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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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Sousa reports that Benfica have made enquiries about a summer move, yet Palhinha's return to Sporting is said to be an "absolute priority". The 30-year-old wants to come back to Portugal to be closer to his children.

Palhinha, currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich, has been one of the few bright spots in the London club's difficult season. Nevertheless, his long-term future remains open.

In 2024, Palhinha moved from Fulham to Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of €51 million at the request of then-manager Thomas Tuchel. The problem: by the time he arrived, Tuchel had already left. Under Vincent Kompany, Palhinha played only a minor role, which is why he returned to London on loan after a season. Spurs paid a loan fee of five million euros and also secured an option to buy for 25 million.

The campaign began brightly: until November, Palhinha started frequently and contributed to Tottenham's challenge at the top of the Premier League and Champions League. Yet, once the club's form collapsed, he slipped to a rotation role.

"Of course, it's a difficult situation at his club at the moment. But Joao is a fighter," Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund stated in mid-April. Because of the uncertainty over the club's league status for next season, Freund added, "It's difficult to say anything concrete about his future, but Tottenham already know what they have in him."

According to Sky, Spurs are open to a permanent deal but want to renegotiate the €25 million buy-out clause—a move Bayern Munich may accept.

For Palhinha, though, the deal makes sense only if Spurs beat the drop—something the Munich hierarchy now fervently hopes for. Palhinha's contract with Bayern runs until 2028, but his reported €10 million salary is expected to be reduced, as he has no future in Munich.

A return to Sporting CP, where he developed and won the league title between 2013 and 2022, could therefore appeal to the midfielder.

De Zerbi has confirmed that he “100 per cent” wants to keep Palhinha at Tottenham next season. The Portuguese midfielder joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich last summer with a £26m buy option to buy at the end of this season, and his performances have convinced the Italian manager that Spurs should trigger that clause.

As per The Standard, De Zerbi left no doubt about his admiration for Palhinha, saying on Thursday when asked if he wants him to stay beyond the summer: "100 per cent. We have to start with those types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure and as a guy. I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, and the same personality, and we are lucky to have him."

The midfield partnership between Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha appears to be the blueprint for De Zerbi’s vision at the club. With Gallagher also adapting well to the physical and mental demands at the club after his January move from Atletico Madrid, the Spurs boss believes the team functions on a different level when his midfield is clicking.

“So I'm happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent,” De Zerbi added.

De Zerbi has confirmed that he “100 per cent” wants to keep Palhinha at Tottenham next season. The Portuguese midfielder joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich last summer with a £26m buy option to buy at the end of this season, and his performances have convinced the Italian manager that Spurs should trigger that clause.

As per The Standard, De Zerbi left no doubt about his admiration for Palhinha, saying on Thursday when asked if he wants him to stay beyond the summer: "100 per cent. We have to start with those types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure and as a guy. I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, and the same personality, and we are lucky to have him."

The midfield partnership between Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha appears to be the blueprint for De Zerbi’s vision at the club. With Gallagher also adapting well to the physical and mental demands at the club after his January move from Atletico Madrid, the Spurs boss believes the team functions on a different level when his midfield is clicking.

“So I'm happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent,” De Zerbi added.