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Italian media make feelings clear on Dele Alli as former Spurs star 'considers retirement' amid Como issues

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Italian media make feelings clear on Dele Alli as former Spurs star 'considers retirement' amid Como issues - SPORTbible
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Italian media have given their verdict on Dele Alli as rumours suggest the former England international is considering retirement from professional football.

Dele burst onto the scene when he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 for £5m from MK Dons.

The attacking midfielder starred for his first couple of seasons at the North London club, forcing his way into the England set-up and becoming an important player under Gareth Southgate.

However, his influence at Spurs began to wane following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and he became increasingly a peripheral figure at the club under both Jose Mourinho and subsequently Antonio Conte.

Dele departed Spurs for Everton in January 2022 and he spent a campaign on loan at Turkish side Besiktas, before his contract at Goodison Park expired in the summer of 2024, though he would continue to train with the Toffees to continue his rehabilitation work.

Dele signed for Cesc Fabregas's side Como in January on an 18-month contract with an option for a further year.

The former England international - who has 37 caps for the Three Lions and three goals - has been open about problems he has experienced away from the pitch.

He revealed in 2023 he had been sexually abused as a child and began dealing drugs in his youth, as well as spending time in rehab after his time at Besiktas ended for mental health issues and a sleeping pill addiction.

Dele has only one appearance under his belt for Como which came in mid-March in Serie A against AC Milan, but one which saw him sent off after only nine minutes on the pitch after coming off the bench.

He was dismissed following a challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and VAR opted to upgrade his initial yellow card to a red.

He made the Como matchday squad often during the second half of last season, but until now he has only played for the Italian club once.

It has been widely reported that Dele is considering retirement and La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that the former Spurs man is part of a group of players training away from the main Como first-team squad.

The piece in the Italian publication reads: "What happened to Dele Alli? Left out of the Como squad, he's considering leaving."

The headline also makes reference to the sending off Dele experienced against AC Milan and outlines Fabregas being critical of him after that, plus the options the Como boss has available to him in that area of the pitch including Martin Baturina, Nico Paz and Lucas Da Cunha.

The report continues: "Dele now trains with a large contingent of Como players who aren't currently on the roster. And he ponders whether the time has truly come to say enough."

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Arsenal star fires brutal dig at Richarlison after being tagged in post by Spurs man after north London derby defeat

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Arsenal star fires brutal dig at Richarlison after being tagged in post by Spurs man after north London derby defeat - SPORTbible
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Spurs forward Richarlison caught the brunt of a brutal dig from an Arsenal player following Tottenham’s 1-0 win over the Gunners in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Thomas Frank’s side ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Pape Matar Sarr’s first-half wonder strike, which left Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya red-faced.

For Arsenal fans, despite losing to their north London rivals, the result meant very little, and instead, focus was on the new man, Viktor Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting CP for a fee which could reach £73m.

But it was Spurs forward Richarlison who was awarded Man of the Match for his efforts in the Far East.

Shortly after the game, the Brazilian posted a photograph to his Instagram holding his Man of the Match award and to the surprise of many, he tagged Arsenal defender and Brazilian counterpart Gabriel Maghalhaes.

But the Gunners defender had the last laugh and posted a story of three Man of the Match awards from various Premier League fixtures against Tottenham. And of course, he tagged Richarlison.

Gabriel was unavailable to play against Spurs due to a knock, despite playing his part in previous friendlies.

Meanwhile, fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are also nursing injuries.

Arteta issued an update on the defensive trio when asked if they could miss the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.

"I don't think so. If they evolve like they've been involved in the last few days, so Gabriel Magalhaes, Calafiori and Timber, the three of them will be available," Arteta said.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard came off against Spurs.

“He felt a little tweak,” Arteta said on the Belgian’s condition.

"He turned, and he was pushed, and he felt something muscular.”

New signing Kepa Arrizabalaga also missed out.

On the Spanish 'keeper, Arteta added: "Yeah, he felt something as well in the game against Newcastle. I think it's a matter of days probably. If that was the Premier League he could have played but we decided not to take a risk."

