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No matter how good a footballer is, they almost all grew up idolising another professional in the sport and wanted to be just like them for a while. The opportunity to play with your role models isn't something that many are afforded the opportunity to do, but even fewer stars are given the chance and actually turn it down.

That was the case for one man, though, who had the chance to link up and play with his idol at a European powerhouse like Juventus in 2009, but instead, he chose to join Tottenham Hotspur. That man was Jermain Defoe who enjoyed two different stints at the North London club, but recently revealed, in an interview with WhoScored, with quotes shared by talkSPORT, that he almost didn't rejoin the club in 2009 and had the chance to move to Italy and team up with a star he looked up at Juventus.

Defoe Rejoined Tottenham in 2009

He signed just a year after leaving the club

In 2008, Defoe left Tottenham after four years with the club and joined fellow Premier League side Portsmouth. He spent just 12 months with the Hampshire-based club, playing 36 games for them. He scored 18 goals and created five assists for Pompey, but after just one year, he was on the move again.

After Harry Redknapp, who brought Defoe to Portsmouth, left the club for Tottenham in October 2008, the striker became unsettled at Fratton Park and in January 2009, he was given the chance to leave. He ultimately rejoined Spurs, just 12 months after leaving and reunited with Redknapp at White Hart Lane.

After spending four years with the team in his original stint, Defoe outdid himself this time around and spent over five years with Tottenham. In total, across the two spells, he played 363 times for Spurs, scoring 143 goals and becoming a club icon. Things could have been very different, though, as he had the chance to move to Juventus before deciding to return to Tottenham and he almost played with a star he considered his idol.

Defoe Was Tempted By Juventus

He liked the idea of playing with Alessandro Del Piero

While he ultimately decided to rejoin Tottenham in 2009, Defoe had the chance to move to Juventus and it's one he seriously considered for a while. According to the striker himself, he was intrigued by the notion of playing for the Serie A giants and especially about the idea of playing alongside a legend like Alessandro Del Piero. The Englishman dubbed Del Piero as 'iconic' when detailing the potential move.

"I got a phone call before I went back to Tottenham in I think 2008. I remember my agent phoned me and said to me Juventus are interested. If Tottenham doesn't get over the line would you want to come to Juventus?

"Imagine. You talk about forwards you’d love to play with, but actually, he [Del Piero] played in Soccer Aid last year, and it was just like—wow. As a young centre-forward, growing up watching players like that, an iconic figure."

Despite the Juventus interest, Defoe went back to Tottenham and played with the likes of Gareth Bale and Peter Crouch as they became a Champions League side and competed among the top four of the Premier League season after season. Things could have been very different, though, had he joined that Juventus team in 2009 that was filled to the brim with talent.

Defoe Could Have Played With Gianluigi Buffon

Juventus had some legendary figures in 2009

He might not regret his decision to go back to Tottenham in the end, but it's safe to assume that there would be plenty more silverware in Defoe's cabinet had he chosen to take his talents to Turin. In 2009, the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, one of the greatest goalkeepers ever, Pavel Nedved, a former Ballon d'Or winner, and Del Piero were all on the books at Juventus.

The side had gone several years without getting their hands on the Serie A title, but that all changed in 2012 and they embarked on a dominant run, lifting the trophy in nine straight seasons. Defoe could have been involved in at least a handful of them had he gone in 2009. Instead, he became one of the top scorers in Premier League history, with 163 strikes in total, so it's hard to imagine he's too bitter about his decision to remain in England truth be told.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in Brazilian wonderkid Rayan who is earning comparisons with legendary former Selecao striker Adriano, according to TBR Football.

Rayan has been on Spurs' radar since he was 16 amid a meteoric rise with boyhood club Vasco da Gama, where he's quickly established himself as a first-team regular. Now 18, the versatile attacker who can play on either wing and centrally looks bound for a move to Europe with the Lilywhites one of several clubs monitoring his situation.

Tottenham have primarily focused on developing youth over the past few years and could look to do so with Rayan. They are similarly in the race for Southampton's Tyler Dibling, 19, and an overhaul of the squad, with or without, the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou looks to be targeting younger talent.

Tottenham Interested In Bringing Adriano-Like Rayan To PL

They are one of many English clubs in the mix

Tottenham have long been tracking Rayan but so have Liverpool, which could prove an issue for the North Londoners given Arne Slot's men are on the cusp of becoming Premier League champions. Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also circling for one of Brazilian football's hottest commodities.

