SPORTbible

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed a deal for a new signing nearly 24 hours after the January transfer window slammed shut.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was forced to bring in new faces during the January transfer window after recent injuries suffered by the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke.

In turn, they brought in players like Antonin Kinsky, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso.

The January transfer window slammed shut for English clubs on Monday night but it has been claimed that Spurs are set to complete another signing.

As reported by The Sun, Spurs are set to complete a record breaking deal for St Patrick’s Athletic youngster Mason Melia.

It has been suggested that the North London club will pay £1.6 million plus add-ons for the 17-year-old, who will become the first million-pound player to come out of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

However, the report also claimed that due to Brexit rules, Melia will not be able to join Spurs until the first window after he turns 18.

As a result, Melia is likely to join Spurs on January 1, 2026.

Aside from Spurs, clubs such as Celtic, Everton, Club Brugge and Eintracht Frankfurt were all said to have shown an interest in the young striker after his impressive form for St Patrick’s Athletic.

Melia is highly rated in Ireland and has scored six goals in 31 appearances for his side in 2024.

With Melia set to be a Spurs stiker in the future, the pressure is instantly on Frenchman Tel, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking in his first interview, Tel said: "Why I chose Tottenham? It was the best option for me. I’m ready to play, I’m here, I’m ready to grow. It was the best option for me and now I’m very happy.

"I felt the commitment, I spoke with the President, the team manager, the coach and as I said, that was very important for me."

Spurs are back in action on Thursday night when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.

It has been revealed what convinced Mathys Tel to change his mind after originally rejecting a move to Spurs this January in favour of a move to Man United.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tel's transfer to Spurs will be a straight loan, with no buy option inserted in the deal.

The report also states the North London club will cover the forward's full salary for the rest of the season until he returns to Bayern Munich.

However, Tel will join Spurs after initially rejecting their approach for a permanent transfer, with Florian Plettenberg reporting the 19-year-old wanted to join United.

Tel's U-turn has become the main story of deadline day, and ESPN have revealed exactly what changed the Frenchman's mind.

According to Julien Laurens, Ange Postecoglou had a lengthy call with Tel after hearing he wasn't keen on the move in order to map out exactly what he had planned for the youngster.

Laurens explained the Spurs boss played a 'huge role' in Tel's U-turn, with the teenager travelling to London on Monday to secure the move.

Speaking after last week's Europa League victory over Elfsborg, Postecoglou gave a coy response when asked about his side's pursuit of Tel.

"I can't tell you anything about Tel," he said during his post-match press conference. "I've been focusing on getting the team prepared tonight.

"Other people are working in the background. As I've said all along, I'm allowing them to get on with it, and when, and if, there's any news I'm sure I'll find out."

Tel is poised to become Spurs' second signing of the winter transfer window, following the arrival of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague for £12.5 million.

It has emerged that another defender has turned down a move to Spurs – which marks the third time in less than 48 hours that a player has snubbed a transfer to the North London club.

Spurs are actively looking to sign another defender ahead of Monday's 11pm deadline as they continue to struggle with injuries.

Cristian Romero is still a few weeks away from making a return, according to Ange Postecoglou, while fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin picked up a knock in their Europa League win over Elfsborg.

Advert

Micky van de Ven, who recently returned to the first-team fold after being out since December, has also struggled for fitness this season.

At one stage, it looked like AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori would end up joining the Premier League club following advanced discussions.

But after holdings talks with Spurs, a report from Sky Italy suggests the former Chelsea defender has expressed his desire to stay at the San Siro..

Advert

Not long after Tomori's rejection, the highly sought-after Mathys Tel also turned down a move to the North London club following face-to-face talks.

Tottenham had reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich over a deal worth £50 million but the 19-year-old is said to be holding out for a better offer from other interested Premier League clubs, according to The Telegraph.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa are interested, although Tel has already expressed which club he prefers.

Now, it appears Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has snubbed a move to Spurs after Fabrizio Romano gave the following update on Disasi's uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Advert

"Tottenham have agreed loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi, no buy option clause and loan fee included," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Axel Disasi, not accepting Spurs bid… as he already agreed terms with Aston Villa. Chelsea have NO intention to negotiate with Villa as UCL spot competitors."

Disasi has turned down a move to Spurs, according to reports. Image credit: Getty

Speaking ahead of their win over Brentford, Ange Postecoglou maintained that his side are still "a big club" following the rejections.

Advert

“It depends what the players are looking for,” he said. “You can look at it in two ways, OK the league form is not great but there are some pretty big possibilities to have success here in the last three or four months [of the season].

"It’s still a big club, it’s still a club that can challenge for honours and it’s whether the player sees the potential that we see right now, or certainly that I see. If it’s too much of a hard sell it’s probably not the right one for us.”

If you choose to “Accept all,” we will also use cookies and data to

Develop and improve new services

Deliver and measure the effectiveness of ads

Show personalized content, depending on your settings

Show personalized ads, depending on your settings

If you choose to “Reject all,” we will not use cookies for these additional purposes.

