Sport Witness

Mateo Pellegrino has impressed for Parma so far this season. The striker is now attracting attention from Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old Argentine has seven goals in all competitions, while playing in a team which is battling to survive relegation in Serie A.

Pellegrino arrived at Parma last January and since his arrival has ten goals in 28 games. He’s showcased a very reliable aerial ability and is also known to be very good on the ball.

Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo has reported about interest from AC Milan.

They want a striker in January but signing Pellegrino will not be easy next month.

This is because Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have ‘set their sights’ on the player.

The journalist claims that in the summer, Parma rejected a €15m offer from a Premier League club. The exact identity of the club remains unknown but this helped the Serie A strugglers establish a price tag for their asset.

In January, Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest will have to make a ‘huge offer’ to land the player.

Parma paid only €2m to Velez Sarsfield to sign Pellegrino earlier this year. Despite the possibility of a major capital profit, they aren’t keen on a January sale.

Suitors are more likely to sign the forward in the summer, with Pellegrino helping Parma battle relegation.

Italian media continue to push the idea of Guglielmo Vicario leaving Tottenham, and that line gained public backing on Tuesday.

Arturo Di Napoli spoke to TMW Radio (relayed by FC Inter News) and supported Inter Milan’s plan to move again for the Spurs goalkeeper.

The former forward said the Italian club had already tried to sign Vicario before his move to London. He explained that Inter negotiated with Empoli at the time, but the Premier League pulled the player away because Tottenham were ready to pay more.

Di Napoli insisted the failed deal was “only a financial issue”, which forced Empoli to accept the English offer.

He believes that background matters now. Di Napoli argued that Inter wanted Vicario “in times not suspected”, highlighting that they saw him as a long-term starter even before his Premier League switch.

With Yann Sommer’s age becoming a factor, he claimed that bringing the Tottenham player back to Serie A “would be a major coup”.

These remarks follow Gazzetta dello Sport, who earlier reported Vicario is tired of ‘yet another psycho-dramatic season’ at Spurs.

According to the Italian daily, the 29-year-old has told his entourage this could be his final campaign in the Premier League. They also repeated that his desire to return home is growing.

Italian outlets continue to link Tottenham with alternatives. Emiliano Martínez’s name surfaced again, although those claims look speculative.

Still, with Vicario frustrated by the current Spurs season and receiving open praise in Italy, the narrative around a possible return is gaining strength. What happens next will depend on how Tottenham position themselves in the window.

Glen Riddersholm is unhappy about claims stating Thomas Frank’s position at Tottenham Hotspur is in danger.

Riddersholm has managed Denmark U17s, FC Midtjylland and several other clubs. He also worked as an assistant manager at Norwich City last season.

The Dane is currently a pundit for Viaplay, where he talked about the Tottenham boss, and Tipsbladet have relayed his comments.

Frank has managed 22 matches since taking over Spurs last summer. The north London club won eight and lost eight, which includes a defeat in the EFL Cup to Newcastle United.

Tottenham have five wins after 14 league matches this season and are currently 11th in the table. They could have suffered another defeat against the Magpies if not for Cristian Romero’s late equaliser against the Magpies on Tuesday.

They have one win in their last eight matches, and it came against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The Europa League winners’ recent poor run has led to suggestion in England that Frank’s job could be in danger.

There’s anger in Denmark about the suggestion made in England about Frank’s role at Spurs. Despite their recent poor run, Riddersholm insists Tottenham have done well under Frank.

“I think it is completely ridiculous that Thomas Frank should fear for his job. I think he is doing a fantastic job,” he said.

“Everyone who is close to Tottenham and follows it from a distance knows that what he has done so far has been excellent. You can only play with the cards you are dealt, and I think there are obvious shortcomings in the squad he is coaching.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are leading the race to sign RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.

That’s at least what journalist Sacha Tavolieri is reporting in his column for Sky Sport CH.

He claims the 19-year-old has ended up on the radars of Tottenham, Liverpool and Barcelona.

The Europa League winners have been monitoring the winger in recent months. His profile particularly appeals to Thomas Frank, who is looking to improve Spurs’ attack.

Liverpool are also in the picture to sign the Ivory Coast international. Tavolieri states the Reds see him as a ‘serious option to bring freshness’ to their attack.

Tottenham and Liverpool are currently in pole position and have already made approaches to sign him. According to the journalist, Spurs and Arne Slot’s side are in ‘very advanced contact’ with the youngster’s agent.

Diomande joined the German club from Leganés in July and signed a five-year contract.

Tavolieri reports Leipzig, who are calm, are keeping a close eye on the developments around the young attacker. They haven’t yet started negotiations for his potential sale.

Barcelona have also shown interest in the Ivorian. At this moment in time, they haven’t gone beyond ‘exploratory calls’.

