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Ange Postecoglou says that Tottenham Hotspur would have not have won the Europa League if not for one much-maligned player.

Tottenham find themselves in a serious mess at the moment, which the club have tasked Igor Tudor with solving.

The decision to replace Ange Postecoglou with Thomas Frank last summer misfired badly for the club, with the Dane lasting just eight months in the job and leaving the Lilywhites just five points off the drop zone.

Some have suggested that Frank was let down by one senior Tottenham man over recent weeks, but Postecoglou has now suggested that the same player was primarily responsible for the club’s Europa League triumph.

Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham players ‘fear’ Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero has been blasted for his recent antics, with some accusing him of thinking he is bigger than Tottenham.

However, Postecoglou has now defended the Spurs captain, labelling him a ‘winner’ and explaining that he is feared and respected by his teammates.

When asked about Romero, the former Tottenham head coach said on The Overlap: “I love him. He plays on the edge, but, mate, he’d scare people at training, and I love the way he talks. I mean, would you rather have Roy [Keane] in your team or against you?

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“We would never win that final without Romero. Kickoff is about to happen, and he’s taken our team into Man United’s half for the huddle, because our supporters are down that end. He’s not scared of anything, mate. He’s a winner, and I love winners.

“Now, does he cross the line? Yeah, he does. He crossed the line of training sometimes, and the coaches go, ‘oh, you know? well, you go tell him, I’m not telling him,’ but you need that mentality in a group. Now, how you control it? You need to harness that.”

When Gary Neville asked if the Spurs players liked the defender, the Australian responded: “They fear him. You’ve got to remember his whole existence is not just Tottenham, he’s also an Argentinian international. He’s won a World Cup, and he’s mixing with players.

“I think part of his frustration, his outburst about the club is that he’s mixing with a [Bruno] Fernandez or Martinez, and he’s saying, ‘well, how come they’re signing players to win, and we’re not?. Why I want to win.”

Postecoglou’s admission shows Romero’s importance to Spurs

Romero has come in for plenty of criticism for his lack of discipline, with many pundits suggesting that the Argentine is a liability.

In fact, there have been repeated calls for Spurs to strip the Argentine of the captaincy and to drop him from the side.

However, Postecoglou’s admission about the 27-year-old and the respect he receives in the Spurs dressing room is another reminder of just how important a figure the centre-back is to this team.

Tottenham and Arsenal go head to head this weekend in what feels like a one-sided fixture at this point, but there is one area in which the scores are level: red cards.

With Arsenal going for the title and Spurs looking to avoid relegation, it would seem fairly obvious that the Gunners will come away with a win in the North London Derby this weekend.

However, anything can happen in these games. Igor Tudor has his plan to get the better of Arsenal, and the players would love nothing more than to derail their rivals’ title charge.

One thing they’ll have to do, though, is keep cool heads – unlike the following 16 players who have been sent off in the North London Derby previously during the Premier League era.

Tottenham players sent off in North London Derby

Emerson Royal – 2022

A topsy-turvy game at the Emirates was delicately poised on the hour mark. Thomas Partey had given the Gunners the lead, before Harry Kane levelled from the spot. Gabriel Jesus pushed Arsenal back in front after 49 minutes and then Emerson Royal saw red on 62 minutes for a rash and reckless challenge. Five minutes later, Arsenal extended their lead through Granit Xhaka and Spurs had no hope of getting back in the game.

Erik Lamela – 2021

Thankfully, Erik Lamela will mostly be remembered for his Puskas-winning Rabona goal against Arsenal in this fixture. However, the fiery Argentinian was also shown a red card that spoiled the day a little bit. The Gunners were already winning 2-1 by that point, and held onto their lead until the death.

Jan Vertonghen – 2018

Tottenham were well and truly battered by Arsenal at the start of December in 2018, coming out on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline. Despite falling behind after ten minutes, Spurs did go in at half-time ahead thanks to goals from Eric Dier and Harry Kane. However, a second-half collapse included three goals for Arsenal and two yellow cards for Jan Vertonghen.

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Emmanuel Adebayor – 2012

We’re going back more than a decade here, but it was still a torrid day out away from home for Spurs, with Arsenal winning 5-2 here. Emmanuel Adebayor had given Tottenham the lead after just ten minutes, but he saw red against his former side just eight minutes later.

