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The Premier League relegation battle took another twist on Monday as Tottenham Hotspur played out a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

While it may have been a missed opportunity for Spurs, they are now two points above West Ham United in 18th, with a vastly better goal difference.

However, the job is far from done for Tottenham, with two massive games remaining in the Premier League season.

Nevertheless, Opta on 11 May has insisted that West Ham are all but certain to be in the Championship next season.

Recent results for West Ham have not been great, and this could now be their downfall.

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West Ham remain heavy favourites to be relegated

West Ham have now lost their last two Premier League matches, and relegation is now increasingly certain.

Opta has insisted that they have an 81.3 per cent chance of being in the Championship next season.

In comparison, Spurs’ odds are now at 18.7 per cent, ahead of their final two fixtures of the season.

One shining light for West Ham will be that they have easier fixtures on paper compared to Spurs.

They travel to a struggling Newcastle side on Sunday before hosting Leeds on the final day.

In comparison, Tottenham travel to Chelsea next Tuesday before hosting an Everton side on the final day, who could still be in the hunt for European football.

However, it remains to be seen if either club are able to use their remaining fixtures to their advantage and pick up results.

What could relegation mean for West Ham?

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that relegation would be disastrous for West Ham.

The Hammers are set to lose around £60million in revenue and could have 30,000 empty seats each week in the Championship.

On top of this, many of their best players will also be expected to leave the club, including Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

Many teams have struggled adapting to life back in the Championship in recent years as well, with sides such as Luton Town and Leicester City suffering back-to-back relegations in recent seasons.

However, it remains to be seen how West Ham would get on in the Championship if they were relegated, and there is still time left this season to ensure this does not happen altogether.

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Tottenham Hotspur were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw vs Leeds United on Monday as they moved two points clear of the relegation zone.

It was a tense opening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in the first half.

However, a moment of magic from Mathys Tel eventually opened the scoring early into the second half, with a wonderful finish into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Midway through the second half, Tel became the villain as a high boot challenge from the attacker on Ethan Ampadu resulted in a Leeds penalty, which was converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the game ended in a draw.

Below, Football Insider has rated Jarred Gillett’s performance in what was a potentially vital Tottenham draw.

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Obvious Anton Stach foul missed

Midway through the first half, Anton Stach was furious Leeds were not awarded a free-kick on the edge of Spurs’ box.

Yet, the referee did not award anything for the incident, and instead Tottenham broke away with the ball, ending the visitors’ attack.

From the replays, it was very clearly a foul on the midfielder, and a free-kick should have been awarded.

Given the position of the challenge, it could have easily resulted in a goal, which could have given Leeds an early lead.

Richarlison escapes caution for failing arm

Just as the second half began, it was halted after a clash between Richarlison and Jaka Bijol.

Both players went up to try and win the ball, but the Tottenham player’s arm caught the Leeds star.

Yet, despite this, no card was shown to the attacker for something that can sometimes result in a red.

While Richarlison may not have intended to hit Bijol with his arm, a yellow card still should have been issued at minimum.

The challenge was reckless, and it could have resulted in a concussion for the Leeds star.

Micky van de Ven clearly fouled late on

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Micky van de Ven is wanted by Liverpool, and he was unlucky not to win a free-kick late on.

In the dying minutes of the match, Tottenham were certain they’d win a free-kick.

Van de Ven was brought down by Ampadu midway through Leeds’ half, with the Tottenham defender then grabbing hold of the ball.

However, the referee instead opted to give a free-kick to Leeds for handball, believing the original incident was not a foul.

This was simply wrong, and a free-kick should have been awarded to Spurs for a clear foul.

This was potentially an opportunity for Tottenham to get a late winner and pull clear of the relegation zone.

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Marcus Rashford would need to be persuaded to consider a switch to Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Spurs have shown interest in signing Rashford this summer.

Rashford is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, and the La Liga club’s financial situation may mean they can not afford a permanent move for the forward.

The 28-year-old has not indicated that he would like to be reintegrated into the Man United team, and is likely to push for an exit this summer.

Whilst Spurs have been linked with numerous players ahead of the summer window, their transfer plans will all depend on maintaining their Premier League status this season.

