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Thomas Frank to make football return as rival for fellow ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou

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Thomas Frank to make football return as rival for fellow ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou - Goal.com
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Frank and Postecoglou are set to reignite their rivalry this summer, but this time the battle will take place in the television studio rather than the technical area.

Both managers, who have recently spent time in the Tottenham hotseat, have been snapped up by rival broadcasters for the 2026 World Cup. Frank has agreed to join the BBC as one of their headline analysts, while Postecoglou has signed a deal to provide expert opinion for ITV.

For Frank, the move marks his first public appearance since he was sacked by Spurs in February. The 52-year-old endured a difficult spell in north London, winning just 13 of his 38 games.

His win ratio of 34.2% stands as the worst for any permanent manager in the club’s history, though the subsequent failure of interim boss Igor Tudor has perhaps softened the blow to his reputation.

Postecoglou has similarly kept a low profile after his own brief, 39-day stint at Nottingham Forest ended in October following a home defeat to Chelsea.

The recruitment of Frank and Postecoglou is part of a wider talent war between the two major UK broadcasters. The BBC is understood to have bolstered its ranks by adding former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to a panel that already boasts legendary figures like Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Joe Hart.

The inclusion of Giroud adds a continental flair to a team tasked with covering the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

ITV has responded by securing the services of Andros Townsend to join their heavy-hitting roster. The former England international will sit alongside the established trio of Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane.

The logistical approaches of the two broadcasters could not be more distinct. ITV is leaning into the glamour of the host nation, setting up a glass-walled studio in Brooklyn with views of the Manhattan skyline. Presenters Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods will be based in New York for the duration of the tournament, benefitting from a significantly larger commercial budget.

In contrast, the BBC has opted for a more conservative and environmentally conscious strategy. Their primary presentation team, including Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates, will remain at their Salford studios until the quarter-final stage.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes

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Tottenham had only won at home twice all season long and it took them a while to get going amid another nervy atmosphere. They almost fell behind when Antonin Kinsky was forced to claw Joe Rodon's header off the line, and that seemed to spark Spurs into life. Tel burst into the penalty area and saw his strike deflected over before Pedro Porro's goal-bound drive was blocked just short of the goal-line, and moments later Joao Palhinha battled through a crowd of players in the box but conspired to sky his shot.

The hosts finally found the moment of quality they had been desperately searching for six minutes into the second period as Tel controlled a clearance on the edge of the Leeds box and whipped a powerful, pinpoint finish into the far top corner. It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards, but Richarlison volleyed over after being picked out in space.

However, Tottenham's hopes of seeing out a vital victory against an opponent that had very little to play for would go out the window. With 20 minutes left to play, Tel hesitated under a dropping ball in the penalty area and made the inexplicable decision to attempt an acrobatic clearance - making contact with the onrushing Ethan Ampadu rather than the ball. After a VAR check and a lengthy review on the pitch-side monitor, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and Dominic Calvert-Lewin buried it with aplomb.

Things almost went from bad to worse for Spurs during 13 minutes of stoppage time, but Kinsky was able to miraculously push Sean Longstaff's fierce effort onto the crossbar to preserve the point. There was still time for Leeds to survive a huge penalty shout at the very end of the additional period, as Lukas Nmecha was adjudged to have got just enough on the ball in a challenge on James Maddison.

The result means Tottenham are just two points clear of West Ham in 18th with two games to play, and they face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge next to take on London rivals Chelsea.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Antonin Kinsky (7/10):

Reacted well to just about keep out Rodon's downward header. Given no chance by Calvert-Lewin from the spot but made a huge late save to preserve the point.

Pedro Porro (7/10):

Looked to bomb forward as often as possible or create from an inverted position and saw a crisp goal-bound effort blocked just short of the line.