Next up, the Gunners will face La Liga outfit Villarreal at the Emirates on August 6 before they take on Athletic Club on August 9.

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Pape Matar Sarr scores outrageous goal for Spurs vs Arsenal as Declan Rice reaction spotted

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Pape Matar Sarr scores outrageous goal for Spurs vs Arsenal as Declan Rice reaction spotted - SPORTbible
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Spurs went 1-0 up in the North London derby through an incredible halfway line goal from midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

The two sides met at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour and it was Spurs who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

David Raya took a high starting position and played the ball into Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was dispossessed in midfield as the ball was picked up by Sarr.

Noticing Raya extremely far out of his goal, the Senegal international proceeded to lob the ball over the Spaniard - demonstrating outrageous technique to open the scoring.

Sarr wheeled away in celebration but there were mild complaints from Arsenal, with Declan Rice appearing to call for a foul in the build-up but seeing his appeals dismissed.

Arsenal players fume at referee after Sarr stunner

According to Jordan Davies of The Sun, Arsenal players remained furious with the decision - with both Lewis-Skelly and captain Martin Odegaard remonstrating with the fourth official as they left the pitch at half-time.

They felt as though Richarlison tripped Lewis-Skelly prior to Sarr's piece of brilliance.

The clash between the North London rivals is the first to take place outside of the United Kingdom and Sarr marked the historic fixture in stunning fashion with a sensational long-range effort.

Arsenal's meeting with Spurs was their third game in Asia after clashes with AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, while it was the first match for Thomas Frank's side in the Far East after local friendlesi with Reading, Wycombe and Luton Town.

Spurs, who wore a special kit with bespoke shirt numbers designed by local artists, also have a game with Newcastle in Seoul, South Korea before taking on Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena ahead of the UEFA Super Cup showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on 13 August.

The game represents an opportunity to win another trophy after ending the drought for silverware by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Meanwhile, Arsenal take on La Liga sides Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates before travelling to Old Trafford for their Premier League season opener against United.

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Fans in disbelief at video Nottingham Forest posted after Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract was confirmed

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Fans in disbelief at video Nottingham Forest posted after Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract was confirmed - SPORTbible
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Fans can't quite believe what Nottingham Forest posted after Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract.

Earlier in the month, Forest star Gibbs-White was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

At the time, it was reported that Spurs had triggered a release clause in the Forest player's contract.

However, it was then claimed that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was left unimpressed with Spurs' pursuit of his star man.

It was understood that Forest insist they did not given their rivals permission to speak to Gibbs-White and were willing to go to whatever lengths required to stop the transfer from happening.

Clubs are not allowed to talk to players under contract with another team unless they have permission, with a previous ruling setting a precedent.

On Saturday, Forest announced that Gibbs-White had signed a new three-year deal with the club.

Speaking afterwards, Gibbs-White thanked Marinakis and said he is the 'base' of what Forest are trying to achieve.

After a video of the interview was posted on social media, one fan said: "Why he looks like he was forced?"

Another tweeted: "This isnt a great look i’ll be honest, why’s he watching over him as he speaks."

A third fan added: "Surely forest fans can see how odd this whole thing is."

Someone else wrote: "What a truly bizarre situation."

A fifth commented: "Poor guy literally he is standing right next to him. Can’t even look at the camera when he says he is delighted to sign."

What did Evangelos Marinakis say about Morgan Gibbs-White?

Marinakis said: "Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

“There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

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Evangelos Marinakis' immediate reaction to Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga emerges as Nottingham Forest consider legal action

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Evangelos Marinakis' reaction to Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga emerges as Forest consider legal action - SPORTbible
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Evangelos Marinakis' reaction to the Morgan Gibbs-White transfers saga has emerged as Nottingham Forest consider legal action against Tottenham.

Gibbs-White has attracted plenty of interest following his performances for Forest last season.

He shone as he helped his side secure a top half finish in the Premier League table.

