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‘I’m Told..’ - How Tottenham Boss Thomas Frank Plans to Use Randal Kolo Muani

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Thomas Frank is ‘open-minded’ about Randal Kolo Muani’s role in his Tottenham Hotspur squad and feels he can utilise the France international in several roles this season, journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested.

The North London side welcomed Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day following Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury, which saw the striker miss the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the international break.

With Solanke also set to miss Spurs’ clash at West Ham on Saturday, Kolo Muani could be in line for important minutes right from his first few weeks with Spurs, and Frank’s initial plans for the striker have now apparently surfaced.

Bailey claims the Danish tactician likes the fact that he has gained an extra versatile player in his squad with Kolo Muani’s arrival, as the Frenchman can play in multiple positions and swap with Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and even Mathys Tel.

Kolo Muani played the majority of his games as a No. 9 at Juventus last term and also made rare appearances on the right-hand side of the Bianconeri.

Frank ‘Open-Minded’ About Kolo Muani

According to Bailey, there is a sense that Kolo Muani could end up covering multiple positions this season for Spurs, including playing out wide:

“I am told that he arrived with Frank fairly open-minded.

“I think he likes the fact that Richarlison, Johnson, Kolo Muani, even Tel, can mix and match, so you could see Richarlison and Kolo Muani out wide, with Johnson centrally – for sure. I personally believe we see Kolo Muani playing multiple roles.”

Several European clubs were after Kolo Muani in the closing stages of the summer window, including Juventus, who were looking to re-sign the Frenchman after he impressed on loan at the Allianz Arena last season.

The 26-year-old forward scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 22 games for the Bianconeri, who ultimately opted against signing him and instead added Lois Openda from RB Leipzig.

Kolo Muani joined PSG in the summer of 2023 from Eintracht Frankfurt and has since won two Ligue 1 titles and played a part in the club’s Champions League-winning campaign last term.

The Frenchman became Tottenham’s fourth and final new signing of the summer, following Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons.

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West Ham v Tottenham Confirmed Starting Lineups for Premier League Match Amid Kudus Update

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West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur will go head-to-head in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Saturday evening in a big London derby.

Graham Potter has been under severe pressure this season already but earned himself some time with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest before the international break, while Thomas Frank's side fell to their first defeat of the season in a poor performance against Bournemouth.

Both managers will have some big decisions to make to earn victory after deadline day and the international break, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expects the teams to line up.

West Ham Team News

West Ham were dealt a blow during the international break after Niclas Fullkrug withdrew from Germany duty with a calf problem, but he is expected to be okay after training with the squad this week.

Luis Guilherme is a long-term absentee after breaking his collarbone, but George Earthy could return, making the Brazilian the only absentee. Deadline day arrivals Igor Julio and Soungoutou Magassa are also pushing to make their debuts.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Potter shared an update on his squad ahead of the game.

"There are no absentees.

"We've got Niclas Füllkrug, who's had a slight issue with his calf from international duty, so he came [home] early. He's trained lightly today, but we'll see how he reacts, but apart from that, everybody's okay.

"He's [Igor] trained really well, has fit into the group really well, and is a positive character, so we're happy.

“I think we've got good competition there (in defence) now, have good balance left and right, and Igor can cover at centre-back and full-back, so I'm happy with that position and happy that the window has finished and with where we are.

West Ham Confirmed XI

West Ham Confirmed XI: Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Ward-Prowse, Fernandes; Soucek, Paqueta, Summerville; Bowen.

West Ham Confirmed Substitutes: Areola (GK), Wan-Bissaka (DEF), Igor (DEF), Magassa (MID), Irving (MID), Potts (MID), Wilson (FWD), Fullkrug (FWD).

Tottenham Team News

Spurs are looking to get back to winning ways and will be able to call upon new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani for the first time ahead of this game.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevksi and Kota Takai are long-term absentees, while Radu Dragusin has returned to training after his ACL injury but this game will come too soon. Yves Bissouma is still a doubt with a knock, while there are reports that Dominic Solanke's ankle injury could be more severe than initially believed.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank shared an update on his squad ahead of the game.

"Both [Simons and Kolo Muani] are looking good, both are definitely in contention to be ready for the squad.

