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Tottenham Hotspur could complete a move to sign a star from one of their rivals, according to reports from Spain - with the Lilywhites registering their interest in Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku ahead of a potential summer move after their qualification for the Champions League was confirmed last week.

Spurs have had a poor campaign on domestic soil, marking their worst-ever Premier League season and crashing out of the FA Cup early, despite a run to the League Cup semi-finals. But their Europa League win has saved their skin to confirm European football and that could see them make a move for the out-of-sorts Chelsea star to bolster their ranks.

Report: Nkunku Departure 'Assured', Tottenham 'Willing' to Negotiate

The Chelsea star needs a fresh move to turn his fortunes around

The report by Fichajes states that Nkunku's departure from Chelsea is 'virtually assured' before the summer transfer window begins, with the Frenchman having been on the radar of several interested clubs who wish to add him to their squad.

The situation now appears to be clearer for the 'stunning' attacker and his current team, with official talks between the parties set to begin as interest has grown since January.

With that in mind, Tottenham are among the teams that have shown the 'greatest interest' in signing the former RB Leipzig man in the summer. Ange Postecoglou sees him as an important reinforcement, but they are also willing to negotiate an initial loan with Chelsea, which would turn into a €45million (£37.7million) option to buy clause.

That is a proposal that could be attractive to Chelsea, with the Blues looking to offload a £300,000-per-week player who hasn't had much of an impact on their first-team squad this season, whilst recouping some of their initial investment which saw them part with £52million for Nkunku two years ago.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Christopher Nkunku has one goal in 14 caps for the France national team.

For Spurs, a loan-with-option clause suits them immeasurably, with club chiefs being able to assess how well he fits their squad before plunging to land him on a permanent deal. The Lilywhites can at least offer Champions League football to prospective signings and that could drag a deal for Nkunku over the line, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League to record their worst-ever placing since the competition began all the way back in 1992.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 27-05-25.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a significant boost ahead of potentially pushing to win the race for Roony Bardghji as the Copenhagen star has been giving indications that he is prepared to complete a switch to Hotspur Way when the transfer window reopens, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs are heading into the summer having ended their 17-year wait for silverware, thanks to Brennan Johnson's first half goal in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United last week, but boss Ange Postecoglou and influential figures behind the scenes are eager to bolster the squad.

Although Tottenham still need to make a final decision on whether to keep Mathys Tel, with there being a £45million option to buy the Frenchman at the end of his loan spell from Bayern Munich, Bardghji is on the north Londoners' radar as a potential acquisition as preparations are made for next season.

Bardghji Interested in Making Switch to Spurs

North Londoners could still opt against attempting to land teenager

Bardghji is open to sealing a summer move to Tottenham, according to GMS sources, but there remains uncertainty over whether he will be among the fresh faces to head to the capital as he has not been pinpointed as a priority target despite being included on a long list of possible recruits.

The wide forward is preparing to enter the final six months of his Copenhagen contract, with his current terms being due to expire at the end of December, and that has resulted in him being eager to assess potential landing spots as the Danish side consider taking advantage of their final opportunity to cash in.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are long-term admirers of Bardghji, who has showcased his talent since breaking into the senior squad at the Parken Stadium, and he is interested in embarking on a fresh challenge in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

Spurs are contemplating whether to recruit the Sweden under-21 international, who has been described as an 'outrageous talent' by scout Jacek Kulig, as they go in search of providing the likes of fellow countryman Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson with improved competition on the right flank.

Tottenham are aware that Bardghji will hold good value in the market as his contract situation has led to Copenhagen being unable to demand a hefty sum, GMS sources have learned, and their interest may intensify if it becomes clear that he is available for a cut-price fee in the region of £10million.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Roony Bardghji registered four accurate long passes and won two duels during Copenhagen's victory over AGF last month

Postecoglou to Face Competition for Bardghji

Premier League rivals in hunt for Sweden under-21 international

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are in danger of facing stiff competition from Premier League counterparts if they decide to up the ante as Bardghji has also been in Manchester City's sights for a prolonged period, while Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa's potential interest is being explored.

The 19-year-old was ruled out for up to 12 months when he sustained a serious knee injury during a training session with Copenhagen in May 2024, but he made his return to action in March and Spurs have been among the sides keeping tabs on his performances following his spell on the treatment table.

Bardghji also has options away from the Premier League as Lazio and Lille are interested in tempting him to Serie A and Ligue 1 respectively, GMS sources understand, and other admirers are expected to enter the race in the coming days as they prepare for the summer transfer window to open for business.

GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs are increasingly confident that the teenager will be attracted to the prospect of linking up with Lucas Bergvall, who he has played alongside at youth level for Sweden, if he is given the green-light to complete a switch to north London before next season.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 27/05/2025

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to make a decision on whether they will keep Ange Postecoglou at the club heading into the new season, according to Football London writer Alasdair Gold.

It was looking like a disastrous season for Tottenham, with the north London club finishing in 17th position in the Premier League. A Europa League final was an opportunity to save their campaign, and Spurs managed to beat Manchester United to lift the trophy.

Whether that was enough to save Postecoglou's job remains to be seen, but there's no doubt it was a phenomenal achievement for a club who have struggled to win silverware in recent years. Spurs have a crucial decision to make after such a strange season considering their Premier League struggles alongside lifting a trophy.

He could remain in charge

Reporting for Football London, reliable journalist Gold has confirmed that Tottenham are unlikely to make a decision on Postecoglou this week, with the Australian manager and his staff heading on their post-season holidays. Gold adds that there is a chance that Postecoglou could remain in charge for the 2025/2026 campaign after ending Tottenham's trophy drought.

GIVEMESPORT sources also confirmed on Monday that Tottenham were unlikely to make a decision before Postecoglou jetted off on his holidays this week. It's understood that Brentford manager Thomas Frank is emerging as a contender for the job if Daniel Levy opts to sack Postecoglou, with Marco Silva publicly stating that he wouldn't be leaving Fulham.

It will be interesting to see the decision Levy opts to make over the coming weeks, and there's no doubt it could become a controversial one. Some fans will understandably want to get rid of him due to their catastrophic form in the Premier League, while others won't be able to ignore the fact that he delivered a trophy to the club after a long drought without silverware.

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Richard Keys predicts Ange Postecoglou will be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur following their Europa League victory, as Daniel Levy ‘won’t make the same mistake’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe last summer.

The former Sky Sports presenter says Postecoglou ‘won’t be in charge in August’ despite ending Spurs’ 17-year wait for a trophy last week and compares his situation to former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s.

The Dutch tactician was handed a contract extension following a victory in the FA Cup last season, only for United to sack him months later and appoint Ruben Amorim, who oversaw the Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League campaign.

Tottenham, however, fared no better this season, finishing 17th in the league table under Postecoglou, who has been placed under heavy scrutiny amid the club’s dismal domestic campaign.

Richard Keys Expects Postecoglou to Leave Spurs

‘Levy won’t make the same mistake’

Keys, writing in his blog, predicted that Postecoglou will not be in charge of Tottenham next season despite delivering a Europa League trophy:

“Daniel Levy’s silence is damning. Ange won’t be in charge in August. Nor should he be.

“I backed him for a long time this season and he did really well delivering a trophy - but those who want him out were right - and they’ll get their way I’m sure.

“Levy won’t make the same mistake the Jim Reaper and the brains trust did with ten Hag.”

Postecoglou oversaw Tottenham’s worst-ever Premier League campaign this season, as the North London club finished outside the top 15 for the first time in their history.

The Lilywhites won only once in their last 12 top-flight matches, a 3-1 victory over bottom-placed Southampton, and ended the season on a three-game losing streak.

As a result of their Europa League win, Tottenham will play Champions League football next season and could become a more attractive destination for their managerial targets.

Spurs were heavily linked with a move for former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli in recent weeks, while Brentford manager Thomas Frank has also recently emerged as a contender.

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Tottenham Hotspur could still opt to replace Ange Postecoglou in the coming weeks despite Europa League success, Ben Jacobs has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT - and Brentford boss Thomas Frank is emerging as a contender to come into the north London throne should the Australian gaffer depart.

Tottenham's poor domestic campaign has seen Postecoglou come under serious pressure in his job, with 22 losses in just 38 games in the Premier League marking their worst-ever campaign in the competition. Success elsewhere has saved his skin for now, but Brentford boss Frank has become an option and the cost of his contract has also been revealed.

Jacobs: Frank 'Emerging as Contender' for Tottenham Job

A hefty release clause could rule Tottenham out of the move, however

GIVEMESPORT's senior football correspondent, Ben Jacobs, exclusively wrote that Tottenham are unlikely to make an announcement on Postecoglou's future before he goes on holiday after the end of the season.

However, Frank is emerging as a contender to replace the Australian gaffer if Daniel Levy does decide to make an alteration to their managerial ranks, and that could throw a spanner into the works for Brentford who are hoping to keep their gaffer after yet another top-half Premier League finish this season.

