Inside Futbol

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Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 19:30 UK time

Thomas Frank has picked his Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United for this evening’s Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham went down to defeat away at Manchester United at the weekend, losing 2-0 in a game which saw Cristian Romero sent off.

Frank badly needs Spurs to return to winning ways as he looks to banish any worries about being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Ange Postecoglou came under big pressure last term following Tottenham’s Premier League struggles, but Frank has not been able to turn the page and his side have lost ten times already.

Spurs did show real spirit away at Newcastle in early December as they managed to scrap a 2-2 draw courtesy of two Romero goals.

The last meeting between the two sides in north London though saw Eddie Howe’s men run out 2-1 winners.

Spurs are without Destiny Udogie, who is looking at three or four weeks out, while Romero is suspended.

Djed Spence though is back and available after a calf problem.

Kevin Danso, Richarlison, James Maddison, Lucas Begvall, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ben Davies remain sidelined.

Frank also has the boost of new boy Souza, who the Spurs boss was happy with after the Manchester United game.

Guglielmo Vicario is between the sticks in the Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United this evening, while at the back, Frank goes with Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.

In the engine room, the Spurs boss deploys Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr, while Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons support Dominic Solanke.

If Frank needs to change his Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United at any point then there are options from the bench and they include Randal Kolo Muani and Souza.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Newcastle United

Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence, Bissouma, Gallagher, Sarr, Odobert, Simons, Solanke

Substitutes: Kinsky, Palhinha, Tel, Souza, Kolo Muani, Olusesi, Byfield, Williams-Barnett, Rowswell

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Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon has already convinced Fiorentina ‘to set aside’ the amount needed to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer.

The left-winger first came to England on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk to Fulham, impressing with five goals in 24 games for the Cottagers.

In the summer of 2023, Solomon was signed for free on a five-year deal by north London club, Tottenham and instantly vowed he knew exactly what then boss Ange Postecoglou wanted.

He has made only six appearances for the Spurs and is currently on his third loan spell away from the club, being well down the pecking order in north London.

Last season, Solomon was loaned out to Leeds United, where he impressed with 23 goal contributions in 41 games in the Championship.

One ex-Leeds boss hailed his impressive spell at Elland Road, pointing out his quality and control on the ball.

Leeds did want to sign Solomon in the summer window and the winger was keen to remain in the Premier League, but he joined Villarreal on a season-long deal, which did not work out for the Spurs man.

Loanee On loan from Daniele Rugani Juventus Marco Brescianini Atalanta Jack Harrison Leeds United Manor Solomon Tottenham Hotspur Giovanni Fabbian Bologna Fiorentina’s loan stars

His deal was cut short last month, as ex-Spurs supremo Fabio Paratici, who is now Fiorentina’s sporting director, worked to bring him to the struggling Italian club.

Solomon joined La Viola on a loan deal until the end of the current term, but Fiorentina have an option to buy him.

And now, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, the 26-year-old has already convinced the Tuscan club to buy him at the end of the season should they survive in Serie A.

Fiorentina would need to pay €10m to keep Solomon permanently and it is a sum they have already set aside to do the deal.

The Tottenham on-loan star has scored two goals in the last two games for Paolo Vanoili’s side, who are fighting to stay up in Serie A.

The Tuscan outfit are currently three points away from safety and they believe that Solomon could be a big part of their future plans.

Spurs will hope to see Fiorentina stay up, as Solomon’s potential exit would strengthen Tottenham’s kitty for the next summer window.

Solomon is not the only Leeds connected player at Fiorentina, with Jack Harrison on loan at La Viola from the Whites.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of January signing Souza on Saturday against Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

News of Spurs’ interest in signing the left-sided star from Brazilian club Santos emerged at the start of the January transfer window.

The Londoners then beefed up their interest in the coming days and, after finalising a deal with Santos, put him through his medical paces to officially take him to the Premier League.

The deepening injury crisis inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hinted at an early debut for the teenager, and that happened on Saturday when he was called up to replace an injured Destiny Udogie.

Souza played 35 minutes of the second half and though he was unable to prevent a 2-0 loss for the visiting team, there was a quick impression that was made on the Tottenham manager.

Praising the 19-year-old for his performance on the pitch, Frank said at a press conference (19:25) ahead of the game against Newcastle United (19.25): “He did very well.

“Very happy for him coming from Brazil and 19 years old, to Tottenham, to the Premier League, getting his debut as one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.

