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Dele Alli could make shock return to UK with Wrexham as three clubs 'emerge as transfer frontrunners'

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Dele Alli tipped for Wrexham with '3 clubs emerging as frontrunners' to sign him - The Sun
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DELE ALLI has been linked with three clubs amid his efforts to rekindle his struggling career - and could end up at Wrexham.

Dele, 29, was at one stage among the Premier League's top players after bursting onto the scene with Tottenham in 2015.

The midfielder went on to amass 269 appearances during an impressive seven-year stint at Spurs, for whom he played in the Champions League final six years ago.

However, the former England international fell out of favour during the latter stages of his time with the North Londoners.

That led to his departure in 2022 and three unsuccessful stints at Everton, Besiktas and most recently Como.

Dele left Serie A after Cesc Fabregas's side confirmed last Monday that the versatile midfielder's 18-month contract was terminated following a mutual agreement.

The ex-Tottenham star managed a mere nine minutes of football at Como.

That took place in a Serie A match at AC Milan in March that saw him get sent off after a challenge on former England team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Those are the only minutes of football Dele has played in the last two-and-a-half years.

But despite his lack of game time, the once football prodigy is looking for a dramatic comeback.

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According to The Mail, there is interest for the fallen star that could lead to a return to the Premier League.

Championship sides Wrexham, Birmingham City and West Brom have all been linked with Dele.

The Dragons could help him regain his star value thanks to Hollywood celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The same goes for Birmingham as minority owner and NFL legend Tom Brady's star value could rub off on Dele.

And both teams have been enjoying tremendous success the last few years as they climbed up the ranks in the EFL and pose as legitimate contenders for Premier League promotion this season.

And West Brom are currently second in the Championship, which means they can wreck Wrexham and Birmingham's plans.

The Baggies are also coached by Dele's former Tottenham team-mate Ryan Mason, who brought him back in from the cold during his interim stint in charge of Spurs back in 2021.

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Tottenham REJECT two takeover approaches including one from former Newcastle owner after Daniel Levy's exit

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Tottenham REJECT two takeover approaches including one from former Newcastle owner after Daniel Levy's exit - The Sun
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TOTTENHAM have rejected two takeover approaches already since Daniel Levy's shock exit.

And one of those came from former Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley.

Levy's surprise departure as executive chairman last week fuelled speculation over a possible takeover.

ENIC - who hold 87 per cent of Tottenham - insist the club is not for sale and Spurs' statement on Thursday said there would be no changes to the ownership.

But Staveley submitted a "preliminary expression of interest" in the North London club through her PCP International Finance Limited company.

A second attempt - also coming since the Levy news - was made by a consortium led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng.

Tottenham confirmed both approaches with a statement on Sunday night - and revealed they had been "unequivocally rejected".

Spurs said: “The Board of Tottenham Hotspur Limited is aware of recent media speculation and confirms that its majority shareholder, Enic Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd, has received, and unequivocally rejected, separate preliminary expressions of interest in relation to proposals to acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of Enic from (i) PCP International Finance Limited and (ii) a consortium of investors led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited (the consortium).

“As a consequence of Enic’s majority ownership interest in Tottenham Hotspur, were any offer made to acquire Enic and complete, a mandatory offer would be required under Rule 9 of the code to acquire the shares of Tottenham Hotspur not already held by Enic.

“The Board of the Club and Enic confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and Enic has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the club.

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“In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the code, each of PCP and the consortium is separately required, by not later than 5pm on 5 October 2025, to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for the company in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer for the company, in which case their respective announcements will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies."

The Times report that UK takeover laws mean Staveley's PCP will need to put out of a statement on Monday to confirm whether or not they plan to submit a formal offer for Tottenham.

Staveley helped broker Manchester City's 2008 sale to Sheikh Mansour before playing a key role in the Saudi's £305million takeover from Mike Ashley at Newcastle in 2021.

Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi had a six per cent stake in the Magpies as the Public Investment Fund and Reuben family took the majority of the shares.

However, it was claimed the couple were pushed out of Newcastle last summer, with Staveley describing her exit as "painful".

Now she is evidently keen to get involved in another Premier League takeover at Tottenham.

ENIC used to be run by British billionaire Joe Lewis but is now headed up by his children Vivienne and Charles.

They have been the pair behind the shake-up at Spurs in recent months, which also saw former Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham brought in as CEO, before pushing Levy out.

However, ENIC is owned by the Tavistock Group, of which Levy's son Joshua is the co-chief executive, leading to comparisons to TV show Succession due to the family power and dynamics at play.

Rather than look to sell, though, SunSport understands the Lewis family are weighing up putting in more cash themselves.

Spurs are now believed to be worth around £4BILLION, thanks in part to the building of their £1.2bn stadium which Levy oversaw during the 2010s.

They were valued by football number-crunchers Deloitte in January as the ninth richest club in the world, making £520m in the 2023-24 campaign.

Tottenham also made the most profit of any Premier League club over the course of Levy's 25 years in charge, £167m up.

Levy handled the transition to one of the world's best football stadiums and earned a reputation as a tough negotiator when it came to transfers.

But his hard-line approach was arguably his undoing, refusing to spend big on transfer fees or wages.

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Daniel Levy sacked me as Tottenham boss at 10:30pm the night before a game - Spurs don't realise what they're losing

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Daniel Levy sacked me as Tottenham boss at 10:30pm the night before a game - Spurs don't realise what they're losing - The Sun
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GUS POYET has lifted the lid on his brutal Tottenham sacking, revealing Daniel Levy booted him at 10.30pm the night BEFORE a game.

The former Premier League star, 57, spent one year as Spurs’ assistant boss under Juande Ramos between October 2007 and 2008.

Poyet, who also played for Spurs between 2001 and 2004 after achieving cult status at rivals Chelsea, helped the north Londoners to League Cup glory over the Blues.

He also oversaw the arrival of fan favourite and future Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric.

But Poyet and Ramos were given the boot after Tottenham picked up two points from eight Premier League matches.

And the Uruguayan has now opened up over the brutal decision made by Levy, whose time as Spurs’ executive chairman came to an end on Thursday.

Speaking exclusively to Oddspedia, Poyet revealed that Levy dumped him and Ramos at 10.30pm ahead of the next day’s game against Bolton before hiring Harry Redknapp.

The FA Cup and Copa America winner admits the decision came as a major shock.

But Poyet believes it showed just how ruthless Levy was.

And he feels Spurs may live to regret his exit after the ex-chief gave them a shiny new stadium, a stunning training ground and a first-ever European trophy in May.

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Poyet, now manager of South Korean side Jeonbuk, said: “My relationship (with Levy) was professional, very respectful. We didn't have any issues. From day one to the last, he was very honest with me.

“It was a little bit strange how we left. We were sacked the night before a game. We were at the hotel.

“We were ready to sleep and play a game the next day, to manage the game, and we were called down after 10 o'clock to be informed that we were leaving.

“It was quite a strange feeling leaving that hotel at 10.30 at night. Which means he was ruthless, proper.

“I felt miserable when I was leaving the hotel with my luggage. I was supposed to be thinking about tomorrow and going home. It was strange.

“If it was Monday morning after a game and you get a phone call from the chairman, you're thinking, oh, oh, oh… Maybe we'll get in the sack.

“But you have a phone call in your room. You're thinking, oh, something happened, you know, maybe the game is called off or maybe something, but you will never expect to get sacked the night before a game at the hotel.”

On Spurs’ future without Levy, Poyet added: “The real Spurs fans, the ones that go every two weeks to the magnificent new stadium - they know what he did for the club.

“They complained and they were trying to change the chairman. I think they know deep inside them that he did terrific things.

