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Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has defended the team's transfer spending and described the 2024-25 season as "highly challenging" in a statement accompanying the club's annual financial results.

Levy has come under frequent criticism during his time at Spurs, with supporters voicing frustration at the club for not always spending as much as their rivals in the transfer market and failing to ensure their on-pitch exploits match up to their commercial success.

This season has been a particulalry difficult one for Spurs. They are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table and are left with only the Europa League as a means of ending the north London club's 17-year trophy drought.

A number of Spurs supporters took part in a protest against Levy and the club's ownership before the team's Premier League match against Manchester United in February.

Levy defended his record in the transfer market on Monday and reiterated his focus on the club's economic stability.

"As we announce our financial results for the year to 30 June 2024, we currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch," Levy said in a statement on Monday.

"We are, however, in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages.

"Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions. Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means.

"I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world. However, a closer examination of today's financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues.

"Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power. We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club -- indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.

"I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. We are resilient and passionate about our club. We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch."

Spurs' accounts detailed a 4% decrease in revenue -- to £528.2 million ($683.4m) from 2023's £549.6m -- in a period which covered Postecoglou's first season in charge.

The north London club oversaw an overhaul of their first-team squad during that time, with players such as Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Brennan Johnson brought in to the club, while Harry Kane left in a big-money move to Bayern Munich.

Spurs did not play in Europe last season owing to their eight-placed finish in 2022-23 and their prize money earned from UEFA dropped sharply from £56.2m to just £1.3m as a result. Despite the changes at the club, Postecoglou led the team to a fifth-placed finish and Europa League qualification. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur women reached the FA Cup final under the tutelage of head coach Robert Vilahamn.

However, this season has been a torrid one for Spurs after a combination of injuries and poor form have seen them lose more than half of their Premier League games, leaving just the Europa League -- where they will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarterfinals -- as their sole hope of salvaging something from the season.

The women's side have also struggled in 2024-25 amid growing speculation over Vilahamn's future as head coach. They are ninth in the Women's Super League table.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will face off in Hong Kong in July for what will be the first north London derby to take place outside of the UK, it was announced on Monday.

The preseason fixture will be played on July 3 at the newly-built Kai Tak Stadium, as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025.

"Everyone at Arsenal is excited to be visiting Hong Kong in July. It's great to be back with our men's first team squad after 13 years, and gives us the opportunity to meet so many of our fantastic supporters in the region again," Arsenal managing director, Richard Garlick said in a statement.

"As well as training hard and playing the match, we cannot wait to connect with our Hong Kong supporters in this wonderful part of the world.

"Playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the magnificent new Kai Tak Stadium will be a great experience for both teams and supporters, and will be a very important part of our pre-season preparations ahead of the new season," Spurs' chief revenue officer Ryan Norys said in a statement.

Tottenham will have an open training session ahead of the match Arsenal.

"There are few bigger occasions in English football than a north London derby and to play this fixture in Hong Kong will be a huge occasion for our passionate fanbase across Asia, as well as providing ideal preparation for the team ahead of the new season.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said he is happy at the south coast side and is hoping to make history at the club as they chase their first major trophy, amid speculation linking the Spaniard with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

With Spurs languishing 14th in the Premier League after 29 matches and bowing out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under boss Ange Postecoglou, Iraola has been touted as a possible option for the north London side if they part ways with the Australian.

The Europa League is Spurs' only hope of winning silverware this season in what would be the club's first trophy since winning the Carabao Cup in 2008.

The 43-year-old Iraola, who joined Bournemouth in June 2023, has helped the club reach the FA Cup quarterfinals, where they will host Manchester City on Sunday. His side are also looking to qualify for European football for the first time and are five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in 10th spot.

Asked if he can achieve all his management goals at Bournemouth, Iraola told reporters on Friday: "I want to do my job the best I can. I don't know how far we can go, where we will finish. I want to do my job the best I can.

"If I don't do the job very well, they will find someone else. I'm really happy here. We have a great opportunity to make history and it would be amazing for me personally, for the club to achieve new heights, but we know that we have to be realistic.

"There are better teams than us and we have to fight against teams that are very good. We will try to give the best level we have."

Iraola was also asked about 19-year-old centre back Dean Huijsen, whose impressive first season at Bournemouth has generated interest from Real Madrid, a source has told ESPN.

Dutch-born Huijsen made his international debut for Spain against the Netherlands in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals on March 20.

"We are not surprised [with the transfer talk], probably because he has now made his national team debut, he has played well, probably they are talking more about him," Iraola said.

"He has been playing consistently and I think he has performed very well. He has faced very difficult forwards but we already knew he was a very good player when he came in the summer."

