The Mirror

Tottenham Hotspur legends Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles are teammates again as owners of a winning racehorses.

The duo, linchpins of the Spurs midfield during the 1980s, have been joined by another former player Alan Brazil to head a racehorse syndicate.

They became winning owners together for the first time when the two-year-old filly Miss Fascinator captured the first race at Ascot on Friday.

On her third start for trainer Roger Varian, the 77,000gns juvenile pulled clear of newcomer Musical Angel to score under Silvestre De Sousa by two and three quarter lengths.

Back in fourth was Pearl Of Windsor, who is owned by Ify Madueke, whose son is the Chelsea star Noni Madueke.

Hoddle, Ardiles and Brazil were all absent for the victory but were informed of the success by racing manager Gary Coffey.

“This is a fun racing syndicate made up of mainly Spurs supporters,” said Coffey. “Our boss Graham Smith-Bernal, who owns Newsells Park Stud, is a Spurs enthusiast.

“So Glenn, Ossie and Alan are unfortunately not here but they are on the phone and are thrilled we’ve scored our first goal, if you like. It’s onwards and upwards from here.

“She is a lovely filly which we bought at the Breeze-ups with Jamie Piggott, She got stuck in the mud the last day at Newmarket but today the quicker ground suited her perfectly.”

Argentina World Cup winner Ardiles has visited the Tattersalls sales with Smith-Bernal while TalkSport presenter Brazil has owned a number of horses since hanging up his boots.

“Ossie has freely admitted this is a new world for him and he is enjoying every minute of the ride,” said Coffey. “It’s only since Graham set up the syndicate that he’s got involved.

“Alan has always followed racing and Glenn is very involved as well. He was in touch this morning about today’s race.”

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has warned Tottenham defenders about the prowess of Spurs transfer target Eberechi Eze.

Eze, who only made his international debut a year ago, impressed for England at Euro 2024 despite largely being used as an impact sub, having been given the nod by Gareth Southgate to travel to Germany following a superb season that saw him score 11 goals and notch four assists for Crystal Palace.

The creative forward's season has made him a hot commodity, and a range of top Premier League clubs, namely Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham, have been interested in his £68million-rated signature.

The latter have reportedly taken a slight lead in the race, but their players have been warned by their rival Saka about what can be expected from the trickster in training.

If Eze is to make the move, Ange Postecoglou's defenders will know exactly what they'll be in for, thanks to their rival Saka. When quizzed on the England squad's training sessions and which players caught his eye, Saka stated: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say."

Saka isn't the first to state how imposing Eze is in training, as his former teammate at QPR, defender Joel Lynch, told BBC Sport: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'.

"He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play."

TalkSPORT claim that Spurs are frontrunners for Eze with negotiations at a 'more advanced' stage than City's despite Pep Guardiola holding a concrete interest in the player, with Kevin de Bruyne primed for a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do sign Eze for a reported £68million, the club’s backline will have been warned about what to expect come that first training session.

Lynch also cited a loan move to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a catalyst for the young Eze's development, stating: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has warned Tottenham defenders about the prowess of Spurs transfer target Eberechi Eze.

Eze, who only made his international debut a year ago, impressed for England at Euro 2024 despite largely being used as an impact sub, having been given the nod by Gareth Southgate to travel to Germany following a superb season that saw him score 11 goals and notch four assists for Crystal Palace.

The creative forward's season has made him a hot commodity, and a range of top Premier League clubs, namely Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham, have been interested in his £68million-rated signature.

The latter have reportedly taken a slight lead in the race, but their players have been warned by their rival Saka about what can be expected from the trickster in training.

If Eze is to make the move, Ange Postecoglou's defenders will know exactly what they'll be in for, thanks to their rival Saka. When quizzed on the England squad's training sessions and which players caught his eye, Saka stated: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say."

Saka isn't the first to state how imposing Eze is in training, as his former teammate at QPR, defender Joel Lynch, told BBC Sport: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'.

"He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play."

TalkSPORT claim that Spurs are frontrunners for Eze with negotiations at a 'more advanced' stage than City's despite Pep Guardiola holding a concrete interest in the player, with Kevin de Bruyne primed for a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do sign Eze for a reported £68million, the club’s backline will have been warned about what to expect come that first training session.