Rayan's comparisons to Adriano come from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who also highlighted the 'extremely dangerous' attacker's pace, finishing, and instinct as three strengths in his game. He has appeared for Brazil's U20s on 10 occasions, managing two goals, and was the top scorer during the U217 South American Championships in 2023.

Tottenham could be looking to the future regarding a potential pursuit of the Brazilian youngster, with Dominic Solanke being their first choice at the moment. Rayan's compatriot, Richarlison, could be on the move this summer, with reports claiming he wants to leave and that the Lilywhites are open to offers for the former Everton man they paid £60 million for.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen's in-demand defender Piero Hincapie, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk.

Hincapie's stock has risen at Bay Arena amid several outstanding displays in central defence and at left-back under Xabi Alonso. The Ecuadorian is tipped to be a major star given his development in Germany, and some of Europe's big guns are chasing his signature.

Leverkusen knows this and that they may have to cash in on the 23-year-old this summer despite the player having four years left on his contract. A move to the Premier League is one of several potential destinations should a departure take place.

Tottenham Keen On Leverkusen's HincapieThe Lilywhites may have to fork out £60m

Tottenham are among many European clubs keeping an eye on Hincapie, with Falk writing in his Daily Briefing:

"Piero Hincapie is one of the players Xabi Alonso might have to sell this summer. Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham from England are all interested, while Atletico Madrid have the Ecuadorian on their radar in Spain."

Leverkusen have slapped a €70 million (£60 million) price tag on the 44-cap Ecuador international, who captained his nation on one occasion at last summer's Copa America. That's a hefty fee but understandable given the growing interest in the Independiente academy graduate who a scout on X calls an 'interception monster'.

Tottenham have been wrecked by injury issues throughout the season, particularly in defence, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero constantly having fitness problems. Kevin Danso arrived from Lens in January, but a big-money defensive signing seems to be one of the club's priorities in the summer.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has been linked with the Lilywhites, and the England international could cost around £70 million. He doesn't offer Hincapie's versatility, and the left-back position could use more depth.

There's talk of Romero making way this summer, and the suggestion is that the Argentine centre-back has 'held talks' with Diego Simeone over a move to Atletico Madrid. GIVEMESPORT sources indicate that the Lilywhites are 'tempted' to sell the 26-year-old after previously preparing a contract extension offer.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 05/04/2025.

Tottenham Hotspur are readying a move for Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to replace Ange Postecoglou and they think the Spaniard can 'build a Premier League winning side', as per TEAMTalk.

Since arriving at the Vitality in the summer of 2023, Iraola has earned plaudits, propelling the Cherries into European qualification contention. He has built one of the most highly regarded squads in the English top flight, with Dean Huijsen, Patrick Kluivert, Milos Kerkez, and Antoine Semenyo among those thriving on the South Coast.

The excitement surrounding Iraola's Bournemouth is a major contrast to the ominous atmosphere that has taken hold at Tottenham this season. Postecoglou's future looks increasingly jeopardized, and a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea midweek has further fueled talk that the Australian coach's days with Spurs are numbered.

Tottenham Prepare To Move For Iraola

Tottenham are impressed with what they've seen from Iraola this season and the suggestion is that they view him as an 'elite' young coach. The Lilywhites have never won the Premier League during Daniel Levy's time as chairman but he seems to believe the Spanish tactician can take his club towards title contention.

Other names in the frame to replace Postecoglou include Brentford's Thomas Frank, former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Fulham's Marco Silva. Those three have also been looked at but Iraola is their leading candidate to take over and while they'll need to sell their project to the 42-year-old, Bournemouth will have a hard time preventing him from leaving.

The Cherries' Marcos Senesi has said he's 'hopeful' Iraola will stay because of the brilliant job he's done at the Vitality. He has them sitting 10th in the league, 10 points above 15th-placed Tottenham, implementing an exciting brand of football that displays high intensity and high risk, which could suit a Spurs side that needs reviving.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 05/04/2025.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has ruffled a few feathers with his latest comments about how there is a ‘national campaign’ when refereeing/VAR decisions go against Liverpool – and the Anfield faithful have reacted to his remarks.

On Thursday night, the north Londoners endured their 16th loss of the top flight campaign as Chelsea ran out 1–0 victors – Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the all-London affair separated the two teams. As things stand, Spurs now sit in 14th place – on 34 points after 30 games.

Implying that more legends of the club, especially those on the punditry circuit, need to back the 59-year-old and his team more, he said: “The only voice you hear is me. When we’re talking about the bigger clubs, there seems to be a lot more voices.

