GiveMeSport

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for Crystal Palace's FA Cup final hero Eberechi Eze.

Eze enjoyed the best day of his career on Saturday (May 17) when his excellent first-half strike secured the cup for the Eagles. It was the latest of many eye-catching displays from the England international this season, and they haven't gone unnoticed.

The Sun reports that Tottenham, Arsenal, and City, against whom he netted the winner, are all eyeing the 26-year-old with two years left on his contract. He's been at Selhurst Park since the summer of 2020, and while Palace have now qualified for the Europa League, he is "determined to play Champions League football".

Tottenham Frontrunners For Eze

The Lilywhites have a "strong advantage"

Tottenham appear to be in the strongest position to sign Eze this summer, although that might rest on how they fare in the Europa League final against Manchester United (May 21). A win secures Champions League football next season but a defeat means no European football altogether.

The Lilywhites, the Gunners, and the Cityzens have all expressed interest in one of the England squad that finished runners up at Euro 2024 last year. GIVEMESPORT sources indicated last month that club officials have privately accepted that Eze and Marc Guehi are likely to move this summer, and their FA Cup heroics only further increase their stock.

Eze is believed to have a £68m release clause in his contract, and the Eagles will have no say if this is triggered. The club's chairman, Steve Parish, was "shocked" at the lack of interest in the player last summer, but that will likely not be the case this time amid "absolute magic" he's produced this term.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Eberechi Eze is on the best goalscoring run of his career with four in four after his winner against Man City.

Spurs are set for a rebuild, and that's likely to come under a new manager even if Ange Postecoglou guides his men to Europa League glory. His attack has been a problem throughout the campaign, and Eze could be viewed as a long-term replacement for James Maddison.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 18.05.2025.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, according to Santi Aouna of FootMercato.

It has been a disappointing season domestically for Spurs, one that has seen them lose 20 Premier League games at the time of writing. Were it not for the bottom three, who have already been condemned to the drop, Spurs would be in a genuine relegation battle, something which would’ve been unthinkable at the season’s opening.

Such form, along with exits from both domestic cups, has seen pressure mount on manager Ange Postecoglou as the season has progressed. His only saving grace thus far has been the Europa League, in which Spurs have played like a different side compared to their Premier League form.

Spurs are set to play Manchester United in the Europa League final as they hope to end their 17-year trophy drought. Unsurprisingly, however, eyes are already on the upcoming summer transfer window and it appears that the Lilywhites are keen to reinforce their attacking options.

Sane Offered To Spurs

Winger set to depart Bayern Munich

FootMercato’s Santi Aouna has reported that Leroy Sane has been “proposed to many clubs in the United Kingdom,” including Tottenham Hotspur. Though the winger had agreed terms with Bayern on a new contract, there has since been a u-turn, with no extension yet agreed. Given there is such a disparity between what both parties want, a departure is expected. Bayern, in fact, want an answer from Sane's camp about his future "before the end of the week."

Sane, who earns £325,000 per week according to Capology, has been with Bayern for five years at the time of writing, having moved to Bavaria from Manchester City back in 2020. The summer signing of Michael Olise, and the form he would go on to showcase, has only given Sane further competition at Munich, along with the likes of Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry.

In Tottenham, Sane would be moving to a club that are not only in the Premier League, a division he knows well, but one that needs some depth out wide, with it looking unlikely that Spurs sign Timo Werner on a permanent basis.

Spurs may find that Champions League qualification, should they win the Europa League, would offer them a major advantage in the race for the signature of Sane, who has been described as "world-class" by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. In Sane, the North London side would be signing a brilliant winger, when fit, within the prime years of his career.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was spotted 'in tears' after the final whistle following the Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night.

With Unai Emery's men well in the hunt for Champions League football, the Villans picked up a vital win against Spurs. Goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara in the second half were enough to give the home team all three points.

This was Villa's last home game of the season, and goalkeeper Martinez was spotted crying on the pitch after the final whistle.

Martinez in Tears at Villa Park

'It looked like he was saying his farewell'

Journalist Charlie Haffenden has given his theory behind the tears, taking to social media to write:

"Emiliano Martinez was in tears for several minutes after full time, appearing to try and drink in every moment of the Villa Park atmosphere. To me, it looked like he was saying his farewell."

Journalist John Townley also picked up on the incident, writing: "Emi Martinez appeared particularly emotional after Aston Villa's final home game of the season, spending a few moments taking it all in and wiping his eyes before heading down the tunnel."