Lynch also cited a loan move to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a catalyst for the young Eze's development, stating: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Harry Kane will miss an emotional reunion with former club Tottenham following his Euro 2024 heartbreak.

The striker spent the entire summer with England as they reached the final earlier this month. The Three Lions eventually lost out to Spain in Berlin.

Kane scored three goals throughout the tournament but his performances were questioned by supporters and pundits. His inconsistent displays came after missing the final few weeks of last season for Bayern Munich with a back injury.

And his summer exploits have now seen Kane granted an extended holiday. That means he will not return in time to play in Bayern’s pre-season friendly with Spurs in South Korea on August 3.

Bayern boss Vincent Kompany confirmed: "Harry Kane, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Kingsley Coman won't be there, but hopefully for the first cup game.”

He added: "I've already spoken to the players, but I also want to leave them in peace while they're on holiday."

Fortunately, Kane has a second chance to do battle with his former side this summer. Bayern take on Spurs just a week later in what will likely be an even more emotional affair.

The German side travel to North London on August 10 for another pre-season clash in the Visit Malta Cup. Kane will certainly be aiming to be fit enough to play having fielded questions about his fitness throughout this summer’s tournament.

What went wrong for Harrry Kane this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Asked if he was carrying an injury after the final, he replied: “No, it’s not time to talk about personal things.The tournament plays out in different situations. You deal with a lot as a player throughout these tournaments.

“Everyone is dealing with issues and you’re at your maximum physical capabilities. It was just the way the game panned out today and the way the tournament’s gone.

“Of course, from a personal point of view, I would have loved to have played better tonight and it would’ve been a different outcome, but unfortunately it wasn’t.”

Kane, 30, is a product of the Tottenham academy. He scored 280 goals during his time with the club, becoming their record goalscorer in the process.

The striker followed that up with 44 goals in 45 outings across his debut season with Bayern. He is not going to be the only one reunited with Spurs this summer.

Eric Dier will also return to his former club. He spent ten years with the club before joining the German giants on loan - a deal that has since been made permanent.

Aston Villa could get their hands on a Lionel Messi-approved asset as Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso looks set to join their cause.

Unai Emery's side have already been incredibly busy this summer, and a £33.5million swap involving Lo Celso could add another new name to the squad. That's after Argentinian broadcaster Directv Sports reported Spurs will send the midfielder plus £20m in cash to Villa Park in order to sign Jacob Ramsey.

It appears a savvy move on Villa's part considering the club is in a race to balance its books ahead of its debut campaign in the Champions League. The Birmingham outfit is in a race to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations (PSR) and has already sold around £75m worth of players this summer, including Douglas Luiz's £43m move to Juventus.

The move for Lo Celso also looks a handy one, however, in that Villa will be signing a talent who comes highly rated by Messi himself. The playmaker was recently part of the Argentina squad alongside Messi that lifted the Copa America for a second time, and the nine-time Ballon d'Or-winner has even dubbed Lo Celso the team's best midfielder.

That's according to a 2023 report from AS, which suggested Messi had even recommended Lo Celso to former employers Barcelona as recently as last year. The 28-year-old spent 18 months on loan at Villarreal across 2022 and 2023 but was given a fresh lifeline at Tottenham by manager Ange Postecoglou and has since reintegrated into the team.

Lo Celso would have been part of the Argentina squad that lifted the 2022 World Cup were it not for a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined. However, the 57-cap international has since proved his worth once again after assisting Lautaro Martinez to beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time and win another Copa America.

It would appear Villa have been paying close attention to that development and see worth in Lo Celso, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt. And the club are seemingly keen on the idea of a swap deal that nets them a considerable amount of cash at a time when finances are of utmost importance.

There was a time when Lo Celso was being tipped as Messi's heir in his own right and a potential successor to the superstar in Catalonia. However, injuries and inconsistency with certain managers at Spurs has seen his career stall at times in recent years.

He'll hope to correct that under Emery, who took him to the Champions League semi-finals when he first joined Villarreal on loan in 2022. The manager and Messi appear to have an appreciation for Lo Celso's talents in common, which could see Villa snag yet another smart signing this summer.

Aston Villa are reportedly poised to sign Giovani Lo Celso in a deal that will see Tottenham land Jacob Ramsey in return.