“And not always defending. You need scrutiny and constructive criticism as well. We definitely get enough of that but never get any of the other stuff. It seems with Tottenham, wherever there’s a sore there’s a real pile-on to stick a finger in that sore and then we kind of accept our fate."

Postecoglou – who is one of the highest-paid managers currently in the Premier League – also raised another issue. He insisted that in the wake of his side’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday night, the post-match focus was worrying.

Plenty was made of his exchange with Tottenham fans after Pape Matar Sarr’s equaliser at Stamford Bridge – but the former Celtic boss insisted that the six-minute VAR stoppage, which resulted in said goal being chalked offside, should be the centre of attention.

“I’d have thought that would be the story but it’s not,” he said, per Mail Online. “I am falling out of love with the game because I love celebrating goals. [On Thursday] I did, and I’m paying a massive price for it. I’ll make sure I don’t do it again, but I think that’s kind of sad."

He also admitted that Liverpool, over the years, have enjoyed the rub of the green in meetings with Tottenham. “In the time I’ve been here, we’ve had two decisions gone for us against Liverpool and there has been a national campaign, almost.”

Frustrated by Postecoglou’s comments, especially after Luis Diaz’s strike was wrongfully ruled out in September 2023, Liverpool supporters have had their say regarding the under-fire boss. One wrote: “Oh shut up Ange. Sort your own house out before you start throwing stones.”

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Postecoglou become the first Spurs manager ever to lose each of his first four league encounters with Chelsea.

In response, another fan said: “This guy is losing his mind. He should quit today and go enjoy life. He’s debasing himself for nothing.” A third fan concluded: “I remember not too long ago when I kind of liked Ange. Guy’s not having a good time at all and, at this point, I won’t bat an eye at his departure.”

Respected Tottenham Hotspur insider Paul O Keefe believes the club will appoint Brentford manager Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, writing on X.

Postecoglou suffered a double blow on Thursday night with another defeat against Chelsea - his 16th in 30 Premier League matches - while his relationship with Spurs fans took a new hit as he appeared to cup his ear to them after he thought Pape Sarr had equalised at Stamford Bridge.

The Australian had been on the end of chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' after bringing on Sarr and Brennan Johnson to replace Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall, before the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR check.

Postecoglou Surely Closer to Tottenham Sack

Frank could be one of the frontrunners to succeed him

The catastrophic number of defeats in the top flight means Spurs are 14th with eight matches left to play, with their season and their chances of winning a trophy now solely down to how they perform in the Europa League quarter-finals against Eintracht Frankfurt next week.

Before that, Postecoglou faces another potential banana skin at home to rock-bottom Southampton on Sunday, with it being reported he is already planning to rest key players such as James Maddison and Son Heung-min for the visit of Ivan Juric's side.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tottenham Hotspur have already been beaten by both other newly-promoted clubs - Ipswich and Leicester - at home this season.

GIVEMESPORT sources exclusively revealed last month that Frank is on the club's shortlist should they decide to sack Postecoglou, having done a brilliant job at London rivals Brentford.

And O Keefe believes the 51-year-old - described as "one of the best managers in the world" - is the favourite to get the job after Fabrizio Romano wrote for GMS about interest in Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva and Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi.

Frank is Highly-Rated in Europe

He has been praised by Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola

While Frank has done a fine job with the Bees, it feels as though it is now only a matter of time before he is given a shot at a bigger club.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said as much earlier this season, tipping the Dane for a major move.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp previously praised Frank for the "incredible" football his teams play, and the appreciation from two of the best managers in the recent era speaks volumes about Frank and his abilities.

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Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on making a fresh attempt to lure Randal Kolo Muani to Hotspur Way if Juventus do not look to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of his loan switch from reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Although there is uncertainty over whether Ange Postecoglou will still be in the Spurs dugout by the time next season gets underway, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola pinpointed by the hierarchy as their preferred candidate in the event of a managerial alteration being made, the north Londoners are making preparations for the summer transfer window.

A £20.9million fee will need to be forked out on Kevin Danso in the coming months, thanks to the central defender's initial temporary move from Lens including an obligation to buy, but Tottenham are eager to bring in additional firepower after suffering their 16th Premier League defeat of the campaign at the hands of rivals Chelsea earlier this week.

Spurs Given Fresh Hope of Kolo Muani Swoop

North Londoners eager to land Frenchman if opportunity arises

Tottenham are planning to reignite their interest in Kolo Muani if he heads back to parent club PSG at the end of the season, according to GMS sources, and they have been given hope of being able to eventually get the deal over the line as there are increasing doubts over whether Juventus will be in a position to extend his stay at the Allianz Stadium.