On Tuesday, both TuttoSport and Gazzetta dello Sport reported Inter Milan interest in Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.

The pink daily specifically claimed that the Italian side have already spoken to the goalkeeper’s agent. They later went on to say fan pressure was making Vicario look towards the exit.

Today’s Gazzetta goes deeper into the 29-year-old’s situation at Tottenham.

According to the report, Vicario is tired of ‘ yet another psycho-dramatic season’ at Spurs. He now has a desire to return to Serie A, where he impressed with Empoli before joining the London club.

Gazzetta state the Tottenham player has let his agents know ‘this could be his last agonising season’ in the Premier League.

To be clear, the Italian newspaper state: ‘Vicario is tired of experiencing yet another psycho-dramatic season and has let his representatives know that this could be his last agonising season in the Premier League. The yearning for home prevails, the desire to return to Serie A for good.’

At the same time, it’s claimed Thomas Frank’s side are already looking around for replacements.

Aston Villa’s Dibu Martinez is named as the favourite target. The Argentine was close to joining Manchester United in the summer, and now it’s claimed Tottenham could be his next destination.

Whilst Martinez links may well be guesswork, the Vicario claims are all over Italy. There’s nearly always a belief Italians in the Premier League are never truly happy and desire a return home.

The current Tottenham situation has encouraged that further.

On Tuesday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported Guglielmo Vicario has decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur. They also reported his agent will reconnect with Inter Milan, who had previously shown interest in the goalkeeper.

Later that day, Tuttosport backed up the Serie A side’s interest in the 29-year-old. They explained he’s an ‘old obsession’ of their chairman, Giuseppe Marotta.

A fresh report from Gazzetta dello Sport explains why the Italy international is thinking about leaving Tottenham for Inter.

He’s been the No.1 for Spurs since joining them from Empoli in June 2023. The stopper was a key part of the Tottenham squad that won the Europa League last season. Vicario became a fan favourite at the north London club.

The Italian has had mixed performances this season, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding 27 goals from 20 matches.

Last weekend, Vicario made an error in Tottenham’s 2-1 home defeat to Fulham. He eventually took full responsibility for his mistake, which wasn’t his first of this season.

Vicario was booed by the Tottenham supporters and Thomas Frank has publicly come out to defend him.

Gazzetta state: ‘Those jeers, however, risk becoming the last straw in a cup that has gradually filled up for the national team goalkeeper, one that is now making him seriously consider whether his future is better away from London, perhaps in Serie A and perhaps at Inter, who are starting to wink at him.’

His contract with the Premier League side is until 2028. Frank and Tottenham are keen on retaining Vicario.

However, the newspaper adds: ‘…in the eyes of Tottenham fans, Vicario is no longer a pillar. He has three years left on his contract with Tottenham, but it’s impossible not to wonder whether Spurs is still the best place for him, for his development. Especially if, from being an idol, you suddenly find yourself booed by your own fans.’

Tottenham Hotspur favourite Jan Vertonghen is set for a three-month internship at the Belgian Football Association.

That’s according to DH. They report that the former Tottenham defender is taking up a three-month internship through the UEFA MIP programme. That’s a training programme for former top-level professional players.

Vertonghen brought his 19-year playing career to an end in the summer, deciding to retire at Anderlecht after spells with Ajax, RAC Waalwijk, Tottenham and Benfica before that.

While he’s decided to end his career, admitting that he didn’t want to further damage his body, he’s determined to remain in the game. And it seems he’s ready to make his return as soon as possible, in January 2026 to be fair. That’s when his new internship with the Belgian FA begins.

The MIP programme is designed to offer former players “a complete immersion” in all dimensions of football. That includes management, governance and “the sporting strategy”.

With Belgium, he’s set to work alongside sporting director Vincent Mannaert. This will give the former Tottenham star a chance to learn “first-hand experience of the federation’s new sporting policy.”

Vertonghen is certainly excited about his return. He admitted his aim is to move into the other side of football after his playing career.

“After nearly twenty years in the game, I want to take the time to further my education and maintain a strong connection with the football world,” he said.

And then one day, a return to Tottenham… right?!

Luka Modrić spent four years at Tottenham Hotspur and left them for Real Madrid in 2012.

The midfielder spent 13 years at Real Madrid and departed as a free agent at the end of last season. He moved to AC Milan in July, after a number of clubs came forward.

(Ne)uspjeh Prvaka have published a detailed interview with the former Tottenham star on their YouTube channel. He was speaking to former West Ham United and Watford manager Slaven Bilić about several topics.

Sportske Novosti cover comments made by the 40-year-old on his move from Tottenham to Real Madrid. A year before that, Chelsea made a concrete attempt to snatch him from their London rivals.

Daniel Levy was chairman at the north London club, and refused the player to leave for the Blues.

