LondonWorld

I think Spurs had pants pulled down by Millwall for 'sublime' star's transfer

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Millwall beat Leeds United 1-0 on Wednesday night with a former Tottenham Hotspur man proving the decision-maker.

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Tottenham Hotspur are surely regretting the decision to allow youth academy product Japhet Tanganga leave the club as a free agent this summer as the 25-year-old turns heads as one of the most impressive defenders in the Championship this season while at Millwall.

The defender spent the back end of last season on loan at The Den and impressed with consistent performances at the back along with two vital goals against Southampton and Birmingham City as Neil Harris' side fought off relegation. Signing Tanganga on a permanent deal was a priority for the Lions this summer but never looked like a foregone conclusion.

That's because the defender was open to staying at Tottenham Hotspur despite his contract coming to an end that summer. In an interview with Football.London, the player shared his excitement to work under Ange Postecoglou. He said: “Yes, I am looking forward to working with Ange. Before I came out on loan to Germany, I was welcomed by him in pre-season and obviously I saw his ideas and did like them.

Tanganga was ‘looking forward’ to Spurs return

“Everyone can see that he’s very attack-minded, likes to keep the ball, and he’s doing well, so I’m looking forward to seeing his ideas and being a part of it.

“My focus is to build on from my spell at Millwall, with the number of games I played. You want to be in a position where you’re playing week in, week out, so whether that’s at Spurs or somewhere else, that is something that needs to be discussed in the future and we’ll see where we go from there.”

Clearly, Tanganga was open to signing a new deal at Tottenham Hotspur. It appears that, despite a busy season with Europa League action, Spurs were unable to offer the defender what he wanted to hear when it came to playing time. That now looks to be a potentially foolish decision.

In a world of Profit and Sustainability Rules being clamped down, recouping a transfer fee for academy product Tanganga would have been a huge boost for Spurs. As he wows for Millwall this season, it's clear that fee wouldn't have been small either if the club had capitalised on his interest in staying.

Harris ‘not always confident’ in defender returning to Millwall

Speaking in the summer, when asked if he always been confident Tanganga would return, Harris admitted: “No. All I can do is praise Japhet. We spoke at least once a week, if not two, three times. Really open, strong relationship. There’s been times when it looked like Japh might end up somewhere that’s seen as bigger clubs and better levels than us and we had to hang in there.

“My relationship with Japh has always been strong and positive and important in this and ultimately he’s come because he loved his time here and wants to help us get better.

“But also it feels like a good home for him to improve his game but also show the world he can play a round of fixtures as well. So no, I wasn’t always confident in Japhet coming and probably relieved to get him over the line as much as anything.”

Tanganga is at the heart of a Millwall defence that has now conceded just one goal in their last six outings and kept four clean sheets in a row. Harris' defence is an immovable object at the moment thanks to the former Spurs man.

Defender’s ‘sublime shift’ vs Leeds United

All of the player's recent performances have been impressive but, against promotion-chasing Leeds United on Wednesday night, he somehow found another level. Rated a 10/10 by LondonWorld, we wrote: "A sublime shift. So up for it tonight, confident and decisive in everything he did. The goal topped off a great performance with a clever finish that any striker would be proud of."

Those thoughts were echoed by former Millwall boss Gary Rowett as he provided punditry on Sky Sports. When Tanganga prodded home from a set play in the first half, the goal that would prove to be the winner, Rowett said: "He's been a brilliant signing. He's quick and aggressive. We know he's got the capability of playing in the Premier League, he just needs the games to prove it and I'm sure he'll get the opportunity this season.

"It's perfect timing from us and perfect timing from Japhet Tanganga. Millwall don't need possession or to attack all the time, they just need moments. Tanganga comes in and stabs the ball with the outside of his right foot, finds a gap between two defenders and the bottom corner past Meslier. It's a brilliant, brilliant moment."

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Chelsea star is Real Madrid 'target' as Spurs stars make PL team of the week

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Could a Chelsea star leave to join Real Madrid?