Levy is still deciding whether to part ways with Postecoglou, despite the former Celtic boss winning Spurs' first trophy in 17 years via the Europa League last week - ending their silverware drought, though a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League has somewhat nullified their efforts on the continental scene.

Frank's release clause in his Brentford contract stands at around £9million, which would be one of the highest release clauses for a manager in history if it was to be activated - and a major reason for the club liking him is his long-standing relationship with Tottenham technical director, Johan Lange.

Their returning consultant, Fabio Paratici, may also have an influence over Postecoglou's future, though any potential candidates to replace him are unknown on the Italian's behalf if they wish to make a change.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Thomas Frank has won 132 of his 317 games in charge of Brentford.

With Frank having excelled in west London for the past seven seasons, marking Brentford's first four-year stretch in the top-flight in over 90 years, it's clear that he'd be a suitable candidate in European football across the capital.

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 26-05-25.

Lionel Messi said that he and Cristiano Ronaldo "fueled each other" because both were "very competitive", and that's an understatement. The fact that not one, but two, footballing greats graced the sport simultaneously, at the peak of their powers, in the same league was just unimaginable.

Yet, here they were duelling for dominance in Spain and Europe on the club front at the height of the El Clasico rivalry. You can imagine Irving Berlin and Ethel Merman's "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" playing in the background of highlights of their meeting in October 2012, when Barca and Madrid settled on a 2-2 draw.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a 22nd-minute left-footed strike at Victor Valdes' near post before Messi said 'I can do anything better than you' and equalised with a poacher's instinct in the 30th minute.

Messi was at his genius best on the hour mark, saying 'sooner than not I'm better than you', curling a sumptuous free-kick past Iker Casillas. But, cometh the hour, cometh Ronaldo, telling his nemesis 'no you're not', slotting home a 65th-minute equaliser.

That was just one of the many times the long-time Ballon d'Or foes went to war in La Liga, and it's fair to say Spanish football hasn't quite been the same without them. The debate over who is superior will never end, and while Glenn Hoddle is a fan of both, he doesn't think they are simply the best.

Glenn Hoddle On "Phenomenon" Better Than Ronaldo And Messi

"It was fabulous to play with him"

The picture of Messi lifting the World Cup high above his head while on Sergio Aguero's shoulders in Qatar is embedded in every football fan's memory box. Perhaps, too, is the image of Ronaldo holding the Champions League trophy while gesturing five with his hand.

Pele was the trendsetter of such pieces of art when, similarly to Messi, he held the World Cup trophy aloft in Mexico in 1970. When one thinks of Diego Maradona, they think of "the Hand of God", and England fans will never be able to escape it.

The legendary Argentine was such a sensational talent that even while bending the rules, he did it in style. But four minutes later, he was netting "the Goal of the Century", taking off on a sixty-yard run, tricking his way past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick before feinting past goalkeeper Peter Shilton and tucking home his second.

"It was the rascal in him that did that. Then the second goal was out of this world. In many ways that summed up Diego. The first with the rascal and then the genius with that goal" - Glenn Hoddle (via Mail Sport).

Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory at the age of 25 in 1986 with one of many performances that put him in a league of his own. When El Pibe de Oro got on the ball, magic happened, dazzling with his dribbling, showing off in an era when nobody could come close to him.

"For me, he was the best player on the planet at the time and the best I have ever seen - even better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi." - Hoddle (via Standard Sport).

Maradona's talent was obvious when he arrived in Europe with Barcelona in 1982, but it was at Napoli that his star shone brightest. He starred in two Serie A title-winning seasons alongside battling the best on the international front, including Hoddle, who played defensive midfield for England in that famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City.

Football fans always ask how the late Argentine hero would have fared in the modern era. Hoddle thinks he'd have had no problem:

"What he could do on these pitches now would be phenomenal, and with the rules as well. So yeah, it has got to be Maradona (the best of all-time)."

GIVEMESPORT Key Achievement: Diego Maradona was named FIFA Player of the Century in 1995.

The only time Hoddle played alongside Maradona was in his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Ossie Ardiles' testimonial in 1986. They were part of a star-studded midfield that also included Chris Waddle and Ardiles.

"That night at White Hart Lane for Ossie's testimonial, it was fabulous to play with him. As soon as we got on the pitch, we just gelled. It was an incredible evening and I loved every minute of it."

Maradona passed away on October 30, 1960, after suffering a heart attack. The football world collectively mourned the loss of a cornerstone of the sport whose legacy will never die, and fans were gifted Messi's 2022 World Cup heroics, which seemed to be passed down from the hand of Argentina's God.