During the course of the 2011/12 season, Modrić was insisting on joining Chelsea, who were still keen. Tottenham, at the same time, were working on giving him an extension.

Modrić revealed Levy made a promise to him that he’d only sell to Real Madrid. The Croatia international explained he thought it wasn’t possible back then, months before the La Liga giants acquired his signature.

“Levy promised me mid-season that he would let me go because I kept insisting and Chelsea still wanted me,” he said.

“We also talked about a new contract, and at one point, I don’t know why, he told me, ‘The only club I would let you go to is Real’. No matter how much you believe in yourself, Real sometimes sounds unattainable.

“I asked him what if Real doesn’t come, and he repeated the same thing during another conversation we had later.

“Even before the start of preparations for the Euros, they called me saying Real wanted me! I was like ‘wow,’ I was stunned, that’s it.

“I already talked to the coach in Rovinj, but leaving wasn’t easy. Despite what he told me, the negotiations were tough and long. I behaved differently then [threatened to boycott Tottenham training], even though it was hard for me to take that step, but I had given my word.”

“It was hard and long, but at that moment I was ready not to play anymore. It’s not in my character, it was hard because of my relationship with the fans, but I didn’t see another way.”

José Mourinho was then in charge at Real Madrid. Modrić says the manager was the only one to push for his signing as Los Blancos had other plans.

He initially struggled in Spain before turning things around. Modrić won the Champions League six times, four league titles and several other trophies with Real Madrid.

AC Milan star Luka Modrić has revealed Chelsea wanted him before he completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Croatia international has been speaking to YouTube channel (Ne)uspjeh Prvaka. Sportske Novosti have relayed comments made by the 40-year-old on Chelsea’s interest and his move to Tottenham.

The midfielder left Dinamo Zagreb for Tottenham in 2008. Prior to that, their London rivals had made a concrete approach to acquire his signature.

Modrić has now explained his initial plan was to stay at Dinamo Zagreb be successful with them. However, he had to change his plans after seeing some of his teammates leave the Croatian club. This left him demoralised, and Chelsea came forward for his signature.

The former Real Madrid star says Dinamo Zagreb weren’t keen. This didn’t please Modrić, who immediately said yes to Tottenham after they made an approach.

“I didn’t mind staying longer because I wanted to stay at Dinamo, but I felt guilty, I wanted to do something in Europe,” he said.

“But the first offer: Čarli leaves, my best friend. The second offer: Dudu leaves. You look at ‘so why if there’s talk that we want to do something big?!’ But I still wanted to stay, I enjoyed Dinamo, I had a good time.

“But then the half-season came and Vukojević and someone else left, so I thought what to do, I got angry and got into a small conflict with the club because I wanted to leave. Then Chelsea appeared, the club didn’t want to let me go and when Tottenham contacted me in June, I immediately said I was leaving.”

The Croatian spent four years at Spurs before leaving for Real Madrid in 2012. A year before that, Chelsea tried to sign him.

Daniel Levy was then in charge at Tottenham and refused to let Modrić join the Blues. Another report from Sportske Novosti relayed his quotes.

“I wanted to go, maybe I shouldn’t have said it, but I wanted to make a move,” Modrić explained.

“Tottenham were tough, I had a frank conversation with the chairman, and he made it clear that there was no chance of them letting me go. And I carried on as if nothing was happening.

“It turned out even better because there probably wouldn’t have been Real Madrid if I had gone to Chelsea then, at least not soon.”

In their Tuesday edition, Gazzetta dello Sport covered Inter Milan’s interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The newspaper indicated the Italian wants to return home to Serie A and isn’t enjoying life at Spurs as much as he once was.

Talk of Inter’s interest in Vicario is now growing. After Gazzetta, TuttoSport have a detailed report on it.

Doubts are growing about Yann Sommer’s abilities amidst a disappointing 2025/26 season. This has led to Josep Martinez getting some game time in the past few weeks.

Despite that, Martinez isn’t seen as the future first-choice at the Nerazzurri.

That’s why Vicario has become a target, with the Tottenham player seen as an ‘old obsession’ by CEO Beppe Marotta.

Vicario’s being 29-years-of-age isn’t seen as ideal by the Nerazzurri’s Oaktree ownership. They are keener on signing younger players – as evident from recent transfers.

The Italy international’s contract at Tottenham runs out in 2028 and this can make an exit difficult.

All of this comes at a convenient time for Vicario.

He made a blunder against Fulham and was also booed by Tottenham fans during the game. Thomas Frank came out to defend him, amidst a difficult time in the relationship between squad and fanbase.

Inter Milan interest would be fortunate given Vicario hasn’t hugely impressed at Tottenham. That such a club is being linked does no harm to his perception at a difficult time.