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Tottenham need ‘real money’ to consider Marcus Rashford move

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Rashford would want to join a side playing in Europe next season.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that Spurs are currently trying to show ambition, but that could all be worthless if they suffer relegation to the Championship.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It seems more to me about let’s get linked, let’s get some narratives going, let’s get some headlines and let’s show that we’ve got ambition.

“I’m afraid if the reality happens and there is relegation, then that ambition is all paper thin. So that’s where I see it right now.

“In terms of Rashford himself, look, he would want to play in a European team that’s in Europe and unless Spurs can really sell him on the fact that he is going to be part of a major new project and there is real money to strengthen the squad, I don’t see that happening.”

Tottenham look to pursue Joao Palhinha deal

Wyness also told Football Insider that Spurs would have to convince Joao Palhina to make his loan deal permanent this summer.

Palhinha has spent the campaign on loan from Bayern Munich, where there is an option in the deal for Spurs to sign the 30-year-old for £25million.

Whilst Roberto De Zerbi has made an impact in his short time at Spurs so far, the Italian needs a plan to keep hold of his best players ahead of next season, if they remain in the Premier League.

Spurs can not go through another miserable season fighting relegation, as De Zerbi needs to ensure they get back to fighting for the European places.

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Luka Vuskovic: Tottenham prepare new contract offer to block Bayern Munich move

Luka Vuskovic is set to be offered a new contract by Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to ward off his suitors, sources have told Football Insider.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Hamburg, inspiring interest from a number of top clubs from across Europe.

Bayern Munich are among those believed to have taken note of his performances in the Bundesliga and could look to tempt him to remain in Germany this summer.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham are extremely reluctant to lose Vuskovic and hope to extend his stay.

Signing a new contract would see the centre-back commit his long-term future to Roberto De Zerbi’s side, as he remains a big part of Tottenham’s plans this summer.

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What is Tottenham’s plan for Luka Vuskovic?

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Liverpool are interested in signing Vuskovic after being alerted to his potential availability ahead of his return to Spurs.

However, Tottenham remain hopeful of keeping the young defender regardless of their Premier League relegation battle, and believe they can deter the interest.

Talks over a new contract are being prepared as Spurs want the defender to commit his future to the club, despite his current deal being set to run until 2030.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Tottenham aren’t planning to let Vuskovic leave. He’s been one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga for Hamburg.

“Tottenham see him as a key part of their plans for the future whatever league that is in, obviously they want that to be in the Premier League.

“He’s under contract until 2030 and Tottenham are preparing to offer him a new and improved deal to fend off growing interest from Europe’s top clubs.

“You’ve got the likes of Bayern Munich, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool all looking at Vuskovic.

“Spurs wanted for him to get regular first team football ready to come back and challenge for a place in the Tottenham side and that’s what I fully expect them to do next season.

“Spurs have no plans to lose him.”

Who else is interested in signing Vuskovic this summer?

Alongside both Bayern Munich and Liverpool, a number of elite European clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on Vuskovic’s performances this season.

His impressive form at Hamburg means despite Spurs’ reluctance to sell, there are no shortage of suitors for the centre-back, and clubs could look to lure him away.

Football Insider shared reports on 8 May that Vuskovic’s agent has held talks over a move with Barcelona pushing for a move despite Spurs’ offer of a new contract.

That is expected to frustrate the Premier League outfit given their plans to keep him as a key part of their first-team squad heading into next season.

However, he could leave Spurs without ever having played a game for them should his agent get his wish, with clubs now encouraged to make moves.

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Micky van de Ven: Liverpool in hot pursuit of deal to sign Virgil van Dijk replacement

Micky van de Ven has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool as they aim to land a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, sources have told Football Insider.

The 25-year-old has endured an inconsistent season with Tottenham and there is a growing feeling he could be tempted to leave regardless of their Premier League status.

Van Dijk, 34, is nearing the end of his career at Anfield and while they are in no immediate rush to move him on, long-term options are now being assessed.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Van de Ven is a leading candidate in their attempts to replace his international teammate.

The addition of a new centre-back is set to be high on Liverpool’s list of transfer priorities this summer, and the Tottenham star’s potential availability has put them on alert.

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Could Liverpool move to sign Micky van de Ven?

