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Joe Cole urges Tottenham to appoint ex-England teammate as Ange Postecoglou replacement

If Tottenham decide to sack Ange Postecoglou despite his Europa League win, Joe Cole reckons Michael Carrick would be the ideal man to replace him in north London

Joe Cole is tipping former Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick to become the club's next manager if they decide to part ways with Ange Postecoglou in the coming weeks.

Big Ange still appears on the brink despite guiding Spurs to a first trophy since 2008 by landing last month's Europa League. That is because of a dire domestic campaign that saw them lose 22 matches and finish in 17th position.

And if chairman Daniel Levy decides to part ways with Postecoglou soon, Cole reckons current Middlesbrough boss Carrick would be the ideal candidate to take over because he already knows how the club works from his time as a player. Cole also would like to see Glenn Hoddle return to Spurs in an advisory capacity.

Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.

“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.

“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.

“I’d love to see Glenn Hoddle back in the club in some capacity, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”

Postecoglou won 47 of his 101 matches in charge of the club, drawing 15 and losing 39. And he had recently said he was confident that the club could push on enjoy a period of success after putting an end to the long wait for a trophy.

"I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things," he told Australian media last week.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Spurs have already been linked with Fulham's head coach Marco Silva, who is yet to open talks over a new deal at Craven Cottage, along with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Brentford's Thomas Frank.

Tottenham may look to sell captain Son Heung-min in the summer transfer window in order to fund a squad rebuild. Son has been with Spurs for 10 years, making 454 appearances for the club, but there is a feeling his time could be coming to an end.

The Telegraph reports that, with one year left on his existing contract, Spurs feel the time is right to wave goodbye to a club legend. Son has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and this is the last transfer window in which he could generate a decent fee.

The 32-year-old forward has 173 goals and 101 assists for Tottenham since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. But while he returned 11 goals and 10 assists in 46 games, he showed obvious signs of regression in the 2024/25 season.

Spurs triggered a one-year extension in his deal in January to protect his transfer value and he could be targeted by a Saudi club this summer. The South Korean international is extremely famous in Asia and could still be an asset in the Pro League.

Tottenham ended a 17-year wait for silverware by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final last month, but are still planning a major overhaul. Manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to be sacked by chairman Daniel Levy and it seems Son could also be a high-profile victim of the changes.

He is currently away on international duty with South Korea, who face Iraq and Kuwait in World Cup qualifiers over the next week. But he is not expected to play in either match, with South Korea only needing a point from the two games to qualify.

Son missed the last Spurs game of the season with a foot injury and did not appear in the club's kit launch for the 2025/26 season.

Were he to leave this summer, Son would do so with his status as a club legend secure. He has been a reliable performer for 10 years and was able to lift the Europa League thanks to Brennan Johnson's goal in Bilbao.

"Let's say I'm a legend. Why not? Only today!" Son told TNT Sports. "17 years nobody has done it, so with such amazing players yeah today's the day. Probably today I will say I'm a legend of this club.

"I feel amazing. This is what I've always dreamed for and today is the day it happened. Dream came really, really true. I'm so so happy. I am the happiest man in the world."

After a short holiday, former England and Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason was given time to deliberate and has now decided to accept West Brom’s offer

Tottenham coach Ryan Mason is set to land his first managerial role after agreeing to take over at West Brom. West Brom have been on the hunt for a new manager since Tony Mowbray was dismissed on April 21.

Mason quickly emerged as a leading candidate, but Spurs’ roller-coaster 2024-25 campaign – in which they secured Europa League success – only ended on May 25. After a short holiday, the former England midfielder was given time to deliberate and has now decided to accept West Brom’s offer.

It brings a seven-year coaching career at Tottenham to an end for Mason, who progressed through the club’s academy to also play 70 times for his boyhood team. Mason was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 at the age of 26 after he sustained a fractured skull in a Premier League match for Hull away to Chelsea a year earlier.

A decade on from earning his solitary England cap against Italy, the London-born coach will embark on his first managerial role in the Championship.

Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs, which enabled the 33-year-old to play his part in the club’s first trophy since 2008.

After two previous caretaker stints at Tottenham, including leading the club into the 2021 Carabao Cup final, Mason has long been tipped for a future in management.

Mason initially started coaching at youth level for Spurs upon his retirement in 2018 before being promoted to Antonio Conte ’s coaching staff three years later not long after a seven-game spell as interim boss.