Sportsbeat's James Toney added: "A jumping Villa Park goes a little flat as Emi Martinez leaves the pitch in tears. Say. It. Ain't. So."

Martinez Linked With Saudi Move

Joan Garcia Targeted as replacement

According to recent reports, Villa are "ready to sell" Martinez with the Argentine goalkeeper linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Villa hold a strong relationship following Jhon Duran's £64m move to Al-Nassr in January, so a deal may well be struck.

Espanyol's Joan Garcia appears to be the club's number one choice to replace Martinez but they face stiff competition from Arsenal. The Spaniard has a £21m release clause in his contract, which the La Liga outfit are reportedly prepared to negotiate.

In light of recent events, it does seem quite likely that the Argentine leaves in the summer.

Glenn Hoddle is one of British football's greatest minds. Uncharacteristically technical and creative for an English midfielder in the 1980s, Hoddle's genius made him almost untrustworthy for rudimentary Three Lions managers, who often overlooked him in favour of more dynamic and combative central midfielders.

As a manager himself, he brought some truly innovative ideas to the England national team. But his methods split opinion among players and pundits, and his spell as Three Lions boss would end in off-pitch controversy.

Nonetheless, Hoddle was considered to be ahead of his time both as a player and a manager, and remains highly regarded for his footballing intelligence and understanding of the game. His views on the sport itself are, therefore, always worthy of listening to.

Back in 2022, the Tottenham legend told Football Ramble the three greatest players he ever shared a pitch with - this was his response.

Johan Cruyff

When they shared a pitch: Cruyff spent the final season of his career at Feyernood, having been angered by Ajax's decision not to offer him a new contract, and showed up his former club by winning the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup. However, Feyernood would come unstuck against Tottenham in Europe and lost 6-2 on aggregate in the second round of the UEFA Cup. Cruyff scored at White Hart Lane, while Hoddle got three assists across both legs and described his performance as one of his 'best ever' for Spurs.

What Hoddle said about Cryuff: "Cruyff was a special player. He was, for a short period of time, the best in the world... If you've got a skill named after you, the Cruyff turn, then you've done something great. You deserve to be in my top three... When he did the turn, I fell off the sofa. I remember I said to my dad 'what did he do there?'. The Cruyff skill isn't actually that difficult, but it had never been done before... After the game I went into the garden and continued to do it, left and right."

Diego Maradona

Hoddle's GOAT

When they shared a pitch: Hoddle was on the pitch during the game that defined Maradona's legacy - Argentina's 2-1 victory over England at the 1986 World Cup. Maradona scored arguably the greatest goal of all time followed by the most controversial goal of all time in a matter of minutes, illustrating the duality of one of the greatest players of all time. Hoddle also played with Maradona in midfield during Ossie Ardiles' testimonial, during which the legendary attacker famously wore a Tottenham kit.

What Hoddle said about Maradona: "For me, he was the best player that's hit the planet. Better than Pele, better than Messi or Ronaldo or anyone else... To play against him in that quarter-final was amazing. The goal he scored was incredible. What people don't realise is that the pitch was so poor. There was ruts at the bottom of the pitch and that's why they left the grass really long. To score a goal like that on that pitch was incredible... I watched him in his pomp for Napoli. I've never seen a team mark anyone with two men - Udinese marked him with two guys, followed him everywhere, tried to kick him, could not get close him. They couldn't get near him, it was amazing to watch."

George Weah

When they shared a pitch: Hoddle and Weah played alongside each other 34 times at Monaco, playing under Arsene Wenger. As a fellow English-speaker, Hoddle helped integrate Weah into the team, and although the pair never lifted silverware together, they both helped to change perceptions within the game. While Hoddle improved how English players were judged abroad by illustrating technical and creative qualities, Weah would become the first African superstar in world football, signified by his Ballon d'Or win in 1995.

Tottenham Hotspur star Mikey Moore is set to be rewarded with an improved deal after boss Ange Postecoglou and influential figures behind the scenes have decided they will not entertain the possibility of selling the Hotspur Way academy graduate to Borussia Dortmund during the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs are determined to agree fresh terms with the teenager despite the likes of Ben Davies, Fraser Forster and Sergio Reguilon - who are earning a combined total of more than £200,000-per-week - currently being on course to depart when their respective contracts expire at the end of next month.