“You have to be proud when you go to the best stadium in the country. You have to be proud that your players are training in one of the best training grounds in world football. So there are plenty of things that have been done and you have to give him credit.

“Let's give the new people two or three years to see if they can really do what the fans think Daniel Levy didn’t do.

“So I would say to the fans, say thank you for what you've done and move on. Nothing else.”

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Daniel Levy's stunning Tottenham downfall like a plot from TV hit Succession with his son still holding top role

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Daniel Levy's stunning Tottenham downfall like a plot from TV hit Succession with his son still holding top role - The Sun
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DANIEL LEVY'S Tottenham exit was like a plot from hit TV show Succession with his SON the co-chief executive of the company that forced his father out of the club.

Levy, 63, announced he was leaving Spurs on Thursday in a shock decision that was initiated by the Lewis family, who are behind the club’s majority owners, ENIC.

British billionaire Joe Lewis, 88, used to be at the head of ENIC but now it is his children Vivienne and Charles who are calling the shots.

They are understood to have driven a number of changes at Tottenham in recent months, in a bid to improve results on the pitch.

ENIC is majority owned by private investment company, the Tavistock Group, of which Levy's son Josh is the co-chief exec.

Levy Jr works alongside fellow CEO Nick Beucher at the company, which is controlled by the Lewis family trust and has Vivienne and Charles Lewis in place as managing directors.

Beucher is the son-in-law to Vivienne Lewis.

According to The Telegraph, insiders have compared Levy's exit to HBO show Succession due to the heavy family involvement at the top of a successful business empire, with one saying the similarities are "uncanny".

It's been claimed that Tavistock were part of the operational and sporting review carried out by American consultants Gibb River that got things moving for Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit.

While Vivienne and Charles are understood to have been big figures in decisions that have seen the likes of head coach Ange Postecoglou, chief football officer Scott Munn and long-serving director Donna Cullen all leave North London.

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Josh Levy is expected to continue in his role at Tavistock where he oversees various other parts of the group’s wide-ranging portfolio away from Tottenham Hotspur.

Levy Jr has regularly been seen sitting next to his father at Spurs matches but has no involvement with the club - and is believed to have played no role in his old man’s exit.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Spurs are still searching for extra investment despite Daniel Levy’s exit - with the Lewis family considering the option of pumping more money into the North Londoners.

Talk of a takeover following Levy’s shock departure has been quashed by sources close to Vivienne and Charles.

They are believed to be committed to the long-term future of the club and not looking to sell.

But it has not altered the long-running desire to source an investment boost.

That could come externally but SunSport understands the Lewis family are weighing up putting in more cash themselves.

ENIC already own 86.91 per cent of the North Londoners.

That percentage is a considerable rise from the 27 per cent they originally purchased for £22million from Sir Alan Sugar in 2000, which took their ownership of the club back then to 29.9 per cent.

Spurs are now believed to be worth around £4BILLION, thanks in part to the building of their £1.2bn stadium which Levy oversaw during the 2010s.

They were valued by football number-crunchers Deloitte in January as the ninth richest club in the world, making £520m in the 2023-24 campaign.

Speaking at last season’s fans’ forum a year ago, Levy said: “Some form of minority investment is what we’re looking for.

"We’ve got nothing to announce at the moment but we are in the market.”

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‘It’s a blessing’ – Djed Spence proud that he is set to become first Muslim to play for England

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‘It’s a blessing’ – Djed Spence proud that he is set to become first Muslim to play for England - The Sun
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DJED SPENCE is proud that he is set to become the first Muslim to play for England.

The Tottenham full-back has been called up to the senior squad for the first time by Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Spence, 25, said: “It’s a blessing. I was surprised, really - first ever.

“It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words, really. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.

“First things first, God is the greatest. I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God.

“In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side.

“When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well.”

Spence, 25, is conscious of the powerful message that being the first practising Muslim to play international football for the England’s national men’s team would send to children of Islamic faith.