The striker opted to join the Serie A heavyweights on a temporary basis after a deal worth up to £4.8million was agreed during the winter transfer window, when the likes of Spurs and Manchester United were also circling, but there is not an option or obligation to purchase him heading into next term.

GMS sources have been informed that Kolo Muani is in line to find himself back on Tottenham's radar in the event of Juventus opting against attempting to negotiate a permanent switch as, regardless of whether Postecoglou remains at the helm, there is a desire to improve their attacking options.

Although the France international joined PSG for up to £77million from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in September 2023, Spurs are aware that they will be able to acquire his services for less than that figure as he does not feature at the forefront of head coach Luis Enrique's future plans.

Tottenham have not made a final decision on whether to take advantage of their option to buy Mathys Tel even though he has been enjoying life since arriving from Bayern Munich on an initial loan, GMS sources have learned, but Kolo Muani will be reinstated as a leading target if there is a fresh opportunity to pounce in the summer.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Randal Kolo Muani has been averaging a Serie A goal every 125 minutes since his mid-season switch to Juventus

Kolo Muani Future Uncertain Under New Boss

Juventus managerial change could benefit Postecoglou in pursuit

GMS sources have been told that Juventus' decision to sack Thiago Motta last month could play into Tottenham's hands as Kolo Muani was dropped to the bench by new chief Igor Tudor for a win over Genoa last weekend and is in danger of seeing his role diminish in the final weeks of the season.

The change at the helm has resulted in there being doubts over whether the 26-year-old, who has been described as 'exceptional', will be kept in his current surroundings beyond the end of the campaign and that has led to Spurs keeping tabs on his situation as they make plans for their recruitment drive.

Juventus may also not find themselves in a position to sign Kolo Muani permanently if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, GMS sources understand, and Tottenham have wasted no time in making the decision to register their interest if he comes back onto the market after they worked hard to land him during the early stages of the year.

The former Nantes marksman is not the only attacker in the north Londoners' sights as GMS sources recently revealed that chairman Daniel Levy has been working on a deal for Tyler Dibling for a number of weeks, having pinpointed him as a potential recruit from domestic counterparts Southampton.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 04/04/2025

Tottenham Hotspur are on course to trigger their option to buy Mathys Tel instead of allowing him to head back to Bayern Munich at the end of his loan deal as he is being viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Hotspur Way fan favourite Heung-min Son, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs are already aware that they will have to part with £20.9million to sign Kevin Danso permanently in the summer, having included an obligation to purchase the central defender when they held negotiations with Lens during the winter transfer window, but boss Ange Postecoglou is making plans to make further alterations to his squad.

Although there is ongoing uncertainty over who will be in the dugout heading into next term, thanks to Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola being eyed by influential figures behind the scenes and suffering a 16th Premier League defeat of the campaign at the hands of Chelsea earlier this week, Tottenham are expected to retain Tel's services.

Spurs Expected to Use Option to Purchase Tel

France under-21 international enjoying time in London since switch

Tottenham are likely to seal the deal to keep Tel beyond the end of the season, according to GMS sources, as there is a strong belief among key decision-makers that he will prove to be money well spent after an acknowledgement that he headed to north London in a difficult period.

Spurs have an option to buy the forward for £45million, thanks to the terms agreed with Bundesliga title-chasers Bayern Munich in the final hours of the winter transfer window, and they are tempted to take advantage even though he was reduced to a late substitute appearance against cross-capital rivals Chelsea in midweek.

GMS sources have been informed that Tel is thought to be enjoying life in London, despite still searching for his first Premier League goal and failing to make himself an automatic starter, and members of the Tottenham hierarchy are adamant that he fits the profile they want on board as they look to progress.

The France under-21 international's mid-season arrival at Spurs came after he initially snubbed the opportunity to join Postecoglou's charges when a big-money deal was agreed, only to change his mind due to it becoming clear that he would be forced to contend with limited game time if he remained at Bayern Munich.

Tottenham have not made a final decision on Tel's future, but GMS sources have learned that they are leaning towards keeping him in his current surroundings as there is increasing confidence that his form will improve after joining a side low on confidence and languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mathys Tel was limited to just 253 minutes of Bundesliga action this season, prior to joining Tottenham Hotspur

Tel Identified as Replacement for Captain Son

Postecoglou could allow skipper to head through exit door

GMS sources have been told there remains a possibility that Tottenham will sell captain Son in the summer, despite triggering an option to extend his contract by 12 months a matter of weeks ago, and Tel has been earmarked as a potential long-term successor as their first-choice option on the left flank.

