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Burnley star Maxime Esteve has revealed his desire to play for a 'top six' Premier League club after setting defensive records galore in the Championship this season - before detailing his fondness for Tottenham Hotspur, admiring both club legend Gareth Bale and current centre-back star Micky van de Ven.

Esteve started every game for a Burnley side that reached 100 points in the second-tier this season, obliterating the previous Championship record of just 30 goals conceded in an entire campaign by teaming up with England goalkeeper James Trafford and under-21 defender CJ Egan-Riley to let just 16 goals past htem all season - and his 'ridiculous' performances have garnered interest from the Premier League.

The Clarets man was subject of a bid from Spurs in January, though Burnley turned it down amid their title push - and having also been linked with Everton and West Ham United in recent weeks, the former Montpellier man has told of his desire to play for the biggest clubs in the country. Speaking to Footmercato, the Frenchman said:

“When I was young, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. I watched basically just that on the TV. My dream is to play for a top-six team in England. I wouldn’t say there is any club in particular but my dream is to go there.

“My favourite player [when I was young] was Gareth Bale when he was playing at Tottenham because when I was younger, I was a left-winger and a left-back.

There is a player that I like a lot in the Premier League that not everyone talks about – Micky van de Ven. He is very quick and I like him a lot because I think that I have the same speedy qualities, even if he is a lot quicker. I’m inspired by him because he is a player who is of a similar profile to me."

AC Milan were also credited with wanting the speedy Frenchman, who turned down the chance to play in France's Olympics squad to focus on his club endeavours last summer.

Paul Merson is an Arsenal legend and did some wonderful things during his time playing for the Gunners. The Englishman spent the first 12 years of his career playing for the team and won a handful of trophies, including two league titles and an FA Cup for his troubles. He made 423 appearances in total for the club and scored 99 goals in the process.

He's beloved by the Arsenal faithful, so, when quizzed about the best English footballers of all-time, no one would expect him to do the unthinkable and name someone who played for the club's greatest rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. That's exactly what he did, though, in a move that's sure to upset some Gunners fans.

Merson Named Paul Gascoigne the Greatest English Player Ever

The former midfielder spent a large chunk of his career with Spurs

Over the course of his career, Merson played with some incredible Englishman, both in the national team and at club level. One man stood out among them all, though, and it was Paul Gascoigne. The former midfielder spent time at Tottenham, Arsenal's biggest rivals, but that wasn't enough to deter Merson from naming him the greatest English player ever. He was a maverick, a character unlike any other that's been seen in football before or since he hung up his boots.

He was capable of doing things no one else could when he had the ball at his feet and Merson was a big fan of Gascoigne. During an interview with FourFourTwo, the former Arsenal man was tasked with putting together an XI of his greatest teammates ever and when it came to the midfield, he selected the now 57-year-old. He went one more than just naming him as one of his best teammates, though. He described him as the greatest English player ever.

Speaking to FourFourTwo about Gascoigne, Merson said:

"The best English footballer I’ve ever seen. To have played with Gazza, as I did for England and Middlesbrough, was to really know how amazing he was. The things he could do with a football would just make you smile. He was my housemate at Boro and it got a bit mad. He was coming to the end of his career then, but his skills were still mental."

During his time in the England national team, Gascoigne played 57 times and scored 10 goals for the Three Lions, but his impact stretched beyond just finding the back of the net. He also had nine assists with the national team and at club level, he was just as good if not better. He's regarded as one of the best footballers to never win the Premier League title and while issues at the end of his career slowed him down, there's no denying how special Gascoigne was and how justified Merson is in his opinion.

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero could be on his way out of north London in the summer, according to reports from Spain - with Atletico Madrid supposedly agreeing a five-year contract on personal terms with the Argentine star ahead of a potential summer move that would see him move to the Metropolitano Stadium.

The La Liga giants are set to undergo a period of 'intense activity' in the summer months, with Diego Simeone aiming to strengthen several positions in his squad on the pitch, with the hope of taking a step forward in the Spanish top-flight and the Champions League - and they could take from Tottenham in the process to give Ange Postecoglou a summer headache.

Report: Atletico Agree Personal Terms with Cristian Romero

The Spanish giants are aiming to bolster their ranks in hopes of a title challenge

The report by Spanish outlet Fichajes states that Romero is 'probably' into the final months of his Tottenham career, and he's become a priority signing for several top teams - including Atletico. Club chiefs are working against the clock to ensure that signings live up to Simeone's demands - and a centre-back is high on his priority list, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Clement Lenglet set to depart in the summer.

As a result, Simeone's main target is Romero. The defender believes his time in London is over, and he's ready to take on a new challenge in his career, fitting perfectly into Romero's mantra, with Simeone set to earmark the star - who has been dubbed as 'world-class' - to lead their defence for the coming years.