Spurs Were In For Maradona

"There was a possibility of bringing Diego to the club"

Maradona at the lane was nearly a regular occurrence in the mid-nineties when Ardiles tried bringing his compatriot to North London. After retiring, the Spurs hero, who scored 25 goals in 311 appearances for the club, moved into management and took charge of the Lilywhites in 1993.

Ardiles' former international teammate was weighing up his future after leaving Sevilla amid issues with the Spanish club. There was a chance of him arriving in the Premier League but off-the-field problems took hold:

"Yes. As a manger [of Tottenham] there was a possibility of bringing Diego to the club, yes. But Diego, at the time, was in a very bad state himself." Ardiles told MailSport.

He added:

"In 1992 he went to Sevilla in Spain but before he had serious problems in Italy at Napoli with so many people. At the end of the day I imagined him coming here, to England, and because of his history, I put everything into balance and I thought it would be far too much for Diego.'?"

Ardiles said Maradona "would have loved to have come and play here at Tottenham", but English fans sadly never got to see him in the top-flight. A move to White Hart Lane may not have been his first choice, as he had revealed his long-term admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - correct as of 24.05.2025

After a turbulent Premier League season that saw Tottenham Hotspur finish just outside the relegation zone in the Premier League, the north London club's Europa League triumph has secured a spot in next season's Champions League.

As manager Ange Postecoglou prepares for the challenges ahead, bolstering the attacking lineup becomes imperative. While Dominic Solanke was brought in last summer for a substantial fee of £55m, potentially rising to £65m, Spurs might be looking to add a little more firepower.

Solanke's first season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yielded 16 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances, which might not be enough for a side looking to compete in the Champions League.

Tottenham Should Sign Sesko as Solanke Upgrade

They need more firepower for the Champions League

Reports have suggested that RB Leipzig striker Sesko has been identified as a top target ahead of the summer transfer window. The Bundesliga star has shown he's capable of scoring regularly in the Champions League, something Postecoglou's side will need heading into next term.

In the Champions League this season, Sesko, described as 'incredible', struck four times in six starts for Leipzig. Solanke is a proven goalscorer at Premier League level, but he doesn't have the European credentials that Sesko has. The Slovenian forward is still only 21 years old, and there's an argument to suggest that he would be an upgrade on Solanke while also being yet to reach his full potential.

RB Leipzig failed to qualify for next season's Champions League, and reports suggest that a deal with Tottenham could advance, with Sesko wanting to play in Europe's elite club competition.

Tottenham Need Attacking Depth Regardless

Richarlison has struggled with injuries

Solanke is likely to remain at Spurs, considering he's only recently joined the club, but Tottenham could need further depth in attack regardless. Richarlison is one of few players who are comfortable in a centre-forward role at Tottenham, but he's only made four Premier League starts this season due to regular injuries.

Adding a player of Sesko's calibre could provide huge competition for Solanke. Postecoglou, if he remains in charge, will need to heavily rotate his side if they want to compete across all competitions next term, so being able to utilise Sesko or Solanke will be hugely beneficial.

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Thomas Frank has appeared to shoot down any rumours over his future and a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to Brentford fan and sports presenter Natalie Sawyer - with a cryptic text message between the two hinting that he will stay in west London.

Frank has had yet another stellar season in the capital, recording a second top-half finish from four full campaigns in the top-flight and coming close to Conference League qualification once again. With stars such as Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and more shining throughout the campaign, it's seen the Bees in a good light though that has led to speculation over Frank's future.

Natalie Sawyer Reveals Thomas Frank Brentford Text

The Bees boss has been an incredible servant and could continue his spell

The Dane has been linked with the Tottenham job after the north London outfit finished 17th in the league, seeing Ange Postecoglou come under serious pressure to keep his job, in which he has taken the pressure off by winning the Europa League trophy to end a 17-year wait for honours.

Stellar campaigns on one of the smallest wage budgets in the league, alongside progressing cheap stars into talents with huge transfer price tags such as Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Mbeumo and David Raya amongst others, put him firmly in the conversation to join a bigger club and repeat that process on a larger fiscal scale.

But Sawyer, a lifelong Brentford fan, has revealed a series of texts between herself and the Danish gaffer - with the 51-year-old hinting that he could stay at the Gtech Community Stadium beyond next season despite links to replace Postecoglou in the off-season. Sawyer said, via talkSPORT:

"All I'm going to say is, I exchanged a little message with Thomas yesterday and this is what he said.

"I said, 'Well done on the season', because it has been a good season.

"He said, 'Enjoy the summer and soon we go again.'"

