Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur are still pushing on Alejo Véliz’s situation, but according to Argentine outlet Cádena 3, it now comes down to a simple question: are Spurs willing to pay in order to solve this problem?

This fresh reporting says Tottenham are seriously considering paying a sizeable compensation fee. The aim would be to end the striker’s loan at Rosario Central before June, so they could sell the striker to Brazilian side Bahia, a CFG club.

Inside the club, the case is seen as one they want resolved, even if it costs more than planned.

Rosario Central, however, continue to stand their ground. Club officials rely on the strength of the contract and show no urgency to soften their stance. Véliz remains in Rosario, trains normally with the squad and even featured in a recent friendly.

The player’s position also helps Rosario Central. As previously covered, Véliz wants to stay until mid-year and focus on his football there. More recent reports have stated his position is wobbling and he may well be tempted, which changes the scenario.

Player source suggests Tottenham tired of dealing with issue

One detail keeps the door open. Cádena 3 says the Argentine transfer window deadline has moved from 20 January to 27 January. That extension gives Tottenham extra time to decide whether they will meet Central’s demands and force an early exit.

For now, the balance stays the same. Rosario Central resist, the player stays committed, and Tottenham weigh the cost. With a few extra days on the clock, the next step depends on how far Spurs are prepared to go to close this chapter.

Cádena 3 state: ‘Sources close to the player describe the scenario bluntly: for Spurs , Véliz is “a problem,” and they would be willing to pay a hefty sum to “fix the broken-down car.”‘

This one got complicated very quickly and Tottenham will wanted it sorted out one way or another within days.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are chasing Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu, according to claims from Italy.

At the weekend, Calciomercato.it reported Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United are in the mix to sign the defender. They also stated Juventus will need around €30m to sell him.

Tutto Juve pick up on that and cover the latest on Tottenham and Unai Emery’s side. They report Spurs and the Villans will ‘battle it out for a Juventus big player’.

The Frenchman initially moved to the Serie A side on loan from AC Milan in August 2024. Juventus made his stay permanent a year later and gave him a contract until 2029.

Kalulu has retained his place in the Turin club’s starting XI, even after Luciano Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor in October.

The centre-back’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed in the Premier League where Tottenham and Aston Villa are keen. Both are looking at him for the summer rather than the winter market.

His preferred role is in the heart of the defence while he can also operate as a right-back. His versatility has made him attractive to Thomas Frank’s side, who have circled Kalulu’s name in red.

Tutto Juve report ‘Tottenham on the move’, meaning they are making movements to try and sign the 25-year-old. Spurs will continue to monitor him and ‘be ready should a real deal arise at the end of the season’.

Aston Villa and Tottenham to be asked for €30m

Aston Villa are third in the table and have identified Kalulu as a target. They are pleased with his ability to fit into different systems. The outlet states: ‘This isn’t an imminent move, but a concrete possibility ahead of the upcoming transfer window.’

Calciomercato.it earlier mentioned Juve have set a €30m price. Tutto Juve now report the Old Lady are unwilling to sell even if the battle has begun between Tottenham and Aston Villa.

With Spurs quietly making movements, they are looking to get ahead of Emery’s side in the transfer race.

During the last summer window, Tottenham Hotspur allowed Alejo Véliz to join Rosario Central on a season-long loan deal. The striker struggled since joining Spurs in 2023 and wanted to return to his old club to regain form.

The Argentine has managed five goals and an assist from 15 league matches this season. This was enough to convince Bahia, owned by Manchester City’s owners, the City Football Group, to offer a $10m base fee.

On Wednesday, UOL reported Bahia have reached an agreement with Tottenham. The move hasn’t gone through yet because Thomas Frank’s side can no longer exercise the recall clause. This expired after he played a certain number of minutes this season. Spurs therefore have to compensate Rosario Central to terminate his loan stay in January.

At the weekend, Pagina 12 reported Bahia and Tottenham have already agreed a $10m [€8.6m] plus the same figure as bonuses. However, the 22-year-old has refused to leave this month.

Rosario Central are also reluctant, but the Argentina media explained yesterday that they face a ‘very real risk’ of losing him. There’s a growing acceptance the move will probably happen.

Tottenham cashing in looking likelier

El Ciudadano now report the Brazilian club are desperate to sign the player quickly. Bahia’s offer ‘appears irresistible’ for both Spurs and the frontman.

Rosario Central are well aware the offer has tempted the player. Therefore, they are closely monitoring the situation. Véliz’s loan stay can be terminated, especially if Spurs were to offer compensation.