Kevin Danso (5/10):

Made a crucial intervention to cut out Mathys Tel's dangerous cross into his own box, but booked for cynically ending a Leeds counter and didn't impress in his duels.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

A calm presence and helped his side build nicely from the back at times. Made a huge late challenge to deny Nmecha.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

Enjoyed his battle with Dan James and often had the better of it. Maybe lucky to avoid conceding a penalty.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes - Goal.com
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Tottenham had only won at home twice all season long and it took them a while to get going amid another nervy atmosphere. They almost fell behind when Antonin Kinsky was forced to claw Joe Rodon's header off the line, and that seemed to spark Spurs into life. Tel burst into the penalty area and saw his strike deflected over before Pedro Porro's goal-bound drive was blocked just short of the goal-line, and moments later Joao Palhinha battled through a crowd of players in the box but conspired to sky his shot.

The hosts finally found the moment of quality they had been desperately searching for six minutes into the second period as Tel controlled a clearance on the edge of the Leeds box and whipped a powerful, pinpoint finish into the far top corner. It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards, but Richarlison volleyed over after being picked out in space.

However, Tottenham's hopes of seeing out a vital victory against an opponent that had very little to play for would go out the window. With 20 minutes left to play, Tel hesitated under a dropping ball in the penalty area and made the inexplicable decision to attempt an acrobatic clearance - making contact with the onrushing Ethan Ampadu rather than the ball. After a VAR check and a lengthy review on the pitch-side monitor, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and Dominic Calvert-Lewin buried it with aplomb.

Things almost went from bad to worse for Spurs during 13 minutes of stoppage time, but Kinsky was able to miraculously push Sean Longstaff's fierce effort onto the crossbar to preserve the point. There was still time for Leeds to survive a huge penalty shout at the very end of the additional period, as Lukas Nmecha was adjudged to have got just enough on the ball in a challenge on James Maddison.

The result means Tottenham are just two points clear of West Ham in 18th with two games to play, and they face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge next to take on London rivals Chelsea.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Antonin Kinsky (7/10):

Reacted well to just about keep out Rodon's downward header. Given no chance by Calvert-Lewin from the spot but made a huge late save to preserve the point.

Pedro Porro (7/10):

Looked to bomb forward as often as possible or create from an inverted position and saw a crisp goal-bound effort blocked just short of the line.

Kevin Danso (5/10):

Made a crucial intervention to cut out Mathys Tel's dangerous cross into his own box, but booked for cynically ending a Leeds counter and didn't impress in his duels.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

A calm presence and helped his side build nicely from the back at times. Made a huge late challenge to deny Nmecha.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

Enjoyed his battle with Dan James and often had the better of it. Maybe lucky to avoid conceding a penalty.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes - Goal.com
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Tottenham had only won at home twice all season long and it took them a while to get going amid another nervy atmosphere. They almost fell behind when Antonin Kinsky was forced to claw Joe Rodon's header off the line, and that seemed to spark Spurs into life. Tel burst into the penalty area and saw his strike deflected over before Pedro Porro's goal-bound drive was blocked just short of the goal-line, and moments later Joao Palhinha battled through a crowd of players in the box but conspired to sky his shot.

The hosts finally found the moment of quality they had been desperately searching for six minutes into the second period as Tel controlled a clearance on the edge of the Leeds box and whipped a powerful, pinpoint finish into the far top corner. It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards, but Richarlison volleyed over after being picked out in space.

However, Tottenham's hopes of seeing out a vital victory against an opponent that had very little to play for would go out the window. With 20 minutes left to play, Tel hesitated under a dropping ball in the penalty area and made the inexplicable decision to attempt an acrobatic clearance - making contact with the onrushing Ethan Ampadu rather than the ball. After a VAR check and a lengthy review on the pitch-side monitor, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and Dominic Calvert-Lewin buried it with aplomb.

Things almost went from bad to worse for Spurs during 13 minutes of stoppage time, but Kinsky was able to miraculously push Sean Longstaff's fierce effort onto the crossbar to preserve the point. There was still time for Leeds to survive a huge penalty shout at the very end of the additional period, as Lukas Nmecha was adjudged to have got just enough on the ball in a challenge on James Maddison.

