to Man City) - £63.2m

Abdukodir Khusanov (RC Lens to Man City) – £33.7m

Vitor Reis (Palmeiras to Man City) – £29.6m

Luiz Henrique (Botafogo to Zenit St Petersburg) – £27.9m

Elye Wahi (Marseille to Frankfurt) – £21.9m

Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund to Aston Villa) – £21.1m

Jaden Philogene (Aston Villa to Ipswich) – £20m

Claudinho (Zenit Saint Petersburg to Al-Sadd) – £16.91m

Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims to Wolves) – £16.76m

Fox on loan

Leicester City have loaned out midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

The ace has joined Sheffield United until the end of the season.

The Blades will have the option to purchase the midfielder at the end of the campaign.

Striker deal sealed

Sevilla have signed Montpelier star Akor Adams.

The striker has moved on a deal worth £4.6million.

Neymar leaves Saudi

Neymar has left Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal by mutual consent.

A statement from the Saudi club read: "Al-Hilal and Neymar agree to end contractual relationship by mutual consent.

"Thanks Neymar and good luck."

The former PSG and Barcelona star only played seven times for Al-Hilal due to injuries.

He is expected to return to Brazil and sign for boyhood club Santos.

Balotelli on the move?

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli could be on the move once again in his career.

The Italian joined Genoa just 58 days ago but has struggled to get regular minutes.

Genoa director Marco Ottolini has confirmed that Balotelli could be on his way out of the club.

He said: "Mario wants to play and here he’s not finding enough space, so we’re looking for a good solution for all parties”

Chelsea star gone

Chelsea have announced that Renato Veiga has completed his loan move to Juventus.

He was seen at the Italian club's training ground earlier to undergo his medical.

TAA 'close to Madrid'

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly extremely close to a move to Real Madrid.

Reports have claimed that a deal to take the Liverpool star is 98 per cent done.

Ferguson gaining Spain interest

Evan Ferguson is reportedly gaining interest from LaLiga side Real Betis.

The striker is expected to leave Brighton and Hove Albion this month on loan.

The Irishman is struggling for gametime and could benefit from a move to Spain.

West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in his signature.

Ace urged to reject United

Patrick Dorgu's former manager has urged him to reject Manchester United.

Jens Fonnskov Olsen managed Dorgu when he was part of Denmark's Under-19s setup.

He told Tipsbladet: "If I have to be a little cheeky, I hope he chooses something other than Manchester United right now.

"I don't know if it's a bad fit, but they're just in a period where... I don't know if you can afford to say no to United, but maybe somewhere where there's a little more structure and where things fit in with his pace.

"Sometimes things have to go in the right order, if you can say it like that.

"The thing is that there are many paths to the goal."

Bee gone

Brentford star Mads Roerslev has left the club for the remainder of the season.

The defender has joined Wolfsburg on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The Bundesliga side have the option to purchase Roerslev in the summer.

Blue exit

Axel Disasi is in talks over a January transfer to Aston Villa.

The Chelsea defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back, is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

And SunSport understands negotiations are well underway between the two Premier League clubs over a deal for Disasi, 26.

However, Disasi is attracting interest from several clubs - including Villa's West Midlands neighbours Wolves.

Face off

Victor Boniface is reportedly being targeted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed the club are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a transfer for the striker.

Leverkusen is believed to want £42million for the striker.

West Ham have been previously linked with the Nigerian star.

Buendia loan

Emi Buendia is also an option for Bayer Leverkusen.

The out-of-favour Aston Villa midfielder could also be on his way to Germany.

It has been reported that he could join Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy.

The buy option could cost upwards of £16.8million.

City slicker

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly approached Manchester City over a deal for James McAtee.

Fabrizio Romano has reported the Bundesliga giants have made a loan offer with an option to buy for the star.

It is claimed that Xabi Alonso is a huge fan of the attacker but City are reluctant to let him leave.

Forest in Luiz line

Nottingham Forest are reportedly waiting to make a move to sign Douglas Luiz.

The Daily Mail have reported the Premier League surprise package could make a move for the end of the transfer window.

However, the Tricky Trees face competition from Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Fulham.

WHEN the anti-Daniel Levy noise cranks up, it usually leads to change at Tottenham.

The change that fans are demanding right now is in the boardroom — but usually that ends up coming in the dugout.

And, yet, the chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.

That is despite Spurs slumping to 15th and being in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle.

Although the Aussie reacted snappily to a fan accusing him of just that as he walked down the tunnel after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester.

And this despite the ‘Levy Out’ chants during, and after, that miserable home defeat to the Foxes — who had lost their previous seven on the spin — reaching new decibel levels.

As well as the chants, banners were unfurled in the stands which included one saying: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy . . . TIME FOR CHANGE.”