Non-personalized content is influenced by things like the content you’re currently viewing, activity in your active Search session, and your location. Non-personalized ads are influenced by the content you’re currently viewing and your general location. Personalized content and ads can also include more relevant results, recommendations, and tailored ads based on past activity from this browser, like previous Google searches. We also use cookies and data to tailor the experience to be age-appropriate, if relevant.

A former Chelsea star has rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur despite holding advanced talks over a return to the Premier League.

With just three days left of the January transfer window, Tottenham have been extremely active as they hope to bolster their squad with first-team options to help turn their dreadful season around.

Ange Postecoglu's side has been hit with several long-term injuries to some of the most important players in the club, leading to them exploring the market for replacements.

However, Tottenham have been dealt a massive blow as they have reportedly missed out on making a bringing a former Chelsea star to the club in a huge signing.

During Tottenham's Europa League win over Elfsborg on Thursday, centre-back Radu Dragusin picked up a worrying injury that forced him off of the pitch shortly after the hour mark.

The Romanian is the third player in the backline to be ruled out by a potentially long-term injury, with Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also sidelined.

With that in mind, Tottenham reacted quickly by entering the transfer market in an attempt to bring highly-rated AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori back to the Premier League.

Initially it looked like the deal would be completed ahead of Monday's deadline, after talks reportedly entered the final stages, but now Sky Sports have revealed that the deal is off.

The report states that it was England international himself that decided to reject Tottenham's advances, with the 27-year-old deciding instead to stay at the Serie A club.

Tomori is the second player to turn down a move to Tottenham in the past 24 hours, after Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has also turned down a transfer despite the two clubs agreeing a £50million deal.

Speaking about the fitness of his defensive player ahead of the Sunday's match against Brentford, Postecoglou said: "Still not sure, we'll let it settle down and get more information over the weekend.

"He's [Dragusin] obviously not available for this weekend.

"Every time I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel it turns out to be an oncoming train."

Jamie Vardy kept up his reputation as the biggest wind-up merchant in the history of the Premier League by goading Spurs fans after scoring on Sunday.

Vardy levelled matters straight after half-time, cancelling out Richarlison's opener for Ange Postecoglou's side.

Only four minutes later and the Foxes were in the lead when Bilal El Khanouss fired home from outside the area.

Vardy's strike was his 45th against so-called 'Big Six' sides in the Premier League, 10 of which have come against Spurs.

The North London outfit are one of Vardy's favourite opponents and he made sure to troll Spurs supporters as soon as he found the net.

After racing away to the away fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he quickly pointed to the Premier League badge on his sleeve - making a number one gesture to reference lifting the title in the 2015/16 fairytale season under Claudio Ranieri.

After that, the 38-year-old quickly made a zero sign to remind Spurs fans that they have never won the Premier League.

Vardy played 75 minutes in the crucial away win and was loudly booed by the home fans when he left the pitch to be replaced by Patson Daka.

It's not the first time that the former Fleetwood Town striker has rinsed Spurs about their failure to win the Premier League. He did just that in Leicester's first game of the season in August, telling defender Cristiano Romero "F*** off" and then making the Premier League title jibe as he left the field of play after scoring an equaliser.

He's aimed plenty of digs in the past, including telling Spurs they "had no bottle" at a festival in 2023.

Having hit 20 goals in 37 games as Leicester won the Championship last season, Vardy has shown his sharpness in front of goal yet again in the Premier League, finding the net eight times this term.

His contract is due to expire in the summer and reports at the back-end of 2024 claimed Vardy is to decide between retiring from football and continuining playing in the Saudi Pro League or Qatari Stars League.

Ange Postecoglu hit out at a reporter in an interview immediately after Tottenham Hotspur's 3-2 Premier League loss to Everton.

On Sunday, Tottenham suffered a humiliating defeat as David Moyes got his first win since returning to Everton in a 3-2 clash at Goodison Park.

Despite finding the back of the net twice in the second half, Tottenham allowed The Toffees to dominate the start of the match, leading to them going into half-time three goals down.

And immediately after the game, Spurs boss Postecoglu clashed with a reporter for how they spoke to him about the brutal loss.

While speaking with BBC Sport immediately after the match, Postecoglu lost his temper with the reporter after feeling their question was disrespectful.

In a clip posted on X, the reporter asks: "Ange, familiar story? What are your assessments of that performance please?"

But Postecoglu looks up at the reporter for the first and only time in the interview and clearly unhappily asks: "Familiar story?"

Before adding: "Yeah. Okay. Great way to start an interview.

"It was obviously a tough result for us. In the first half we struggled to get control of the game.

"I made some changes in the team that probably weren't helpful in the end. I had players struggling to come to terms with it, unable to capitalise on it.

"The second half, the players put in the right response. Credit to them, but we obviously fell short."

Tottenham's loss on Sunday makes it two consecutive losses following the 2-1 defeat to historic local rivals Arsenal last week.

And after Postecoglu promised fans at the start of the season that he would he would deliver them a trophy in his second year in the charge, the pressure is well and truly mounting.

