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Alasdair Gold says his sources at Tottenham Hotspur have denied that the club are pursuing a deal for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa is expected to leave Juventus

Three years ago, Chiesa appeared to have the world at his feet, being one of the star performers for Italy in their Euros triumph and lighting up the Serie A with his inventive play.

However, the winger has not quite managed to fulfil his potential at Turin since then and with the former Fiorentina man having just a year left on his contract at the Allianz Stadium, he is now being backed to leave the Bianconeri this summer.

Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that Chiesa is not in the plans of new Juve head coach Thiago Motta and that the Old Lady are ready to sell him for €25m (£21.6m) with add-ons.

Spurs deny Federico Chiesa rumours

Meanwhile, a number of sources continue to name Tottenham Hotspur as a potential summer destination for the Italy international (GiveMeSport).

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However, Gold has now downplayed the rumours, insisting that his sources have denied any interest in the 26-year-old.

When asked about the Chiesa rumours, the journalist said on Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast: “It’s one of those where you see the price and you’re like ‘ooh’.

“I asked about Chiesa a few days back around various people and everything coming back was ‘no’. I should stress that was a few days ago.”

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Chiesa is an economical option and will add experience to Tottenham’s attack but the Juve star does not fit the profile of signing Spurs have pursued under Ange Postecoglou.

One would expect the club to move for a young winger with a high ceiling.

Tottenham’s Micky Van De Ven hasn’t been a constant fixture in Ronald Koeman’s EUROs teams, often featuring off the bench, but the Dutchman appears to be relishing a chance to play Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Van de Ven and Saka are familiar foes

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was deployed as a right wing-back in England’s quarter-final tie against Switzerland where the 22-year-old curled an astonishing long-range effort past Yann Sommer in the Swiss net to take the game into extra-time and eventual penalties.

Saka also converted his spot kick in the shootout, addressing the demons from his missed penalty in the EURO 2020 final against Italy, as England progressed to the semi-finals where they will now clash with Micky Van De Ven’s Netherlands.

Van De Ven has become an almost routine substitution off of the bench for the Netherlands, being introduced in all of the team’s last three games at the seventieth minute, leaving many fans bewildered as to why the ex-Wolfsburg defender doesn’t start.

When questioned about his cameo role within the team, Van De Ven stated: “As a substitute you can be a permanent asset.”

He went on to remind people he is well aware of his opponent being a North London rival as he explained: “I know Saka from Arsenal. It is up to the national coach whether I start.” (Algemeen Dagblad).

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Van De Ven boasts his lightning speed

Due to Koeman’s centre-back partnership of Stefan De Vrij and Virgil Van Dijk seemingly being immovable, Van De Ven is often played at left-back when he features, a position he’s fulfilled a few times with Spurs and Wolfsburg. The position could shape him up to face against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Van De Ven was clearly confident about at least one aspect of the battle jokingly answering one question with: “Who’s faster? Saka or me? If you look at the data, you already know the answer”. The Dutchman is right, the Tottenham defender’s blistering pace is no secret.

The 23-year-old was clocked at a ridiculous 37.38 km/h whilst playing for Spurs last season which meant he was the fastest player in the Premier League ever on record (Premier League).

Saka is no slouch by any means, but with his top speed being 36.36 km/h, Mickey has good reason to be confident about if the pair had a foot race. (Arsenal)

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International football offers some of the strangest scenarios for a football fan. As an England fan, I am desperate to see my nation reach the finals of the EURO’s and for that to transpire, I may have to hope that Saka gets the better of Van De Ven on Wednesday if the Tottenham defender does start.

However, the statistics like Van De Ven stated, are undeniable, and having the pleasure of watching the Dutchman play live inside the Spurs ground I can confirm that his running speed is scarily quick and I would not be fancying my chances in a race if I were Saka.

Tottenham fans would be forgiven for forgetting that Manor Solomon is even still a Tottenham player with the winger having been sidelined for the majority of last season.

Solomon has become Tottenham’s forgotten man

It’s easy to forget that before Manor Solomon’s long-term injury, he was starting to make his mark in the Spurs team.