Scott Parker – 2012

Incredibly, Tottenham lost 5-2 to Arsenal twice in 2012. Again, Spurs had the lead early on thanks to a Louis Saha goal. Adebayor doubled the advantage just after the half-hour mark, but everything fell apart from there. Two quickfire Arsenal goals levelled the score before half-time. By the 68th minute, Arsenal were 5-2 up, and then Scott Parker got sent off with just minutes to go to compound a miserable afternoon.

Edgar Davids – 2006

Spurs played out a 1-1 draw away at Arsenal 20 years ago, but it could have all been a lot better. Robbie Keane had given the Lilywhites the lead after 66 minutes, but a disastrous final ten saw Edgar Davids sent off and Thierry Henry level the scores for Arsenal.

Simon Davies – 2002

Tottenham were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Highbury back in 2002, with goals from Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, and Sylvain Wiltord doing the damage. Simon Davies didn’t help matters, though, picking up two yellow cards and getting his marching orders.

Justin Edinburgh – 1997

A pretty dull 0-0 draw was played out between the two teams way back in 1997. In fact, the most interesting thing to happen was two bookings for the late Justin Edinburgh. That happened for two silly challenges at the end of the first-half, but Spurs held on for a point.

Arsenal players sent off vs Spurs

It’s not just Spurs players who see red in this fixture, though. There have been just as many Arsenal players sent off in North London Derbies during the Premier League era.

Rob Holding – 2022

Rob Holding was sent off during a comfortable 3-0 win for Spurs. That win helped Antonio Conte’s men clinch Champions League qualification, and we may have to thank Holding for that one. He was sent off after just 33 minutes, with Tottenham only a goal up at that point.

Lucas Torreira – 2019

A 1-1 draw back in 2019 was actually not impacted by this red card at all. Harry Kane had cancelled out Aaron Ramsey’s early goal, and then Torreira was sent off in the fifth minute of injury time, with the game already just about done.

Francis Coquelin – 2016

However, it’s safe to say this red card changed the complexion of the tie. Spurs were losing 1-0 here, but when Francis Coquelin was sent off, Tottenham saw their way back into the game. A quickfire double, with goals from Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane gave Spurs the lead, but Alexis Sanchez levelled up with 15 minutes to go.

Emmanuel Eboue – 2009

Arsenal certainly do seem to survive these red cards a lot more than Spurs do. This game ended 0-0 despite Eboue’s sending off, despite the fact that he was sent off after 37 minutes. How Tottenham weren’t able to capitalise on that, especially at home, is anyone’s guess.

Gilles Grimandi – 2000

Arsenal actually won this game 2-1, although to be fair, they were already in front by the time Gilles Grimandi saw red in the 85th minute. Chris Armstrong opened the scoring for Arsenal with an own goal, but then scored at the right end to level things up. However, a Thierry Henry penalty on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure three points for the Gunners.

Martin Keown – 1999

It would seem Tottenham need TWO Arsenal red cards before they can truly take advantage and get a win. Martin Keown was sent off in the 90th minute at White Hart Lane here, while goals from Steffen Iversen and Tim Sherwood were enough to seal a 2-1 win for Tottenham.

Freddie Ljungberg – 1999

Patrick Vieira had given Arsenal a glimmer of hope in that game with a goal in the 39th minute. The Gunners probably came out in the second half eager to take the game to Spurs, but Freddie Ljungberg ruined it all by getting sent off less than ten minutes after the interval.

Stefan Schwarz – 1995

Tottenham have now discovered the referee set to take charge of this weekend’s north London derby clash with Arsenal.

After 12 days of no footballing action, Tottenham Hotspur are finally set to take to the pitch this weekend on 22 February.

A clash against their bitter rivals Arsenal is next on the list for Spurs, who are desperate to turn their disappointing season around, which has them in 16th place on the Premier League table and five points off the relegation zone.

New interim manager Igor Tudor will be hoping work on the training ground so far this week will be enough to spur his side on against the league leaders.

Tottenham learn Peter Bankes appointment for Arsenal North London derby

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will no doubt be rocking as fans aim to bring a fresh atmosphere following the departure of the not-too-popular Thomas Frank.

While they will be hoping for a new-manager bounce, an eye will also be on the match official for what is the biggest game this weekend.

The Premier League has now confirmed that referee Peter Bankes will take charge of this weekend’s north London derby.

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His assistants will be Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus, while the fourth official will be Sam Barrott. VAR duties will be handled by Darren England, assisted by Tim Wood.