Kevin Danso will become a permanent member of the Tottenham squad in the coming weeks, due to the north Londoners having a £20.9million obligation to buy the central defender following an initial loan switch from Lens, and there is a desire to ensure that Moore will remain among his teammates heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Moore Poised to be Rewarded With Fresh Deal

North Londoners not interested in offloading teenage talent

Tottenham are ready to hand Moore a new contract, according to GMS sources, as they are determined to prove his value to them after deciding that there is no way that they will allow him to join Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer.

The wide forward is preparing to enter the final two years of his current agreement, which allows him to pocket £5,000-per-week, resulting in Spurs being eager to give him the opportunity to commit his long-term future to the capital club as it would strengthen their position ahead of suitors attempting to enter negotiations.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are increasingly confident that Moore is happy with the career path he is on in his current surroundings and, in a fresh twist, they are putting together a new offer to extend his deal as they aim to deter Borussia Dortmund from testing their resolve with a formal bid.

The German heavyweights have added the 17-year-old to their shortlist and have also been in contact with his representatives as they aim to discover whether he would be interested in embarking on a fresh challenge at Signal Iduna Park, but Spurs are adamant that he is not for sale and will remain in north London heading into next season.

Moore is expected to agree an improved contract with Tottenham instead of seeking a move to Borussia Dortmund or another destination, GMS sources have learned, leading to Postecoglou and key decision-makers behind the scenes being hopeful that it will not be difficult to meet his demands.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mikey Moore made two clearances and won one ground duel during Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend

Spurs Aiming to Assess Moore in Pre-Season

England under-19 international will have chance to make his mark

GMS sources have been told that Moore could be on course to secure more extensive game time during the 2025/26 campaign as Tottenham are aiming to give him an opportunity to make his mark in pre-season due to their determination to assess how heavily he can be involved in the first-team.

The nine-cap England under-19 international has been described as an 'outstanding' talent by scout Jacek Kulig and, having been afforded chances to impress over the course of this term, there is a willingness to allow him to take the next step in his career by attempting to make himself one of the first names on Spurs' team sheet.

Tottenham have been putting a lot of time into Moore's development plan, GMS sources understand, and there is a belief behind the scenes that it would make no sense to allow him to join Borussia Dortmund as a key part of their recruitment strategy is to add to their homegrown members of the squad instead of sanctioning exits.

But the highly-rated youngster could be set to deal with fresh competition for first-team minutes as GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs have made fresh contact to gain more knowledge about what it would take to win the race for Lyon winger Rayan Cherki during the summer.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/05/2025

Tottenham are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in a summer move for Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.

The Lilywhites, along with West Ham, Everton and Leeds, have reportedly approached the English right-back over a return to North London once his contract at Southampton expires next month.

Walker-Peters is expected to depart Southampton amid their Premier League relegation and has yet to make a decision over his next move.

The 28-year-old spent three seasons with Spurs’ senior squad after emerging from the academy in 2017 and made 24 appearances across all competitions before joining Southampton in 2020.

Tottenham Keen on Walker-Peters’ Return

Face competition from Premier League clubs

Bailey, speaking to Leeds United News, has revealed that at least four English clubs have been in contact with Walker-Peters recently, including Tottenham:

“I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too.”

Walker-Peters has refused a contract extension from Southampton amid their relegation back to the Championship and is set to depart once his deal runs out in June.

The 28-year-old, praised as a ‘beautiful footballer’, has been a regular for the Saints this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions and providing two assists.

Tottenham are anticipating the departures of several first-team players this summer, including RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner and the likes of Ben Davies, Sergio Reguilon and Fraser Forster, who are on expiring contracts.

The Lilywhites are preparing for a busy transfer window following a dismal domestic campaign, as they are on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish, sitting 17th in the table with two games to go.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur will go head-to-head in the Premier League at Villa Park on Friday night, with both teams prioritising qualification for the Champions League to end their season.

Unai Emery's side kept their chances of a top five finish alive with a 1-0 win away at Bournemouth last time out, while Ange Postecoglou's team currently sit 17th in the table after a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace with their attention currently fully focused on the Europa League final next week.

Both sides have got some injury concerns heading into the game which will leave the managers with some big decisions to make, and this is how GIVEMEPORT expect the teams to line up.

Aston Villa Team News

Tielemans still unavailable

The Villans are still set to be without key midfielder Youri Tielemans for this game after he suffered a hamstring injury, and he may not return before the end of the season. He joins forward Marcus Rashford on the sidelines, meaning the loanee has now played his last game for the club, as he can't feature against Man Utd next week either.