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With another weekend of Premier League action just around the corner, let’s take this time to look at all the biggest rumours from around England’s top division today.

A Chelsea star is thought to be a transfer target of Real Madrid, as well as two other top European clubs. Meanwhile, two Tottenham Hotspur stars have been named in the Premier League team of the week, following their excellent comeback win over Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez ‘targeted’ by Real Madrid

Chelsea may lose one of their top midfielders - Enzo Fernandez is thought to be in the sights of Real Madrid, according to a recent report from journalist Sacha Tavolieri. In addition to this, he is also being targeted by Barcelona and Inter Milan, according to The Sun.

Fernandez has struggled since he arrived at Stamford Bridge, both on and off the pitch. He has made 13 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions this season, but has yet to score any goals and has only notched up a solitary assist. He joined the club for a whopping fee of £106.8 million in 2023, but has yet to justify this mammoth price tag.

He has fared better on the international stage - Fernandez made his debut for his native Argentina in 2022, winning 32 caps since then and scoring four goals. Not only was he part of their 2022 World Cup winning squad, he also won the Copa America earlier this year.

Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke included in Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week

Tottenham’s excellent win over Aston Villa at the weekend has not gone without recognition. In particular, Troy Deeney included two Spurs stars - namely, Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke - in his Premier League team of the week.

Deeney noted that Dragusin ‘didn’t put a foot wrong’ defensively and described Solanke’s performance as ‘really good’. The former Watford man conceded that he has been a critic of Solanke’s since he made the jump to the Lilywhites, but was proven wrong on Sunday.

Speaking on Dragusin’s performance, Deeney wrote: “I think he was superb coming into a new partnership with Cristian Romero because Micky van de Ven was injured - and then Romero went off too. Dragusin equipped himself well against a very good Aston Villa team and didn't put a foot wrong.”

Meanwhile, on Solanke, Deeney penned: “I have been giving him a bit of stick because I'm not sure if he is the man who will score enough goals to take Tottenham all the way to where they want to be, but he was really good in the win over Villa.

“When I give people stick I also look to give them praise and credit. His goals were two proper poacher's finishes. He was much better and played on the last man, didn't come short and get involved. He was always available for a cross and got his just rewards. Hopefully he can continue and start firing Tottenham to where they want to be.”

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Galatasaray vs Tottenham Hotspur injury news - two players out with four in doubt

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Tottenham Hotspur face a trip to Turkey to play against Galatasaray for a Europa League clash on Thursday.

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Tottenham Hotspur turn their attention away from the Premier League this week as they head to Turkey to take on Galatasaray in their fourth Europa League game after three wins in three games so far.

Their last was a 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar in late October, where a goal from Richarlison handed Ange Postecoglu the three points. Spurs’ last game against Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend, where they won 4-1, put them seventh in the league and nine points off league leaders Liverpool.

They face a Galatasaray side who sit on top of the Turkish Super Lig with 28 points from 10 games, much of their success being down to on loan striker Victor Osimhen who has scored four goals and provided two assists for the Turkish club since joining in the summer, amid transfer links to Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglu will be hoping to make it four wins in a row in the Europa League, but it won’t be easy against their toughest opponent so far in the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur injury news

Firstly, centre-back Micky van de Ven has been ruled out of Thursday’s game due to a thigh injury that he suffered during Spurs’ 2-1 win against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last week. He is expected to be out for a while yet as manager Postecoglu said: “Micky has sort of strained a hamstring. It's not too serious, but we're probably looking at after the international break.”

French midfielder Wilson Odobert will also miss the game against Galatasaray as he is recovering from a thigh injury that he re-aggravated in late October, meaning he will remain out for an extended period of time. It is unknown as to when he will return.

However, there is a chance that Richarlison could feature on Thursday after scoring in Spurs’ last Europa League match as he has been dealing with a minor hamstring injury since the win over Villa at the weekend. Postecoglu said: “Richy [Richarlison] obviously felt something in the action of setting the goal up, his hamstring, so we'll see.”