Tottenham had beaten Bournemouth 2-0 away from home, but Richarlison was continuing to struggle as he tried to fill the void Harry Kane had left. Postecoglou then introduced Manor Solomon to the team, forcing Son into the striker role against Burnley.

Son subsequently bagged a hat-trick with Solomon assisting two of the goals in a 5-2 romp at Turf Moor, and it seemed as though Tottenham had found their equilibrium.

Solomon started again against Sheffield United after the international break before having impressive cameos off the bench against Arsenal and Liverpool when Tottenham remained unbeaten.

However, the winger suffered a meniscus injury in training which led to eventual surgery in March, meaning Spurs fans haven’t seen their summer signing of 2023 since October. (Tottenham Hotspur)

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Manor Solomon spotted back in training

Hotspur Way welcomed many of Spurs’ players back this week and after not pulling on a Lilywhite shirt for almost a year, Solomon has been snapped training ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.

According to Football.London Solomon was seen arriving happily at the Tottenham training ground where he was photographed later in the gym, undergoing physical tests.

The club’s official Instagram then later posted Solomon sprinting around out on the grass, suggesting the former Fulham man is back in full training.

Solomon himself put the photo on his Instagram story with the caption ‘It’s been a while’, clearly hoping that this pre-season offers him a chance to reignite his Tottenham career and add to his current total of only six appearances at the club.

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Online amongst Spurs fans, Solomon seems to divide opinion, with many fans being frustrated at the player’s long-term injury that appeared to just never get better.

However, his performances against Burnley and Sheffield United displayed there is definitely a talented player in Solomon and his return to the squad will add welcome depth to Postecoglou’s ranks.

French journalist Abdellah Boulma has revealed that Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are now the frontrunners to sign Tottenham target Desire Doue this summer.

Tottenham are interested in Desire Doue

Doue, who enjoyed a breakthrough season at Rennes in 2023-24, is reported to have emerged as one of Tottenham’s top targets.

This information has been carried by a number of outlets over the last few weeks, with TEAMtalk even stating last week that Tottenham had already reached out to the 19-year-old’s agent regarding a transfer.

This was backed up a few days ago by GiveMeSport, who suggested that Spurs are considering the teenager as an alternative to Eberechi Eze, adding that Rennes are expected to demand £50m for the player.

Tottenham fall behind in race for Desire Doue

Boulma has now taken to social media to reveal that the race for Doue’s signature is heating up, with a number of top clubs involved.

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He asserts that as things stand, it is Bayern and PSG who are the two clubs at the front of the queue to land the versatile attacker.

However, the journalist adds that nothing has been finalised just yet, with the race for the attacking midfielder’s services still very much open.

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Tottenham do not tend to get involved in bidding wars, which is why I expect them to abandon their pursuit of Doue.

The Eze deal might be easier for the Lilywhites to complete since the Palace star has a release clause in his contract.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes that Tottenham Hotspur could sign another right-back this summer if Emerson Royal leaves the club.

Emerson Royal to AC Milan

Emerson continues to be heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, with the Brazilian thought to have already agreed on a five-year deal with the Serie A side ahead of a potential move to Italy (Fabrizio Romano).

Many assumed that Archie Gray, who arrived at Tottenham from Leeds United in a £40m deal would serve as Pedro Porro’s understudy at right-back, with the teenager playing in that role quite often for Daniel Farke’s men last season.

However, The Athletic claimed last week that Ange Postecoglou’s men view Gray as primarily being an option for their midfield, with his ability to play as a right-back seen as a bonus.

Spurs will likely replace Emerson Royal

Sheth believes that Tottenham have now begun the search for a new right-back and will make a signing in that position if and when Emerson departs Hotspur Way.

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The journalist told the Last Word on Spurs podcast: “I was asking about full-backs and it could depend on Emerson Royal and what happens with him. If Emerson Royal was to leave I think Spurs would go into the market for a full-back.