Football Insider first revealed in January that Liverpool are targeting Van de Ven amid growing concerns about the long-term future of Van Dijk in their back line.

After what has been a mixed season for the captain at Anfield, his overall downturn in performances from last season’s title-winning campaign could be a worry.

As a result, Liverpool have stepped up efforts to land his replacement, and Van de Ven has emerged as the leading candidate on the left-hand side of the defence.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It seems that Van de Ven is waiting and sort of mulling over his options right now.

“There’s been a lot of speculation linking him with a move away from Tottenham. He’s obviously put contract talks on the back burner as well.

“Manchester United won’t be the only club who will be keeping tabs on the Dutchman’s situation at Tottenham.

“Liverpool have been linked as well, and they see Van de Ven as a possible long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, they’re preparing for the future without him.

“Obviously, Van Dijk isn’t going to be around forever, so Liverpool want to be prepared for the day when he does eventually move on.

“There’ll be interest from abroad as there has been in the past. The likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been mentioned as possible suitors for Van de Ven.

“The player himself might be feeling it’s the right time to move on for a new challenge.”

How do Tottenham feel about selling Van de Ven?

After what has been a miserable season for Tottenham, they are hopeful of keeping their best players as they aim to build a new long-term project under Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back is under contract in North London until 2029, placing his club in a strong position over his future, and it will likely take a big fee to get him out.

However, Football Insider revealed on 9 May that Tottenham may have to sell Van de Ven after he put talks over a new contract on the backburner.

Spurs had planned to hold talks over an extension to commit his future to the club, but amid suggestions he is unhappy, the Netherlands international has delayed talks.

That has inspired further interest from Liverpool as well as rivals including Man United and Real Madrid, and it move prove difficult for Tottenham to keep hold of him.

Tottenham Hotspur are at risk of losing Micky van de Ven this summer after talks over a fresh contract offer stalled, sources have told Football Insider.

The 25-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe including the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona ahead of the transfer window.

Spurs had planned to sit down in talks to renew his contract before the end of the season, but after the defender put talks on the back-burner, nothing has progressed.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Van de Ven’s departure from Tottenham could be “inevitable” if they have a poor end to the season.

Despite being in a strong position heading into the final three games, Spurs are not safe from relegation, and that will come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s transfer plans.

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What is next for Micky van de Ven at Tottenham?

Football Insider revealed in March that Van de Ven is not happy at Tottenham and has no intentions of signing a new contract there as things stand.

That came as a huge blow to Spurs, who had looked to extend his deal beyond its current 2029 expiry date in an attempt to tie down his long-term future.

Now, interested clubs will be encouraged in the race to sign the Netherlands international, as Spurs may find it impossible to convince him to stay.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “A bit similar to Fernandes and West Ham, if Spurs were to go down it will be almost inevitable that Van de Ven would move on.

“There’s been a lot of speculation linking him with a move away from Tottenham. He’s obviously put contract talks on the back burner as well.

“Spurs earlier in season were looking to tie him down to a new deal, but it seems that Van de Ven is waiting and mulling over his options right now as well.

“We know he’s a top-class performer, but he’s had his injury problems and it’s probably not been one of his most consistent consistent season this year.

“He’s a player in huge demand and if Spurs go down I definitely expect him to leave.

“Even if they do stay up, though, the player himself might be feeling it’s the right time to move on for a new challenge.

“He sees himself as somebody who should be playing regular Champions League football.”

Which clubs want to sign Van de Ven?

While Spurs remain in control over Van de Ven’s future, as his current deal is set to run until 2029, there is no shortage of clubs looking to prise him away.

The likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with summer moves, and Man United are the latest club to join the race.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Van de Ven is a target for United ahead of a busy summer window at Old Trafford.

Concerns about some of their current centre-backs have forced them to assess their options in the market, and the Spurs man has emerged as a key target.

After Man United secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, they are determined to bolster their squad, with Van de Ven now in their sights.

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Crysencio Summerville: Tottenham plan to exploit West Ham situation to agree deal

Crysencio Summerville could be set to leave West Ham in the summer as Tottenham Hotspur aim to take advantage of their situation, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season despite his team’s struggles at the London Stadium and is attracting high-profile interest in a move.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have dropped to 18th place in the Premier League, and with three tough games to come, are the favourites to suffer relegation.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham have been long-term admirers of Summerville and could reignite their interest.