Spanish journalist Ruben Uria previously stated that Romero has given his approval to Atletico and has reached an agreement for a five-year deal, with the option to extend for a sixth year - a move that represents 'significant progress', though the clubs must still come to an agreement for the former Juventus star.

Spurs value Romero at £50million, which Atletico consider high, with the La Liga outfit only willing to offer around £34million, which could complicate talks despite both parties being open to reaching an agreement.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Cristian Romero has three goals in 42 caps for Argentina.

There haven't been any formal negotiations, but progress is expected in the coming days - and fans are confident that the club will be able to land the World Cup winner to appease Simeone.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 06-05-25.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on winning the race to recruit Liam Delap and influential figures at Hotspur Way are preparing to enter discussions for the Ipswich Town star when the transfer window reopens for business during the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Although Spurs improved their attacking options with the £65million acquisition of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in August, making him the most expensive arrival in the north Londoners' history, boss Ange Postecoglou is aiming to secure fresh competition in the final third of the pitch.

Kevin Danso will become a permanent member of Tottenham's squad in the coming weeks, due to there being a £20.9million obligation to buy the central defender at the end of his initial loan spell from Lens, and the Europa League semi-finalists are aiming to come out on top in the battle to land Delap.

Spurs Set Sights on Tabling Bid to Land Delap

North Londoners aiming to overcome competition for frontman

Tottenham are planning to make an offer to sign Delap this summer, according to GMS sources, and there is confidence behind the scenes that there is a serious possibility that they will secure his services despite facing competition from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham United.

The striker will be available for £30million when the transfer window reopens, thanks to his release clause becoming active after Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed, and Spurs are aiming to take advantage of the situation by handing him an exit route out of Portman Road.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham see Delap as a bargain option, having shown throughout the campaign that he is capable of causing problems for Premier League defenders, and there is a sense within the recruitment department that it would be an oversight not to attempt to turn his head.

Although the north Londoners are seeing the England under-21 international as the best value option on the market at a time when they want to bring in additional firepower, he is expected to ask for a pay package worth up to £150,000-per-week when he enters conversations with suitors.

Delap's top flight experience, age profile and the fact he is homegrown are all assets that have led to him finding himself near the top of Tottenham's shortlist of targets, GMS sources have learned, while uncertainty over Richarlison's long-term future has resulted in there being determination to hand Solanke fresh competition for a regular starting berth.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Liam Delap registered five shots, won two aerial duels and struck the woodwork during Ipswich Town's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February

Postecoglou Earmarking Alternatives to Delap

Tactician not restricting search to England under-21 international

GMS sources have been told that Lille's soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David, Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani and fellow Allianz Stadium frontman Dusan Vlahovic are also on Tottenham's radar, highlighting that Postecoglou is keeping his options open despite pinpointing Delap as a serious target.

Although the 22-year-old has been described as 'phenomenal' by Ipswich teammate Jens Cajuste, Spurs' awareness that they will face competition from Premier League rivals for his signature when making a pitch to convince him to embark on a fresh challenge has resulted in there being an eagerness to assess other marksmen.

Tottenham are also intending sign Mathys Tel on a permanent basis from Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich at a lower price than the £45million option to buy, GMS sources have learned, but Delap has been earmarked as a potential fresh face to head to the capital ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Spurs are desperate to bring in further ammunition, leading to GMS sources recently revealing that the north Londoners are the frontrunners to land Victor Boniface if he chooses to move to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen, and they are particularly keen to reach an agreement for a target who represents good value for money.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 06/05/2025

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a ‘huge’ contract offer for Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, according to InterLive.

The Lilywhites have reportedly identified the Italian tactician as their ‘ideal’ replacement for Ange Postecoglou and are ready to offer him a ‘top manager’s salary’ to convince him to move to North London.

Inzaghi’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2026, and while there has been speculation over a renewal, InterLive suggest a potential farewell may be on the cards for the 49-year-old coach.

Inzaghi has no shortage of admirers in the Premier League and was linked with the Manchester United job earlier this season, before they appointed Ruben Amorim on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Tottenham Want to Appoint Simone Inzaghi

Spurs’ pursuit of the Italian coach ‘getting hotter’

According to InterLive, Tottenham’s interest in Inzaghi is ‘getting hotter’ as the summer transfer window approaches, with the club continuing their search for Postecoglou’s successor.

The Australian tactician is set to leave Spurs regardless of whether they qualify for next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League, with their dismal domestic campaign a particular point of concern.

Tottenham are now heading for their worst finish in Premier League history as they sit 16th in the table with three games remaining, having won just once in their last nine matches.