“That isn’t to say that they’re not doing their due diligence already, that recruitment team will be doing due diligence on every single position. When it comes to one in, one out, you’re looking at Emerson Royal and that would be key about whether Tottenham go back into the market.

“I know there’s talk about Kyle Walker-Peters potentially making a return, but first things first they want to see if the Emerson Royal departure comes to fruition or not.”

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I would be surprised if Tottenham signed another right-back this summer. Even though Gray will eventually end up as a midfielder, I expect him to be primarily used as an inverted right-back next season.

In defence, Spurs will likely want a centre-back, who can also operate as a left-back.

However, I would not be surprised if Ange decided to sign an out-and-out left-back who can be an understudy to Destiny Udogie and use Ben Davies as the fourth-choice centre-back.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has said that Tottenham Hotspur are the last club standing in the race for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with Ange Postecoglou’s men expected to bid for the player soon.

Gallagher to Spurs links refuse to go away

Some Spurs fans might be rather bored with the Gallagher transfer saga by now, with the rumours linking the midfielder with a move to Tottenham going strong for the last 12 months.

There has not been any concrete development on the future of the 24-year-old, who is currently with the England squad at the Euros.

The player only has a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and it has now been confirmed by Jacobs that he is no closer to penning a new contract at his boyhood club.

Spurs are still in the running for Conor Gallagher

The journalist asserted that both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid have now pulled out of the race for Gallagher but Tottenham are very much still eyeing a move for the midfielder, who is valued at £50m-£55m by the Blues.

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When asked about the England star’s future, Jacobs said on the London is Blue Podcast: “I think Villa can’t afford Gallagher at the moment even though they made an exploratory approach. Atletico Madrid made an informal offer of about €20m, which is way below Chelsea’s valuation, so there’s nothing doing there.

“That really only leaves Spurs at the moment, and even with Archie Gray joining Tottenham they’ll still be in the mix for Conor Gallagher.

“Their valuation is the same as it was 12 months ago, somewhere around £35m, whereas Chelsea are saying Gallagher should go for a similar price to Mason Mount, a £55m package.

“We wait and see if something gives. £40-45m might do it, but Chelsea are bullish at the moment. Right now the situation is as it has been for months. Nothing advanced with a new Gallagher deal, Chelsea want £50-55m, Tottenham are likely to bid.”

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Perhaps Spurs are waiting until after the Euros to push ahead with an approach for Gallagher.

As things stand, a deal looks unlikely as I am not sure Tottenham would want to pay more than £35m for the Chelsea academy graduate.

The Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad will look very different in the coming season, and one teenage sensation is set to play a big part in Ange Postecoglou’s lineup.

Archie Gray has a big opportunity ahead of him

With the summer transfer window well underway now, Spurs have already made one big move, bringing in Archie Gray from Leeds United.

The youngster will have to fight for his place in the Spurs starting XI, with competition from James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, Oliver Skipp and even Lucas Bergvall.

And, according to former Tottenham goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider, Gray can expect to be heavily involved with the first-team this season thanks to his versatility.

Robinson said: “[The] full-back area is an area that Tottenham were looking to strengthen. He plays at right back, he plays in midfield, he’s the all-round footballer and that will be a great asset for Tottenham.

“He’s not one that’s for the future, he’s not one coming in and is going to sit on the bench, he’s not one that’s coming in and going on loan.

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“He’s coming in and he’s going to be involved in that starting XI, the initial squad. He will be in and around that starting XI without a shadow of a doubt.”

Paul Robinson predicts big things for Archie Gray

And, Robinson expects Gray to impress when he does get game time, adding: “Once he gets his opportunity, Spurs fans will see what a player he is.

“It’s a really, really good bit of business by Tottenham to get a fantastic young talent at the age that he’s at now and the ability that he’s got to play different positions.”

Gray has already been spotted in first-team training with Ange Postecoglou’s squad and commented on a ‘brilliant’ first session at the club.

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I would imagine Gray will get more time as a deputy to Pedro Porro than staking a claim in the middle of the park, but with the way our full-backs play, he will spend a lot of time in advanced positions anyway.

