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Tottenham face the prospect of losing one of their key forwards this summer, but Gary Neville has suggested Dejan Kulusevski could be worth as much as nine figures. As if that wasn't high enough praise for the Swede, even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has voiced admiration for his talents.

Speculation is building around Kulusevski's potential exit from north London, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa among those said to be interested. However, Napoli could present the more credible transfer threat amid talk Antonio Conte is targeting a reunion with the player he brought to England in the first place.

Calciomercato reported new Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna - who was part of Juventus' hierarchy throughout Kulusevski's stay in Turin - will press on with a move for the 39-time Sweden international. The player has previously praised Conte for the impact he's had on his career, lauding him as "a very important man" in his personal development.

One can add Guardiola to that same list of Kulusevski fans, at least judging by comments he made about the player in December 2023. "What a player," gushed the Catalan coach to reporters after 'Deki' scored one goal and assisted another in a 3-3 draw against his Man City side.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a similar star turn against Nottingham Forest less than a fortnight later, having a hand in both goals as Spurs emerged as 2-0 victors. And his success playing as a No10 in the absence of James Maddison led Neville to suggest his price-tag could soar as a result.

"Players that play in that role, that take it on the back foot and accept it on the back foot, the attacking midfielders, the No 10s, any player of that ilk, they're very rare to be able to do that," he said on Sky Sports at the time. "What we've seen in the last few weeks is him playing that role and become one of the rare players.

"You're talking about him going from a player who might be £50million on the right to being something that if he gets going in that No 10 position, can be really special and then you're pushing it to an £80m or £100m player."

Neville did go on to clarify that valuation was strictly a potential price contingent on Kulusevski sustaining such levels in the long term. The player ultimately finished last term with eight goals and three assists, with two of those finishes coming against Sheffield United on the last day of the season.

It's understood Napoli would be targeting Kulusevski to bolster their right flank, with Jesper Lindstrom understood to have agreed a move to Everton, initially on loan. However, his obvious ability to function well in a more central role could come in handy.

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Guardiola's praise for Kulusevski was particularly valid as he highlighted the Swede's success against Nathan Ake, one of City's most consistent performers last season. However, he would almost certainly be out of Napoli's price range if Tottenham's valuation of the star was close to aligning with Neville's own.

Kulusevski joined Spurs from Juve on loan in January 2022 before the north Londoners eventually made the move permanent for a total spend of around £40m the following year. Tottenham are under no obligation to sell considering the player is contracted until 2028, but Daniel Levy could be looking to double the club's investment if a sale does materialise.

Tottenham face the prospect of losing one of their key forwards this summer, but Gary Neville has suggested Dejan Kulusevski could be worth as much as nine figures. As if that wasn't high enough praise for the Swede, even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has voiced admiration for his talents.

Speculation is building around Kulusevski's potential exit from north London, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa among those said to be interested. However, Napoli could present the more credible transfer threat amid talk Antonio Conte is targeting a reunion with the player he brought to England in the first place.

Calciomercato reported new Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna - who was part of Juventus' hierarchy throughout Kulusevski's stay in Turin - will press on with a move for the 39-time Sweden international. The player has previously praised Conte for the impact he's had on his career, lauding him as "a very important man" in his personal development.

One can add Guardiola to that same list of Kulusevski fans, at least judging by comments he made about the player in December 2023. "What a player," gushed the Catalan coach to reporters after 'Deki' scored one goal and assisted another in a 3-3 draw against his Man City side.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a similar star turn against Nottingham Forest less than a fortnight later, having a hand in both goals as Spurs emerged as 2-0 victors. And his success playing as a No10 in the absence of James Maddison led Neville to suggest his price-tag could soar as a result.

"Players that play in that role, that take it on the back foot and accept it on the back foot, the attacking midfielders, the No 10s, any player of that ilk, they're very rare to be able to do that," he said on Sky Sports at the time. "What we've seen in the last few weeks is him playing that role and become one of the rare players.

"You're talking about him going from a player who might be £50million on the right to being something that if he gets going in that No 10 position, can be really special and then you're pushing it to an £80m or £100m player."

Neville did go on to clarify that valuation was strictly a potential price contingent on Kulusevski sustaining such levels in the long term. The player ultimately finished last term with eight goals and three assists, with two of those finishes coming against Sheffield United on the last day of the season.