Having considered signing the winger during the January transfer window before any move was blocked, Spurs’ summer transfer plans could see them revisit a deal.

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Could Tottenham move to sign Crysencio Summerville?

Former Irons scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this year that West Ham rebuffed Tottenham’s advances for Summerville and did not plan to sell.

However, they will be unable to turn down approaches should they drop into the Championship, placing a number of interested clubs on alert.

Should West Ham get relegated, it will be to Tottenham’s benefit in the Premier League, and they could rub salt into the wounds by pushing to sign Summerville.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think there’d be more than just Tottenham who would be looking at Crysencio Summerville.

“West Ham don’t want to lose Summerville, if they go down, it’ll be a real uphill task to keep hold of him.

“Tottenham have had a long-term interest in the Dutchman, and I’m sure if they can stay up at the expense of West Ham, they’ll be hoping that they could maybe lure him away.

“There’ll be a lot of Premier League clubs who will be looking at the tricky winger hoping that he could be snapped up and capitalise on West Ham’s potential relegation.

“For West Ham though, the vultures will come calling for their top players if they do suffer relegation and Summerville will be one of those players who will be in huge demand.”

How do West Ham feel about selling Summerville?

West Ham stood firm in their stance that Summerville was not for sale during the mid-season window, but that could be set to change when the summer window opens.

They are likely to be forced into sales if they drop into the Championship, and although they hope to keep their best players, it may be impossible.

Brown told Football Insider last month that West Ham could be forced to sell Summerville in the summer due to financial concerns growing behind the scenes.

The Hammers reported over £100million in losses in their recent accounts, meaning they will likely be made to sell regardless of their Premier League status.

The Netherlands international is likely to be high on the list of potential sales given the money that would be involved in any deal to lure him away.

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Liverpool are one of a number of clubs across Europe plotting a move to sign Tottenham star Luka Vuskovic this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, and is set to return to Spurs at the end of the season.

However, after what has been a miserable season for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, a number of elite clubs could look to take advantage of their situation.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are among at least four clubs who could make a move for Vuskovic this summer.

The Reds are determined to strengthen their centre-back options this summer, and should the Tottenham star become available, Liverpool could step up their transfer plans.

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Could Liverpool beat rivals to sign Luka Vuskovic?

Football Insider shared reports earlier this year that Barcelona had held talks with Vuskovic’s representatives, with no shortage of interest in his signature.

While any suggestions that talks may have taken place are now believed to be wide of the mark as Spurs are reluctant to sell, Liverpool are keeping tabs on his situation.

Should he be allowed to leave Tottenham this summer, the Reds will be among a number of clubs in the queue to agree terms, but nothing is imminent as things stand.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s been outstanding, one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga for Hamburg this season.

“Tottenham see him as a key part of their plans for the future whatever league they’re in.

“You’ve had the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea all looking at Vuskovic ahead of the summer transfer window.

“Tottenham beat a host of clubs when they agreed to sign him as a youngster from Croatia, and next season could be a big opportunity for him to make an impact.

“Spurs wanted for him to get regular first team football ready to come back and challenge for a place in the Tottenham side and that’s what I fully expect him to do.”

How do Tottenham feel about selling Vuskovic?

Despite the growing interest in Vuskovic, Tottenham are extremely reluctant to let the defender leave and have big plans for his long-term future at the club.

At just 19 years old, he is already putting in strong performances in a top European league, and returning to the Premier League could be the next step in his development.

Football Insider reported earlier this season that Spurs have been impressed by Vuskovic during his loan spell at Hamburg and see him as a long-term first-teamer.

Meanwhile, there has been speculation about the futures of both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, meaning the path could clear for the Croatia international.

With Spurs now outside of the relegation zone and on course for Premier League survival, they will be well-placed to keep hold of the defender this summer.

Tottenham will be fuming with Luka Vuskovic’s agent as exit talks ongoing despite ‘massive salary increase’

Tottenham Hotspur appear set to face a significant battle to keep hold of centre-back Luka Vuskovic this summer, regardless of how their fight against relegation plays out in the coming weeks.