Manchester City were briefly linked with Gibbs-White as they viewed him as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

But a move away from the City Ground appears to be on the cards as Spurs look to trigger the player's £60 million release clause.

However, Spurs' approach has angered Forest, who are considering legal action.

Forest are believed to be looking at whether a specific confidentiality agreement in the £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White's contract has been breached.

It is understood Forest insist they have not given their rivals permission to speak to Gibbs-White and are willing to go to whatever lengths required to stop the transfer from happening.

Clubs are not allowed to talk to players under contract with another team unless they have permission, with a previous ruling setting a precedent.

Spurs are aware of the situation but are still hopeful of securing the 25-year-old's services.

According to TBR Football, owner Marinakis is 'furious' over how the situation has played out and 'wants answers'.

Per the report, Forest are unlikely to prevent Gibbs-White's transfer to Spurs, with the England international's camp expecting a move to the North London outfit this summer.

"Marinakis is furious, he is so angry this came out and he wants answers," Graeme Bailey said of the situation.

"The club have spoken to lawyers and obviously someone has broken a confidence agreement somewhere."

Gibbs-White joined Forest from Wolves in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth up to £42.5 million.

He has made 118 appearances across all competitions, scoring 18 goals.

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Premier League has set precedent on Nottingham Forest blocking Morgan Gibbs-White's Spurs transfer and it involves Man Utd

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Premier League has set precedent on Nottingham Forest blocking Morgan Gibbs-White's Spurs transfer - SPORTbible
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A previous Premier League transfer ruling may have set a precedent for the ongoing Morgan Gibbs-White saga between Nottingham Forest and Spurs.

Shock news on Thursday evening revealed that Tottenham Hotspur had triggered the £60million release clause included in Forest star Gibbs-White's contract, with the Englishman expected to join in the coming days.

Gibbs-White has previously been heavily linked with Manchester City, but was reportedly preparing to undergo a medical in London ahead of the move to Spurs.

However, out of nowhere the deal appears to have temporarily fallen through as Nottingham Forest have blocked the move and reported Tottenham Hotspur to the Premier League for allegedly making an illegal approach to their star player.

Although the Premier League is yet to officially respond to the claims, its previous actions during a similar case between Manchester United and Liverpool may hint at how it could react.

According to the Daily Mail, Forest have ceased all communication with Spurs regarding Gibbs-White's transfer and have even threatened to sue their rivals over the situation.

While it is not yet known if the Premier League will block the transfer entirely, the disagreement will certainly delay any potential move, frustrating both Spurs and Gibbs-White.

However, the Premier League's official reaction to Liverpool's attempts to sign Gabriel Heinze from historic rivals United back in 2007 may provide an insight into what could happen regarding Gibbs-White.

During the summer of 2007, Heinze hoped to make the move to Anfield, claiming that the Red Devils had given him written permission to join another club for a fee of £6.8m.

However, when it became clear that the Argentine wanted to join Liverpool, United blocked the move as they did not want to sell him to a Premier League rival.

After a legal battle regarding the move, the Premier League arbitration panel concluded that the permission "was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer".

The full statement read: "The arbitration panel's verdict read: "The Premier League Board-appointed panel have heard submissions of evidence from both parties and has ruled to dismiss the player's case.

"The hearing concluded that nature and intention of the disputed 13 June 2007 letter, especially when taken in context of verbal discussions and Manchester United FC's transfer policy, was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer.

"Furthermore, the hearing finds the letter constitutes an 'agreement to agree' and did not create an obligation or binding agreement for the club to transfer the player to any particular club."

Both United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill were present at the hearing and were said to be happy that United's case was upheld.

Just days later, the 29-year-old instead joined Spanish giants Real Madrid for a reported £8m fee, signing a four-year deal.

Although it remains unclear if the Premier League will react in the same way to Forest's case against Spurs, if the London club were to be found guilty, it is believed that they could be handed a large fine or even a transfer ban.