It's understood Napoli would be targeting Kulusevski to bolster their right flank, with Jesper Lindstrom understood to have agreed a move to Everton, initially on loan. However, his obvious ability to function well in a more central role could come in handy.

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Guardiola's praise for Kulusevski was particularly valid as he highlighted the Swede's success against Nathan Ake, one of City's most consistent performers last season. However, he would almost certainly be out of Napoli's price range if Tottenham's valuation of the star was close to aligning with Neville's own.

Kulusevski joined Spurs from Juve on loan in January 2022 before the north Londoners eventually made the move permanent for a total spend of around £40m the following year. Tottenham are under no obligation to sell considering the player is contracted until 2028, but Daniel Levy could be looking to double the club's investment if a sale does materialise.

Joe Cole has confessed that he would not have joined Liverpool if he could turn back time. He only left Chelsea because he felt his playing abilities were declining.

The 42 year old suffered a significant knee injury during an FA Cup match against Southend United in January 2009, which he identifies as a pivotal moment in his career. Despite being a lifelong Chelsea supporter, he departed from the club when his contract ended 18 months later.

Liverpool managed to outbid Tottenham Hotspur for the midfielder, securing him on a Bosman transfer and making him one of Roy Hodgson's initial signings. However, his tenure at the club, alongside Milan Jovanovic and Danny Wilson, who also failed to impress, was far from successful.

During his stint with the Reds, Cole only made 42 appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists. After falling out of favour with Sir Kenny Dalglish, he was loaned to Lille following a disappointing first season but returned under Brendan Rodgers.

Despite this, he was allowed to join West Ham United on a free transfer just six months later in January 2013, even though he had another 18 months remaining on his contract.

Cole concedes that he would have preferred to remain at Chelsea. However, after recognising that he was no longer the same player post-injury, he believed it was best to leave Stamford Bridge and move to Liverpool.

Former team-mate John Obi Mikel's 'The Obi One' podcast brought to light a raw and touching experience when "(Contract) negotiations started and we were getting there, but then I done my knee," he reminisced. "I was nearly 29 or just turned 29 (when I left)."

"I done my knee and that was probably the start of the end of my career because I was never the same player after that. I done everything, ACL, PCL, MCL, and I was out for 11 months."

He went on to reveal how this injury had a devastating impact on his contract negotiations, "It hurt me but in hindsight, Chelsea were right, from a business perspective. They stopped the negotiations to see how I was when I came back... so from being in a really strong position to negotiate a contract, doing my knee, Chelsea pulled back from negotiations."

Returning to play under Carlo Ancelotti in October highlighted further difficulties, "Then I come back in October time. By this time, Carlo (Ancelotti) had come into the club... I was coming in off the bench, playing well, but it was hard to break back into the team."

His hopes rose with the Africa Cup of Nations, "The guys went away to the Africa Cup of Nations in the January. I knew I'd have a chance to play regularly. I played every game, six, seven or eight games in a row, played really well and then they started, 'We can offer you this new contract.' It wasn't at what it was before."

Sadly, his own physical state thwarted his ambitions, "My ego got involved a little bit and football was more of a struggle. I would play, knee would blow up. I couldn't do certain things that I used to be able to do. I needed an ice pack (after every game on my knee), I was in a lot of pain... it's very rare you get back to where you were.

"And then they stopped the negotiations. But Carlo actually wanted me to stay. I believe Carlo because he's a good, decent human. He said, 'I want to play you but Kalou and Malouda are playing so well.'

"I'm sensible enough to know that they're playing well. I don't knock on the manager's door if they're not. But I was playing well when I played as well, that's why we won the double. Everyone was doing their bit.."

As he recalled further, "It got to the end of the season... my body was just failing me... it was a title-decider up at Old Trafford and I started. We had to win the game, we couldn't draw otherwise we'd lose the league, and I pulled my back right in the last two minutes (of training).."

"I scored... We won the game but I don't think I could train for three or four days afterwards. I really wrecked myself. That's how my body was after it."

He shared, "Something subconsciously clicked and I thought to myself, 'I'm never going to get (back) to the player I was. I've got to leave.' Because I don't want to finish my Chelsea career, just sitting there on the injury table."