Around 3.9million Muslims live in England and Wales - 6.5 per cent of the population.

The Spurs star said: “Of course. If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith.

“Put your mind to something and you can do it, man.

“Is there pressure? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t really feel the pressure for certain things.

“I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself.”

ANTONIO CONTE, Neil Warnock, Daniel Farke and anyone else who once doubted Djed Spence . . . he remembers you.

And the Tottenham full-back is very happy to have answered your criticism by earning his first senior England call-up.

When Spence, 25, was asked if he kept a black book of those who had wronged him on his roundabout journey to the top, he could not keep the smile off his face.

Speaking from England’s camp yesterday, he said: “I wouldn’t say I particularly have a list or anything.

“But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me — and it does feel good to prove them wrong.”

After England boss Tuchel named Spence in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, veteran manager Warnock, 76, told SunSport how he warned the young defender about his attitude when he was his boss at Middlesbrough.

Spence left on loan for Nottingham Forest in the 2021-22 season, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

He then famously posted a message to Warnock on social media next to a photo of him with a cigar and the Championship Play-Off trophy.

His form under then-Forest boss Steve Cooper earned him a £15million move to Tottenham.

But Spurs boss Conte brought Spence down to earth by immediately making it clear it was the club who wanted to sign the England Under-21 defender, not him.

And Spence admits it was probably the biggest hurdle of his career.

He said: “Especially as a young player at the time. I did well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest, I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham.

"So to hear comments like that wasn’t nice. And it does shatter your confidence a bit.

“I was on such a high going into the club. Then I almost came crashing down because of comments from the manager and not playing.

“I was in a difficult space then. But I am a fighter.

“So, whatever I do, I will try to do my best in everything I can. Fast forward, I am here now, so I am happy.

It has been a long road to the top. An already tough loan spell at Rennes in 2023 ended with an injury that kept Spence out of England’s victorious European Under-21 Championship campaign.

In the following campaign, Leeds cut short his planned year-long stay at Elland Road, with boss Farke citing concerns about Spence’s attitude.

He spent the second half of the 2023-24 season at Genoa — and this time last year his Tottenham future was in real doubt.

Previous Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou did not name Spence in his Prem starting line-up until last December.

It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words, really. It’s a big thing for me, my faith."

Djed Spence on being the first Muslim to play for England

But injuries, particularly to left-back Destiny Udogie, gave the London-born defender his chance.

Spence went on to start 19 top-flight games and play a part in the club’s Europa League triumph.

And the defender has warm words for Postecoglou, who brought him on as a late sub in the 1-0 final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

Spence said: “He made me a champion, so I always have gratitude to him for that.

“And he was a good manager, good guy. I’ve got respect for him.”

But the England new boy is even more enthusiastic when discussing Postecoglou’s replacement at Spurs, Thomas Frank.

Spence added: “He’s been amazing to me, fills me with confidence, very open and just a down-to-earth manager. I think he’s going to be amazing for the club.”

Frank seems already to have taken Spence to a new level.

The full-back’s performances in the Uefa Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and in Tottenham’s 2-0 win at Manchester City convinced Tuchel he was worth a call-up.

Spence said: “I feel I’m improving and that’s down to me staying focused, being a sponge and listening to my coaches and the staff.

“I want to be the best in my position and to do that you’ve got to keep working hard and keep taking on advice. You’ve got to do everything to the maximum.”

Which is basically what Warnock tried to tell Spence back at Middlesbrough — and he is pleased for his former player.

But not as delighted as Spence’s dad, Simon, mum Aisha and three older sisters.

Spence said: “I’m the youngest, so I guess I’m the golden child!

“We’re all very close. My mum supports Tottenham.

"She has taken me to every single training session and been by my side every step of the way. I can’t thank her enough.

“My dad is a football fanatic and has been there for me every step of the way too. I’ve got a real good family behind me.”