"Frank also put a bee emoji at the end of his message."

It's another blow for Tottenham after Marco Silva confirmed he would be staying at Fulham - but elsewhere in west London, Frank's record at Brentford makes him the most successful manager in their post-war history in terms of time spent at the top table - and rightly so, other clubs have been sniffing around his signature, seeing him labelled as 'exceptional' in the process.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Thomas Frank has won 132 of his 317 games in charge of Brentford.

A pragmatic style of play shows tactical flexibility, and although former Celtic boss Postecoglou won the Europa League, Frank's ability to approach games in a different tactical manner is impressive and could benefit Spurs if he was to make the move.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 25-05-25.

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to make an announcement on boss Ange Postecoglou's future before he goes on holiday today, GMS understands.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is emerging as a contender to replace the Greek-Australian tactician if a change is made, while Marco Silva publicly stated he will stay in the Fulham hot-seat following their 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

Levy Still to Make Final Postecoglou Decision

Spurs ended season one place above Premier League drop zone

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is still deciding whether to part ways with Postecoglou after Spurs' Europa League final win over Manchester United last week, which secured Champions League football.

Frank has a release clause in his Brentford contract in the region of £9million. The Dane also has a long-standing relationship with the north Londoners' technical director Johan Lange. It is unclear how much influence consultant Fabio Paratici will have over Postecoglou’s future and any potential candidates to replace him should a change be made.

Tottenham's 4-1 loss at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday saw them finish just one place above the Premier League's relegation zone, having been defeated in 22 of their 38 Premier League games. No team had previously lost that many games and survived.

Now known to many as a well-respected pundit, Gary Lineker has been involved with football for well over four decades across every level. A striker, Lineker began his career with hometown club Leicester City, debuting in 1978 and spending seven years with the club, finishing as the top scorer of the First Division in his final season.

In 1985, Lineker’s form earned him a move to defending champions Everton, though Lineker would only spend one season at Goodison Park in which the Toffees finished second in the league. Lineker was on the move once more in 1986, joining Barcelona as Everton, cruelly, won the First Division again in their first season without the Englishman.

Lineker spent three years at Barcelona, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and Copa del Rey. According to Transfermarkt, of the 11 English players who have featured for Barcelona, Lineker remains the most recent. In 1989, Lineker returned to England, joining Tottenham Hotspur and winning his only major trophy in England, the FA Cup, in 1991. Lineker moved to Japan the following year and retired in 1994.

Be it as a player or as a pundit since retirement, Lineker has seen some incredible players across his career. Back in 2023, speaking to The Mirror, Lineker named his ideal five-a-side team and in doing so, revealed which British players he had seen that he thought were the best ever.

‘The Two Best British Players’

Lineker full of praise for two legends

While putting together his five-a-side team, Lineker named himself, legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton and former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender Paul McGrath. To support him in attack, Lineker added Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish and Gareth Bale, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, a winger often considered one of his generation’s best.

In discussing the pair, Lineker said:

"I'm going to pick Kenny Dalglish to play up front with me. Him and Gareth Bale, for me, are probably the two best British players in my lifetime. Dalglish was incredible. He was one of the reasons Ian Rush scored so many goals."

Starting his career as a left-back with Southampton, Bale’s career started to ascend after he was transitioned into a winger at Tottenham under Harry Redknapp. The Welshman’s form earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2013 for what was, at the time, a world-record transfer fee.

Bale would spend eight years in Spain, returning to Spurs on loan for the 2020/21 season, and in that time won numerous honours with Real. He won three La Liga titles but more impressively, five Champions Leagues. The winger, in 2018, scored one of the greatest Champions League final goals of all time against Liverpool. In 2023, after six months at Los Angeles FC, Bale retired at 33 years old.

Dalglish meanwhile, played for just two clubs across 21 years, debuting for Celtic in 1969. After eight years, the Scot moved south of the border to join Liverpool, where he spent the remaining 13 years of his career. As a player, under the guidance of first Bob Paisley, then Joe Fagan, Dalglish won three European Cups and five First Division titles. The forward played with some exceptional players at Anfield, such as the aforementioned Ian Rush.

In 1985, Dalglish became player-manager after Fagan retired. Spending five years in the role and six as Liverpool manager overall, Dalglish won three further league titles and two FA Cups. Dalglish would enjoy further success as a manager in the 1990s, but remains regarded as one of the best Liverpool players ever.

Lineker’s description of the pair is of course opinionated, but a statement that many would read and agree with, such was the quality of both Dalglish and Bale as players.