The result means Tottenham are just two points clear of West Ham in 18th with two games to play, and they face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge next to take on London rivals Chelsea.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Antonin Kinsky (7/10):

Reacted well to just about keep out Rodon's downward header. Given no chance by Calvert-Lewin from the spot but made a huge late save to preserve the point.

Pedro Porro (7/10):

Looked to bomb forward as often as possible or create from an inverted position and saw a crisp goal-bound effort blocked just short of the line.

Kevin Danso (5/10):

Made a crucial intervention to cut out Mathys Tel's dangerous cross into his own box, but booked for cynically ending a Leeds counter and didn't impress in his duels.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

A calm presence and helped his side build nicely from the back at times. Made a huge late challenge to deny Nmecha.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

Enjoyed his battle with Dan James and often had the better of it. Maybe lucky to avoid conceding a penalty.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes

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Tottenham player ratings vs Leeds: Mathys Tel, what were you thinking?! Spurs goal-scorer goes from hero to zero as draw dents Premier League survival hopes - Goal.com
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Tottenham had only won at home twice all season long and it took them a while to get going amid another nervy atmosphere. They almost fell behind when Antonin Kinsky was forced to claw Joe Rodon's header off the line, and that seemed to spark Spurs into life. Tel burst into the penalty area and saw his strike deflected over before Pedro Porro's goal-bound drive was blocked just short of the goal-line, and moments later Joao Palhinha battled through a crowd of players in the box but conspired to sky his shot.

The hosts finally found the moment of quality they had been desperately searching for six minutes into the second period as Tel controlled a clearance on the edge of the Leeds box and whipped a powerful, pinpoint finish into the far top corner. It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards, but Richarlison volleyed over after being picked out in space.

However, Tottenham's hopes of seeing out a vital victory against an opponent that had very little to play for would go out the window. With 20 minutes left to play, Tel hesitated under a dropping ball in the penalty area and made the inexplicable decision to attempt an acrobatic clearance - making contact with the onrushing Ethan Ampadu rather than the ball. After a VAR check and a lengthy review on the pitch-side monitor, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot and Dominic Calvert-Lewin buried it with aplomb.

Things almost went from bad to worse for Spurs during 13 minutes of stoppage time, but Kinsky was able to miraculously push Sean Longstaff's fierce effort onto the crossbar to preserve the point. There was still time for Leeds to survive a huge penalty shout at the very end of the additional period, as Lukas Nmecha was adjudged to have got just enough on the ball in a challenge on James Maddison.

The result means Tottenham are just two points clear of West Ham in 18th with two games to play, and they face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge next to take on London rivals Chelsea.

GOAL rates Spurs' players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Antonin Kinsky (7/10):

Reacted well to just about keep out Rodon's downward header. Given no chance by Calvert-Lewin from the spot but made a huge late save to preserve the point.

Pedro Porro (7/10):

Looked to bomb forward as often as possible or create from an inverted position and saw a crisp goal-bound effort blocked just short of the line.

Kevin Danso (5/10):

Made a crucial intervention to cut out Mathys Tel's dangerous cross into his own box, but booked for cynically ending a Leeds counter and didn't impress in his duels.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

A calm presence and helped his side build nicely from the back at times. Made a huge late challenge to deny Nmecha.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

Enjoyed his battle with Dan James and often had the better of it. Maybe lucky to avoid conceding a penalty.

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Tottenham boast ‘best in the world’ talent that could leave in the next transfer window - with Man Utd and Liverpool ready to pounce

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Tottenham boast ‘best in the world’ talent that could leave in the next transfer window - with Man Utd and Liverpool ready to pounce - Goal.com
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In an exclusive interview, Rosenthal has heaped massive praise on Micky van de Ven, suggesting the Dutch international has surpassed his peers to become the leading centre-back in the game. The 25-year-old has been a rare bright spot in a difficult campaign for Spurs, with his recovery pace and physical presence becoming hallmarks of his game in the Premier League.

"For me, this is the best defender in the world," Rosenthal told Flashscore. "He's the quickest central defender in the world, and at the end of the season I'm sure that whether Tottenham stay up or go down, the two or three biggest clubs will be looking to try and sign him."