"Xavi, for natural reasons, is further down the line - he just started the first game for Holland (against Poland last week) and a few games for Leipzig.

"Randal, it's a while since he played, the last time was at the Club World Cup (with PSG) and didn't really train with PSG, so he's not as fit as Xavi, but he looks good.

"Dominic [Solanke] won't be available still, but he won't be long. Right now, we're doing everything we can, the medical team is doing everything they can to get on top of it, and that's what we're focusing on. I get the feeling he's not too far away, but he's just falling away this week."

Tottenham Confirmed XI

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Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham Had Two 'Really Funny' Moments During Transfer Window

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Tottenham Hotspur completing the acquisitions of Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani after Hotspur Way recruitment chiefs made a breakthrough with both deals during unsociable hours were among the highlights of the transfer window, GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano has claimed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.

Spurs were not afraid to splash the cash as head coach Thomas Frank bolstered the squad he inherited from predecessor Ange Postecoglou, with Mohammed Kudus rubber-stamping a £55million switch from West Ham United in July, but there were further attacking reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Simons and Kolo Muani Deals Were Highlights

Romano has confirmed that he enjoyed breaking the news that Simons was on his way to Tottenham, after a £51million agreement had been reached with RB Leipzig, as well as Kolo Muani joining on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast, the respected journalist said:

"I think the two Tottenham stories, for me, were really, really funny and good to cover. With Xavi Simons, it was in the middle of the night when the deal had this big change and the player decided to say yes to Tottenham and to complete his move.

"When it's during the night, it is always exciting for me because it's something that doesn't happen that often anymore in the market. That one was a great story. Also, Chelsea had been in control of this deal for a long time and then decided to move onto different plans, so seeing Tottenham sign the player was quite surprising.

"Randal Kolo Muani was another one that started to happen late in the night. Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were in negotiations around midnight on September 1 and then everything collapsed in the following hours. Tottenham had the opportunity to then go for Kolo Muani.

"It is always fascinating to me when you have these kinds of crazy deals happening overnight. I love that one."

Simons penned a contract which allows him to pocket close to £250,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, having decided to join Tottenham even though there had been interest from London rivals Chelsea, and he could make his debut during the Premier League clash with West Ham on Saturday.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Xavi Simons won five ground duels and registered one key pass during RB Leipzig's defeat to Bayern Munich on the opening day of the Bundesliga season

Kolo Muani's loan switch from Ligue 1 title-holders and last season's Champions League winners PSG does not include an option or obligation to buy, meaning that Spurs will have to enter fresh negotiations with his parent club if they want to keep the centre forward beyond the remainder of the campaign.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 12/09/2025

Watch and listen to GIVEMESPORT's brand-new podcast, Market Madness, on your favourite podcast platforms

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Not Bissouma or Tel: £20m Star's Tottenham Career is Already Over Under Frank

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Tottenham Hotspur may have to shift a lot of their squad in the coming transfer windows after a busy summer under Thomas Frank, with ENIC International spending a lot of money to bring their squad up to speed. But their additions mean that it's already signalled the end of one star's career at the north London club under their new Danish boss.

Tottenham had a huge transfer window in the summer months, bringing Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Luka Vuskovic, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons in on permanent deals, whilst Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani have arrived on loan deals to properly bolster Frank's squad in the coming campaign.

Report: Tottenham Gave Manor Solomon Chance, Failed to Take it

However, with that comes the brutality of axing some players from their squad. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Son Heung-min and Bryan Gil have all departed on permanent deals, whilst other players such as Alejo Veliz and Vuskovic have left on loan.

More will be needed, given the number of arrivals that have come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and that could mean that one star's future is over after summer activity alongside Yves Bissouma, in the form of Manor Solomon.

Solomon joined Spurs in the summer of 2023/24 on a free transfer after a solid year on loan at Fulham, but he failed to make an impact under Ange Postecoglou as Spurs finished fifth. His career was revived with Leeds United last season, notching double figures as they won the Championship, and that led him to pre-season, where Frank would run the rule over him.

Reports emerged earlier in the summer that he would be able to try to impress Frank in pre-season, potentially winning a place in their first-team squad ahead of the new campaign - giving him real hope of securing a first-team spot.