Pondering his switch to Liverpool, Cole divulged why he ultimately opted for Anfield. Yet looking back, he confessed he wished he had moved overseas instead.

"I had a choice between Liverpool or Spurs because Arsenal pulled out and I just couldn't go to Spurs," he admitted. "I just couldn't go.

"It would have made sense, Harry Redknapp was the manager, they had a good team, I lived in London, half my pals are Spurs fans. I just couldn't do it.

"My daughter was just born and Liverpool is a great club. It didn't work for me there but it is a fantastic club, an institution globally.

"But if I could have my time again, I would probably go, 'No, you know what, wait.' And I'd have gone abroad, somewhere hot, because playing in the heat actually helped my knee.

"Because after that I went to Liverpool, West Ham, Villa. I had a good season in France, but with my knee, I was just managing my injuries. Managing to still play, play well sometimes but never really consistently like I had been. I never played for England again after 2010.

"Then when I went to America, it was like a miracle. Living in the sun, my knee was like 60-70%. It's still not right now but I could still play. It was like a miracle.

"If I could have hindsight, I would have gone abroad somewhere hot, maybe Spain or Southern Italy somewhere, and I think I could have played at the top level for a little bit longer."

He added: "Ultimately, I wasn't the same player after that knee injury. That's sad but I had a long career.."

"The only regret I have, and it's nothing I could do anything about, I think to myself, if I hadn't done my knee at Southend, and I could have had another five, six or seven years at Chelsea, I think I would have won the Champions League with the lads in 2012.

"But there's nothing you can do about it. I started playing professional football in the Premier League at 17, and got smashed to bits. By the time I was 29, I was just an old car and the fan belt had run out! The knee was gone, I was a Ford Cortina by the end! ".

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has challenged Yves Bissouma to improve further following his impressive display against QPR on Saturday afternoon.

The midfielder opened the scoring in his side’s 2-0 victory at Loftus Road in the 41st minute, weaving his way past several players before playing a neat one-two with Dejan Kulusevski, dribbling past goalkeeper Paul Nardi and slotting into an empty net. Dane Scarlett then bagged a late second goal for Spurs.

Speaking after the match, Postecoglou called for Bissouma to continue progressing in pre-season ahead of what promises to be an important campaign for the ex-Brighton midfielder.

Asked if the goal will give Bissouma confidence, the Aussie boss said: “Yeah but it is only a friendly. I want to see him do it in a game. He's capable of it.

“That's our challenge for all our guys. We know the capabilities are there. We've got to produce it when it counts. He was good today, he's been good through pre-season and we've just got to keep pushing him."

Bissouma made 28 appearances in the Premier League last season, though injuries and two red cards meant that he also spent some significant periods of the campaign on the sidelines. With reinforcements in midfield expected to be signed, as well as the arrival of Archie Gray, the 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club as a result.

However, speaking after the match, Bissouma spoke of how he was looking forward to spending next season with Tottenham and insisted that he is working hard to be prepared for the campaign.

Asked about the goal, he said: “It was fantastic, I am very happy because we worked very hard this week to prepare for this game. I am happy to score my first goal for the club, I hope there’s more to come. We stay focused, continue to work because we still are still in pre-season then we’ll see.

Finally some headway for Arsenal, who have made the biggest breakthrough yet in their pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori.

As per breaking reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have now agreed a deal with Bologna.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with Arsenal this summer, but negotiations between the club and Bologna were put on hold due to his international commitments at Euro 2024.

Now, a £33.6million fee has been agreed for the centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence. That figure could potentially rise to £37.8m due to add-ons.

Liverpool d uo Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio could quit the Anfield giants this summer after being snubbed by new manager Arne Slot.

The centre-backs, who were both extolled by Jurgen Klopp during the German’s reign as manager, have been made to train with the Reds’ under-21s side since returning to Kirkby for pre-season training.

Slot took over from Klopp earlier this summer after the Premier League-winning manager decided to call time on his career in the Anfield dugout.

The Dutchman initially spent time watching video footage of his players in match action and on the training pitch. And it appears he has no plans to hand Williams and Koumetio the opportunities they crave.

Spurs are locked in on Jacob Ramsey - a player who Steven Gerrard once said had the capabilities to become one of the Premier League's best midfielders.