The results leaves Spurs only one place ahead of Everton, as they sit 15th in the table and just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu has been handed a major injury blow ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with rivals Arsenal.

On Wednesday, Spurs will travel to the Emirates to face their local rivals Arsenal in an eagerly-anticipated North London derby.

Although Arsenal remain favourites for the match, Postecoglu will hope that his side can capitalise on back-to-back wins in domestic cup competitions, including the 1-0 win over Liverpool.

However, just one day before the crucial game, the Australian manager has confirmed that he will have to do without one player who featured in both matches.

Speaking in a press conference before Wednesday's match, Postecoglu confirmed that forward Timo Werner will be absent after picking up a hamstring injury during Sunday's 3-0 win over Tamworth in the FA Cup.

"The only one who picked up an injury was Timo," Postecoglu revealed on Tuesday.

"He picked up a hamstring injury. We're just waiting on the results for that scan."

Although the extent Werner's injury are not yet known, it is likely that the winger will miss several matches in the coming weeks or months.

The 28-year-old joins Tottenham's extensive list of injuries, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Wilson Odobert on the sidelines.

However, Postecoglu also confirmed that Brazilian striker Richarlison will be available to feature for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the match against Aston Villa in November.

Confirming the news, the Spurs boss added: "In terms of incomings, Richy is available.

“We've taken our time with him for sure. He's been harassing me for the last 10 days to be involved. He's looked really good in training."

Meanwhile Arsenal will also be without several key players for the clash including Gabriel Jesus, who has to be stretchered off during the FA Cup victory over Manchester United after suffering an ACL injury.

"We need to review one more specialist. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon," said Gunner boss Mikel Arteta on Tuesday morning.

"It's the doctor's job to do that. But we were very worried after the game and we are very worried today."

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has given an update on Rodrigo Bentancur after the midfielder collapsed during Liverpool clash.

Bentancur was substituted in the first half of Spurs' Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, as he appeared to knock himself unconcious following a corner.

The Uruguayan was stretchered off the field and replaced by Brennan Johnson after being deemed unfit to carry on.

Bentancur received treatment on the pitch for around 10 minutes, and while it was confirmed he was conscious following his withdrawal he was taken to hospital for 'further observations'.

Spurs went on to win the opening leg 1-0 thanks to a brilliantly taken goal from Lucas Bergvall, and will now look to finish the job at Anfield next month.

Ange provides Bentancur update

Ahead of their FA Cup tie with Tamworth, Postecoglou provided an update on Bentancur's condition and when he can be expected to return to the side.

"It looks like a concussion but nothing more than that," Ange said.

"He was in the hospital, obviously, and they did all of the tests in terms of checking, making sure everything is okay.

"And all good. He is back home. He is fine. He is feeling good. We'll obviously follow the protocols now. I think it is a couple of weeks where you have to make sure everything is okay."

Bentancur himself sent a message to supporters following the game, thanking them for their support as well as congratulating his side on the win

He wrote on Instagram: "All good, guys. Thank you for the messages. Congratulations for the victory boys!!!"

Bentancur has scored twice in the Premier League this season across nine starts after starting the season injured.

The 27-year-old is a key man for Spurs, and Postecoglou will probably be glad his side are only facing a side placed 16th in the National League this weekend.

Ange Postecoglou provided an update on Rodrigo Bentancur's injury after the midfielder was stretchered off during last night's Carabao Cup semi-final clash between Liverpool and Spurs.

In the seventh minute of Wednesday's game, Bentancur made an attempt to head the ball towards goal after a corner was swung in but moments later, he missed and landed face-first on the ground.

The 27-year-old required extensive treatment and, after medics worked on the pitch for nine minutes, Bentancur was stretchered off the field and taken down the tunnel.

It later emerged that Bentancur was conscious, talking and would make the trip to hospital for further checks.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Postecoglou provided a brief update on Bentancur's condition.

"There's nothing too detailed (at this stage). He was conscious when he came off the field and he’s been taken to hospital for some observations so we’re hoping he’ll be okay," he said.

"It was pretty distressing at the time, seeing him go down like that, for the players. Dealing with adversity, these players just compose themselves and responded to it really well."

Later on, in his post-match press conference, Postecoglou suggested that Bentancur picked up "some sort of head injury" during Wednesday night's game.

Bentancur also suffered a head injury in August last year following a clash of heads with Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu.

"I don't want to speculate. It was some sort of head injury," Postecoglou added. "It was bad enough for his teammates to worry about him."

Spurs teammate Pedro Pedro immediately alerted referee Stuart Attwell about the incident and signalled for medics to enter the pitch as Sky Sports cameras cut away from the worrying scene.

Shortly after midnight, Bentancur posted a health update as he sat alongside long-term partner Melany La Banca.

Taking to his Instagram story, the 27-year-old midfielder wrote: "All good, guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations for the victory boys!!!"

Bentancur, who recently returned to action after serving a seven-match ban, has made 19 appearances for Spurs so far this season, scoring once.