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Spurs are not as far forward in a transfer negotiation as reports had suggested on Saturday.

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Tottenham Hotspur have had their hopes of landing an imminent transfer for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze dealt a fresh blow on Sunday afternoon.

The England international has emerged as a top target for Spurs and reports on Saturday suggested that a deal was so close to completion that Eze would not feature in the Crystal Palace squad to take on Chelsea.

The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the FA Community Shield triumph over Liverpool last weekend, which Oliver Glasner’s side won on penalties.

Tottenham Hotspur push for Crystal Palace transfer

Eze has been linked with a move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer but it appears to be the former side who are frontrunners. The Gunners have invested heavily in their side already this summer and are now widely thought to be in a position where they need to sell-to-buy.

Spurs have been more frugal with just £55 million man Mohammed Kudus through the door as a marquee signing, as well as the loan move of Mathys Tel being made permanent.

Amid reports of a potential absence on Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had claimed: “Eberechi Eze has informed Crystal Palace earlier this weeks about his desire to join Tottenham. Talks progressing as Eze already said yes to Spurs project, ready to make his move this month. Nothing done yet but Eze hopes for #THFC move asap.”

Eberechi Eze included in Eagles XI at Chelsea

Romano then added: “No guarantee yet on Eberechi Eze out of Crystal Palace squad for Chelsea game. Negotiations advancing with Tottenham, agreement done with the player who has informed Palace of his desire…but not a done deal yet; so Glasner and his staff will decide on Sunday morning.”

While Tottenham Hotspur supporters may have had built up hopes of an imminent announcement, Eze has now been confirmed in the Crystal Palace matchday squad. Not only has the player travelled to Stamford Bridge, but he has been named in the starting XI by Glasner.

Eze still has another two years left on his Crystal Palace contract, meaning that the club is not pressured to sanction an exit this summer. The forward did have a £68 million release clause in his contract this summer but that was not activated by Spurs or any potential suitor.

The Guardian claim that a deal is now looking likely to cost £55 million plus add-ons. However, as he continues to play for Crystal Palace, any heroics at Chelsea could push that fee up for Spurs.

In other news, Tottenham star has rubbed salt into West Ham wounds today - opinion.

Graham Potter has a very big mountain to climb at West Ham following defeat to Sunderland.

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West Ham endured a nightmare start to the Premier League season as they were blown away by newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the hosts romping to a 3-0 win.

While it will be the weekend’s most head-turning result, it was perhaps not too hard to predict. The Hammers have been quiet in the transfer window, even after a thoroughly underwhelming campaign last time out.

El Hadji Malick Diouf arriving from Slavia Prague for £19 million is the most exciting piece of business but he is far from proven in the Premier League. Callum Wilson in, but is famously injury prone, and Kyle Walker-Peters has all the feel of a squad player.

West Ham struggle against newly promoted Sunderland

If little changes, it’s hard to expect much to change. Potter has had a full pre-season to work with his squad but there was a worrying apathy about the showing against Sunderland.

West Ham not only need new blood in their squad fast, but they appear to need a rocket sent to them. The struggles on Saturday were made even harder to take by what was going on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Where West Ham struggled against the newcomers, Spurs eased past Burnley and recorded their own 3-0 win. Richarlison bagged a brace with Brennan Johnson also on the scoresheet, but it was a man with two assists who also caught the eye.

That was former Hammer Mohammed Kudus. The 25-year-old set up both of Richarlison’s goals in his 85 minutes on the pitch and earned plaudits for his performance.

Assigning him an 8/10 for his showing, Football.London said: “Picked out Richarlison for an early assist on his home debut with a low cross and then did so again with the ball for his second. Another strong display from the Ghana international with some good defensive work as well.”

Mohammed Kudus rubs salt into West Ham wounds

It rubs salt into West Ham wounds. The club pocketed £55 million for selling Kudus but have spent little of that on new recruits who could have made an impact this weekend in the same way Kudus did.

What’s more, it hints at a bigger problem at the London Stadium. Kudus’ character was questioned at times last season amid disciplinary issues and barren patches. Yet, under the new management of Thomas Frank, he looked reborn.