Meanwhile, the Tottenham owned player continues to train with his teammates, without causing any unrest. Sources close to the attacker insist he’s calm despite the ongoing situation.

Rosario Central manager Jorge Almirón wants Alejo Véliz to stay but knows he and the club can’t put too much pressure on him. The next few days should clarify whether Véliz will leave in January, which is looking increasingly likely.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to part ways with Radu Drăgușin have hit something of a pause.

AS Roma have been keen on the defender for weeks, however, despite a lot of talk they haven’t come close to pleasing Spurs. The price Spurs want is €25m, and we all know that because the player’s agent Florin Manea told everyone a week ago.

At that time, Fiorentina had moved into the picture for Drăgușin. La Viola are fighting against relegation and the plan was Fabio Paratici would help get them the defender. Manor Solomon had already arrived in Florence from Tottenham and the plan was to get another.

However, moving from Thomas Frank’s squad to a relegation battle is not what Drăgușin or his agent had in mind. Manea went public to talk his client up in typical style.

“I’m waiting for Tottenham to say yes to Roma before getting to the heart of the matter,” the agent said.

“There are a couple of offers for him, but Italy is special for Radu. He’s done very well in Serie A. He’s a gladiator, and gladiators thrive in Rome.

“Fiorentina? With all due respect, that wouldn’t be the right path for him. He costs €25m.”

Manea spoke again the next day about his gladiator and waiting for Tottenham: “The decisive days will be between today and tomorrow. I’d like to avoid talking, but we hope to reach a conclusion in the negotiations with Roma.”

Tottenham transfer has paused

Since then not a great deal has happened. Roma would prefer a loan with an option, which doesn’t interest Tottenham

The Serie A club have just signed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa. They’d originally wanted to loan him but interest from Atletico Madrid pushed them into offering a better deal.

That’s been tried with Drăgușin. First with Fiorentina, which the agent killed, and then with RB Leipzig, which the German club have extinguished.

As reported by RBLive, talk of an offer to Spurs from RB Leipzig is ‘not entirely accurate’. The German club have been offered Drăgușin but haven’t moved forward. There’s a belief the claim is ‘is likely nothing more than the result of the player’s agents’ work’.

Another issue comes via Sunday’s edition of Tuttosport. After committing to the permanent deal for Malen, Roma need to shed players before bringing more in.

One of those is Kosta Tsimikas, on loan from Liverpool, and the other is Leon Bailey. Aston Villa loaned the latter to Roma but he’s had a disastrous time with multiple fitness problems.

Frustrating for Tottenham.

Update: A stroke of luck may have just arrived for Spurs. Mario Hermoso, one of Roma’s regular central defenders, was forced off on Sunday against Torino. He left the pitch in the first half and there’s initial fears of a groin injury.

Rosario Central are starting to raise the white flag over Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer intentions.

Alejo Veliz is currently on loan at the Argentine club, where he’s been looking to rebuild his career. The 22-year-old signed for Spurs in 2023, coming from the same club he’s on loan at now.

He couldn’t breakthrough at Tottenham and was subsequently sent on a period of loans. A move to Sevilla was disastrous, as loans often are with the Spanish club, and he was then sent to Espanyol. The spell in Barcelona was bit better, although it didn’t come close to really launching the forward in Spain.

Tottenham’s hopes of a sale within La Liga were hit as a consequence, and a return to Argentina was the next idea. Alejo Veliz moved back to Rosario Central in July, and it’s been his best loan so far. He’s scored five goals in 15 league matches for them, and was expected to build further from there.

However, Tottenham have agreed a deal to sell Alejo Veliz to the City Football Group. They want to place him at Bahia first, even if they know the player isn’t jumping at the opportunity.

Rosario Central and the striker would like to continue together. Tottenham don’t have a valid break clause and earlier claims from Argentina spoke of Rosario blocking it all, with a hint at big compensation to change that.

Tottenham likelier to get their transfer desire

Things are starting to turn the other way.

Sunday’s edition. of Rosario12, specialists on the Argentine club, states: ‘The club’s management is reluctant to let him go, but Tottenham have sold him to an investment group that wants to take him to Brazil to play in the Copa Libertadores with Esporte Clube de Bahia.

‘Veliz’s situation will be resolved next week. There’s the very real risk that Jorge Almirón could be without his starting striker just days before the season begins.’

That is the way the situation is leaning right now.

Alejo Veliz’s refusal to leave Rosario Central is holding up Tottenham Hotspur selling him to the City Football Group.