Competition Status Premier League 15th (ongoing) Champions League Last 16 (ongoing) FA Cup Knocked out EFL Cup Knocked out Tottenham this season so far

“That is a big thing. So, I hope him and his family are proud.”

Souza will be looking to build on his Old Trafford outing if he gets the opportunity in Spurs’ upcoming games and Frank will need him to perform, with big pressure on the Danish boss.

It is unclear how much longer Frank can hold on to the manager’s job at Tottenham, though he has recently been backed by Premier League legend Wayne Rooney.

While Tottenham’s Premier League form has been poor, they have done much better in the Champions League, booking a last 16 spot.

Frank may soon find his side in the position where they need to win this season’s Champions League to be in next season’s edition.

Tottenham have no route to silverware in the FA Cup, having been knocked out by Aston Villa in January.

With Ange Postecoglou delivering a trophy for Tottenham last term, Frank looks unlikely to be able to match that feat this term.

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Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough is pleased to have signed Tottenham Hotspur starlet George Abbott, who he has admired and credited another Spurs loanee, Oliver Irow, for putting in a good reference.

Abbott has gone on loan from Tottenham to League One side Mansfield for the remainder of the season.

He initially joined Wycombe Wanderers in League One at the start of the season, but was recalled by Spurs in January, after an injury hampered six months; Abbott managed to impress his team-mate in a short-time though.

The 20-year-old came through the Tottenham Academy and led their Under-21 team to the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24.

The young midfielder enjoyed a successful stint at Notts County in League Two last season, where he featured on regular basis.

Abbott’s performances at Notts County convinced one former EFL star of his ability to play at a higher level.

Now Abbott has joined Mansfield, also in League One, where boss Clough is pleased with his arrival, admitting that they ‘admired’ him.

Loan star On loan from Joe Gardner Nottingham Forest George Abbott Tottenham Hotspur Oliver Irow Tottenham Hotspur Mansfield’s loan stars

Stags boss Clough stated that the club had been looking at a midfielder since former Nottingham Forest midfielder Jamie McDonnell left the club and believes Abbott fits the bill.

“We have been looking for a midfielder since Jamie McDonnell was recalled by Forest and subsequently sold”, Clough told Mansfield Town’s in-house media (0:19).

“And he fits the bill.

“He is somebody we admired.

“We saw him quite a bit playing for Notts County last season, where he did quite well.

“For 18, 19 years old, played quite a few games in League Two.

“Went to Wycombe, had a couple of knocks in the first half of the season, so it did not quite work out for him there.”

When asked about Abbott’s team-mate and fellow Spurs loanee Oliver Irow’s involvement in bringing the former to Mansfield, Clough admitted it played a factor and believes that Irow will help Abbott settle in.

“Obviously we have got some good references from Oliver Irow.

“I think when Oliver’s come and settled in as he has, played and enjoyed it, then we hope he is going to say positive things to his mate.

“We always think it helps if you can get a couple from the same club as well.

“It will help George settle in and help Oliver even more.”

Mansfield are producing a strong campaign in League One, currently sitting eleventh in the table and ten points off the playoff spots.

The Stags are due to welcome Exeter City to Field Mill at the weekend and all eyes will be on whether Abbott plays.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Alfie Dorrington has revealed that he was nervous during his first loan spell at Aberdeen and stressed that his qualities will benefit Salford City after he completed a loan move.

The 20-year-old centre-back is a product of Tottenham’s academy system and former boss Ange Postecoglou gave him a senior debut during the 2024/25 season.

Dorrington joined Aberdeen on loan during the second part of last season and then Dons boss Jimmy Thelin admitted that the youngster made progress with them.

The Spurs starlet helped Aberdeen lift the Scottish Cup by defeating Glasgow giants Celtic and in the summer the Pittodrie outfit agreed another loan deal with Tottenham for Dorrington.

However, his second spell with Aberdeen did not go according to plan as he only featured for 327 minutes for them in the Scottish Premiership and Spurs decided to cut short his loan spell in January to bring him back.

League Two outfit Salford City showed interest in Dorrington and on transfer deadline day the 20-year-old joined them on loan for the rest of the season.

Dorrington revealed that he was nervous during his first loan spell with Aberdeen as it was the first time he was living away from home, but added that he enjoyed learning to cook and doing activities on his own.

“I made my debut for Tottenham when I was 19 and then I went on loan to Aberdeen”, Dorrington told Salford City’s official media (0:15).