Against Burnley, the Ghana international looked about as good as he ever has done. The bit between his teeth, his performance oozed a flair and excitement that was devoid from West Ham. Hammers fans have every right to be infuriated by the situation.

In other news, 'Here We Go': West Ham and Crystal Palace to lose £25m transfer race to Premier League rival.

Thomas Frank was helped to a first Premier League win as Tottenham Hotspur boss by Richarlison.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has warned the club that they will have to take the ‘rough with the smooth’ when it comes to striker Richarlison this season, following his heroics against Burnley.

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at points this summer, with former club Everton said to be sniffing around at one point. It had looked as if Dominic Solanke would be the first choice target man under Thomas Frank.

However, Richarlison was given the starting berth against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Solanke works his way back to full fitness. The 28-year-old did not disappoint and put in a head-turning performance.

Richarlison bags brace but labelled ‘scruffy’

Richarlison netted in the 10th minute and the 60th minute of the 3-0 win, the second goal a stunning volley which has been touted as a goal of the season contender. The player only manager four league goals last season and is already halfway to bettering that tally.

Sherwood was on punditry duties on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and heaped praise on Richarlison, but warned that the player would blow hot and cold this season. When asked if the Spurs performance warranted the one-sided score, he said: “I would have to say, yes. They huffed and puffed a little bit Burnley but they’ve not had any clear cut chances. They don’t look clinical enough and don’t look like they have the quality in the final third.

“Tottenham have been clinical with their chances. You’ll never find a scruffier player than Richarlison and I mean that in the nicest way. He does some spectacular things but the next time he’s got an easy ball up to him and he lets the defender come through in. You take the rough with the smooth with Richarlison, he’s been so effective today. He’s come off the field now, Tottenham were in cruise control.”

Tottenham striker links up with summer signing

Frank’s side bounced back from UEFA Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain with the win and are next in action against Manchester City next weekend before welcoming AFC Bournemouth at home at the end of the month.

Richarlison was also praised by former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on the BBC with the former player noting the combination between the striker and new signing Mohammed Kudus.

He said: “It was comfortable in the end for Tottenham. There were moments where they weren't sharp enough and didn't have enough energy. The half-time talk did the job from Thomas Frank because they were a different side in the second half. They deservedly furthered their lead, the third was a brilliant team move. Richarlison's combinations with Kudus were the highlights of today. It's a good start to a new campaign under a new manager.”

In other news, Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid.

Thomas Frank has big decisions to make for his starting XI ahead of beginning the Premier League campaign against Burnley.

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Tottenham Hotspur kick off their Premier League campaign against Burnley on Saturday and Thomas Frank is looking to bounce back from midweek UEFA Super Cup defeat.

For 85 minutes, it looked as if Spurs would get the better of the French giants and add a piece of silverware to the cabinet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before a late capitulation and penalty defeat.

Speaking ahead of Burnley, Frank said: “Every game has its own challenges. The challenge tomorrow, of course, can we get enough tempo in the game? Can we play quick enough? How do we break down the low block of a 5-4-1? That’s the focus, let’s keep the tempo, keep the intensity, make sure we put pressure on them.”

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI to face Burnley

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence

Spurs were porous under Ange Postecoglou last season and that will need to change in order to avoid another underwhelming campaign this time around. However, there’s been little new blood at the back with Thomas Frank likely to deploy a familiar looking back four in front of Vicario.

There had been talk of Romero quitting the club this summer with Atletico Madrid linked, but he now looks set to play a big role as captain. Porro has been handed a busy role by the new manager while Van de Ven will look to bounce back from his penalty heartbreak midweek.

Thomas Frank on ‘phenomenal’ Richarlison

Midfielders: Joao Palihinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr

There could be new faces in midfield and in attack. Joao Palhinha was only signed earlier this month and Frank admitted he is going to need some time to get up to pace following his first outing against Bayern Munich. The manager said: “I think it’s natural – there’s been, how can you say, a very short turnaround. He just came back, and he hasn’t played much for a long time. So, getting 45 good minutes into him was positive. He still needs a bit of a build-up.”

However, the former Fulham man could be fast tracked with injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while Yves Bissouma was left out against Paris Saint-Germain for disciplinary reasons. Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have emerged as favourites in pre-season.