The Lilywhites have never finished outside the top 15 since the competition’s inception in 1992/93.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tottenham have won just 11 of their 35 league games this season.

Inzaghi, praised as 'one of the best coaches in Europe', could still lead Inter to a double this season as the Nerazzurri are second in Serie A with three games to play, three points behind leaders Napoli.

Inter also face Barcelona at home in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday and remain hopeful of reaching the final after an entertaining 3-3 draw in the first leg.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero’s camp has given reassurances to Atletico Madrid that they will push for his North London departure this summer, according to Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness).

The Argentine international has emerged as a priority centre-back target for Diego Simeone ahead of the upcoming transfer window and could be on his way out of Spurs after three seasons in the Premier League.

AS claim Romero’s camp have told Atletico that the 27-year-old ‘will do his part’ to push for a move to the Wanda Metropolitano, as difficult negotiations are anticipated between the two clubs.

Tottenham are reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £45million for the ‘world-class’ defender, who is set to enter the final two years of his £165,000-per-week contract.

Cristian Romero Wants Atletico Madrid Move

Set to push for Tottenham departure this summer

According to AS, Atletico are likely to need two central defenders in the summer window and Romero is Simeone’s first-choice target to bolster his Wanda Metropolitano backline.

The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the world during his three years in North London and would be a major boost to Atletico’s ageing defence.

Los Colchoneros are set to part ways with veterans Axel Witsel and Cesar Azpilicueta when their contracts expire at the end of the season, while Clement Lenglet is due to return to Barcelona once his loan finishes.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Romero has scored one goal in 18 Premier League appearances for Spurs this season.

Tottenham are expected to resolve manager Ange Postecoglou’s future before making any moves in the player market, as the Australian could depart amid a dismal domestic campaign.

Spurs currently sit 16th in the table with three games remaining and are on course for their worst Premier League finish ever, having never ended a season outside the top 15 since the competition’s inception in 1992/93.

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Tottenham Hotspur could make a shock move to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst in the summer transfer window, according to reports - with Daniel Levy keen to beat other clubs to the signing of the 'bonafide goal-getter' in the coming months.

Kleindienst began his career in the lower leagues of Germany, and, after a failed move to Belgium, got his Bundesliga break in 2023 - and he hasn't looked back since, with goals galore in the top-flight and four goals in six caps for Germany's national team. That could lead Tottenham to his signing - and they are thought to be willing to pay big money to land the 6ft 4in forward.

Report: Tottenham 'Monitoring' Move for Tim Kleindienst

Kleindienst has been on fire for Borussia Monchengladbach this season

The report by CaughtOffside states that Tottenham are monitoring the situation of Monchengladbach striker Kleindienst ahead of a potential summer move for his services.

The German outfit might have to sell Kleindienst if they don't qualify for European competitions this season, and given that they are five points from the Europa Conference League spots with just two games to go, it's looking increasingly unlikely that Borussia-Park will see continental football next season.

With that in mind, CaughtOffside sources have stated that Premier League clubs are ready to pay up to €35million (£30million) for the German striker.

The 29-year-old, who notched 12 goals for FC Heidenheim last season before moving to Gladbach, has 16 in the Bundesliga this season - bettered only by Patrik Schick, Serhou Guirassy and top scorer Harry Kane - and so his price tag is considered 'reasonable', given his form and output.

Spurs signed Dominic Solanke at the start of the season, but injury woes have somewhat plagued his ability to show consistent form - and more support is needed in their forward ranks to support Ange Postecoglou, or whoever their new manager may be next season if he is sacked.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Tim Kleindienst scored in both of Germany's games against Italy in the Nations League back in March.

Kleindienst could be the remedy to that, with 10 assists to add to his 16 goals, and he could hit the ground running given that he's at his peak - and although it's been a disappointing season for Spurs, additions could propel them back to their previous levels such as last season, where they finished fifth in the Premier League.

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

Should Ange Postecoglou be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur, then Fulham boss Marco Silva would be open to taking the job, according to Football Insider.

It has been a disappointing season for Spurs. While they have been ravaged by injury for much of the campaign, their position of 17th in the Premier League at the time of writing would not have been predicted regardless of how many players spent some time on the sidelines.

Spurs’ poor league form, combined with exits from both domestic cups, has seen pressure on Postecoglou rise as the season has gone on. It is unclear whether the Australian will still be in North London for the new season and in spite of all that, he could still end the near 20-year trophy drought that Spurs have been through.

Having beaten Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, Spurs are halfway to the final which could see them finally win a piece of major silverware once again. Regardless of that, Postecoglou’s future is still unclear. If anything, their Europa League push is probably the reason he has not already been sacked.