Thursday could also see the return of Djed Spence who has been out for several weeks with a groin injury and is currently being assessed over his status before the game. However, it is more likely that Spence will return next weekend against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Centre-back Cristian Romero is also a doubt for the game against Galatasaray, as he had to come off due to a minor ankle injury against Aston Villa. However it is not yet clear as to how long he is expecting to miss.

Spurs players out - Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert

Spurs players in doubt - Richarlison, Djed Spence, Christian Romero

Galatasaray injury news

The Turkish side have just one player on their injury list ahead of the game against Spurs on Thursday night, with left-back Ismail Jakobs dealing with a muscle strain since mid-October and missing five matches so far.

It is not expected to be a severe issue and the defender could be in line to return against Spurs, although much like Djed Spence for Postecoglu’s side, a more likely return will come at the weekend when Galatasaray face Samsunspor in the league.

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Ange Postecoglou reveals why he can't wait for Galatasaray game and provides Richarlison injury update

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Tottenham go into the game against Turkish Champions at the back of a double injury blow from their previous game.

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says their Europa League game against Galatasaray will be a "proper European match," and he’s looking forward to experiencing the famed atmosphere in the Turkish stadium. Galatasaray are known for having one of the best atmospheres in Europe, and with their summer signings, including Victor Osimhen, the game promises to be an exciting challenge for Spurs.

Asked about the match, the Lilywhites manager stated that one thing was certain: it would be a true European clash. Postecoglou told reporters, "I'm sure my players will enjoy it too. It will definitely feel like a great European match. That's why I'm looking forward to it.”

It’s been an interesting period for Spurs, and recent results have surely boosted their confidence. First, they deservedly beat Manchester City to advance in the League Cup, and then they showed mental resilience by coming from behind to defeat Aston Villa.

However, the victory came at a cost—Richarlison, whose minutes have been carefully managed, picked up a knee injury while setting up Dominic Solanke for a goal. Spurs also lost Cristian Romero to injury, an issue that the manager confirmed must be serious for the 2022 World Cup winner to leave the pitch.

Postecoglou commented on the injuries, saying: "I don’t know much at the moment. Richy felt something in his knee while assisting the goal, which was disappointing for him. Cuti (Romero) is a very tough player, so for him to leave the game means he’s in a lot of pain. But we’ll wait and see. It's part of what every team is dealing with, and we just have to manage it.”

There is some good news, though. Captain Son Heung-min managed to play 60 minutes against Villa, having battled injuries himself. Additionally, big summer signing Solanke scored a brace, which should give him confidence as he heads into the crucial stage of the season.

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Chelsea 'interested' in shock move for Real Madrid

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Chelsea and PSG are looking to snap up a Real Madrid superstar.

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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were both in Premier League action at the weekend as attention now shifts to Europe. Spurs came from behind to defeat Aston Villa 4-1, while Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester United. The two sides are now in Europa and Europa Conference League action on Thursday.

In the latest transfer rumours, Chelsea are thought to be keeping an eye on the situation of a world class winger who currently plays for Real Madrid - but they are not alone, as PSG and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also in the race. Meanwhile, both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are looking at a young fullback who currently plies his trade in Italy - but who will beat who to the punch?

Chelsea and PSG ‘interested’ in move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior

Both Chelsea and PSG, as well as a number of unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia, have been credited with an ‘interest’ in Real Madrid’s star man - none other than Vinicius Junior. According to Spanish publication Marca, both Chelsea and PSG are keeping tabs on the player’s status at the moment.

As arguably the best player in the world at this moment in time, prising Vinicius from the grasp of Los Blancos would be a monumental task - even for a club with Chelsea’s financial might. Currently, the Brazilian international is under contract at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium until the summer of 2027 and he has a minimum fee release clause in his contract of one billion euros.

Of course, the event of a club matching this extraordinary price tag is very unlikely - even teams in the Saudi Pro League, for all their monetary resources, would struggle to meet such a fee. Despite this, they could snap up Vinicius on a free transfer upon the expiration of his current deal, assuming he does not sign a new contract with the Spanish giants.