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert

Spurs paid £55 million to snap up Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and he’s already looking a shoo-in. Dominic Solanke returned from injury against PSG but a starting berth against Burnley could come too soon. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson will be hoping for a role on the left but Wilson Odobert has seen a good handful of pre-season minutes and appears liked by Frank.

Speaking about Richarlison, Frank said: “I think Richy was really phenomenal (against PSG), his hold up play, his intensity, his pressing, his arriving in the box, some of it was really top, his attitude, top, top, top. I hope to see more of that. Of course, we’re aware of the fitness situation

“ That's something we've monitored closely. That's why, for example, he didn't play the first friendly against Reading, because he didn’t feel he was ready. We’ll do our best to help him. He's very focused, that's the main thing, and hopefully he can keep those levels.”

In other news, Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid.

Eberechi Eze could complete a strong new-look Tottenham Hotspur starting XI

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Tottenham Hotspur were hugely unlucky to taste defeat on penalties in their first competitive match under Thomas Frank, as European champions PSG ran out winners in the UEFA Super Cup final in Udine.

Spurs had led 2-0 until the final ten minutes, when quick-fire goals by two PSG substitutes took the showpiece final to a penalty shoot-out which was won by Luis Enrique’s side.

Amidst multiple attacking injuries, Spurs had started in an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation in an attempt to nullify PSG’s threats, which almost worked perfectly. While this demonstrates Frank’s adaptability in comparison with predecessor Ange Postecoglou right from the jump, it begs the question of how the Lilywhites will line up in the Premier League under their new head coach.

They may still add to the side in attacking areas with the signing of Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze, amidst reports that the Eagles are ‘braced’ for a bid from Spurs for their prized asset. With Eze in the side, we had a look at how Spurs could line up if the Palace man moves to N17.

How Tottenham’s defensive unit could line up under Thomas Frank

While it is possible that a back five is used in crunch matches in the Champions League, it is more likely that Frank plays with four at the back in the league so to get more attacking players on the pitch than we saw in the Super Cup final.

Guglielmo Vicario will continue in goal with reliable central defensive partnership Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in front of him. When the pair remain fit they are one of the best defensive duos in the Premier League, but after recent seasons, that remains a big if. Both central defenders netted from set pieces against PSG, demonstrating their threat in both boxes.

In the full-back area, Pedro Porro looks set to start on the right and bomb on to create goals at the other end. Djed Spence will likely begin the season at left-back after an impressive campaign last term, while Destiny Udogie will offer him competition and hope to regain his place in the side once he is fully fit after returning from injury.

How Spurs could look in midfield and attack with Eze

Spurs have signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich this summer and the former Fulham man started in midfield against PSG. He could be partnered by Pape Matar Sarr, though Rodrigo Bentancur will offer competition for the pair and there is likely to be rotation.

It is in the attacking positions where an already exciting array of talent could yet reach a new level. Should Eze arrive from Palace, he would slot perfectly into James Maddison’s No.10 spot and may even make it difficult for the playmaker to return to the starting XI when he returns from his ACL injury next year.

With Dejan Kulusevski also out injured, Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson could take up the wide positions either side of Eze. Even this remains up in the air, though, as Spurs have been linked with a left winger and Europa League final match-winner Johnson remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes against PSG. Up top looks like a more straightforward decision, as Dominic Solanke was fit enough to come off the bench on Wednesday and should return to the side in the place of Richarlison to complete a formidable line-up.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to make some final acquisitions ahead of the new season

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Tottenham Hotspur and new head coach Thomas Frank may feel that they still have issues which remain to be resolved as we approach the beginning of the new Premier League season this weekend.

These issues lie particularly in creative areas. Playmaker James Maddison has been struck down with an unfortunate ACL injury and may need replacing, while Dejan Kulusevski remains out until later on this year and captain Son Heung-min has departed the club for LAFC.

With a Champions League campaign on the horizon and high expectations for the former Brentford manager to turn the club’s league form around in N17, Spurs remain active in the transfer market with several players linked to a move late in the window. Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze remains linked alongside local rivals Arsenal, while surprise reports of a move for Manchester City winger Savinho have emerged in recent days. Another attacking player has emerged as a potential transfer target as Spurs look to strengthen in wide areas.