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Ange Postecoglou 'contacted' by shock Premier League club over immediate return to English football

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Ange Postecoglou 'contacted' by shock Premier League club over immediate return to English football - SPORTbible
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Ange Postecoglu was reportedly offered the chance to return to the Premier League just weeks after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

After securing a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final, Postecoglu fulfilled his now iconic promise of delivering a trophy in his second season as Spurs manager.

Despite this, just days later it was confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur had made the decision to sack the Australian manager due to his poor form in the Premier League, finishing the season in 17th.

The news shocked many fans who felt that Postecoglu had earned the chance to stay at the club after finally ending the club's 17-year wait for a trophy.

But now it's been revealed that Postecoglu actually was given the chance to stay in the Premier League next season, just not with Spurs.

Shortly after Postecoglu's departure from Spurs was confirmed, former Brentford manager Thomas Frank was announced as his replacement, signing a contract that runs until 2028.

And, according to a report from The Athletic, once they learned that they were set to lose their manager, Brentford contacted Postecoglu to offer him the chance to take over in what would have essentially been a job swap.

Although he never formally interviewed for the job, Postecoglu had informal discussions with Brentford director of football Phil Giles, but ultimately both parties agreed that it was not the best option for either of them.

Brentford are said to have considered several other candidates to replace Frank, including former Ajax head coach Francesco Farioli, but ultimately opted to promote set-piece coach Keith Andrews.

Explaining the decision, Giles stated: “It’s more risky to go and get a coach we don’t know from a club where the environment might be different or maybe people around them made them successful.

"This is actually quite a low-risk appointment because I know how good Keith is.”

During his time at Spurs, Postecoglu took charge of 101 matches across all competitions, winning 47, drawing 14 and losing 40.

In his statement following his departure, Postecoglu thanked Spurs fans, writing: "When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"We are forever connected. Audere est Facere."

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Tottenham tried to include trophy clause in deal for Mohammed Kudus and West Ham's reaction is brutal

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Tottenham tried to include trophy clause in deal for Mohammed Kudus and West Ham's reaction is brutal - SPORTbible
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West Ham United have given a frank response to Tottenham Hotspur after rejecting the North London club's bid for attacker Mohammed Kudus.

The 24-year-old is among the players in the Premier League who could be on the move this summer after 19 goals in 80 games across all competitions since joining the Hammers back in 2023.

Kudus, a Ghana international, signed from Ajax for £35.6m and has become a key player for the club in that time over the past two seasons.

Last season, West Ham finished higher in the Premier League table than Spurs, with a 14th-placed position to sit three places above their North London rivals.

But Spurs ended a trophy drought last season which stretched back to 2008 after winning the Europa League following a 1-0 victory over fellow English side Manchester United, and secured Champions League qualification in the process.

That has also brought Spurs increased revenue though Champions League money, though it was not enough to ensure Ange Postecoglou kept his job and he has seen been replaced in the dugout by Thomas Frank, who has moved to Tottenham from Brentford and is planning an overhaul at the club.

So far this summer, Spurs have made the loan moves of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel permanent as Frank bids to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign getting under way in August.

Spurs are interested in signing West Ham's Kudus, who has a contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2028 as things stand and it would be the first piece of business the clubs have done together since 2011 in an 'unofficial transfer embargo'.

The Athletic has reported that Spurs have had a bid worth £50m for Kudus turned down by West Ham, with Chelsea also interested in the attacker.

It is also reported that Kudus has a buy-out clause for the first 10 days of this month which values him at £85 million for fellow Premier League sides.

The player himself wants to move to Spurs, but a fresh report has outlined the terms that the North London club attempted to secure Kudus' signature with.

According to talkSPORT, the £50 million bid for Kudus contained add-ons which would only be paid if Spurs won either the Premier League or the Champions League, which it could be argued is somewhat unrealistic despite finally ending their 17-year trophy drought with their Europa League win.

Spurs last won the English top flight back in 1961, while the closest they have come to winning Europe's most prestigious club competition was in 2019 when they reached the final but lost to Liverpool.

And the report states that West Ham have told Tottenham to 'get real' and that future bids must guarantee them at least £60 million in a more realistic transfer proposal.