Europe-chasing Bournemouth were left kicking themselves as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League after outplaying their hosts on Sunday.

Andoni Iraola's side were deservedly two goals up and set to boost their top-four hopes after Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson netted either side of halftime.

Pape Matar Sarr threw Tottenham a lifeline with a speculative cross that looped over Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and the Chelsea loanee then rashly brought down substitute Son Heung-Min in the area with the South Korean converting the resulting penalty in the 84th minute.

Bournemouth, for whom Justin Kluivert had a goal disallowed and hit the post, moved up a place to eighth spot with 44 points, five behind fourth-placed Chelsea, as Tottenham stayed 13th with 34.

If Bournemouth fail to qualify for Europe, they will look back at the last few weeks with bitter memories.

They were knocking on the door of the top four only for defeats by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion to cost them and they should have bagged all three points against a Spurs side booed off by their fans at the break.

They had eight shots on target, double the amount of Spurs, but paid for a lack of ruthlessness.

"We should have put some more chances away but going 2-0 up, we have to see the game out Everyone is disappointed in there but we can't dwell on it too much," Tavernier said.

Tottenham's disappointing season hinges on Thursday's Europa League round-of-16 clash at home to AZ Alkmaar when they will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

But they will have to play a lot better than they managed for long periods against Bournemouth.

"At 2-0 we had a bit of a mountain to climb," Ange Postecoglou said. "It was a chaotic game today and the boys showed a real mentality."

They welcomed back defender Cristian Romero after a three-month absence and handed him the captaincy but his awful pass after 30 seconds almost gifted Evanilson a goal, his shot superbly saved by Guglielmo Vicario.

Vicario saved his side again as another error almost led to a Bournemouth goal.

Bournemouth took the lead in the 42nd minute when yet another misplaced pass by the hosts, this time from Pedro Porro, saw Milos Kerkez surge down the left and produce a sublime cross that Tavernier volleyed in at the back post.

A sensational counter-attack early in the second half saw Kluivert finish in style from Tavernier's cross but a VAR check showed that Antoine Semenya was offside in the build-up.

Evanilson did double Bournemouth's lead with a deft finish from Kluivert's pass and the visitors were cruising.

Impressive substitute Lucas Bergvall struck the post for Spurs before Sarr's errant cross which floated over Kepa's head changed the complexion of the game.

Even then Bournemouth were still the better side but Kepa's eager rush form his goal saw him take down Son who calmly tucked away the spot-kick.

"We need to be more efficient because big teams find a way to win," Iraola said. "We have to be demanding with ourselves. It's shame not to get the points we deserve."

Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, while Chelsea's Joao Felix is attracting interest from AC Milan and Aston Villa. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United have received an enquiry from Tottenham Hotspur regarding winger Alejandro Garnacho, reports Daily Mail. Spurs are believed to be keen on a loan for the 20-year-old, with talks expected to continue between both clubs over a potential deal. Chelsea and Napoli have been linked with interest in a permanent move for Garnacho, who the Red Devils would reportedly let go for an offer in the region of £60 million.

- The representative of Chelsea forward João Félix is exploring a potential move to AC Milan, reports Nicolo Schira. Agent Jorge Mendes is said to be in Italy discussing a loan move to the San Siro for the 25-year-old, who according to Sky Sports Deutschland, is also on the radar of Aston Villa as a potential replacement for Jhon Durán. Felix has made just three starts for the Blues in the Premier League this season.

- An approach for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez has been made by Manchester City, says Fabrizio Romano. Negotiations are reported to be underway between both clubs, and while the Liga Portugal side would prefer to keep the 23-year-old, he could be signed if Man City activate the €60 million release clause in his current deal. Gonzalez joined the Dragoes from Barcelona, who are in line to receive 40% of any future transfer fee.

- Manchester United are interested in a move for on-loan VfB Stuttgart striker El Bilal Toure, according to Foot Mercato. The Red Devils are reported to have "accelerated" in their pursuit of the 23-year-old who is on loan from Atalanta, and it is said that there could be a three-way deal situation emerging in which the Bundesliga club would make his loan become permanent for €18 million before moving him on to Old Trafford.

Premier League Tottenham Hotspur needed extra time to beat brave fifth-tier Tamworth, 96 places below them in the English football pyramid, 3-0 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

The game had the makings of a huge upset from the opening whistle as Tamworth more than held their own but the team of part-time players tired and were unable to secure one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history.

"We should be proud, we took a top-six team to extra time," Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh, whose day job is as a building surveyor, told ITV. "We had chances as well, that's the frustrating bit."