“I was quite nervous at first because it was my first loan, especially moving away from home on my own for the first time, learning to cook, clean, doing everything for myself but I loved it.

“Obviously I got into the team there and I like to think that I have done well, and we won the cup which was probably the biggest moment of my career so far.”

Dorrington also pointed out that he is quick player which will benefit Salford when they play with a high line and the defender also added that he wants to bring some attacking threat to his game as well.

“I am quick, so if we are playing a high line, that helps, good in the air and good on the ball”, Dorrington added.

“Hopefully I can bring a bit of an attacking threat as well as stopping goals.”

Dorrington will be eager to ply his trade under manager Karl Robinson and all eyes will be on Salford’s game against Accrington Stanley on Thursday to see whether the Spurs star will make his debut in that game.

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Tottenham Hotspur prospect George Abbott has revealed that he spoke with fellow Spurs’ loanee Oliver Irow before completing his move to Mansfield Town.

The English midfielder has joined the Stags on loan and will remain with the League One side until the end of the campaign.

Abbott spent the first half of the season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, making 15 appearances and contributing one goal and an assist across all competitions.

Last season, while on loan at Notts County, he made a strong impression with six goals and seven assists in 44 games, prompting a former EFL attacker to suggest keeping a close eye on the youngster.

Abbott also boasts several accolades from his youth career, having won both the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cups with Spurs’ Academy before captaining the Under-21s to the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24.

The Tottenham midfielder has expressed his excitement at joining Mansfield, describing the move as a fresh start.

He revealed that after speaking with Irow, who spoke highly of the club, it was an easy decision to take on the new challenge at Field Mill under Nigel Clough.

Loanee On loan from George Abbott Tottenham Hotspur Joe Gardner Nottingham Forest Oliver Irow Tottenham Hotspur Jon Russell Barnsley Mansfield Town’s loan stars

The 20-year-old midfielder also outlined his playing style, highlighting his versatility as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder who thrives both in winning tackles and contributing going forward.

He said to Mansfield’s in-house media: “I’m really happy to be here.

“It’s a new start again for me and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“As soon as there was interest from Mansfield, I talked to Oliver who spoke so highly of the club and it was an easy decision to sign on loan.

“I’m a defensive midfielder or box-to-box midfielder.

“I like to get stuck in and win tackles as well as get forward quite a lot and have a few chances.”

Mansfield currently sit eleventh in League One, having amassed 38 points from 27 matches.

Huddersfield Town occupy sixth in the table, ten points clear of the Stags on 48, and Mansfield will be hoping that Abbott can hit the ground running to help close the gap.

Having made just one senior appearance for Tottenham Hotspur, the youngster will be eager to accumulate minutes under Clough and make his case for a chance with the first team squad over the course of pre-season.

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Tottenham Hotspur have pushed in a deal sheet to sign highly rated Hearts star and Arsenal target James Wilson on an academy loan, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The 18-year-old is a product of the Hearts academy and he has already made 45 appearances for the senior side, netting eight goals in the process.

Wilson has not lived up to his early career expectations, but he has drawn eyes from south of the border, with London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fighting for his signature.

Mikel Arteta’s side were considering taking Wilson on loan for the rest of the season with the intention of including an option to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer in the event of Wilson impressing them.

Wilson last season made 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership but this season has been a bit part player for them.

Spurs also want to sign him on loan and add him to their Under-21 set-up to evaluate the 18-year-old before they make a decision on him.

Now it has been suggested that Spurs have managed to beat their north London rivals Arsenal to the race for Wilson’s signature.

Thomas Frank’s side have agreed to take Wilson on an academy loan and they have pushed in a deal sheet to buy themselves some time to complete the deal.

Spurs have already brought in Souza and Conor Gallagher in the winter transfer window and Wilson is set to be the last player coming in before the window closes.

The 18-year-old has also made a senior appearance for the Scottish national team and is a regular for the Under-21s side.

If everything goes alright, then Wilson will be determined to work hard and impress in the Spurs academy set-up to earn a permanent move in the summer.

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West Ham United target Antonin Kinsky is going nowhere as Tottenham Hotspur are adamant that the young shot-stopper is a ‘key’ part of their squad, according to journalist Rob Dorsett.

In the ongoing window, Spurs have brought in Souza and Conor Gallagher following a host of injuries to the first team.

Welsh forward Brennan Johnson left for fellow London club Crystal Palace and no major business is expected in the dying embers of deadline day.