The 19-year-old has won plenty of admirers during his loan spell with Hamburg this season, and the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move to prise him away from North London in recent months.

The Croatian’s reputation has skyrocketed in the Bundesliga this season, and Spurs are now facing the very realistic possibility of losing the starlet before he even makes a competitive appearance in their colours.

Vuskovic has a very attractive package on the table for him in North London, but it appears increasingly obvious that his agent is trying to lure him away from that this summer.

Tottenham’s transfer plans will be heavily dictated by the outcome of their survival fight, but Vuskovic is a player who they see a huge future for regardless.

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Pini Zahavi pushing for deal as Barcelona talks ongoing

Vuskovic’s stock has risen dramatically in recent months, and he now has plenty of suitors if he decides to leave Tottenham ahead of next season.

However, the Premier League giants are keen to avoid that scenario playing out, and are clearly trying to make staying with them as lucrative as possible for the starlet.

The Lilywhites are “desperate” to keep the young defender, according to Florian Plettenberg, and he is already set to net a “massive salary increase” next season, if he stays as part of the first-team squad.

And yet, that still doesn’t seem to be satisfactory for the player’s camp, with the summer market currently being “explored” for options at the moment.

Vuskovic’s agent Pini Zahavi remains in ongoing talks with Barcelona over a possible switch, and it is hard to see past the fact that he is trying to drive his client away from Tottenham.

With that in mind, Roberto De Zerbi and Co. have every right to be fuming with Zahavi at the moment, who seems intent on doing everything he can to force a summer move, which he would likely profit from.

Tottenham clearly see the youngster as a long-term star in their colours, and are prepared to pay him as such, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for his entourage.

Tottenham see Luka Vuskovic as long-term Micky van de Ven successor

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that United want to sign Micky van de Ven this summer, to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of next term.

The Red Devils are well-placed to be able to offer Champions League football to the Dutchman, who has seemingly been unhappy in North London for much of the campaign.

Tottenham evidently see Vuskovic as the long-term successor to Van de Ven and his partner Cristian Romero, who have both been under fire from the fans at times of late.

The Croatian is tipped to have a huge future ahead of him at the top of European football, and Tottenham must be prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep him this summer, because he will likely net them an eye-watering fee later down the line.

However, lose him in the coming months, and their initial investment of £12million in him will be rendered almost conpletely pointless.

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Tottenham’s owners could be selling their art collection to put £200million into the club’s summer transfer budget.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who believes that Spurs have a “clear” plan ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite their perilous position in the Premier League table, just a point above the relegation zone, Spurs continue to be linked with signing Premier League players.

The north London club have three games remaining to ensure they do not suffer relegation to the second tier for the first time since 1977.

Spurs face a rebuild of their squad this summer regardless of which league the club are competing in next season, with many star players expected to leave.

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Spurs need £200m boost to strengthen squad next season

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Spurs want to continue being linked to “very high-profile players” to distract from their relegation battle.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness sees a “problem” with Spurs’ approach if they do remain in the Premier League.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It seems to be part of a pretty deliberate strategy from Spurs’ communication side to actually link themselves with a number of players, very high-profile players.

“It seems to be more about getting the narrative about what’s going to be happening next season, trying to take the fans’ minds off of the real peril in front of them right now in terms of relegation. It seems like a pretty clear strategy.

“Now, the problem with this is that if it does happen, and they do stay up, they’re then going to have to through with it. We know that the financial situation at Spurs is not great. I saw the other day that the Lewis family are going to be selling their art collection valued at over £200m.

“I don’t know if that’s going to be coming into the Spurs coffers because they’re going to need that sort of money coming in from the owners to start to make an impact on the squad for next season, so we don’t get a repeat of what’s happened this year.”

Tottenham in pursuit of Sunderland goalkeeper

Sources have told Football Insider that Spurs have added Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs to their summer transfer list.

Any deal would be dependent on Spurs being a Premier League club next season, although Sunderland are confident they can keep the 23-year-old either way.

Spurs are keen to bring in a new shot stopper next season amid concerns over Guglielmo Vicario, and the prospect of the Italian moving back to Serie A.

Roefs has been one of the strongest goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, keeping nine clean sheets in 32 starts.

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