Vinicius’ agents and Madrid are set to begin contract discussions in ‘the next few weeks’ - his future could be far more clear once these initial talks have taken place.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in ‘race’ to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce

Both Tottenham and Manchester United are reportedly lining up for a chance to sign Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu - Chelsea are also thought to be interested in the 20 year old’s services.

This is according to a report from journalist Peter O’Rourke on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. United are looking for a permanent solution to their Luke Shaw problem, while Spurs and Chelsea are looking to bolster their own defensive ranks. An adaptable player, Dorgu can play as a left back, a left wing back or as a left winger.

So far this season, Dorgu has made 12 appearances across all competitions for Lecce, scoring two goals along the way. Nevertheless, I Giallorossi are struggling in the Serie A table at this point in the campaign, as they currently find themselves in 19th place.

Spurs have had success with young fullbacks from Serie A in the past. They signed Destiny Udogie from Udinese in 2022, who has since gone on to become a key member of the Lilywhites’ squad.

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Spurs sent painful reminder of 'crucial' released teenager's talent by QPR boss

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QPR snapped up Kieran Morgan in July and the teenage is already impacting the first team.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been sent another reminder that they may come to regret allowing 18-year-old Kieran Morgan to leave the club as a free agent this summer as the player continues to impress at QPR.

The Championship outfit snapped up the midfielder this summer after he left Spurs following the end of his scholarship. Morgan had spent some 10 years in North London but was not deemed to be part of the first team's long term future.

Initially, the teenager had been recruited as part of the QPR Development Squad but with the first team struggling for results in the Championship, had been promoted by Marti Cifuentes. Morgan had a first taste of second tier action as a sub against Portsmouth last month and found himself on the scoresheet the next game against Coventry City - a goal which rescued a point in a 1-1 meeting.

Marti Cifuentes praises ex Spurs man

After turning heads with those cameos, Cifuentes awarded the player with his first start against top of the table Sunderland on Saturday. Morgan put in a gutsy performance in the centre of the park as the R's claimed a point against the high flyers.

Speaking after the game, Cifuentes heaped praise on the youngster in what may be a painful reminder for Tottenham Hotspur of what they let leave the club for free. The QPR head coach said: "He played fantastic. He has a big personality.

"That's a little bit the trend he has been showing since he joined in the summer. He came here at 17 years old and now he's 18. He's been showing a lot of good things and getting some minutes these last games because that is what he has been pushing for.

"We felt that today he could be a part of the team and he has done very well. I am very happy for him with the way he played and the personality he showed, playing against a team at the top of the table, asking for the ball all the time, being crucial in our build-up play and crucial in how we attack in the last third.

"Very, very good signal for not only him but for the club that we have the possibility to give opportunities to academy players and that they can perform at this level."

Morgan - ‘I’m a presence in and around the box’

Morgan was part of the under-18 set-up at Tottenham Hotspur last season and had set out his aim to get into the first team as soon as possible after signing this summer.

When arriving at QPR, he told the club website: "I'm delighted to be here. It's great to have my future sorted - I'm excited.

"Everyone at QPR has been so welcoming and I think this move will really help my development. I'm a hard-working player who is also technically good on the ball and with my range of passing.

"Defensively, I'm a presence in and around the box and hopefully I'll be able to help the team in both an attacking and defensive sense. My aim now is to start pre-season well and give a good account of myself to the coaches. Hopefully, I'll be with the first team one day and that's on me now. I just can't wait to get started."

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Tottenham Hotspur 'expecting' January offers from Premier League clubs for £40m man

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Archie Gray could be subject to several offers in the January transfer window.

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Reports have emerged suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Archie Gray could be subject to several loan offers in the January transfer window after joining in the summer from Leeds United.

The 18-year-old signed for Spurs for a fee of around £40 million from Leeds in July after he came through the academy at Elland Road. He made 52 appearances for the Yorkshire club since being promoted to the first team in July 2023. However, despite only signing in the summer, Gray could be on the move in January on a loan deal as GiveMeSport are reporting that Spurs are expecting loan offers in the next transfer window.