There’s every chance he could explode once he gets his chance, too, so we may be seeing a lot of the youngster this season.

George Feeney has admitted that he is delighted to be part of Tottenham’s academy, voicing his ambitions to move through the ranks at the club and break into the first-team.

Tottenham sign George Feeney

While most of the attention last week was on Tottenham’s capture of Archie Gray from Leeds United, the North London club also secured the services of another promising teenager.

The teenage striker, who has represented Northern Ireland at the Under-17 level and Wales at the Under-16 level, has now linked up with his new teammates at Hotspur Way ahead of the new season.

His first challenge would be to break into Tottenham’s Under-18 set-up, which will not be easy, but the youngster certainly appears up for the challenge.

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George Feeney opens up on his move to Spurs

Feeney insisted that he is delighted with his decision to join Spurs, pointing to the excellent staff at the club’s academy and the pathway to the first-team as reasons why he made the move.

The young striker told The Belfast Telegraph: “I chose Tottenham because they produce their players right, they play them up into the 21s and first team, the coaching staff are very good, they are a big club and I felt all of that was important.”

“Since we made the decision to join Tottenham, I’ve been wanting the days to go quicker and quicker so I could get over and get going.

“Now we are here. When I was a kid I dreamt of moments like this. I am determined to work hard and show everyone what I can do. I plan to run in behind as much as I can and score as many goals as I can and help the team.

“I want to try to get up to the 21s as quickly as possible. It will be tough but I will work hard to try and do it. I want to play for the Spurs first team. It’s a big club, it’s a big Premier League team with a great history and they have given me this chance and I want to play for them in the Premier League.”

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While the step up in quality will be considerable for Feeney, who will face plenty of challenges over the next few months, he comes across as a confident young lad, who is desperate to catch the eye of the academy coaches.

Tottenham Hotspur are finally back ahead of the new 2024/25 season, with a number of youngsters taking part in first-team training from day one.

Spurs are back in pre-season training

The vast majority of the Tottenham squad returned to Hotspur Way on Saturday, with the first pre-season match scheduled for July 17th.

Of course, some Spurs players took part, or are still taking part, in the European Championships and Copa America, while others had summer international fixtures.

It appears that Ange Postecoglou is keen to give some minutes to the youngsters in pre-season, with a couple of them spotted training with the first team this week.

Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley

Football London report that Ange Postecoglou was seen having a short conversation with new signing Lucas Bergvall in the Hotspur Way car park before the young Swede started his first day of training.

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Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley were also training with the senior squad rather than the U21s, which could be a hint that they will continue to get first-team minutes this pre-season.

It remains to be seen whether Donley will stick around for the actual season or whether Tottenham will find him a loan move.

Of course, newest signing Archie Gray was also training in the gym with the first-team following his big-money move from Leeds United last week.

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One of my favourite things about pre-season is getting to see all the youngsters get minutes.

I really do believe that Donley and Moore can break their way into the first-team consistently this season, with plenty of appearances on the bench for the teenagers.

With it only being merely a matter of weeks until Tottenham Hotspur are back in action ahead of the 2024/25 season with a pre-season fixture away to Hearts, we have shared our view on what sort of team we can expect to see.

Many of the Spurs squad are available for selection

Scottish outfit Heart of Midlothian are the first destination of Spurs’ preseason tour which stretches until August, playing as far away as Japan and South Korea where in the latter, Tottenham will take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich.

Postecoglou, perhaps unusually considering there have been Copa America and Euro 2024 tournaments this summer, has a lot of first-team players at his disposal for his opening pre-season fixture in Scotland.

James Maddison is the player of the highest profile who is available following his England squad omission.

Big names that haven’t been pictured with the squad so far consist of: Heung-Min Son, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovanni Lo Celso.

It’s expected that Postecoglou will opt for continuity in the opening games of pre-season, although the Australian may veer away from his 4-2-3-1 formation that has been his go-to at Tottenham, a change is likely to only be due to transfers or pure experimentation.