Amadou Onana played well when given a start in midfield last time out and he could continue in that role, while Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings continue to compete for a spot at centre-back. Jacob Ramsey is suspended following his red card last time out.

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

“Youri [Tielemans] and Marcus [Rashford] tomorrow are not available. Ramsey is suspended. The other players are available.

"I don’t want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we’re very, very motivated. Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow...

"It’s not in our hands, but we can have some options to play Champions League again."

Aston Villa Predicted XI

Onana and Malen to start

Aston Villa Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Onana, Kamara, Malen; Rogers; Watkins.

Aston Villa Predicted Substitutes: Olsen (GK), Disasi (DEF), Pau (DEF), Maatsen (DEF), Garcia (DEF), Bogarde (MID), Barkley (MID), Bailey (FWD), Asensio (FWD),

With Ramsey suspended, Rashford injured and Marco Asensio struggling for form, Emery should bring Donyell Malen into the starting lineup for this game out wide.

That should see £335,000-a-week trio Asensio, Leon Bailey and Pau Torres benched for the crunch tie.

Tottenham Team News

Kulusevski sidelined

Spurs have been rocked by the news that influential playmaker Dejan Kulusevski has been forced to undergo knee surgery, all-but ruling him out of next week's Europa League final. He joins James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines, while Radu Dragusin is also a long-term absentee after his ACL tear.

Captain Heung-Min Son returned to action as a substitute in the last game and could get a start to get more rhythm before the final, but Postecoglou will surely be considering making big changes ahead of the game.

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

"Obviously disappointing news. Initially we thought it wasn't too serious but it blew up the day after. He's [Kulusevski] had the surgery which will put him out for at least a few months. We'll see [if he'll be back for the start of next season]. We've only got basic information at the moment.

"No, it's still the same sort of timeframe [for Bergvall]. Never long term but he's just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass but he'll likely be a while.

"He'll [Son] definitely play tomorrow. Whether he'll start or not we'll see. He reacted well to Sunday and it makes sense to get him more match minutes whether it's starting or playing half of the game.

Tottenham Predicted XI

Gray and Odobert to start

Tottenham Predicted XI: Vicario; Spence, Danso, Davies, Udogie; Gray, Sarr, Ajayi; Odobert, Son, Moore.

Tottenham Predicted Substitutes: Kinsky (GK), Porro (DEF), Romero (DEF), Van de Ven (DEF), Bissouma (MID), Bentancur (MID), Tel (FWD), Richarlison (FWD), Solanke (FWD).

Postecoglou is unlikely to risk losing any more stars for the game and should name another much-changed team, meaning players like Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert should get the nod.

That would leave big earners Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke on the bench, while academy sensations Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi could also make rare starts.

Unai Emery has warned Aston Villa that Ange Postecoglou won’t be fielding a below-strength Tottenham Hotspur side at Villa Park.

The Spaniard remains laser-focused on the job at hand and has slammed the door firmly shut on any notion of a walkover.

The Premier League brought forward this fixture from Sunday to allow the North Londoners extra time to prepare for their Europa League final against Manchester United next Wednesday.

Emery Expecting Tottenham to Take Friday Fixture Seriously

Tottenham are just days away from a Europa League final

The world of football has this marked down as a ‘home win’ given Villa’s desperate need for three points to continue their push towards a second successive Champions League qualification. But Emery is not so sure.

Rather than field a weakened team, he believes that his Australian counterpart will be taking it more seriously.

I think they are going to play with better players - they are going to try to compete and get their best performances to be ready for the final.

Each match in the Premier League is always important for the supporters.

I think they will go with their best players, maybe some who are coming back after injury.

But my expectation is they will play with the starting players who are fit for the final and because they respect the Premier League, it will be their approach.

Emery was on high alert ahead of the game.

He is experienced enough to appreciate the context and his message was that Spurs would be armed and dangerous.

Villa came a cropper in the same fixture last season. Both clubs were pushing for the top four - but the hosts were on the wrong end of a four-goal drubbing.

Villa’s boss added: “I respect them a lot. I have massive respect for Tottenham - the players, the coach.

“Last year, he was doing a fantastic job.

“This year, they are not being consistent for different reasons - but analysing them in the Europa League, they are doing really well.”

Emery Set to Take Charge of 100th Aston Villa Match

The Spaniard will want to mark it with a win

This will be Emery’s 100th match in charge of Villa.

He started with a bang in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. That season, Villa qualified for Europe.

He then bettered that by reaching the Champions League - breaking a club record for successive home victories in the Premier League.