As such, Spurs are reportedly looking into managerial alternatives and it would seem that one of their targets would be open to joining.

Silva Would Go To Spurs

Fulham boss has impressed the Lilywhites

As per Football Insider, Marco Silva would be “open to taking over at Tottenham” in the summer should Postecoglou be dismissed. No stranger to English football, Silva worked at Hull City, Watford and Everton in the late 2010s, though struggled to find form with any of those clubs.

In 2021, Fulham decided to appoint Silva to replace Scott Parker. With the club in the Championship at the time, Silva guided them to an immediate return to the top flight in his debut season and since then, has finally established himself in the Premier League with his work at Craven Cottage. Silva has been called a "genius" for what he has done with Fulham in the top flight.

Under Silva’s guidance, Fulham have cemented themselves in the first tier and the 2024/25 season has seen them make a push for European football, such is the turnaround that Silva has overseen with the Cottagers.

Spurs’ interest in the Portuguese is more than understandable given what he has done with Fulham. Not only that, but Premier League experience can be hard to find in managers and will surely be something that the Spurs ownership appreciate.

Whether Spurs can, in fact, convince Silva into moving to North London remains to be seen, but it would be a brilliant managerial choice should Silva decide to embark on a new adventure ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both made a £13m offer to sign Leicester City youngster Jake Evans, according to Fichajes.

The Leicester starlet has been involved with Ruud Van Nistelrooy's senior squad in recent weeks, despite being just 16 years old. Evans became the third youngest ever player for Leicester when he made his debut against Brighton back in April, and his performances have turned the heads of clubs in the Premier League.

Man Utd and Tottenham are two clubs who have looked to target young, up-and-coming stars from around Europe in recent years. United have brought in the likes of Leny Yoro, Chido Obi-Martin, and Patrick Dorgu, while Spurs have signed and integrated both Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray this season.

Man Utd and Tottenham Bid for Leicester Star

Evans could be on the move

According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester United and Tottenham have both bid around £13m to sign Evans ahead of the summer transfer window. Leicester know that it's going to be difficult to keep hold of Evans, especially with interest from some of the biggest clubs, but the Foxes are hoping to build their team around him.

It's no surprise to see United and Spurs in the market for yet another young talent. With Leicester now officially relegated to the Championship, it's an opportunity for clubs in the Premier League to try and poach some of their squad.

Although Evans, described as a 'killer finisher' by analyst Ben Mattinson, has only made a minimal impact for Leicester at senior level, his performances for the youth sides haven't gone unnoticed. The 16-year-old talent has scored 10 goals in 14 games in Premier League 2, despite undoubtedly playing against players often four or five years older than him. The Foxes are going to find it tricky to keep him at the King Power this summer.

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Richarlison looked “fed up” against West Ham United for Tottenham Hotspur, according to London World, just days after he was linked with an exit.

It has been a disappointing season for Spurs, one that has seen them struggle massively in the Premier League. Were it not for the already relegated bottom three, Spurs would be in a genuine relegation battle, almost unthinkable for a club of their stature.

League form, combined with exits from both domestic cups, has seen pressure on Ange Postecoglou rise throughout the season. The manager has, however, guided Spurs to the semi-finals of the Europa League and at the time of writing, the Lilywhites are well-placed to reach the final after a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg.

The Europa League offers Spurs a chance to finally end their trophy drought, which has spanned almost two decades now. This is no doubt what has saved Postecoglou from being dismissed across the campaign, as the North London side have struggled for consistency in the English top flight in a season that has seen their team ravaged by injuries.

Spurs recently faced West Ham in the Premier League, a match between two teams who have endured poor seasons. It has been noted, however, that one particular player looked somewhat unbothered.

Richarlison To Leave?

Striker may move on from Spurs in the summer

In reviewing Spurs’ clash with West Ham, London World noted that Richarlison seemed “fed up” in the game. Playing up front, Richarlison recorded just 0.12 expected goals against the Hammers, managing two shots that were both off target, as per SofaScore.

Richarlison has faced spells on the sidelines due to injury throughout the campaign, which have no doubt contributed to his rather underwhelming numbers. As for looking “fed up” against West Ham, London World noted that such a demeanour came after a week of the Brazilian being linked with a move away.

Everton are reportedly keen on signing Richarlison this summer, as GIVEMESPORT exclusively revealed, the Brazilian having become something of a cult hero at the club. Richarlison joined Everton in 2018, spending four years with the Toffees before moving to North London in 2022.

With new owners and a new stadium on the horizon, Richarlison may be viewed as an ideal signing for Everton. If reports are to be believed, then the interest is certainly there and if the Brazilian is, in fact, “fed up” at Spurs, then perhaps he will look to move on in the upcoming transfer window.

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