That’s according to Pagina 12, who provide the latest on the deal today. They explain that it is the striker who is holding up the proposal. He has been linked with a move to Brazil throughout this week, including on Saturday.

They explain that although Rosario Central are denying any deal to take Veliz away, the opposite is true. Tottenham have already agreed a transfer with the City Football Group that can earn them $20m. That would be $10m plus another $10m in potential add-ons.

They’re keen to wrap up the deal but Veliz is refusing to move. His refusal is the only reason the deal hasn’t been finalised. Tottenham can terminate his current loan but would have to compensate Rosario Central, and negotiate the amount of that.

The Argentines, meanwhile, are trying to negotiate keeping Veliz until the end of the season at least. Rosario Central and the Tottenham player are on the same page, which isn’t helping transfer matters.

The City Football Group, though, want to sign the forward and send him to Bahia. His refusal to move right now is creating doubts around the negotiation.

Tottenham, however, are determined to sell as they can recoup a large part of their initial investment on a player who is not a part of their plans. They consider his exit to be a done deal, and are now trying to force matters.

Rosario Central’s board are currently focused on fighting to keep the striker until June because they don’t have a replacement. They also don’t feel that they could bring one in with they money they’ll have available. Tottenham seemingly have other plans, and want to bulldoze the move through.

Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult season continued on Saturday as they lost 2-1 to struggling West Ham. To make matters worse, the relegation battlers scored their winner in injury time, and the clouds following Thomas Frank around became more menacing.

There’s serious doubt over the future of the Danish manager. Tottenham’s terrible home record under his orders hasn’t helped get the crowd on his side, and generally there’s been negativity towards the Dane since not long after he arrived.

Frank’s style may have saw his managerial star rise at Brentford, but it’s not getting the results for Spurs and isn’t exciting supporters either.

One of the brighter notes in recent weeks has been Tottenham’s pursuit of Souza, and the Premier League club securing an agreement with Santos.

Spurs initially made an offer for the 19-year-old at the beginning of January. Santos initially knocked them back for the left-back and an agreement was reached at around €15m.

Souza and his family secured a contractual right to 25% of proceeds from a transfer. Such agreements aren’t unusual in Brazilian football and neither is giving the money up to help a move go through. That’s what the youngster did in the end, and was sent to England with warm wishes.

Tottenham announcement on the way

Since that happened just under a week ago, everything has gone quiet. The Brazilian media consider it a case of just waiting for Tottenham’s announcement.

Souza himself has now sent a goodbye message to the Brazilian club. Globo Esporte present it as: “After ten years defending this badge, the time has come to face a new challenge. The last year was intense, full of growth and overcoming obstacles, but even in the difficult moments, I felt the affection and support of the Santos fans.”

Tottenham can announce the transfer at a time of their choosing.

AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Two months ago, the Spanish media linked him to Athletic Club Bilbao.

Saturday’s edition of Marca has published a detailed interview with the Bournemouth boss.

They specifically point out about reports linking him to Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea. The latter may not be an option as they replaced Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior earlier this month.

Tottenham appointed Thomas Frank as their manager for this season. Spurs have seven wins from 21 league matches and are now 14th in the table. If things don’t improve, the Dane’s position at the north London club could be in danger.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have parted ways with Ruben Amorim. They have already appointed Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of this season.

The Red Devils are searching for a new manager, and recent claims have mentioned the Bournemouth coach as an option.

Andoni Iraola asked about Tottenham and Manchester United

Iraola is in his final six months of contract at the Vitality Stadium. Marca asked him about his future plans, and specifically asked about Tottenham and Manchester United.

“I’m very happy at Bournemouth, I’ve always said that,” he said.

“For managers, the contract isn’t that important. I believe that trust should be renewed every year. If you’re happy with me and I’m happy with you, why not stay for another year?”

“I wouldn’t want to stay somewhere simply because I have a signed contract. Once we achieve our objective, we’ll meet and see how to approach the next season and whether or not to continue. That’s what I’m thinking about, but staying here is a good option.”

Under Iraola, the Cherries have managed to get results against the top teams on several occasions. The Spanish newspaper are curious on how he achieved it.

Iraola explained: “It’s not just about how you want to play. You depend on the opponent, and usually, the teams that consider themselves better accept the challenge of more open matches, and we don’t mind that.”

Marca asked the manager how he ‘convinces players to repeat so many high-intensity efforts’.