Asked to look back on his favourite moments, Emery said:

It’s difficult to select one because we are building and moving forward.

I can remember the first match here against Manchester United…the one against Brighton we won to reach the Europa Conference League.

Then when we beat Brighton 6-1 and Arsenal at the Emirates last year - that was a key match for us to get into a Champions League position.

We won 14, 15, 16 matches in a row. That was really fantastic.

Emery continued: “But sometimes losing as well. We lost three in a row - Arsenal 4-2, Manchester City away 3-1, Leicester at home 4-2.

“At that moment, it was important how we reacted, how we met with the players at the training ground to speak about change.

“We were wrong tactically.

“But I’m excited to add more moments - good moments, hopefully like against Tottenham.

“For the way we are doing it together, for the Villa fans, the workers, the players, the coaches - and for you, the journalists as well

“I want you all to enjoy the moment we are having.”

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy wants to keep Mathys Tel at the club on a permanent basis, according to Sport Witness.

It has been a polarising season for Spurs. Domestically, the club have endured a turgid campaign, one that has seen them lose 20 Premier League games at the time of writing. Were it not for the already-relegated bottom three, then Spurs would be in a genuine relegation battle, almost unthinkable for a team of their stature.

Such league form, combined with exits from both domestic cups, has seen pressure build on manager Ange Postecoglou as the season has gone on. The Australian’s only saving grace has been the Europa League, the final of which Spurs will play in against Manchester United to try and end their near-20 year trophy drought.

Injuries across the campaign have only highlighted Spurs’ need for reinforcements in the summer transfer window, though it would seem that the Lilywhites are keen to keep a player that is theirs already on a permanent basis.

Spurs Want to Keep Tel

Negotiations would be needed

Reported by Sport Witness as per SportBILD, Spurs want to sign Mathys Tel on a permanent basis. The attacker moved to North London in the January transfer window on loan from Bayern Munich and Spurs negotiated an option to buy the player in the summer. This fee is thought to have been around £50.5 million, though this is something that Spurs want to lower.

Though Tel has struggled for consistency in his time at Spurs thus far, it is worth considering that he has started just 12 of the 18 games in which he has featured. Not only that, but Tel is still a young player and has shown glimpses of the player that he could become in time for the Lilywhites.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is clearly not keen on Tel, who has been called "unbelievable" by Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, and would seemingly be content allowing the Frenchman to depart permanently, which may assist Spurs as they look to pay less for a player that, should he reach his potential, could be a brilliant part of Tottenham’s attacking line.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.

Manchester United could be set to steal another north London talent this summer, according to reports - with Red Devils chiefs keen on landing Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dexter Oliver to bolster their youth ranks for future success.

Ruben Amorim will be focusing mainly on signing talent for his first-team squad after a shambolic campaign on domestic soil for the Red Devils, but new owners INEOS have strengthened their youth ranks in recent times - and there may be no stopping there, with Oliver in their sights ahead of a potential move to the north-west of England.

Report: Man Utd 'Attempting' to Land Dexter Oliver

The young talent has been magnificent for Tottenham so far

The report by Tottenham account, Lilywhite Rose, on X (formerly Twitter) states that Oliver is set to leave the north London club - with United attempting to sign him.

Oliver has yet to sign the two-year scholarship offer that Tottenham have issued him, and having signed with agency Roc Nation Sports in March, that could prompt his move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with United hot on his trail.

United have made a concerted effort to land more talent from Premier League rivals in recent times - exemplified by Arsenal duo Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi-Martin both featuring in their first-team since their moves from north London. With Harry Amass beginning to feature regularly in the senior squad, Oliver could be next on that list, having been named 'exciting' earlier this season.

The Spurs prodigy has featured in two FA Youth Cup games for Tottenham, alongside seven under-18 Premier League games, registering two assists in the process - and although Oliver looks to be a while off of first-team football, United could look to take advantage of his delay in signing a professional deal to bring him up north and join their Carrington ranks, though rivals Manchester City are also after him.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: This will be Manchester United's worst-ever Premier League season, having broken their own record last season in 8th. The highest they can finish this season is 13th.

Oliver is primarily a striker, featuring in a central role, though he can play across the front three and in midfield. He scored a brace against Derby County in the under-17 Premier League Cup semi-final back in February, with Spurs winning 5-0 - and the young side went on to hoist the trophy last month with a win over Charlton Athletic, with Oliver being labelled as a 'top prospect' as a result.

Statistics courtesy of Fastscore. Correct as of 15-05-25.