According to TyC Sports, Spurs are now in intense negotiations with Aston Villa and have tabled a package of £19m plus Argentina international Geovani Lo Celso.

Lo Celso has previously worked with Villa boss Unai Emery in Spain, and the deal is understood to be close.

Talk is now gathering pace that England's breakthrough star Eberechi Eze may also be on the move this summer.

The Guardian outline that Palace have set a minimum £70-£80m asking price for Eze and Marc Guehi combined.

The winger has attracted the interest of Chelsea and Arsenal in recent years, though does pose a risk with his historic injury record.

It's a big summer for the Crystal Palace man, who is edging ever close to a blockbuster transfer.

Liverpool are desperate for central defensive reinforcement, and the England man gave a good account of himself at Euro 2024.

Recent reports via the Guardian state Palace want in the region of £40m for Guehi, who has only just recently turned 24.

Welcome to another day in the turbulent world that is the transfer window.

Coming up, we have developments at Manchester United, with INEOS keen to continue making a hot impression.

A big transfer is close at Arsenal, while Chelsea are having some issues balancing out their squad before delving for the chequebook once more.

Tottenham Hotspur are just a month away from their Premier League opener against Leicester City and all eyes are on manager Ange Postecoglou as he navigates the transfer market. As players return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024, the composition of Spurs' squad will begin to take shape in the coming weeks.

Entering his second year at the helm, the Australian boss faces high expectations for the 2024-25 season. Retaining key players and making strategic investments are crucial and getting pre-season right is paramount.

This summer has already seen fresh and exciting talent recruited, with the potential for more big-name signings, meaning this could be Spurs' breakthrough season. Here, we examine what this crucial month could ideally entail for Postecoglou's team.

Pre-season fixtures

July 20: QPR vs Tottenham - Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)

July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe - National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)

July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 3: Bayern Munich vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)

Transfers

Spurs have made significant investments this summer, securing Leeds United midfield prodigy Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Coupled with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Both players made their debuts in a 5-1 friendly victory over Hearts last Wednesday, earning praise for their calm performances. With Europa League Thursday nights potentially providing game time for these two, as well as England U17 starlet Mikey Moore, Postecoglou might give supporters a sneak peek into a promising future.

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The signings of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only additions Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 has concluded, Ivan Toney's future is up for discussion in the Premier League.

Brentford, who initially valued their soon-to-be free agent star at £80million, are reportedly reducing their asking price due to a lack of potential buyers. Manchester United have already splashed out £36.5million on Dutch sensation Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other transfers to concentrate on, such as a move for Italian defender Ricardo Calafiori, while Chelsea might opt for a younger striker.

Tottenham have yet to find a suitable replacement for Harry Kane and may never do so, but bringing in his fellow countryman Toney could provide them with the pure number nine they require. Any deal might hinge on the sale of Richarlison, who has drawn attention from the Saudi Pro League, but there could be an English star leading the Lilywhite's attack once again next season.

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Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, whose contract expires next summer, has also been linked with a move to Spurs. The potential £50million fee that could be required for Gallagher would provide Chelsea with a significant financial boost due to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

If Tottenham can secure both Toney and Gallagher, they would gain a proven league goal-scorer and a tireless box-to-box player, significantly strengthening Postecoglou's team.

Outgoings

In terms of departures, Richarlison is the biggest name who has been linked with a move away, with several Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly vying for his signature. Despite being second on Spurs' top scorers list behind Heung-Min Son with 11 league goals, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing for the Brazilian. However, if it becomes clear that he is leaving, Toney could be an ideal replacement.

Other potential departures could see Tottenham sell other surplus players, as they have done with Joe Rodon and Troy Parrott, as well as releasing Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg is reportedly on the radar of Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, AC Milan's £8million bid for Brazilian defender Emerson Royal was turned down by Tottenham Hotspur, but he could still be on his way out this summer.

Should Spurs manage to offload a few players, it could pave the way for new signings or give their rising stars a chance to truly make their mark.

Dream XI for opening day

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Toney, Son.

Manchester City’s transfer window could be about to spark into life following a quiet start to the summer.

Only a handful of exits have been confirmed by the reigning champions, the most profitable being Liam Delap’s £20million switch to Premier League newbies Ipswich Town.