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Our Tottenham Starting Line-Up vs Hearts

Goalkeeper – Brandon Austin

The 25-year-old youth academy product has recently signed a new deal at Tottenham until 2029, a new contract for a player that’s hardly had a competitive minute for Tottenham must suggest Postecoglou wants the homegrown keeper as his number two next season.

With no Vicario, it could be Austin’s time to shine for Spurs and nail down a number two spot ahead of Fraser Forster.

Left Back – Ben Davies

Davies is the most likely option to be used at left-back as although Destiny Udogie has been pictured training at Hotspur Way, he’s probably more likely to be utilised off the bench to get him enough minutes to gain some match sharpness after a lengthy period out on the sidelines.

Rio Kyerematen is another player to watch as he made the trip with the first-team squad to Australia after last season and was extremely impressive as a left-back in the U21’s double-winning campaign.

Centre Back – Ashley Phillips

With so all three senior defenders away on international duties, I think Postecoglou will hand one of the exciting young centre backs at the club a chance rather than pushing a left or right back into the position.

Phillips has pace, power and defensive ability that could impress a few if he starts as I expect he will.

Centre Back – Alfie Dorrington

I suspect that Postecoglou may have his hand forced into starting two youth team defenders against Hearts for the reasons stated above. Dorrington struggled with multiple injuries across the 2023/24 season and will hopefully be fit and sharp to show off his ability in pre-season.

Right Back – Pedro Porro

The Spaniard who was shockingly left out of Spain’s EURO squad list has had a full summer to rest and prepare for his second full season in a Tottenham shirt.

Porro will likely be used to offer some quality and experience into a backline that widely is made up of youth team stars.

Defensive Midfielder – Yves Bissouma

Postecoglou has plenty of exciting young options to throw into the midfield against Hearts, so I assume that he’ll utilise Yves Bissouma in defensive midfield to offer an extra helping hand to the young centre-back partnership.

Bissouma also perhaps needs a good pre-season more than anyone at Tottenham. His end to the season was incredibly disappointing and his position could be under threat if he doesn’t improve quickly.

Centre Midfielder – Archie Gray

Gray has experience in England for Leeds United and hopefully will be able to adapt to the next level of football quickly, a solid pre-season will be key to that. Lucas Bergvall is the other option but with him being less money and only just arriving from abroad I tip Gray to start ahead of him.

Pape Mate Sarr is obviously the most routine choice given his regular starts last season, but everyone is desperate to see Spurs’ shiniest new toy in Archie Gray, aren’t they?

Attacking Midfielder – James Maddison

Much like Bissouma, Maddison has a poor end to the season and will be hoping a good preseason ensures a clean slate ahead of the 24/25 campaign. Maddison is one of Tottenham’s few star players available for the game against Hearts and will likely be utilised to offer some top, proven quality to the Spurs side.

Left Winger – Mikey Moore

These pre-season fixtures will be telling as to how much involvement Moore could get in the first-team this season. The 16-year-old’s frequent involvement in matchday squads towards the end of the season suggested Postecoglou has high hopes for the teenager and perhaps thinks of him as a key part of his team next season.

Manor Solomon is coming back from a huge injury and a start may be too much workload, Bryan Gil is unlikely to realistically stay at Spurs for much longer and senior game time is more valuable to Moore and Werner.

Right Winger – Brennan Johnson

Much like with Maddison, Johnson is likely to start to bring some senior experience and top quality to what is a mixed side of youth and unknown quantities. It is conceivable however that Postecoglou chooses Kulusevksi, it’s likely to be down to who’s fitter in the days prior to the game.

Striker – Dane Scarlett

Especially for the opening game against Hearts, Postecoglou will be open to trying and experimenting with new players and roles. Scarlett offered something in the games where he featured off of the bench towards the latter stages of last season and Postecoglou may utilise this game to judge what he can do with the 20-year-old going forward.

Richarlison is obviously also an option especially with the Brazilian just coming back from injury, the Hearts game may be used as a way to get the striker up to fitness.