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Spurs will 'break transfer embargo' with deal for player whose club they haven't done business with for 14 years

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Spurs will 'break transfer embargo' in deal for player whose club they haven't done business with for 14 years - SPORTbible
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Tottenham Hotspur are set to move for a player who plays for a club with whom they have not done business since 2011.

The 2025/26 Premier League campaign is just 46 days away, and clubs have already and will continue to pursue players in the summer transfer window.

It has already been a summer of change at Spurs with Ange Postecoglou departing, making way for former Brentford boss Thomas Frank to make the switch from west to north London.

Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman will all leave the club upon the expiration of their current contracts, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's loan to Marseille will become a permanent transfer.

But who will arrive as Frank’s squad takes shape ahead of the campaign?

Spurs will compete in four competitions – the Champions League, Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup – as well as facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13.

As reported by The Telegraph on Monday (June 30), the Hammers attacker has been “identified as a primary target” for Spurs.

Kudus, 24, has a release clause worth around £85m in his current deal, which is set to run for the first ten days of July, with Spurs hoping to complete a deal for less than the aforementioned figure.

The report claims that although Spurs have shown interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo - who has been the subject of two bids from Manchester United this summer – they see Kudus as their ‘first choice’.

If a deal is struck, Kudus, who has scored 19 goals in 89 appearances for the Hammers, would become the first player to move directly from West Ham to Spurs since Scott Parker in 2011.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy blocked Emmanuel Adebayor from joining the east London club in 2015, and the clubs have not done business since the Parker deal, now 14 years ago.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that “initial contacts took place with agents” and that Kudus is “open to Spurs talks”.

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USA fans want Mauricio Pochettino replaced immediately after ex-Spurs manager 'interviews' for Premier League job

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USA fans want Mauricio Pochettino replaced immediately after ex-Spurs manager 'interviews' for Premier League job - SPORTbible
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Fans of the United States national football team have called for Mauricio Pochettino to be replaced after it was suggested the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss was interviewed for another Premier League job.

Pochettino was appointed last September in his current role and has won eight of his 13 games in charge so far.

Pochettino is well known to fans of English football having had three Premier League jobs in his managerial career.

The Argentine spent nearly 18 months at Southampton before moving to Spurs in 2014 and spent more than five years at the North London club, taking the side to the 2019 Champions League final.

After being sacked by Spurs following a slide in form and a spell in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino spent a season at Chelsea.

Despite securing a sixth placed finish in the Premier League, Pochettino departed Stamford Bridge just a year into his deal, before becoming the boss of the United States last September.

One Premier League side that has recently had a change in the dugout is Brentford, after Thomas Frank left the Bees to take up the vacancy at Spurs left by Ange Postecoglou's sacking.

Despite winning the Europa League, the club's first trophy since 2008, the Australian was dismissed after Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League.

Brentford have since filled the vacancy left by Frank's departure by appointing Keith Andrews as the club's new head coach, having already been a member of the London side's coaching staff.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "Keith is a very good fit.

"He gets on with everyone, he’s very open and he’s a learner. Keith is clear in what he wants, he’s detailed, and the players and staff like and respect him.

"He understands the players in the building and the way we’ve played and trained under Thomas Frank.

"Keith will bring his own evolution but isn’t starting from scratch, so hopefully we can make some quick progress.

"He’s a very good coach and has clear ideas about how he wants the team to improve. We were looking for somebody not just to maintain what we’ve been doing but actually try and get better."

But according to Irish publication The 42, it has suggested Pochettino was interviewed for the job by Brentford, along with ex-Leicester City and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

Pochettino himself has denied that he spoke to the Bees regarding the job, according to Fox Sports, in response to the story.

But taking to social media, USA fans are calling for Pochettino to be replaced after speaking to the Bees.

One wrote: "If this report is true, I have lost the little respect I had left for Pochettino. If you don’t want to coach the USMNT, just leave."

Another said: "If true, he has to go."

One posted: "Not a good look."

While another said: "He should be fired immediately if the report is true."

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