Elsewhere, Sergio Gomez and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have been allowed to leave - the latter spending last season out on loan at Championship play-off winners Southampton.

It means City have already have a healthy chunk of cash from player sales alone, but so far they’ve not shown much willingness to reinvest.

However, that may be about to change, with players returning from international duty and transfer plans starting to be put into place.

As such, Express Sport have picked out three City deals that could be completed in the not-too-distant future, starting with a big-money raid from one of their Premier League rivals.

Bruno Guimaraes to sign

The collective hearts of City fans across the globe would’ve no doubt dropped when Player of the Tournament and Ballon d’Or contender Rodri was hooked at half-time of Spain’s Euro 2024 final win over England.

While it appears the midfielder’s issue wasn’t as serious as first thought, no man in Pep Guardiola’s squad played more minutes than Rodri last season, indicating cover is needed heading into the upcoming campaign.

Kalvin Phillips and to a degree Mateo Kovacic have failed to provide it, with Bruno Guimaraes emerging as the latest potential candidate.

It was a deal that looked like it could’ve been completed earlier in the summer, but Newcastle United’s hefty demands pushed City back.

But with Rodri’s workload an everlasting worry, City are likely to be active in the midfield market, with Guimaraes the most likely arrival.

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Kyle Walker quits for Saudi Arabia

The noise coming out of City this summer has been activity will be kept at a minimum, unless there are any major exits before the window shuts.

Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and perhaps Phil Foden aside, few would be much bigger than club captain Kyle Walker, with talk of a Saudi switch starting to pick up.

City will be under no illusions that Walker’s physical attributes won’t last forever and at some point, his ever-reliant pace will start to evade him.

Plus, from the player’s point of view, lucrative offers from Suadi Arabia aren’t going to come around all too often, meaning Walker could be tempted to leave England behind and join a club in the Pro League this summer.

City cut losses and axe Jack Grealish

As for Walker’s England and City team-mate, Jack Grealish is another high earner on the club’s books who could be moved on.

On the back of a stellar 2022/23 campaign with the Treble Winners, Grealish failed to kick on last season and saw new signing Jeremy Doku gobble up most of his left-wing minutes.

It was a situation that manifested itself in Grealish being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, with the attacker’s future in East Manchester looking more and more uncertain.

Should Aston Villa pocket a handsome sum for Saudi target Moussa Diaby, what’s to say the West Midlands-based outfit don’t make a speculative move for hometown hero Grealish.

It would represent a nice bit of symmetry for Grealish, whose £100million transfer to City in 2021 allowed Villa to reinvest in their side, which ultimately led to Champions League qualification last season.

Top Tottenham target Desire Doue has been tipped for stardom by one of his Rennes team-mates. Baptiste Santamaria, who also shared a dressing room with ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe when he was breaking through, hailed Doue as "one of a kind" amidst growing interest from Europe's elite clubs.

The dazzling 19-year-old, who can play both in midfield and on the wing, is high on Tottenham's summer wish-list, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG, and Bayern Munich for his signature. In an interview with TNT Sports earlier this year, Santamaria, 29, said Doue was destined for the top, and predicted he'd be in line for a luctrative transfer soon.

He lavished praise on the young talent, calling him "the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career" and predicted he'd become "unplayable" within a few years. "He's a very talented player with a great sense of football," said Santamaria.

"He's a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He's one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he's solid on his feet," he added. "Desire's technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he'll be unplayable. For his age, he's the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career."

That's quite an assertion, especially given that Santamaria played with Pepe at Angers, shortly before his record £72million move to Arsenal in 2019. Pepe might have failed to make the grade in north London, but few would deny his potential at a young age.

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According to reports, Bayern submitted a £29m bid for Doue earlier this month, but it was immediately rejected. PSG have also shown interest in the player, and have sent an informal proposal to Rennes as they prepare to make a serious push to sign him.

In terms of interest from England, Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack and see Doue as the perfect man to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting position. Chelsea, meanwhile, are also on the hunt for a right-footed winger before the window closes, with Doue being one of several names on their list. Manchester United are also monotoring the situation.

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Rennes are believed to be holding out for around £52m for Doue, but potential buyers are reportedly hesitant to exceed the £40m mark. Doue has just 63 senior appearances and seven goals to his name, but his performances last season caught the eye of scouts across the globe.