Sister Bria does TikTok posts following Spence’s career. The next one could feature him winning his first senior England cap.

Spence laughed: “She’ll probably be at the games vlogging away.”

And who knows, perhaps at next summer’s World Cup, too?

Spence said: “It would be a blessing, an honour to play at a World Cup.

“It’s definitely one of my goals. It’s a long, long season ahead.”

Maybe Spence can end the campaign with his best celebration photo yet.

He repeated the cigar-trophy combination from his Forest success after Spurs won the Europa League.

So, how about one with football’s most important bit of silverware next July?

Spence flashed yet another smile, before adding: “A third in the series? For sure. That would be nice.”

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Ange Postecoglou lined up for return to football with sacked Tottenham boss wanted to replace ex-Man Utd manager

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ANGE POSTECOGLOU is being lined up for a return to football just months after being sacked by Tottenham.

The Aussie ace was ditched by Spurs after leading them to glory in the Europa League against Manchester United.

Postecoglou was replaced by Thomas Frank, who left Brentford for the north London role.

But Big Ange could be back in the dugout after the international break.

Fabrizio Romano claims he is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen, who sacked former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag just two games into the new Bundesliga season.

The Dutchman lost his first match at home before throwing away a two-goal lead to draw the second.

However, Postecoglou could have his choice of clubs.

That’s because Fenerbahce are also interested following Jose Mourinho’s exit.

The Special One - also a former Manchester United boss - left Istanbul after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

And offers for Postecoglou from both Germany and Turkey are set to fall in his lap in the coming days.

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SunSport revealed in June that the gaffer was being eyed by Saudi giants Al-Ahli as a replacement for Matthias Jaissle.

But they kept faith with the German after he led them to victory in the AFC Champions League.

We also told you that Nottingham Forest considered Postecoglou amid doubts over Nuno Espirito Santo’s future.

The City Ground boss has had a major falling out with new global chief Edu Gaspar.

But he remains in the hot seat for now after crunch talks with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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Tottenham 0 Bournemouth 1: Spurs' 100% record shattered and lucky to lose by just one as Cherries move into Euro hunt

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HOW Thomas Frank must have wished Spurs had rushed the paperwork through for Xavi Simons quicker.

Because if his new playmaker had been able to play here, the Dutchman may well have provided the creativity his imaginative Tottenham side so badly lacked.

Evanilson’s early strike was enough to hand Bournemouth a surprise win.

But in truth Spurs were lucky they did not lose by a far bigger margin, while their inability to conjure up hardly any chances of note was stark.

Netherlands star Simons, 22, was signed for £51.8million plus add-ons from RB Leipzig on Friday.

But the deal was completed after the midday deadline, meaning he was unable to feature in this fixture.

Simons was given a rapturous reception as he was presented five minutes before kick-off - and it proved to be the only joyous moment Spurs had all day.

Andoni Iraola’s side were simply better - miles better - and really should have rattled in two, three or even four.

The awful performance and poor result checked what had otherwise been a brilliant start made under new boss Frank, who had beaten Burnley and Manchester City in his first two league games and run Paris Saint-Germain so close in the Super Cup.

Spurs had no creativity whatsoever for pretty much the whole game, something that Simons surely must have noticed sitting up in the stands throughout.

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England new-boy Djed Spence had a rampaging early run forward but was stopped by an inch-perfect tackle from David Brooks, who sparkled again.

It summed up how the half went for Frank’s side as Bournemouth checked them at every opportunity, giving them no time to breathe with their relentless pressing.

And within five minutes Iraola’s side were ahead.

Spence was slack as he played Evanilson onside when the Brazilian received a ball through from Marcos Senesi.

Evanilson then struck a shot which took a wicked deflection off Spurs captain Cristian Romero and flew into the far corner.

It was a fortuitous intervention, but Spurs were lucky that their hosts were not as clinical as they should have been or the scoreline could have been far worse come the break.