Second-choice custodian Kinsky has been linked with multiple clubs regarding a potential move this winter.

Premier League strugglers West Ham United, who are fighting to stay up, have been widely linked with a move for the young Czech goalkeeper.

The north Londoners, though, have no intention to part ways with the 22-year-old, who is not ‘going anywhere’ in the closing stages of the window.

Spurs consider the Czech Republic Under-21 international as an important part of their squad, at least for the remainder of the campaign.

The Hammers are not the only club keen on the ex-Slavia Prague star, as clubs from Spain and Italy want him.

Except for Guglielmo Vicario, though, Thomas Frank does not have any senior options between the sticks, which makes Kinsky’s potential departure impossible.

He was signed for a chunky £12.5m last winter when Vicario got injured, and he played ten matches for Spurs until the Italy custodian’s recovery.

Vicario, 29, has come under severe criticism for his decision-making, but he kept his spot, and one former top-flight striker believes that Spurs do not have a capable option to replace the under-fire Italian.

The Italy custodian’s days could be numbered at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Serie A giants Inter Milan see him as their preferred long-term option.

And it remains to be seen whether Spurs consider Kinsky as his long-term replacement, if he does end up leaving after the season ends.

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Tottenham Hotspur have made a last-minute enquiry for Al Nassr winger Angelo Gabriel, but the Saudi Pro League club have indicated he will only be available for a summer move.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has had to deal with repeated injury issues in recent weeks, reducing his options and not helping as he tries to drive the side up the Premier League table.

The London club’s activity in the transfer window has been modest, with Spurs only securing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and defender Souza from Santos.

They have been keen for another late attacking addition and looked towards Saudi Arabia for an option.

According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos, Tottenham have enquired about Gabriel’s availability in the final days of the market, but Al Nassr are standing firm, signalling that a move would only be possible in the summer.

In September 2024, the Brazilian winger made the switch to Al Nassr from Chelsea for a reported €23m fee.

Since his arrival, he has amassed 64 appearances for the Saudi giants, registering 16 assists alongside six goals.

This season, the winger has contributed ten goal involvements in 26 appearances across all competitions.

Despite moving from Chelsea, the 21-year-old never featured for the Stamford Bridge side, instead gaining valuable experience on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg, where he racked up 25 appearances under Patrick Vieira.

The Lilywhites have been battered by injuries this season, including Mohammed Kudus, who has been described as “electric” by a club great, with manager Frank admitting the side struggle without their top players.

Tottenham currently sit 14th in the Premier League, having collected 29 points from 24 matches, navigating a challenging stretch of form.

Meanwhile, any potential move for the Brazilian winger from Al Nassr has been postponed, with the Saudi club indicating it will only be possible in the summer.

Whether Tottenham will go back for the 21-year-old then remains to be seen.

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Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as suitors for Hearts striker James Wilson, who is also on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the transfer window deadline, according to journalist Michael Bridge.

Arsenal are moving to sign the 18-year-old forward, aiming to lure Wilson away from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts to slot him into the Under-21 ranks as a player for the future.

The Gunners are weighing a move that could see the young striker join north London on loan initially, with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season should he impress.

Wilson would be aiming to win over Mikel Artea through his performances, but now he could well have another option as Tottenham are ‘also interested’.

Tottenham have thrown their hat into the ring, eyeing the Scottish talent as a potential addition to their Under-21 squad.

Hearts have not seen Wilson kick on as they thought he would when they fended off interest from Leeds United to keep hold of him in 2023.

The Premier League 2 campaign has been competitive for the two north London rivals, with Spurs sitting on 20 points and Arsenal close behind on 18, though the Gunners hold a game in hand.

This season, the Scottish forward has seen his minutes limited under Derek McInnes, scoring twice in ten outings for Hearts.

October proved a bright spell for the youngster, as he starred for the Scotland Under-21s, finding the net four times in five matches during their European U21 Championship qualifying campaign.

Last May, Wilson etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest player ever to be capped for the Scotland senior team, coming off the bench in Steve Clarke’s squad against Greece.

Wilson may have to weigh up whether a move to Arsenal or Tottenham would be in his best interests.

Both clubs have reputations for developing young talents and Wilson will want to see a clear pathway into the first team.

For Hearts, it is unclear exactly what terms they would be seeking, but the Scottish side would be likely to want a substantial sell-on clause adding into any permanent deal.