They suggest that both Premier League and Championship clubs are considering submitting loan bids for the 18-year-old, who has struggled for game time, in an attempt to secure his services for the second half of the season. Gray has made just nine appearances in all competitions this season with just four Premier League appearances so far. His last came against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night where the versatile midfielder played at right-back and earnt a yellow card in the 90th minute.

The 18-year-old’s future is confirmed for the long-term at Spurs after he signed a six-year contract which will keep him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until June 2030. However, GiveMeSport reported that Gray is very highly regarded at Spurs and that they haven’t yet decided what to do regarding his future and the possible loan offers that could come in over the January transfer window.

Archie Gray “enjoying it” at Spurs despite lack of game time

The former Leeds United youngster is at the very start of his journey at Spurs, however, many expected him to have more involvement at an early stage due to the fact that Tottenham were so keen on landing him over the summer.

In a recent interview with Football London, the midfielder said he was very happy at Spurs despite his lack of opportunity so far. Furthermore, he has commented on the fact that Ange Postecoglu has had to play him in a variety of positions to earn him more game time. He said: “I'm just enjoying it and wherever I get put on the pitch I'll just try to do my best.

“Every day in training wherever I am playing on the pitch I'll just try and learn as much as I can because ultimately I am an 18-year-old and it doesn't matter where I play now. As long as I can learn loads of different roles then hopefully it will help me in the future.”

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£25m-rated Tottenham Hotspur man tipped for La Liga return in January

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The Spurs defender has fallen out of favour with Ange Postecoglu and could be leaving in January.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon could reportedly be set to move from away north London, with La Liga side Getafe tipped as a potential destination for the Spaniard who signed for Spurs in 2020.

Reguilon joined from Real Madrid for a fee of £25m and has made over 60 appearances for Spurs, scoring two goals with eight assists. However, in recent seasons, he has fallen out of favour with Ange Postecoglu who has sent him on loan Manchester United and Brentford in the past year.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Getafe are keen on signing the 27-year-old whose contract at Tottenham expires in the summer. They could open talks with Reguilon in January over a free transfer should Spurs decide not to renew his contract.

Despite his inconsistency in the Premier League, the former Real Madrid man has plenty of experience in La Liga making 56 appearances in the Spanish league for Sevilla, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid during his career.

Spurs’ current lack of depth along the back-line however could force Ange Postecoglu to re-sign Reguilon on a short-term deal to take the heat off the likes of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, who are the Spurs’ boss’ first choices at the full-back position.

Reguilon is not the only Spurs defender who could move away

Sergio Reguilon isn’t the only Tottenham defender who could head to La Liga next summer, as Real Madrid have reportedly identified Pedro Porro as an alternative transfer target to Trent Alexander-Arnold should the Liverpool man decide to stay at Anfield.

Porro has also been tipped for a move to his former club in Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side face growing concerns over the future of 34-year-old Kyle Walker who will need a long-term replacement at right-back.

Furthermore, centre-back Radu Dragusin’s agent had to quell rumours of a possible exit for his client, as reports emerged suggesting he could move to Serie A club Napoli. Should one or more of Spurs’ defenders be on the move, it could be a wise decision for the club to try and keep hold of Reguilon as cover should the Spaniard be happy in his role as backup.

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Merson and Sutton make Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham predictions

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look to see how the pundits are predicting the Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham fixtures this weekend.

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Another big weekend of Premier League action awaits in the Premier League, and the three London clubs all have important games to take care of. Arsenal face Newcastle United in a tough-looking away clash, knowing they can’t afford to lose more ground in the Premier League title race.