Goalscorer Evanilson dragged an effort wide just minutes after his opener.

While former Spurs target Antoine Semenyo somehow headed a breathtaking Brooks cross with the outside of his foot over the bar.

Bournemouth were dealt a blow 26 minutes in as captain and former Spurs defender Adam Smith was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury.

But it did not stifle their dominance which only amplified in the second half.

Frank appeared to send his players out early for the latter 45 but Bournemouth simply picked up where they left off.

And were it not for a hat-trick of fine saves from Guglielmo Vicario - plus some help from the crossbar - the Cherries surely would have doubled their lead within minutes of the restart.

First, Spurs’ Italian stallion in goal denied a belting Semenyo effort by pushing it wide.

Then he was alive to a close-range Evanilson strike which ended up at Brooks’ feet, but the Wales star could only curl onto the woodwork.

Brooks then drew another fine stop from Vicario with his own blast after a clever twist and turn to free up some space.

The frustration for the hosts was starting to tell as Spence was booked for a naughty foul which left sub Amine Adli writhing in pain.

Marcus Tavernier became the latest Bournemouth player to come close as Ryan Christie’s cross - sparked by a terrible pass from Vicario - fell to him at the back post but he could only steer into the side netting.

It was as one-sided a game as you are likely to see - and yet, while it remained only 1-0, there was always a chance.

Bergvall finally struck a shot in anger for Spurs on 69 minutes from the edge of the area, but Djordje Petrovic caught it.

With no Dominic Solanke in the squad due to a nagging ankle injury, there was little for Frank to turn to up front off the bench.

Richarlison had started the season like a house on fire but could barely get a kick here.

Frank made more changes in search of a leveller, with the returning Destiny Udogie and Mathys Tel sent on.

Fellow sub Odobert should have done better when the ball bounced kindly to him inside the area, but he crashed his striker over the bar.

His France Under-21 team-mate Tel went much closer with a superb volley in injury-time which for a second looked to be going in, but ended up flashing agonisingly wide of the far post.

It prompted a late bit of excitement but in the end Iraola’s men held on for a fully deserved three points.

While Spurs chief Frank experienced the kind of dispiriting home defeat that was commonplace last term under predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

More to follow...

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‘When Spurs called, I answered’ – Xavi Simons mocks Chelsea interest as he completes £52m Tottenham transfer

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XAVI SIMONS poked fun at the Chelsea “noise” surrounding him this summer - insisting all that mattered is that when Spurs called, he answered.

The Dutchman, 22, has completed a £52million move plus add-ons from RB Leipzig to Tottenham, signing a deal until 2030 with an option of a further two years.

It followed months of talk of a switch to Stamford Bridge, which had Spurs fans worried they would be gazumped by their West London rivals at the last minute.

Simons, whose trademark goal celebration involves him pretending to answer a phone, said: "Noise? Don't listen to it all. Only what matters Tottenham called and I answered."

The signing of former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star ends Thomas Frank’s pursuit for a new No10, having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze earlier this summer.

Simons added: “I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going. I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.

“It’s a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.

“I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans.”

Simons signed after the 12pm deadline on Friday, meaning he will not be involved at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, while he is still awaiting his work permit.

The 28-cap Netherlands star will be introduced to his new fanbase before kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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A delighted Thomas Frank added: "I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in - he is a great addition to the squad.

“He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level.

“Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing.

“He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”

Leipzig are now expected to pursue Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as Simons’ replacement.

The Bundesliga side’s managing director Marcel Schafer added: “His time at RB Leipzig is a testament to what our clubs stands for: supporting and developing young, highly-talented players on their journey.

“He arrived as an exceptional talent and has developed into one of the best attacking players in Europe, and with his playing skills, he has been a pillar of our team.

“We thank Xavi for his commitment and wish him all the best in his new challenge at Tottenham.”

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