He is yet to make his international debut, although he has played for several of France's youth teams.

England midfielder Declan Rice has been branded “useless” by former Tottenham player Rafael van der Vaart after his side fell short at Euro 2024. Rice started every game for the Three Lions as they made the final in Berlin, but the tournament ended in yet more heartbreak as they were beaten by Spain 2-1.

It was Rice who came close to forcing extra time when he met Cole Palmer’s injury time corner, but his goal-bound header was kept out by Spain keeper Unai Simon.

The 25-year-old has become an ever-present at international level under Gareth Southgate, and was considered one of the Premier League’s best performers last season following his record breaking move from West Ham to Arsenal.

Van der Vaart, however, has been anything but impressed. And speaking on Dutch television station NOS after the final, the 41-year-old argued the midfielder didn’t possess enough threat on the ball to be considered world class.

“£100million for Declan Rice. What does he do?” asked the ex-Dutch international. “He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth £100m, then you should be able to play a ball forward."

Rice also started the Euro 2020 final, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley. And despite winning 58 caps for his country, he’s scored just three times and has previously voiced his ambitions to show more prowess in front of goal.

His maiden season in North London saw him score seven times in 51 club appearances. That signified his best return since making his top-flight debut for West Ham as a teenager in the 2016/17 campaign.

Van der Vaart meanwhile, has established a reputation for being outspoken since retiring from professional football and becoming pundit, and Rice wasn’t the only England player targeted. He also questioned the value of playing Jude Bellingham in an advanced role in Germany.

"Jude Bellingham is not someone who's there for the smooth touches, he's just a strong lad who keeps going 90 minutes long,” he argued. “The number 10 on his back is debatable. Sure, he can wear a number 10, but for me he is not a number 10."

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But it’s the attack on Rice which is likely to endear him further to Tottenham fans given their bitter rivalry with Arsenal. Van der Vaart remains a cult hero at the club after his three-year stint at the club, helping them into the Champions League under Harry Redknapp.

He also won 109 international caps for the Netherlands, scoring 25 times. And he was a member of their 2010 World Cup squad that won through to the final in South Africa, beaten by Spain in the final.

England midfielder Declan Rice has been branded “useless” by former Tottenham player Rafael van der Vaart after his side fell short at Euro 2024. Rice started every game for the Three Lions as they made the final in Berlin, but the tournament ended in yet more heartbreak as they were beaten by Spain 2-1.

It was Rice who came close to forcing extra time when he met Cole Palmer’s injury time corner, but his goal-bound header was kept out by Spain keeper Unai Simon.

The 25-year-old has become an ever-present at international level under Gareth Southgate, and was considered one of the Premier League’s best performers last season following his record breaking move from West Ham to Arsenal.

Van der Vaart, however, has been anything but impressed. And speaking on Dutch television station NOS after the final, the 41-year-old argued the midfielder didn’t possess enough threat on the ball to be considered world class.

“£100million for Declan Rice. What does he do?” asked the ex-Dutch international. “He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth £100m, then you should be able to play a ball forward."

Rice also started the Euro 2020 final, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley. And despite winning 58 caps for his country, he’s scored just three times and has previously voiced his ambitions to show more prowess in front of goal.

His maiden season in North London saw him score seven times in 51 club appearances. That signified his best return since making his top-flight debut for West Ham as a teenager in the 2016/17 campaign.

Van der Vaart meanwhile, has established a reputation for being outspoken since retiring from professional football and becoming pundit, and Rice wasn’t the only England player targeted. He also questioned the value of playing Jude Bellingham in an advanced role in Germany.

"Jude Bellingham is not someone who's there for the smooth touches, he's just a strong lad who keeps going 90 minutes long,” he argued. “The number 10 on his back is debatable. Sure, he can wear a number 10, but for me he is not a number 10."

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But it’s the attack on Rice which is likely to endear him further to Tottenham fans given their bitter rivalry with Arsenal. Van der Vaart remains a cult hero at the club after his three-year stint at the club, helping them into the Champions League under Harry Redknapp.

He also won 109 international caps for the Netherlands, scoring 25 times. And he was a member of their 2010 World Cup squad that won through to the final in South Africa, beaten by Spain in the final.