The prospect of Van de Ven leaving north London is becoming increasingly likely if Spurs cannot guarantee top-flight football or a return to European competition. Manchester United and Liverpool are both reportedly in the market for defensive reinforcements, and Rosenthal has suggested that Van de Ven is the exact profile of player required to succeed at the highest level of the Premier League.

Rosenthal noted that speed is the most vital currency in the modern game, a trait he has championed since his days identifying young talents like Cristiano Ronaldo. "Tottenham don't have enough speed in the side," he explained. The defender's ability to cover ground makes him an ideal fit for the high-pressing systems favoured by the league's top-six contenders.

On the same occasion, Rosenthal assessed Van de Ven as an important pillar alongside Djed Spence, James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus in the midst of a mediocre squad. "He (Roberto de Zerbi) has the main players there already; Van de Ven... Spence is important, Maddison is important, and Kudus, but there are too many mediocre players. I don't know the club's financial situation, so you hope that the big names in the squad can make an impact on the rest of the players," Rosenthal said.

Tottenham’s season has lacked notable individual performances, but Richarlison is a key figure in their attacking lineup. Since his arrival from Everton, the Brazil international has demonstrated flashes of his potential, contributing crucial goals and showing adaptability across various attacking roles. However, to elevate both his game and Tottenham’s ambitions, Richarlison must continue refining certain aspects of his play.

"He will play for Brazil, yes, and he's certainly got quality, but I wouldn't say he's a player with top quality. If you're a club that wants to be in the top six, then he needs to do more. Tottenham don't have too many strikers though, so he's an important player for them, it's obvious," concluded Rosenthal.

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Mason Greenwood and Roberto De Zerbi reunion at Tottenham? Premier League transfer talk addressed as ‘growing friction’ nudges ex-Man Utd forward towards Marseille exit

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Mason Greenwood and Roberto De Zerbi reunion at Tottenham? Premier League transfer talk addressed as ‘growing friction’ nudges ex-Man Utd forward towards Marseille exit - Goal.com
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Despite a prolific stint in Ligue 1, Greenwood's time in the south of France is reaching a complicated conclusion. A TeamTalk report suggests that "growing friction" behind the scenes has made a summer exit almost inevitable, with the player's relationship with current Marseille boss Habib Beye deteriorating significantly over recent months.

The 24-year-old has faced increasing internal and external scrutiny, with club legend Christophe Dugarry recently claiming the forward should never represent the side again following a dip in form. While his on-pitch numbers remain strong, questions over his commitment during training sessions have surfaced, prompting the French giants to consider cashing in on their star asset during the upcoming window.

Speculation naturally turned toward Tottenham following the appointment of former Marseille manager De Zerbi. While the Italian was a vocal supporter of Greenwood in France, a reunion in north London remains highly unlikely.

The forward saw charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped in February 2023. The Tottenham Supporters’ Trust and Proud Lilywhites previously voiced concerns over De Zerbi’s own appointment due to his defense of the player; therefore, any move to sign Greenwood himself would face massive backlash. Consequently, TeamTalk added that such a transfer is not viable, noting that the forward remains effectively off-limits to Premier League clubs and that Spurs are not considering a move.

While the door to the Premier League appears firmly shut, Greenwood is not short of elite suitors elsewhere on the continent. Both Juventus and Atletico Madrid have maintained long-term interest in the attacker, viewing him as a clinical finisher capable of elevating their respective front lines. For the Italian side, a move could be part of a wider tactical reshuffle involving their current squad depth.

Reports in Italy suggest Juventus are reportedly reviving their interest as they draw up a strategic plan to bring the forward to Turin. To finance the deal, the Bianconeri may look to offload other high-value assets to the Premier League, creating a domino effect that would allow them to meet Marseille's asking price for the former England international.

Marseille paid just over £25 million ($34m) to sign Greenwood from Manchester United and are expected to demand a significant profit this summer. Any deal in the region of €50m (£43m/$59m) would represent a healthy return for the French side, but they won't be the only ones benefiting from a lucrative transfer. United included a substantial sell-on clause in the original permanent sale, meaning the Red Devils are set for a financial windfall.