Chelsea face Manchester United away from home as they look to get back into the top four, and Spurs could certainly do with a win against a solid Aston Villa side as they desperately search for consistency. Here we take a look at how Paul Merson has predicted the fixtures on SportsKeeda and how those predictions compare to those of Chris Sutton for BBC Sport.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal

Paul Merson

“This is a huge game for Arsenal. It's one where you look at and think, 'Arsenal must win this one'. Liverpool face Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend and they already beat them in the Carabao Cup in midweek, so we're expecting the same result again. You also expect Manchester City to beat Bournemouth so Arsenal cannot afford to slip up.

“Arsenal are sitting back too much in games now. I know they have key players missing out due to injuries, but they should've attacked more against Liverpool last weekend. Even if a draw is still a fair result for them, Arsenal weren't as free-flowing as they were before and that's a problem. The old Arsenal were entertaining, now they're just sitting back and counter-attacking. If you do that every week in this league, you will get found out soon. I hope this change in strategy is only due to the players they are missing at the moment. After the trip to Newcastle, they face Chelsea away from home. These two games are crucial for the Gunners, they must find a way to win both!

“Newcastle beat Chelsea during the cup game in midweek, but I doubt they can back it up with another win on Saturday. Alexander Isak seems to have returned to form and Anthony Gordon is always a threat with his pace. But I feel they are too open at the back and good teams can always pick them apart. When they have all their players in good form, Newcastle are a proper team but that isn't the case at the moment. Arsenal win for me in this one! Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal.”

Chris Sutton

“This is a bit of a grudge match after what happened when Arsenal came to St James' Park last season and lost to a controversial Anthony Gordon goal. Newcastle are on a run of five league games without a win, but they have been a little unlucky during that spell. They are creating plenty of chances, but just not scoring enough of them.

“I worry about Arsenal in the final third too, though, because they are wasteful as well. The Gunners really need a win here to cling on to the tail of leaders Manchester City, but my gut feeling is that Newcastle will get something out of this game, and it has got a draw written all over it. Prediction: 1-1.”

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Paul Merson

“I thought it was a really bad result for Aston Villa when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup during midweek. I know they play in the Champions League and compete well in the Premier League, but they should also look to win the cup.

“That exit would have definitely been disappointing for Villa. I'm still going to back them to beat Tottenham though. Villa's high line could face problems against Spurs, but I just can't see them not scoring in this game. It's going to be a big blow for Tottenham in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League if they lose this game. Villa can open up an eight-point gap over Spurs if they win and that may well be curtains for the north Londoners' hopes about finishing fourth. I just think Villa have a bit more in them than Tottenham and fully expect them to win here. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa.”

Chris Sutton

“The away team won on both occasions when these two sides met last season, and you could make a case for Tottenham or Aston Villa coming out on top here. I do like the way Spurs play but they could do with having Son Heung-min fit - he has missed three of their past four league games - and they have a few other injuries too.

“Whoever is missing, though, Ange Postecoglou will not change his bullish approach. I admire that, and I find it amazing the way people view Spurs at the moment. They have won eight of their past 10 games in all competitions, which is pretty good I think, but there is always this underlying 'Spursy' or 'typical Spurs' label they get given whenever they slip up.

“That could happen here, of course. Spurs will dominate the ball this time too, but I have got no doubt that Villa will score, because they carry such a threat and their front players will definitely have their moments in this game. So, there will definitely be plenty of goals... but maybe there won’t be a winner this time - Tottenham have not had a draw since the first game of the season, and I think they will get one here. Prediction: 2-2.”

Man Utd vs Chelsea

Paul Merson

“It's true that Manchester United were not lucky during the defeat to West Ham. But this is Manchester United we're talking about, you can't keep living on excuses like that. They were all over the place, lost the game and are in the bottom half. So the decision to sack Erik ten Hag was justified, no point waiting around!

“I think Chelsea will win this game. I only say that because they'll play out from the back and the only way they can get beat is if teams get the ball from them high up the pitch by closing them down. I don't think United will do that up front, they're just lazy. So I have a feeling that Chelsea can play through them and win the game.