Spurs battle West Ham for Takefusa Kubo

According to reports, Tottenham are one of several English sides considering making a move for Real Sociedad and Japan winger Takefua Kubo this summer. Spurs may be prepared to outbid West Ham United for the forward, who has a €60million (£51.6m) release clause.

Kubo spent four years at Barcelona’s La Masia academy and was also on the books at Real Madrid for three years, but the 24-year-old failed to break through into Los Blancos’ first team and departed for Sociedad after several loan spells away. He has truly come into his own in San Sebastián, registering 23 goals and 18 assists in three seasons at the La Liga club.

Kubo has been targeted by Premier League sides in the past but it now appears that a move could be on the table, with the likes of Everton and Bournemouth also considering an approach for the 44-cap Japan international, who has informed Sociedad that he would like to leave the club, according to Fichajes. There has also been reported interest from Italian giants AC Milan.

‘My dream’ - Kubo speaks on his aspirations

Speaking back in 2020, a 19-year-old Kubo told France Football some of his aims for his career. It is fair to say that he has come a long way since then.

He said: “My dream has always been to become one of the best players and I won’t stop working to achieve that. I’ve always said that my goal was to play for Real Madrid and I work for that, doing the best job I can even if I don’t know what will happen. I love being able to play football in one of the best leagues in the entire world.

“I like to receive the ball between the lines or in the midfield, where there are more defenders. There, I try to challenge the defenders and be decisive. My dribbling ability is something I learned through the years and I have many years ahead of me and room for improvement, so that’s good. When I was young I played a lot, I never stopped and never got tired of it. It’s my passion and a part of my life since I was young, I play to improve.

“I’m never shy on the field though! A player must express himself on the field. You won’t grow if you’re shy while playing. His game must do the talking for him when he’s on the field.”

All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Tottenham after their UEFA Super Cup defeat.

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Tottenham will now turn their attention to the start of the Premier League season after their heartbreaking defeat to PSG on Wednesday night. Spurs led by two but ultimately gave up their lead and succumb to a penalty shootout defeat.

Overall, Spurs will surely be pleased with how they are improving, but they must move on quickly, with the Premier League starting this weekend. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Tottenham.

Eze ‘latest’

Tottenham are said to be interested in signing Eberechi Eze this summer amid ongoing links between the England international and Arsenal. In the meantime, David Ornstein has been speaking about the situation on the Sports Agent Podcast. He said: “Let's see if that happens. They've got an interest in him, and I think they're in and among the sort of conversation. It may activate later in the window. Eze, I think it's well documented, is an Arsenal fan, or grew up as an Arsenal fan, he would be in favour of a move there.

“I think it was being looked at when there was a possibility of Ethan Nwaneri, the young talent, leaving, because he was into the last year of his contract, because Arsenal now see him in the eight to 10 role, as opposed to the right side, where he played last season. Eze occupies the same space. They've got Martin Odegaard around there, and they've got Max Dowman coming through, and hopes could not be higher for him. So if Nwaneri had departed, I think the idea was not Noni Madueke, that was independent. It was Eze. Nwaneri signs his new contract, and so Eze is a less pressing concern."

Spurs stand with Tel

Tottenham say they are ‘disgusted’ by the racial abuse Mathys Tel is said to have received on social media after his penalty miss against PSG in the Super Cup defeat on Wednesday night.

A club statement read: “We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat. Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards - hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views. We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Mathys.”

Frank on PSG defeat

Speaking about the defeat itself, Spurs boss Frank said: “First and foremost, I’m extremely proud of the team, the players, fans, the club... I think we showed that we can compete - more than compete - against one of the best teams in the world, maybe the best right now. Basically, for 75, 80 minutes, we were close to playing the perfect match, 2-0 up, that’s what makes it so brutal. Then it’s a penalty shoot-out, and that’s a flip of the coin. Many positives, but football is about winning, so it’s also brutal. In the end, key - good performances that over time, will bring us success. This was a good start.

“The players put in an unbelievable shift. They worked so hard throughout the game. We showed that we will be tactically adaptable throughout the season, whoever we’re facing. We were so close with everything in the game plan, then in football, it’s margins. You can say in a final, in the end you don’t care about the performance if you just win, but unfortunately football doesn’t work like that. You need good performances, and this was a very good performance. If we can put that together on Saturday as well, I’ll be very happy.”