Rock & Roll football from Bournemouth manager

He added: “They have to get used to living like this every day. Training and playing like this to get into the rhythm.

“All our teams have welcomed it because, at the end of the day, we produce good results offensively. We score goals, we create chances… and when players see that there’s a reward for that work, they usually buy into it.”

The Spanish newspaper put it to Iraola that his style has been dubbed ‘rock & roll football’, to which he said: “Here they also call it organised chaos. I understand what they mean, and in some ways, I see myself reflected in it. I always say that I’d like my teams to be good, but if they’re also entertaining, all the better.”

For Andoni Iraola to give Marca this interview right now, talk up his attacking brand of football, and be specifically asked about potential jobs, feels a little more planned than run of the mill interviews.

John Heitinga just can’t catch a break in the Netherlands. Even when he’s being praised, there’s still a snipe involved. And it’s the same with his move to Tottenham Hotspur this week.

Voetbal Primeur cover comments from Robert Maaskant today. He was discussing Heitinga’s move to Tottenham on ESPN’s Tekengeld (Signing Money).

Heitinga returned to England yesterday, signing a deal with Tottenham to become Thomas Frank’s new assistant manager. The return to the Premier League comes just a few months after he was sacked by Ajax.

The Dutchman came in for heavy criticism during his time at the club after joining them last summer. He had left an assistant role at Liverpool, where he was a key part of Arne Slot’s title winning set-up last year, to take the position.

It was a second shot at the role for him after a previous spell as caretaker manager failed to see him earn the role full-time. Now he’s returned to England, with his agent insisting that the decision has been carefully thought through.

He spoke out about the move yesterday and hit back at his client’s critics in the Netherlands too. He insisted that Heitinga was somewhat disrespected in his home country, which does not appear to be the case in England. His roles at Liverpool and now Tottenham are testament to that.

Tottenham coach gets a unnecessary swipe

That doesn’t stop the snipes from coming, though. Maaskant is the latest to send them, even if he’s praising the new Tottenham coach.

“They are also managers who don’t succeed,” he said.

“Pepijn Lijnders is a prime example. And apparently John Heitinga is too. But then you can still perform exceptionally well as an assistant.

“It requires something completely different. It’s a truly different role. It’s striking that both Lijnders and Heitinga are returning to a different club than where they were previously in England. Rumour has it that they have certain qualities.”

The Dutch will never not drag their own down when given the opportunity, much like many closer to home.

Johnny Heitinga’s agent has revealed his delight as his client has signed on to be assistant manager at Tottenham Hotspur.

De Telegraaf cover comments from him today. He insists that Heitinga’s return to London is a well informed one.

The former Ajax boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Tottenham to become Thomas Frank’s assistant manager. The move comes just over two months after Ajax sacked him.

It marks a return to an assistant role for Heitinga after he stepped away from the same position at Liverpool in the summer. He had been a key part of Arne Slot’s backroom team last season when they won the Premier League title.

He has, reportedly, been sorely missed at Anfield since his departure. Indeed, there have been calls for him to return when Liverpool have struggled this season.

Instead, he is now heading to London, where he previously worked with West Ham under David Moyes. Now it’s Tottenham, where he’ll work alongside under-fire Thomas Frank.

Tottenham move explained by agent

The move has come about earlier than many would have expected given his departure from Ajax. But his agent, Rob Jansen, insists he could have moved sooner.

“In England, John is highly regarded, has a fantastic reputation, and is seen as one of the most talented managers of the moment,” he said.

“This new job seems to be coming quickly, but it could have happened much sooner.

“Just like after the first time he was sent away from Ajax, there was enormous interest in John. This time, too, there was almost immediate concrete interest. And one of the options was Tottenham Hotspur. So, for me, this move is not unexpected at all.”

He is also insistent that the move to Tottenham is not just his client jumping in at the first opportunity presented to him.

Pitch key for Johnny Heitinga

“Football is one big risk. But you either run away from that, or you don’t,” he added.

“John has listened to Tottenham Hotspur’s story and spoken to everyone who matters. He’s become convinced and knows what he’s getting into.

“Frank did well at Brentford and was given the opportunity at Tottenham Hotspur. The fact that he ended up with Heitinga says a lot about the esteem in which John is held in England. Perhaps the Netherlands has a completely wrong image of him.”

Heitinga has had something of a crazy year. Almost a year ago to the day he was still at Liverpool and being linked with the managerial role at West Brom.

Then he left the Reds, took over at Ajax, became a victim of the chaos at the club, and has now returned to English football with Tottenham.