Another caretaker role came in 2023 following Conte’s departure before Ange Postecoglou kept Mason as part of his backroom team.

After a further two years as Tottenham first-team coach, Mason will take over West Brom after they finished ninth in the Championship.

Mowbray was dismissed in April after their play-off hopes ended despite only being hired in January to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to take over at Valencia.

Mason, whose contract at Spurs was up this month, will be tasked with leading West Brom back into the top flight for the first time since 2021.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is expected to make a decision over whether to sack Ange Postecoglou this week but another key figure at the club has announced her exit

Tottenham have confirmed that Donna-Maria Cullen has stepped down from her role as a non-executive director. The news comes at the start of a week where the club are expected to make a decision on whether to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs supremo Daniel Levy will make the final call on Postecoglou. Fans want the 59-year-old to stay after winning the club's first major trophy in 17 years in last month's Europa League final, but the former Celtic chief could yet pay the price for an abysmal Premier League campaign, with Spurs finishing 17th.

An official announcement on Postecoglou's future is expected soon. But Cullen's departure was officially announced by the club on Monday morning.

She said in a statement: “This has been such a hard decision to make. The Club has been my life for the past three decades. I have had the privilege of working with Daniel, whose vision and energy has driven the Club forward, and so many talented and wonderful colleagues.

“It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home - amazing memories home and away. Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.

“The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the Club all the success in the world.”

Levy thanked Cullen for her "immense contribution" to Tottenham over such a significant period and paid tribute to the work she had done in terms of the environment and diversity.

He added: “Donna has pushed the conscience of the Club to be at the forefront of environmental and diversity initiatives. She also played a crucial role in supporting the amateur part-time Spurs Ladies, enabling the development of our professional women’s team.

“Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”

Tottenham fans are expecting to hear from Levy again shortly with some reports claiming that he has already made the decision to sack Postecoglou. Knowledge of contact with Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, has already done the rounds over the weekend.

Postecoglou, though, stressed once again that he is planning for the future - and more success - with Spurs in a new documentary which hit the airwaves in Australia on Sunday.

“I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment,” he revealed to the Australian Story when he was asked about his tease over 'season three' at Spurs' Europa League victory parade.

“I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again.”

Ange Postecoglou's future as Tottenham manager is yet to be confirmed but talks with another Premier League boss suggest that Daniel Levy has already made his decision

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou insists that he's planning for the future with Spurs, despite claims that Daniel Levy has decided to sack him. Postecoglou, 59, ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought earlier this month, as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final.

But it came off the back of a disastrous Premier League season. Spurs finished one place above the relegation zone, losing an astonishing 22 league games.

It was the most defeats any side has suffered in a 38-game Premier League campaign without being relegated and marked Tottenham's worst top-flight finish in 48 years. But Postecoglou is looking ahead to his third year in charge, even though it's been reported that chairman Levy is ready to wield the axe.

Spurs are said to have held talks with Brentford manager Thomas Frank over becoming their new boss. Fulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also in contention.

It comes after Postecoglou told fans at Tottenham's Europa League victory parade that for all the best TV shows: "Season three is better than season two."

What did he mean by that? "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," he revealed to the Australian Story ahead of a new documentary which was televised on Sunday evening in Australia. "I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this.

"We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

Postecoglou has previously labelled media speculation over his future 'weird'. "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented," the Aussie-Greek manager told reporters after Spurs lost 4-1 at home to Brighton on the final day.

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"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Ange Postecoglou remains under huge pressure at Tottenham despite guiding the club to their first trophy in 17 years, with the Australian at risk of the sack after losing 22 games across the Premier League season

Tottenham have reportedly held talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank as they continue to weigh up the future of under-fire Ange Postecoglou. The Australian guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League, but is still under pressure after the team finished 17th in the Premier League.

It was Tottenham's worst league finish since they were relegated in 1976-77 and the team's 22 defeats are the most by a team in Premier League history without going down.

Speculation is rife that Tottenham could opt to axe Postecoglou in the wake of their woeful results, despite delivering the trophy the club desperately craved.

Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato are now claiming that Spurs have opened negotiations with Frank after his impressive work at Brentford.

It's reported that Frank has already discussed his vision for the club in talks and has even named some transfer targets he would like to sign.