However, with Spurs signing Tel on a permanent deal - despite the Frenchman struggling for minutes himself - as well as Kudus from West Ham United, there was little space for him to manoeuvre and his late loan spell to Villarreal being confirmed also shuts the door on any future at Spurs.

Arrivals and Youth Options Means Solomon's Spurs Career is Over

Frank now has an array of options to use on the flanks, and if Solomon remained in north London, his chance at garnering first-team minutes would be massively hindered.

Simons can play out wide, whilst Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Tel are also options, meaning Solomon could have been as far down as eighth in the queue.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Manor Solomon has eight goals in 46 caps for Israel.

Once Mikey Moore returns from his loan spell at Rangers, a successful spell in Glasgow could elevate him to first-team status - and so Solomon would be ninth, for two slots. Essentially, there would be no way back for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man, and having been given his chance to improve before being loaned out, the writing is on the wall for the £20m-rated star.

At the age of 26, the Israel forward will get a year in La Liga before coming back to Tottenham in the summer, where he will have two years left on his deal to win over Frank one last time, though that could prove to be a mission too far.

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Vantaktesham Takes Lead as Tottenham Accelerate Talks Over 'Unbelievable' Star

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Tottenham Hotspur could look to reward one of their current players with a new contract after a rebirth in form under Thomas Frank, according to reports - with Rodrigo Bentancur in line for an extended deal due to his performances for Spurs in the early reaches of the current campaign.

Bentancur, who was branded as 'unbelievable' by former boss Ange Postecoglou, has been an unlikely addition to Frank's midfield in recent times, keeping his place in the squad thanks to some incredible outings in the Premier League season so far. And that could see him extend his four-year stay in the capital under the Danish boss, with the club's re-jigged board looking to reward him.

Report: Rodrigo Bentancur 'in Line' for New Tottenham Deal

The report by TBR Football suggests that Tottenham are planning to accelerate their contract talks with Bentancur in the coming weeks, with the Uruguayan star having impressed manager Thomas Frank.

The Dane has come into Spurs with a clean slate from Postecoglou's two-year reign as boss, and with Bentancur being somewhat of a fringe player under Postecoglou with 21 starts in the Premier League last season, he's started each of Tottenham's last two top-flight games under the former Brentford gaffer.

With a sturdy midfield trio of Bentancur, Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr to choose between, Tottenham have become tough to beat, and they currently sit with two wins from three in the Premier League.

Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham, has been tasked with sorting several contracts out for the north London club, and he is currently working on Bentancur's new deal, TBR sources have revealed.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Rodrigo Bentancur has three goals in 72 caps for Uruguay.

The former Arsenal chief arrived at Tottenham over the summer, and he now holds a prominent role at the club after Daniel Levy left last week in one of the shock moves of the summer period, and with Tottenham now in the Champions League, he'll be hoping to continue that in the future.

Bentancur joined Tottenham in January 2022, and has since gone on to record 117 appearances for the club, including nine goals in all competitions for Spurs as a rotation option in the centre of the park. However, his increased vitality to Frank's system could see the 28-year-old prolong his north London stay for the time being, especially with the draw of Champions League football to play.

Bentancur's experience, having made 37 appearances in the competition, means that the two parties could see eye-to-eye on their aspirations going into the demanding schedule of the new campaign.

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West Ham Explain Why They've Banned Half-and-Half Scarves For Tottenham Match

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West Ham United have banned half-and-half scarves from their Premier League game with Tottenham on Saturday, the club revealed in a statement.

The East London side announced the move as part of ‘increased security activity’, which is one of several measures the club has taken ahead of the high-profile London derby.

West Ham said half-and-half scarves will not be permitted inside London Stadium on Saturday, and supporters who have purchased them from unofficial sellers will be required to hand them over to security.

The club has also increased the security presence ahead of the game against Spurs, with fans now facing ‘additional checks at turnstiles’ to ensure the safety of all supporters and to prevent away fans from gaining access to home sections of the stadium.

West Ham Ban Half-and-Half Scarves

West Ham released a statement on Thursday announcing their decision to ban half-and-half scarves from Saturday’s game against Tottenham, stating that scarves must be handed to security and will not be returned:

“Half-and-half scarves or items illustrating the colours/crests of both clubs will not be permitted inside London Stadium on Saturday.