After a goalless 90 minutes, Nathan Tshikuna's own goal in the 101st minute put Spurs ahead after Brennan Johnson had fired a low cross into the area.

Substitute Dejan Kulusevski doubled the lead when he latched onto a pass from Son Heung-Min to shoot across Singh and Johnson added a late third.

Tamworth gave their fans at a rocking Lamb Ground plenty to cheer when Beck-Ray Enoru -- who works as a shop clerk -- forced Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to make a diving save in the opening minute.

Before kickoff, Enoru had climbed on a teammate's shoulders to repair a gap in the net with a roll of tape as an Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou watched on chuckling and Tamworth's Tom Tonks, renowned for his long throw-ins, sent one clattering off Spurs' far post.

Tom McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd had excellent chances to notch a late winner for the home side which had manager Andy Peaks -- who quit his day job as support worker to become full-time manager ahead of Sunday's game -- holding his head in disbelief.

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing a move for unsettled Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, while Galatasaray have ruled out a January exit for Manchester United target Victor Osimhen. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham have discussed a move for PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to leave the French club this month, Ben Jacobs reports. The 26-year-old has struggled for form in Ligue 1 this season, scoring twice in 10 outings. PSG are open to letting Kolo Muani leave on loan but would prefer a permanent exit if the right opportunity is presented to them. Several clubs around Europe are reportedly interested in signing the France international, including AC Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Aston Villa. Spurs, meanwhile, are yet to make an official approach.

- Galatasaray are "100% convinced" that Victor Osimhen will not leave the club in the coming weeks, according to Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. The Nigeria international, who is on loan at the Turkish club from Napoli, has been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent weeks. However, negotiations are yet to take place with other clubs regarding a potential winter move. Osimhen, 26, has impressed for Galatasaray this season, scoring 10 goals in 12 league games.

- Liverpool are open to offers for Darwin Núñez and could accept bids in excess of £50 million for the striker this month, Football Insider has revealed. Speculation has continued to mount over the Uruguayan's immediate future, with AC Milan and Newcastle United both being linked with moves in recent weeks. The transfer fee would allow Liverpool to make back a large percentage of the sum they spent to bring him in 2½ years ago. Núñez has found goals hard to come by this season, having failed to score in the Premier League since early November.

- West Ham United have drawn up a list of winter forward targets which includes Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Evan Ferguson and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Hwang Hee-Chan, The Daily Telegraph reports. The outlet also claims that Middlesbrough star Emmanuel Latte Lath is of interest, as the Hammers look to provide competition for summer signing Niclas Füllkrug. While a loan move is more likely this month, a permanent signing could be made if funds can be generated through player exits.

- AC Milan are the latest club to shown an interest in Marcus Rashford, who appears to be on his way out at Manchester United, reports the Daily Mail. United are looking for a transfer fee of £40m but the player's £325,000-a-week salary is an issue, so a loan with an obligation to sign permanently would be considered. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have sounded him out, though he would prefer a move to Spain. Napoli have now been joined by AC Milan as Italian clubs would could make a move before the end of the month.

OTHER RUMORS

- Promotion contenders Sheffield United are set to re-sign Ben Brereton Díaz on loan after reaching a verbal agreement with Southampton. The Chile international is yet to score for the Saints since joining the club last summer in a £7m deal. Any such deal would include the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. (TalkSport)

- Reported Arsenal target Matheus Cunha is close to agreeing a contract extension at Wolves, and the long-term deal could be signed in the next two weeks. (Daily Telegraph)

- Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has agreed terms over a permanent move to Torino, but the two clubs have yet to agree a fee. Chelsea are looking for a total package of €20, but the offer so far stands at €12m for the 21-year-old. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Tottenham vs. Newcastle (Jan 4, 2025) Live Score  ESPN

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Manchester City's Jack Grealish, while Premier League clubs including Manchester United could make a move for Barcelona forward Dani Olmo. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.

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TOP STORIES

- Manchester United focused on 'survival' after latest loss

- Enzo Maresca: Ipswich's Liam Delap can be important for England

- Kevin De Bruyne on Man City future: No contract talks yet

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester City attacking midfielder Jack Grealish is attracting interest from two clubs in the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail. Both Tottenham and Newcastle United are reported to be watching the 29-year-old's situation, with belief that he could be tempted away from the Etihad Stadium amid a difficult spell of form for the Citizens. Grealish is yet to score this season despite making 18 appearances across all competitions.

- Barcelona have failed with their first attempt to register forward Dani Olmo, reports Mundo Deportivo. The Blaugrana are facing a struggle to register the 26-year-old amid ongoing financial problems, and it is believed their latest arguments to register both Olmo and Pau Víctor were rejected by the Court of First Instance 47. Both Manchester City and Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the situation, and they could have the chance to sign him if a resolution isn't found soon.

- Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has agreed to leave Manchester United, according to UOL. The 32-year-old is believed to be willing to move on from Old Trafford having struggled to establish himself in manager Ruben Amorim's squad, and it is reported that Al Nassr are at the front of the queue for his signature. Casemiro joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.

- Manchester United are keen on Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen, according to Mundo Deportivo. Manager Ruben Amorim is reported to have identified the 28-year-old as a strong fit for his system, with the Red Devils looking to reinforce their defence when the transfer window opens. Competition could come from Juventus for the Denmark international, who is set to enter the final 18 months of his contract at the Camp Nou.

- Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is on the radar of Celtic, according to Football Insider. The 27-year-old will enter the final six months of his contract in January, and it is reported that his former club is exploring a move that could see him return to Celtic Park in January or sign a pre-contract agreement that would become official in the summer. Tierney has made just one appearance for the Gunners this season, playing 69 minutes in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

- Three clubs are in the race for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, reports Calciomercato. Juventus are believed to have begun negotiations with the Rossoneri over a potential loan deal for the 27-year-old that would include an obligation to be made permanent, though they face competition from the Premier League with both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion interested in his services. Tomori arrived at the San Siro from Chelsea in the summer of 2021.

- A deal has been agreed by Bournemouth to sign DC United defender Matai Akinmboni, according to the Telegraph. The agreement is reported to be worth £1 million plus add-ons, with the 18-year-old set to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed switch to the Vitality Stadium. Akinmboni currently stars for the U.S. under-20 side, and was named on the bench in the 2-1 win over France in November.

Struggling Tottenham Hotspur had to settle for a 2-2 home draw against a revived Wolverhampton Wanderers side after a late strike by substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen in an entertaining Premier League clash on Sunday.

Having suffered four defeats in their previous five league games, injury-hit Spurs were aiming for a convincing performance to take the pressure off manager Ange Postecoglou but it was the visitors under new boss Vitor Pereira who came away the happier.

Wolves had taken the lead after seven minutes through Hwang Hee-Chan who fired a low shot that went in off the post after a short free kick, but Spurs equalised five minutes later when Rodrigo Bentancur's header beat keeper José Sá from a corner.

Tottenham spurned the chance to go in front when Son Heung-Min's spot kick was saved but they did go in ahead at the break after Brennan Johnson struck from close range. The second half was an end-to-end affair with Strand Larsen scoring in the 87th.

The result left Spurs languishing in 11th with 24 points from 19 games -- the first time they will finish the year lower than seventh since the 2008-09 season. Wolves are 17th on 16 points and stand two points above the relegation zone.

"It hurts and when you see how hard the players are trying it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward. I think today they deserved a reward," Postecoglou told reporters.

"It's my responsibility for where we are right now and it's my responsibility to get us out of it," he added.

Wolves started brightly and stunned the home supporters when a short free kick was played to South Korea forward Hwang on the edge of the box and he fired a low shot into the far corner that beat the diving Fraser Forster and went in off the post.

Spurs levelled soon after when Bentancur rose above the defence to send a powerful header past Sa from a Pedro Porro corner on the right much to the relief of Postecoglou.

Tottenham had the chance to take the lead just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty after André bundled Johnson over in the area but captain Son's spot kick was brilliantly saved by Portuguese Sá down to his right.

Spurs did go in front in added time at the end of the first half though when Johnson struck from close range after clever footwork inside the area by Dejan Kulusevski who cut the ball back from the right for the Welshman to finish smartly.

Wolves took off the injured Matheus Cunha, who was their most creative player in the opening period, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde at the break, and brought on Strand Larsen and Goncalo Guedes as they looked dangerous chasing an equaliser.

Spurs soon made a change themselves as Destiny Udogie hobbled off and was replaced by Sergio Reguilón at left back, bringing more defensive woes for a side hit by injuries, with their first-choice centre backs both missing.

Another Tottenham substitute Timo Werner was soon in the thick of the action and burst down the left before sending over a low cross that Dominic Solanke just failed to connect with.

Spurs continued to press and Kulusevski was played through by Solanke 10 minutes from time, but although his tame effort got past Sá it was cleared by Santiago Bueno.

Wolves also looked dangerous though and snatched a point when Rayan Aït-Nouri played the ball down the left and Strand Larsen turned inside the box before firing a rising shot into the net past the stranded Forster to delight the away fans.

Pereira's side have now taken seven points from their last three games to boost their chances of avoiding the drop.