The outlet claims Frank is "one of the favourites" to take over should Postecoglou be axed, but is not the only manager on the club's shortlist.

It adds that Postecoglou is in a "strange position" in north London ahead of holding formal talks over his position next week.

Football London has reported that chairman Daniel Levy is planning to implement huge changes at the club this summer in line with the arrival of new CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

Postecoglou was quizzed about his future after the club's final game of the season - a 4-1 home los to Brighton - and admitted it was " weird " he was being quizzed about it despite delivering a trophy.

"I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented," he said. "I have had to answer the questions because no-one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.

"I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club, because wherever I have been, I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while.

"You just have to look at those clubs’ trajectory even after I left, they are still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis.”

Timo Werner will not be joining Spurs permanently with the club turning down an option to sign him for £8.5m at expiration of their loan agreement with RB Leipzig

Tottenham have decided against signing misfit forward Timo Werner after confirming his return to RB Leipzig - but a £21m deal to sign Austria international Kevin Danso will be formally completed on Sunday.

Spurs had an option to buy the Germany international for £8.5m at the end of his loan but that has not been taken up with the Europa League winners naming him as one of six senior players departing the club. Werner, 29, did not score a goal in 18 league appearances this season and missed a large chunk of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

He departs with three goals in all competitions across 41 appearances in a season and a half.

Goalkeepers Fraser Forster, 37, and Alfie Whiteman, 26, are both being released at the end of their contracts this month, while left back Sergio Reguilon, 28, will also become a free agent.

Forster joined Spurs in the summer of 2022 following several years at Southampton and featured in the early stages of their Europa League triumph. Academy graduate Whiteman made just a single first-team appearance, while Reguilon leaves after a five-year stint that saw him make loan moves to Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.

Welsh defender Ben Davies is also out of contract on June 30 but may still sign a new deal amid interest from Championship new boys Wrexham, while the future of Mathys Tel remains unclear.

He signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January and that included an option to buy the France U21 forward for £50m. Tottenham have also said Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's loan to Marseille will become a permanent switch.

Danso's loan from RC Lens will be converted into a permanent stay in north London, to the tune of £21m as per the terms of his loan deal.

The 26-year-old made 10 Premier League appearances last season and came on as a late substitute as Spurs defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Spurs are still weighing up whether to stick with Ange Postecoglou as head coach following their European triumph and a dismal 22-loss Premier League campaign.

The club said youth team players Will Andiyapan, Archie Baptiste, Jahziah Linton, Maxwell McKnight, Max Robson, Jaden Williams, Elliot Krasniqi, Timileyin Adekunle, Dante Orr and Charlie Warren are all leaving when their deals expire.

Tottenham won the Europa League last week and former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has suggested that chairman Daniel Levy will be more pleased about Champions League qualification rather than the trophy

Ex-Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at Daniel Levy following Spurs' Europa League triumph. Mourinho's former team beat another of his previous employers, Manchester United, 1-0 in Bilbao last Wednesday.

The win ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought and rescued a catastrophic season for the club. Ange Postecoglou's side finished 17th in the Premier League, directly above the relegation zone, marking their worst top-flight campaign since 1977.

Spurs' dismal form coincided with protests against chairman Levy from angry supporters. The much-maligned chief axed Mourinho back in 2021 just days before Tottenham were due to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Mourinho has managed two clubs since but he's clearly not forgotten Levy's ruthless decision to sack him. The 62-year-old, who's now in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce, told Sky Sports: "The impact is obvious, Tottenham plays Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions that the Champions League gives for him is the best news.

"For the fans, for the players, for Ange, it's a title."

It's not the first time that Mourinho has taken a swipe at Levy. "The most ridiculous [sacking] was a club that has an empty trophy room sacks me two days before a final. That was the one that was... come on," the Portuguese said on the Obi One Podcast in 2023.

"Tottenham have never won for 50 years. I don't remember when. I am two days before a final and I couldn't do the final. It's the one which doesn't smell well.

Mourinho added: "I had a plan but sometimes it doesn't work. But the reality is every time I went to Wembley with Chelsea I won. I went there with Man United three times, I won twice.

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"So the record was good. It was a stadium and atmosphere which I dominate well, because when you go into these big matches you need to feel comfortable, you cannot go to these matches and feel the stadium is too big.