With Champions League football looking unlikely for Marseille next season, the club is under pressure to balance the books. Selling their talisman would provide the necessary capital for a rebuild under Beye, while finally resolving the strained situation that has overshadowed the latter half of their current campaign.

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Revealed: Tottenham ignored advice to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and are now paying the price for transfer mistakes

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Revealed: Tottenham ignored advice to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and are now paying the price for transfer mistakes - Goal.com
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In a revelation that will leave the Tottenham faithful wondering what might have been, Rosenthal has detailed how he attempted to bring a teenage Ronaldo to White Hart Lane. Long before the Portuguese icon became a global superstar at Manchester United and Real Madrid, he had identified his explosive talent during his early days at Sporting CP.

Speaking on the club's historic recruitment blunder, Rosenthal said to Flashscore: "I saw Cristiano in his second or third game for Sporting's first team, and I immediately alerted Tottenham, but they didn't follow it up." The missed opportunity to land arguably the greatest player in the history of the game serves as a bitter pill to swallow for Spurs fans, especially as the club now find themselves in a precarious position near the foot of the table. "I already understood that speed would be the name of the game. It's why I discovered players like Samuel Eto'o, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vincent Kompany, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and many more, because I was looking for the top sprinters in football."

The failure to secure world-class talent is haunting the club today. Rosenthal believes that the current squad lacks the explosive qualities needed to compete in the modern Premier League, especially following the departure of Son Heung-min. While former manager Ange Postecoglou implemented an attractive style, the lack of clinical pace out wide has left the team vulnerable and blunt in attack.

"Tottenham don't have enough speed in the side," Rosenthal noted. "Under Postecoglou, they played fantastic, amazing football with good combinations, but don't forget, Son was there, and he's not there anymore. So you have something a little bit similar to the upcoming Salah situation at Liverpool. Tottenham don't have wingers or players with electrifying pace, and that's precisely what they do need."

The consequences of these recruitment failures have resulted in a nightmare 2025-26 campaign, with Spurs currently embroiled in a relegation dogfight alongside West Ham. Despite the club's stature, the threat of the Championship is real, though a recent victory over Aston Villa has offered a glimmer of hope for Roberto De Zerbi's side as they head into a crucial final stretch.

Assessing the danger, Rosenthal said: "Of course, it's a crazy situation for Tottenham, but after the last win against Villa, I think they have maybe a 40% chance of going down, and 60% to stay up. They obviously have to beat Leeds to stand a chance, and hope that West Ham don't win. There's still a chance for them to forget this horrible season. I think the Villa game was a possible turning point. It seems to me that tactically, the new manager understands the defensive side of the game because he knows he doesn't have a top team, and he cannot kill off games."

If Tottenham manage to survive the drop, the rebuilding job facing De Zerbi is monumental. Rosenthal argues that the squad is currently bloated with "mediocre" players and needs a significant injection of elite talent to ever return to the top six. While some individuals like Micky van de Ven and James Maddison are seen as vital, the overall quality remains insufficient for a club of Spurs' ambitions.

"It's still early days," Rosenthal added regarding De Zerbi's impact. "There's a lot of expectation that Tottenham need to always be in the top six, so he will need to bring in four new players, but really top, top stars. He has the main players there already; Van de Ven... [Djed] Spence is important, Maddison is important, and [Mohamed] Kudus, but there are too many mediocre players. It's just about adding quality... It's going to be very difficult, and it's very expensive."

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Revealed: Why Inter are ready to ABANDON transfer move for Tottenham star despite having agreed terms as Serie A giants to make shock U-turn

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Revealed: Why Inter are ready to ABANDON transfer move for Tottenham star despite having agreed terms as Serie A giants to make shock U-turn - Goal.com
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Recent reports in Italy suggest that Inter might decide against signing Vicario from Tottenham this summer. This comes as a significant surprise given that the fresh Serie A winners had already established a firm foundation for the move.