Lo Celso has struggled for game time at Spurs and the club are ready to use him as a makeweight in a deal to sign Ramsey. According to reports in Argentina, Tottenham will pay £20million plus Lo Celso in order to secure Ramsey, a highly-regarded 23-year-old midfielder.

Villa have been busy in the summer transfer window, signing Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Jaden Philogene, Enzo Barrenechea, Lewis Dobbin, Ross Barkley and Cameron Archer. While they have sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus and Tim Iroegbunam to Everton, they still need to balance the books with more sales.

As well as sanctioning the departure of Ramsey, Unai Emery is allowing Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad for a club-record sale of £60m. The arrival of Lo Celso at Villa Park will be welcomed gladly by goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who plays with the midfielder at international level for Argentina.

Lo Celso joined Spurs in 2019 but has never settled in the following five years and was loaned out to Villarreal in both 2021/22 and 2022/23. He has made just 108 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, 24 of which came last season.

Emery knows Lo Celso well from his time at Villarreal and clearly believes he can contribute for Villa. Despite struggling at club level, Lo Celso remains highly-rated in his home country and made five appearances in their recent Copa America success, contributing the assist in the 1-0 win over Colombia in the final.

Asked about Lo Celso’s situation in April, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said: "Look, he's a fantastic player, but with all these things you've got to keep the perspective that we're at a big club, we're going to have a big squad and if it is not Gio, it will be someone else that will play that role next year.

“No one will play every game. It doesn't happen. It doesn't happen at all the big clubs, so I am never really worried about the game time players are playing. If they want more game time, there are other clubs where they can do that and I'm looking at contributions. With someone like Gio, like I said he has contributed to us this year and that's been the most important thing for me."

Lo Celso has one year left on his Spurs contract and has been linked with Real Betis as well as Villa. His high standing in Argentina is shown by the fact that Lionel Messi recommended him to Barcelona as a replacement when he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

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

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

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

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

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

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

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

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

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

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

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

Manchester City may target Ange Postecoglou if Pep Guardiola leaves next year - and the Tottenham Hotspur boss would reportedly be interested.

Postecoglou has previously batted away rumours linking him to Liverpool and, most recently, the England job. When Jurgen Klopp announced he would be departing the Merseysiders, Postecoglou was one of the first names to be linked with a move to Anfield.

When those rumours were put to him, the Australian dismissively rejected those reports, stating he has only just got his feet under the table at Tottenham – and eventually, Arne Slot was appointed at Anfield instead. Shortly after Gareth Southgate revealed he was stepping down as England boss, Postecoglou also swatted away any claim linking him with the Three Lions.

However, with Guardiola looking increasingly likely to walk away from City at the end of the new season, Postecoglou has already been mentioned as a possible successor to the Catalan's throne. The ex-Celtic manager would find it difficult to be loyal to the north Londoners if he was offered the opportunity to take over the reins at champions City.

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are confident Postecoglou will not be tempted by the England job. But it also claims that the only role that would tempt the 58-year-old would be City.

With Guardiola recently admitting himself that he is considering an exit, this would leave Tottenham sweating. While Spurs fell just short of finishing in the top four, Postecoglou excited their fanbase with a new brand of attacking football, despite having lost Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Another push for Champions League qualification and silverware awaits this season, with much optimism among supporters.

And when asked about the prospect of managing England, Postecoglou this week said: “I was having a nap this afternoon. I have no idea. I’m the Tottenham manager and I’m determined to bring success to this club. That’s where my focus is totally.”

He batted off speculation linking him to Liverpool in similar fashion last February. He said: "I may be on a shortlist. I don't think I want to say anything about that because I don't think that's ever going to enter my brain space for what my priorities in life and profession right now."

He is yet to be asked about the prospect of managing City, though. And what is evident is that Guardiola is undecided as to whether he wants to remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond his contract, which expires in 2025.

After winning the Premier League, Guardiola said: “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now.

"I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see.

“What I want for my players is to enjoy two or three days [of this title success] and then we have two days to prepare for the final. But right now I don’t know what exactly the moti­vation is to do it [next season] because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done.

"But knowing the players and myself I know that when we are there we will say why should we not win today? Why should we not work as much as possible to do what we have to do? And I know we are going to do it [work].”