"I had the experience to try and help the team but the final was against Man City so I would be an idiot right now to say we would have won. But a few weeks before that, we won against them 2-0 at our stadium, so the feeling was positive. But it is what it is."

Tottenham beat Manchester United in last week's Europa League final, with Jose Mourinho, who managed both teams, now offering his verdict on the clash in Bilbao

Jose Mourinho has admitted he was divided while watching last week's Europa League final, but is happy Tottenham finally ended their trophy drought. Brennan Johnson's scrappy first-half goal was enough to see Spurs claim their first piece of silverware for 17 years.

It was also their first European trophy since 1984 and ensured they qualified for the Champions League, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League. Mourinho was one of many managers who failed to end the club's long drought.

He spent 17 months at the London side and was sacked just days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final, which Spurs would go on to lose to Manchester City. The legendary coach was also previously in charge of losing finalist Manchester United.

He actually led them to winning the Europa League in 2017 before being sacked a year later. While he maintains a close relationship with current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, Mourinho has now admitted his delight at seeing Spurs beat United.

The 62-year-old pointed to the scenes of Spurs skipper Heung-min Son crying with the trophy as making him emotional. But he also reserved a dig for chairman Daniel Levy, who brutally sacked him back in April 2021.

"The impact is obvious, Tottenham plays Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions that the Champions League gives for him is the best news. For the fans, for the players, for Ange, it's a title," Mourinho told Sky Sports News.

"Yes the game was not amazing, they made history for Tottenham because Tottenham didn't have a trophy for many years. The impact on Manchester United of course is huge for how many years Manchester United is not involved in any European competition.

"But at the same time, it looks like they're supporting Ruben, they're giving him time and conditions to move forward. I was divided because on one side I love United, but on the other side when I saw Sonny crying with the cup and also for Tottenham fans it has a special feeling."

Levy has expressed his delight at finally seeing Spurs end their trophy drought. He paid tribute to the squad and boss Ange Postecoglou for their work in claiming a historic victory.

"We did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory. This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008," he said.

"We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner. I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible.

"I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.

"This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more."

Tottenham are looking to take advantage of their Champions League qualification in this summer's transfer window, potentially beating fierce rivals Arsenal to a key target

Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Leroy Sane, with the winger set to leave Bayern Munich. Sane joined Bayern in 2020 from Manchester City, helping them to win four Bundesliga titles.

But while he has been a regular under Vincent Kompany this term, the German looks set to call time on his career at the Allianz Arena. Sane's contract will expire this summer, with Bayern having been unable to agree a new deal.

The 29-year-old scored 13 goals in 45 games across all competitions this season as Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga title. He previously scored 39 goals in 135 games for City, helping them to win two Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups and the FA Cup.

During his time in Germany, Sane has emerged as a target for Arsenal. But it now looks as if fierce rivals Spurs have been able to muscle into their pursuit and have moved ahead of the Gunners.

Spurs won the Europa League last week, beating Manchester United in the final. With the victory, they ended a 17-year silverware drought and booked their place in next season's Champions League.

That new reality looks set to hand them a boost in the summer transfer window. According to Sky Sports, Spurs have been 'offered the opportunity' to sign Sane ahead of the new season.

The qualification for the Champions League is highlighted as making the London side a 'more attractive proposition'. Bayern have been left frustrated that Sane is set to move on for free.

The 29-year-old appeared to be on the course to sign a new deal, before suddenly switching agents from Christian Schmid of 11Wins to Pini Zahavi. Bayern's board member for sport Max Eberl admitted to being taken by surprise by the move.

"We have good relationships with his agencies. It came as a bit of a surprise. We thought we were very far along. We'll see how things develop. Our wish would be to extend Leroy's contract, but we've also set ourselves a framework," Eberl said at the start of May.

"We'll see what happens Until the signature is finalized, nothing can be said. We have a clear idea and thought we were on the right track. Of course, we're talking to the new agency.

"There's no bad blood; the players are free to make their own decisions. We're very clear. Leroy's performances in recent weeks have been very good; he's shown that he's committed to Bayern Munich. We hope he does it, and if not, we'll move on there as well.

"At the moment, the season is still being viewed as a bit too normal. We've been top of the table since the third matchday, we've been very stable, and we've always responded very well to setbacks. It's a special, important championship. We're hungry for more!"