Tottenham are being linked with a Premier League star that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of.

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Tottenham are still searching for new recruits as they look to add quality and depth across their squad. Thomas Frank needs more attacking weapons, in particular, with a new winger and new striker required ahead of a Champions League campaign.

High quality attackers seldom come cheap, and Tottenham are now said to be eyeing one within the Premier League. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is being linked again after James Maddison’s serious injury, but an out-and-out winger could also be on the table.

Manchester City star Savinho is now emerging as a potential option, with the 21-year-old reportedly wanting more starts. Savinho made 48 appearances across all competitions for City last season, but he only started 21 Premier League games, and it’s now being claimed that a move to Tottenham would appeal to the Brazilian.

“Savinho wants to make that move to Tottenham,” former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. “He’s in and out of the team at City, but if he goes to Spurs, Thomas Frank will offer him more regular football and an improved standing in the squad. That’s what he wants to do, play more regular football than he’s currently getting.

“It’s something Man City have to live with and they’ve always managed to do well. Savinho has been frustrated with not playing as regularly as he would like, and wants to go and make his mark somewhere else.”

City boss Pep Guardiola has previously said of Savinho: “We’re a way from what we have to be as a team, but Savinho made an incredible performance again like he did against Everton. He’s a guy who can play on both sides, today he finally scored a goal. He has an incredible ability and quality he’s proven in that period.

“He arrived in the six months when the team isn’t in the best moment than maybe he expected, compared with the past. He makes one action fine, second fine, third miss it, four mistake, five mistake, the sixth try again and try again and try again. And until the end he tries. Defensively he’s not incredible in the one v one, but his work rate is impressive and he’s so aggressive on both sides. He’s had a lot of chances but the moment you score one or two, you’ll score a lot. I’m really pleased for him for the game, the goal, the assist for Erling. On the left he can make those crosses, the game he played was really good.”

City are said to prefer a Savinho star this summer, and they will reportedly ask for at least £50million to sell the attacker, and that fee is only the starting point for negotiations. That could be an expensive transfer for Tottenham, who also ideally need to sign an attacking midfielder, striker and a centre-back. It will be interesting to see if Spurs make their move and how they prioritise those positions of need.

Team news as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to do battle with PSG in Super Cup final

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Thomas Frank is preparing for his first competitive game as Tottenham Hotspur manager as his side aim for a second trophy in a matter of months in the Super Cup final against PSG on Wednesday evening at 20:00 BST.

The Champions League and Europa League winners do battle in the yearly showpiece final, which is taking place in Udine, Italy. It will give Spurs the chance to test themselves against the true European elite in the shape of Luis Enrique’s Parisian side, who swept aside four Premier League clubs on the way to becoming European champions with a resounding 5-0 victory against Inter Milan.

Though Club World Cup final defeat at the hands of Chelsea may have taken a little of the shine off PSG’s otherwise imperious season, the hard work and outstanding football it took to win the Champions League for the first time ever makes the Ligue 1 champions a formidable opponent for Frank’s first official match in charge of the north London side.

After a pre-season spent working with his new players, this will offer a true indication as to where this Spurs side are at ahead of the new domestic season this weekend. Here is the team news for the must-watch clash.

Tottenham injury news for Super Cup against PSG

Destiny Udogie - in squad: Left-back Destiny Udogie has been included in the squad for the Super Cup, having been a doubt after spending pre-season out with a knee injury. The Italian may not be fit enough to feature heavily in the game, though Frank said he is “getting closer” to reaching full fitness.

Dominic Solanke - fit: In another boost for Frank, striker Dominic Solanke is fully fit and available against PSG. The Spurs head coach said: "Dom [Solanke] is the positive one. He is available for selection tomorrow, that is very good.”

Radu Dragusin - out: Romanian defender Radu Dragusin has been out since last winter with a ruptured ACL and is not expected until late autumn at earliest.

Dejan Kulusevski - out: The Swedish playmaker was a star performer for Spurs before undergoing surgery on a knee injury in May. Frank said earlier this summer on his return: “I don’t like to put a timeline on it. Put it this way, he’s not ready for the first game of the season.”