Multiple sources over the last few weeks indicated that the Nerazzurri had reached a principle of agreement with the Azzurri star, who was expected to lead a new era between the posts at San Siro.

However, the deal still required a final green light from Tottenham, who value their goalkeeper at approximately €20m. While Vicario was thought to be edging closer to a summer exit from north London, the Italian giants are now hesitating.

This change of heart is reportedly driven by a desire to reallocate funds to other areas of the squad as they plan for the 2026-27 campaign.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri might ultimately decide against signing Vicario and instead use their transfer budget to strengthen other areas.

The primary reason for Inter's hesitation is the emergence of Josep Martinez as a viable long-term successor to Yann Sommer. With Sommer expected to depart when his contract expires in June, the path is clear for a new number one. Rather than spending a significant portion of their summer budget on Vicario, Inter are seriously considering promoting Martinez, their current second-choice option.

Martinez, 27, joined the club from Genoa for €14m in the 2024 summer transfer window and is now viewed as a player capable of stepping into the starting role.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto has reported that the club is unsure about continuing talks with Spurs, as they believe Martinez has the potential to lead the line next season.

The Spaniard is set to start crucial upcoming matches against Lazio in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia final to further prove his worth.

Inter's financial strategy for the upcoming window is also playing a major role in this potential U-turn. It is reported that the club will have a transfer budget of around €40m-€50m, a figure that could be bolstered by player sales. By avoiding the €20m outlay required to secure Vicario, Cristian Chivu's side would have significantly more freedom to strengthen other positions on the pitch.

This development could have a knock-on effect for Tottenham's own summer recruitment plans. Spurs have already been linked with several targets to replace the Italian, including Manchester City's James Trafford. If the move to Inter collapses, the North London club may find themselves with a disgruntled goalkeeper who had already mentally prepared for a return to Serie A.

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Revealed: Why Inter are ready to ABANDON transfer move for Tottenham star despite having agreed terms as Serie A giants to make shock U-turn

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Revealed: Why Inter are ready to ABANDON transfer move for Tottenham star despite having agreed terms as Serie A giants to make shock U-turn - Goal.com
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Recent reports in Italy suggest that Inter might decide against signing Vicario from Tottenham this summer. This comes as a significant surprise given that the fresh Serie A winners had already established a firm foundation for the move.

Multiple sources over the last few weeks indicated that the Nerazzurri had reached a principle of agreement with the Azzurri star, who was expected to lead a new era between the posts at San Siro.

However, the deal still required a final green light from Tottenham, who value their goalkeeper at approximately €20m. While Vicario was thought to be edging closer to a summer exit from north London, the Italian giants are now hesitating.

This change of heart is reportedly driven by a desire to reallocate funds to other areas of the squad as they plan for the 2026-27 campaign.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri might ultimately decide against signing Vicario and instead use their transfer budget to strengthen other areas.

The primary reason for Inter's hesitation is the emergence of Josep Martinez as a viable long-term successor to Yann Sommer. With Sommer expected to depart when his contract expires in June, the path is clear for a new number one. Rather than spending a significant portion of their summer budget on Vicario, Inter are seriously considering promoting Martinez, their current second-choice option.

Martinez, 27, joined the club from Genoa for €14m in the 2024 summer transfer window and is now viewed as a player capable of stepping into the starting role.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto has reported that the club is unsure about continuing talks with Spurs, as they believe Martinez has the potential to lead the line next season.

The Spaniard is set to start crucial upcoming matches against Lazio in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia final to further prove his worth.

Inter's financial strategy for the upcoming window is also playing a major role in this potential U-turn. It is reported that the club will have a transfer budget of around €40m-€50m, a figure that could be bolstered by player sales. By avoiding the €20m outlay required to secure Vicario, Cristian Chivu's side would have significantly more freedom to strengthen other positions on the pitch.

This development could have a knock-on effect for Tottenham's own summer recruitment plans. Spurs have already been linked with several targets to replace the Italian, including Manchester City's James Trafford. If the move to Inter collapses, the North London club may find themselves with a disgruntled goalkeeper who had already mentally prepared for a return to Serie A.

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