The question is, why is Levy sticking by Postecoglou right now?

It is baffling the football world and is multi-faceted in its answer.

First of all, the dismissals Levy has presided over — and there have been 12 permanent ones during his near-quarter of a century at the helm — have normally been preceded by a relationship breakdown between himself and the manager.

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That was the case with Harry Redknapp and later with Mauricio Pochettino, whose comments to the media towards the end of his reign irked Levy.­

But that fracturing does not appear to have happened with Postecoglou, who has resisted every opportunity to criticise the Spurs higher-ups publicly.

In this painfully quiet transfer window, staggeringly, Spurs have recruited no outfield players despite their injury crisis.

Yet the nearest that Postecoglou has come to a pointed comment has been to say the club would be “playing with fire” by not signing anyone.

Player power has had an influence, too. Nuno Espirito Santo — now flying high with Nottingham Forest — was sacked after just ten Prem games in part after losing the dressing room.

Italian firecracker Antonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no return in that amazing press-conference meltdown at Southampton in March 2023... and was gone soon after.

The chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.

Yet Postecoglou’s crocked squad, by all accounts, are just about still behind him.

Then there is the fact Levy has tried chopping and changing managers before — the average tenure of a boss during his reign has been 23 months — to little effect.

And Pochettino’s five-plus years in charge heavily skews that figure.

So the supremo, who celebrates his 63rd birthday next month, has tried a different tack in recent years.

It used to be that he was involved in just about everything.

Harry Kane would go on to become the greatest player in the club’s history but back when he was a teenager, you would not expect the chairman to be as heavily involved in an academy player’s contract negotiations as Levy was back then.

Yet that has eased off of late, to a certain extent, with the likes of Rebecca Caplehorn — director of football administration and governance — technical director Johan Lange and Scott Munn, chief football officer and de facto No 2 to Levy, taking more prominent responsibilities.

These are among the individuals Levy is understood to consult when weighing up big calls.

Along with external individuals like Leon Angel, head of leading sports agency CAA Base, former managing director of football Fabio Paratici and, in years gone by, David Pleat.

The new approach does not mean patience with Postecoglou will last forever at Spurs.

But there is considerable sympathy for his crock crisis, with ten senior players out injured against Leicester.

While there is also cause for hope from the cup competitions and Europe.

Victory over Elfsborg on Thursday night will secure a last-16 spot in the Europa League.

And winning the competition outright would not only end the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also get them back into the Champions League.

Spurs are joint-favourites to win that competition and should have some senior players back for the knockout stages.

And how easy would it be to hire a replacement for Postecoglou right now anyway?

Consider the months-long pursuits of successors to Jose Mourinho and Conte, when Kane was still at the club and Tottenham’s position in the league was relatively strong (seventh and fourth respectively).

Even if they managed to prise someone like Andoni Iraola away from high-flying Bournemouth, he would still have the same injury problems and the same inexperienced squad.

But the other factor is, this time, changing the manager would not quell the anger from supporters towards Levy. If anything, it would increase it.

It is questionable whether that deflection strategy even worked in the past but were Levy to do it now, all the heat would be on him and him alone.

'The trust looks to have gone'

That may be the case already, and certainly seemed to be on Sunday as enraged supporters called for his head.

The trust looks to have gone with a number of fed-up fans, whose gripes include controversial change to season-ticket concessions and a reduction in wage-bill spending.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 41, reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbase.

The Dutchman told SunSport: “He’s quite open. His office is always open to have a chat.

“I know that his love for Tottenham is massive. He won’t approach players that quick — but he is far more approachable than people know.

“Maybe if he would be a bit more open in public, people would then understand more what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.”

A protest against Levy and the ownership is planned ahead of next month’s home game against Manchester United by activists Change for Tottenham.

These calls-to-arms have not had the desired effect in the past.

The ENIC Group even marginally increased their majority shareholding to 86.91 per cent in December, which does not hint at an imminent exit.

Yet Jamie Coughlan, of Change for Tottenham, said: “The pressure the fans are cranking up will have an effect.

“Whilst ultimately he is the chairman, the club is still owned by ENIC.

“The bad press that we are creating may affect future sponsorship deals or partnerships, which could lead to the real ownership looking to sell.

“What I think has changed is the fact it won’t be long before he has severe pressure placed on him elsewhere.”

Those who have worked with Levy talk about his extraordinarily thick skin.

But that last point could have some validity. Levy is on record as saying the club are looking for fresh investment.

Should potential investors be put off by a toxic atmosphere in the ground, maybe that could affect Levy’s thought process.

Likely it would far more than how he is perceived by supporters.

But Levy does not appear to be going anywhere and, for now at least, the same can be said for his manager.