“Supporters who have purchased half-and-half scarves from unofficial sellers will be required to hand them over to security staff at the security checkpoints and these scarves will not be returned.”

West Ham have lost three of their opening four games of the season and sit 16th in the Premier League table ahead of the London derby on Saturday.

The Hammers last claimed a home victory against Tottenham during the 2021/22 season, when Michail Antonio’s second-half goal ensured a narrow 1-0 win in October.

The Hammers are winless in the last three meetings against the North London side, having drawn 1-1 at home last season and endured a 4-1 defeat away.

West Ham’s summer business saw the club sell Mohammed Kudus to Spurs, with the Ghanaian becoming the first senior player to move between the clubs since David Bentley’s arrival at Upton Park on loan in 2011.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kudus has assisted two goals in three Premier League appearances for Tottenham this season.

West Ham could be without Niclas Fullkrug against Tottenham on Saturday, with the Germany international suffering a calf issue on international duty.

Tottenham, who won twice in their first three league games, are set to be without injured Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Yves Bissouma, while Dominic Solanke is likely to be assessed ahead of kick-off after suffering an ankle issue before the international break.

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Forget Simons and Kudus: Tottenham Best Summer Business Wasn’t a Signing

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Tottenham Hotspur fans ended the transfer window absolutely delighted by the business they did during the summer, but it's fair to say that keeping Cristian Romero was arguably the best thing they did.

After Ange Postecoglou led the team to Europa League success and the Champions League he was sacked and replaced by Thomas Frank, who made it a priority to put his stamp on the squad ahead of a big first campaign in north London.

But while the club splashed the cash to bring in Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, their best signing was convincing the Argentine to sign a new contract.

Romero Staying is Tottenham's Best Business

The transfer window saw arrivals, but it also saw captain Heung-Min Son depart after a decade with the club as he moved to join LAFC, which left question marks over the leadership that remained in the dressing room.

Further concerns were raised as it was heavily reported that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid were looking to sign Romero to bolster their defence, with some reports even claiming that the defender had already agreed personal terms.

He also didn't rule out a move, admitting during a public interview that he dreamed of playing in La Liga at some point in his career.

But Spurs worked hard to convince him that the Premier League and Spurs are the place to be for the key years of his career, and eventually the World Cup winner signed a new long-term contract until 2029, which has made him the club's highest-paid player.

In addition to that he has been made the permanent captain of the club, cementing himself as a key player in the manager's plans and now Spurs will be heading into the Champions League with no question marks over the future of key players.

It would likely have gone a long way to convincing some other players to join and stay at the club, as it shows that a world-class player is prepared to commit his prime years to the club, which will always look good.

Spurs have started the season well, with Romero in strong form once more, and that has further contributed to the belief that while they had a great transfer window, keeping him at the club was the best bit of business Tottenham did.

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Fabrizio Romano: Update on Tottenham Selling Yves Bissouma

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Tottenham Hotspur are not trying to actively offload Yves Bissouma as it stands, with his situation going quiet, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter.

Bissouma has struggled for minutes at Spurs recently, and is yet to feature for Thomas Frank's side in the Premier League this season. Tottenham boss Frank previously admitted that he was forced to leave Bissouma out of their squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup due to persistent lateness...

"Bissouma isn't here because of disciplinary reasons. He has been late several times, the latest one too many. We need to give love and have demands but there have to be consequences. There's a been a consequence, we will follow it up when we get home and park it for now."

It might come as a surprise that he remained at Spurs past the English transfer window deadline, and there's a chance he remains with the club until at least January.

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that Tottenham aren't trying to actively offload Bissouma as it stands. The Spurs midfielder's situation has gone quiet, meaning he could remain at the club over the coming months. When asked if Spurs were trying to sell Bissouma, Romano responded...

"No, at the moment it’s gone quiet."

Bissouma is reportedly earning £100,000-a-week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and considering he's not featuring in Frank's plans at the moment, it would make sense for the two parties to head in different directions. The signing of Joao Palhinha has pushed Bissouma further down the pecking order in north London, and it seems unlikely that he's going to break into Frank's side.

Tottenham travel to West Ham United this weekend as they prepare for the return of Premier League action. Frank's side suffered defeat last time out, losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth after a disappointing performance. Spurs started the season in superb fashion, beating Burnley comfortably on the opening day before winning against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in their second game.

New signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, who both joined towards the end of the summer transfer window, could be involved, but they won't have trained too much with Spurs due to the international break.

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Tottenham Eyeing Move to Sign Former Player to Help UEFA Homegrown Quota

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Tottenham Hotspur are considering a January transfer window move to re-sign former player and Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin, according to a report from TBR Football.

Although Spurs brought in a host of new players to improve Thomas Frank's squad, they failed to add another defender. Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani all signed on the dotted line at Tottenham, with all four players likely to make an immediate impact and become regular starters under Frank.

Despite the summer transfer window closing last week, work will already be underway for clubs to get their ducks in order ahead of the winter market. Spurs will be hoping to see their side in a strong position heading towards January and in a place where they don't need to make drastic changes to their squad, but they'll need to plan ahead just in case things don't go as planned.

Tottenham Eyeing January Move to Sign Dennis Cirkin

According to a report from TBR Football, Tottenham are eyeing a January move to sign Cirkin frrom Sunderland, with the north London club currently assessing left-back options in preparation for the winter window. Spurs are looking to bring in players to help bolster their homegrown quote for UEFA competitions, after they were forced to omit Mathys Tel from their Champions League squad.

Tottenham could only name a 22-man squad for their group stage of the competition due to their lack of homegrown and club-trained players, and with Cirkin coming through the academy at Spurs, he would count as a club-trained player. Frank's side were considering a move to sign Cirkin in the summer, but a move failed to materialise, and they could now reignite that interest when the winter market opens.

Cirkin, who left Tottenham in 2021, is out of contract next summer, and he's unwilling to sign a new contract, he could be available at a reasonable price. The 23-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter at Sunderland after the summer transfer window, with Reinildo brought to the club. As a result, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was keen on a departure, but it certainly wouldn't be easy for him to break into the Spurs starting XI, with the likes of Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, and Ben Davies as left-back options.

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Ange Postecoglou Accepts Nottingham Forest Job After Lengthy Marinakis Talks

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Ange Postecoglou has accepted the Nottingham Forest job following the departure of Nuno Espirto Santo on Monday evening.

The former Tottenham Hotspur head coach will take charge of Saturday's trip to Arsenal after being named the preferred choice of Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Postecoglou Held Discussions Since August

Informal talks between Marinakis and Postecoglou have been ongoing since August. Nuno's position at Nottingham Forest has been viewed as untenable since he spoke of a broken relationship with Marinakis, which sources say caught the hierarchy by surprise.

The arrival of Edu as global head of football caused a change in dynamic, with Nuno no longer viewed as a fit. He was unhappy with some of the club's business this summer, including the failure to sign Adama Traore, which led to a row with Edu despite the Brazilian making it clear it was Fulham who were blocking a deal and not him.

Postecoglou has been out of management since leaving Tottenham after winning the Europa League, the north Londoners' first major trophy in 17 years. But a 17th-place finish in the Premier League, with a club-record 22 losses, ultimately still led to his departure.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ange Postecoglou guided Tottenham Hotspur to 47 wins during his 101-match reign

Marinakis was recently pictured with Postecoglou at an awards ceremony in Greece and praised the 60-year-old on stage.

"What I want to say about Ange is that he is proud to be Greek and, in the great success he had with Tottenham by winning the Europa League, he spoke about Greece,” said Marinakis. "He is a man who not only does not hide his origin but is proud of it. What he achieved, he did with a [Tottenham] team that has not won any titles."

Nottingham Forest see appeal in Postecoglou's attack-minded style of play. Marinakis is believed to have held concerns over Nuno's football philosophy even though he guided the Tricky Trees to Europe and was one of the managers of the season last campaign.

Marinakis is keen to implement a more fluid and eye-catching style of football that can be replicated across his entire group. Postecoglou is expected to bring several members of his Tottenham coaching staff with him. His former assistant Mile Jedinak is one name under discussion.

And former Spurs chief football officer Scott Munn is another name in line for a role, with Postecoglou intent on linking up with the Australian again.

As Marinakis expands his mutli-club network, and with Nottingham Forest sporting director Ross Wilson widely expected to move to Newcastle United, it is believed Marinakis is open to Munn's arrival in the coming weeks or months.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 09/09/2025

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