“Chelsea rested many of their players during the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle, but I didn't understand their decision to keep Cole Palmer on the bench. If you don't want to play him, why are you taking him all the way to Newcastle for the game? Just allow him to rest at home instead of asking him to take the long trip and sit on the bench all night. Chelsea should start Pedro Neto over Jadon Sancho in this game. Neto has pace and he can really hurt United. Sancho has this tendency to slow the game down a bit. Neto will be really useful when Chelsea beat United's press and play through them.

“United went and won 5-2 against Leicester in their cup game. I'm thinking if Ten Hag was still there, Chelsea would be huge favorites in this game. But with Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge now, there will be a change for sure. They still look at bit disjointed though, not what you expect from a proper team. The problem is that United don't have enough time to work on these things and beat Chelsea this weekend.

“I was in Portugal last year and they speak very highly of Ruben Amorim. He's a good manager, but what he's done there in Portugal, it's a three-team league at the end of the day. This will be a completely different challenge. Now they're talking of bringing Viktor Gyokeres in. This is what does my head in, honestly. He was playing for Coventry a while ago and no one wanted him. Now he goes to a lesser league, does well and suddenly you have to pay £40-50 million extra for him! Imagine if he was still at Coventry and United wanted him? Everybody will be losing their minds. Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea.”

Chris Sutton

“It looks like Ruben Amorim will be the new Manchester United manager but will not be arriving for a few weeks. In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy is in charge as interim boss and he enjoyed himself against Leicester in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

“The Chelsea players will be well-rested because their team that lost to Newcastle in the same competition on Wednesday was totally different to the side that beat the Magpies in the league on Sunday. But Newcastle did create chances against them last weekend and, when I saw Chelsea against Liverpool recently, they were brave at Anfield too.

“I see Chelsea as being the superior team here and my head tells me they will win, but if they are quite open again at Old Trafford then that could suit Manchester United and let them get something. Prediction: 1-1.”

Source

Tottenham tipped to join Aston Villa in transfer battle for £15m Brazilian wonderkid

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Spurs have been tipped to join Aston Villa in the race to sign a £15m Brazilian wonderkid

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in Aston Villa transfer target and Brazilian youngster Rayan, who currently plays for Brazil Serie A side Vasco da Gama. He is also being monitored by French Ligue 1 side Lyon.

According to Vascaino via Sport Witness, the 18-year-old has attracted attention from several international clubs and Tottenham are keen on landing him ahead of Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

The attacker can play either on the wing or as a striker and has made 29 appearances for Vasco da Gama this season scoring two goals and providing one assist. He came through the academy at his current club, but could be on the way out of Brazil sooner rather than later.

According to the report, Spurs have ‘sought information’ about Rayan as he fits the transfer model that Daniel Levy’s club are trying to develop in buying young players and building them into fully developed stars.

Vasco da Game accept the heavy interest in the winger who they currently value at around £15m, however, if Lyon, Spurs and Aston Villa all begin to make a move for the 18-year-old then a bidding war could drive his price higher and higher.

So far in his young career, the winger has made 37 appearances for Vasco da Gama, scoring three goals and one assist.

Tottenham looking to add attacking talent

Spurs have been linked to several attackers as they look to push themselves up the table to challenge for a top four and Champions League place. They have been reportedly linked to Middlesbrough attacker Hayden Hackney, however, Michael Carrick’s side have said that he’s not for sale in January.

Tottenham have also been linked to Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere who is also reportedly being monitored by Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and West Ham. The Belgian has so far scored two goals and three assists in 10 Serie A matches this season.

Spurs may look for new attackers to replace possible Son exit

Ange Postecoglu and the ownership at Spurs will have their attention on the fact that star attacker Heung-Min Son’s contract expires at the end of this season, meaning he will be free to negotiate an exit in January as he’ll have just six months left on his deal.

The 32-year-old’s contract does include a clause that could allow Tottenham to extend it for an extra year, keeping him at the club until June 2026 which Spurs may decide to do before not renewing his deal after due to the South Korean international then being 34-years-old.

They may be looking to the transfer market for future replacements for the attacker which Brazilian wonderkid Rayan could provide in the long-run.

Source