The 19-year-old has been described as 'extraordinary' by Thierry Henry, who managed him during a stint in charge of France's under-21 side, and there are plans for his game time to increase between now and the end of the season despite recent benchings as Spurs prepare to make a final call over how he fits into their future plans.

Influential figures at Tottenham are certain that Tel will fit seamlessly into their first-choice starting line-up over time, GMS sources understand, and tying him down to a permanent agreement will not have an impact on the capital club's other transfer plans as they would still aim to acquire another attacker if he stays.

Spurs are looking for further creativity from wide positions and GMS sources recently revealed that chairman Daniel Levy has been working on a deal for Tyler Dibling for weeks after identifying him as a potential arrival from domestic counterparts Southampton ahead of the transfer window reopening.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 04/04/2025

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has received a major boost today in his bid re-hire Fabio Paratici after negotiations with AC Milan fell through, according to CalcioMercato.

Paratici had been in discussions to join the Serie A giants despite interest from Spurs, but the move now won't happen as things stand.

Paratici to AC Milan is Over

Huge boost for Tottenham after Levy talks

CalcioMercato report that a full agreement had been reached between Paratici and Milan in terms of both sporting and financial factors, but as the contracts were being drawn up to be signed an issue emerged involving clauses to do with the 52-year-old's ban from football.

Paratici is available to work again from June having been suspended from working worldwide in the sport last year, but a switch to the San Siro is unlikely with AC now going back to the drawing board and looking at alternative options.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tottenham have lost 16 of their opening 30 league matches for the first time since 1977 under Ange Postecoglou.

Paratici left his role as Spurs' managing director of football last April having been found guilty, but he has continued to work with the north London club in a consultancy role, maintaining a relationship with Levy and attending matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Big Boost for Levy

The Spurs chairman wants Paratici to return

It was reported earlier this week that Levy was 'working hard' in private to convince Paratici to join Tottenham over AC Milan, having held face-to-face talks in secret with the 52-year-old.

Despite having the likes of Scott Munn and Johan Lange working on the recruitment side of things at Spurs, Levy is keen to add another face to the senior management team in Paratici, who played a role in the signings of players like Guglielmo Vicario - who was involved in a physical altercation following defeat to Chelsea on Thursday - and Micky van de Ven.

Meanwhile, the pressure continues to grow on manager Ange Postecoglou after a 16th defeat in 30 Premier League matches this season - club insiders have now performed a U-turn on the Australian's chances of being sacked ahead of the crucial Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Fabrizio Romano previously wrote in his GIVEMESPORT column that Tottenham are already looking at a succession plan to Postecoglou, which includes interest in managers like Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Simone Inzaghi.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night has plunged Ange Postecoglou’s tenure into its deepest crisis yet.

For a while now, the stance has been that the safety net would be the Europa League. Win that and his season is salvaged. But after a meek performance in west London, even that lifeline is beginning to unravel.

Enzo Fernandez’s second-half header condemned Spurs to their 16th Premier League defeat of the season and Postecoglou’s grip on the job, once firm despite poor results, is weakening.

Spurs Have Doubts Over Keeping Postecoglou

Tactician facing serious battle to remain at helm for rest of season

The mood around Postecoglou's future at Tottenham is shifting. Those close to the club, who had been unwavering in their belief that he would see out the season, are now slightly hesitant. In the aftermath of yet another loss, there were quiet murmurings of doubt where before there had only been certainty.

The frustration boiled over in the away end when Postecoglou withdrew Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert in the 64th minute, replacing them with Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson. The travelling Spurs fans erupted into chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing”.

When Sarr hammered home what looked to be a dramatic equaliser, it seemed to be a moment of redemption - until VAR then intervened and the goal was ruled out.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ange Postecoglou has led Tottenham Hotspur to 42 wins from his 88 matches at the helm

Postecoglou’s immediate response to that goal - turning to his own fans and cupping his ear - became the night’s defining image. He later insisted he was simply encouraging them to celebrate, but that is not how the gesture was universally read.

There was already a disconnect between the manager and fanbase - and chairman Daniel Levy has to seriously consider this moment.

Tottenham’s first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt next week feels like a last stand, both for the north Londoners' season and Postecoglou’s job status. That is, if he even makes it to the dugout for the game.

For months, the assumption has been that he would remain in charge until Spurs’ last shot at silverware was extinguished. That may still be the case but, for the first time, some sources close to the club no longer seem quite so sure.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 04/04/2025