James Maddison - out: Spurs’ latest high-profile injury blow, James Maddison suffered an ACL injury earlier this month and looks likely to be out for the majority of the season. It is unlikely we see him back in action until late spring at earliest.

Bryan Gil - out: Winger Bryan Gil was another unfortunate recipient of a knee injury in the spring while on loan at Girona in La Liga. It is currently unknown when he will return.

Kota Takai - out: New signing Kota Takai has not been named amongst the squad for Wednesday’s match after suffering with a foot injury during pre-season. Frank said in late July: “Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately, we don’t know the scale of it - weeks!”

Manor Solomon - out: Wide man Manor Solomon was out on loan at Leeds United last term but has not had the opportunity to push on during the close season due to an unspecified injury, which has kept him out of the whole of pre-season.

Yves Bissouma - left out: The midfielder has been left at home for persistent offences of lateness. Frank said: "Bissouma isn't here because of disciplinary reasons. He has been late several times, the latest one too many. We need to give love and have demands but there have to be consequences. There's a been a consequence, we will follow it up when we get home and park it for now."

PSG team news to face Spurs in Super Cup

Nordi Mukiele - out: Defender Nordi Mukiele is PSG’s only injury absentee and was unlikely to feature in the match anyway amidst reports that he is not part of Luis Enrique’s plans.

Joao Neves - suspended: In what will be music to the ears of Spurs fans, influential 20-year-old midfielder Joao Neves is out of the Super Cup final after receiving a red card for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella in the Club World Cup showpiece.

Gianluigi Donnarumma - left out: In possibly the biggest piece of team news of all, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been left out of the PSG squad to face Spurs amidst rumours of a move to the Premier League. This means new signing Lucas Chevalier may make his competitive debut for the club.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are both seeking defensive reinforcements this summer

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We have reached the very week where it will all begin once again, which means it is time for clubs up and down the country to worry about whether they are actually ready for the new Premier League season.

Most clubs in the top flight will feel there are still gaps to be filled with work yet to be done. This no doubt applies to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have spent big in this window but have seen a spanner thrown in their summer plans by an unfortunate ACL injury apiece, to Levi Colwill and James Maddison respectively.

Spurs are no strangers to injury issues in recent years, having seen Ange Postecoglou’s two years at the club blighted by extended lay-offs to key players. The Blues, on the other hand, will feel they are close to creating something special and will be determined not to allow a defensive injury set-back to jeopardise this.

Chelsea and Tottenham target set for move to Marseille

London rivals Chelsea and Spurs could miss out on a potential target as reports by TBR Football state that Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez nears a move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The 21-year-old has reportedly been tracked by several Premier League clubs, who are aware of the vast potential possessed by the Ecuador international.

In addition to Chelsea and Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa are also being ‘kept informed’ on Ordonez, though it appears that a move will need to be made soon if a Premier League outfit is to hijack his prospective transfer to France.

TBR Football’s report states that Ordonez is a ‘huge talent’ who is held in high regard by numerous Premier League clubs and stands out on the pitch in addition to analytically. Chelsea were previously reported to be scouting the Brugge star back in November.

Reports from last season claimed that Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo encouraged Ordonez to move to Stamford Bridge. Caicedo has seen first-hand the qualities of the young centre-back, who has been compared to Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger in the past.

Could Ordonez help solve Chelsea and Spurs’ defensive issues?

Following Colwill’s recent ACL injury, Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-back before the end of the window. A young player with high potential such as Ordonez fits in well with the Blues’ business model and Enzo Maresca will aim to help the Ecuadorian grow into a role of responsibility at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs were hit with their own central defensive injury crisis last season and there is no guarantee both of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero stay fit for the entirety of the upcoming campaign under Thomas Frank. With Kevin Danso and Ben Davies the club’s only other fit senior centre-backs at present, the Dane could do with another option to ensure his side can compete in the Champions League in addition to domestically.

Speaking last season, Ordonez admitted that he would be open to a Premier League move. He said: “The Premier League? I would like that. About the interest from abroad? Honestly, I don’t know anything about that at the moment. I’m just trying to focus on Club Brugge and my team. My concentration remains 100 per cent here.”