Spurs record under Peter Bankes offers reason for optimism

Tottenham Hotspur have an average record in games officiated by Peter Bankes and the Lilywhites fans have another reason to be pessimistic.

But Arsenal’s record is even better, with the Gunners winning nine of the 13 matches Peter Bankes has taken charge of, with only three ending in defeats.

Spurs have won seven of the 16 games under the referee, drawn four and lost five. He has also never sent off a Tottenham player when officiating one of their matches.

Tottenham face a summer of change with a need to offload players to free up funds for new arrivals. Here’s a list of 10 players who could leave this summer, along with their estimated transfer values.

As Tottenham Hotspur begin early preparations for the summer, the club faces the challenge of reshaping a squad that has massively underperformed this season.

With a mix of players out of contract, others failing to make an impact, and those who are just not the right fit for North London, Spurs are expected to part ways with several senior players.

This article highlights 10 players who Tottenham should look to shift this summer in order to streamline the squad, free up funds and create space for fresh talent.

The 10 players Tottenham need to part ways with

Guglielmo Vicario is being linked with Inter Milan

Vicario is perhaps the most debatable inclusion on this list, with his departure not certain in the summer.

While the Italian has demonstrated strong shot-stopping ability during his time at the club, he has struggled with consistency and in an era where goalkeepers have the ball at their feet more often, his distribution and composure on the ball is unreliable.

Valued at around £22m and with reported interest from clubs in Italy, this summer could represent an opportunity reinvest in a goalkeeper better suited to the modern game.

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Price tag: £22m

Radu Dragusin is Tottenham’s fourth-choice centre-back

Since joining Spurs from Genoa in January 2024, Radu Dragusin has struggled to establish himself, hindered by injuries and competition from Romero, Van de Ven and Danso.

Dragusin’s agent’s active involvement in exploring other clubs has fuelled the sense that Tottenham may not be the right fit.

Although he has had a brief spell in the starting XI due to injuries and suspensions, Dragusin hasn’t matched the level expected.

With AC Milan reportedly interested and Kevin Danso performing well as backup, Spurs could look to cash in on Dragusin for around £26.7m.

Price tag: £27m

Yves Bissouma has run out of lives at Spurs

When Bissouma joined Spurs in 2022, it appeared to be a smart acquisition of a Premier League-proven midfielder.

However, the 29-year-old’s time in North London has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly at the start of the Ange Postecoglou era, inconsistency, injuries and disciplinary issues have disrupted his form.

Bissouma was notably left out of the UEFA Super Cup final squad after being late ‘one too many times.’ That incident, paired with previous suspensions for off-pitch misconduct, has made it difficult for him to establish himself as a reliable presence in the Spurs midfield.

With waning influence at the club, Spurs may feel this summer is the right time to move him on and refresh the midfield.

Price tag: £8m

Tottenham’s top scorer but Richarlison could be sold

Richarlison is a player who divides opinion, wherever he goes. The Brazilian has delivered crucial goals during his Spurs career, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from becoming the reliable Striker that the club hoped for, especially following Harry Kane’s departure in 2023.

Tottenham are likely to pursue attacking reinforcements, and there is growing interest from clubs in Brazil. Moving Richarlison on would also free up wages, allowing Spurs to target a more consistent attacking option.

Price tag: £25m

Rodrigo Bentancur hasn’t been the same since the injury

Bentancur’s early performances under Antonio Conte suggested the midfield could be built around him for years to come. However, serious injury setbacks have made it difficult to rediscover his previous form. While still an effective operator, Spurs may consider offers this summer.

Price tag: £18m

Ben Davies ends his 11-year Tottenham career

A true servant and the club’s longest-serving player, Davies has provided versatility and professionalism throughout his Spurs career.

However, with his contract expiring this summer and currently sidelined with a lengthy injury, it seems increasingly likely that the Welshman will depart on a free transfer.

Price tag: Free transfer

Spurs will send Randal Kolo Muani back to PSG

With his underwhelming loan spell showing no signs of changing, Kolo Muani is expected to return his parent club, PSG. While he has offered glimpses of quality, more so in Europe than domestically, a permanent move has never looked like an option.

However, there is a chance that Igor Tudor could get a tune out of the Frenchman, as he did at Juventus. His departure will not generate a transfer fee, but would open up space in the attacking department.

Price tag: End of loan

Manor Solomon should be an easy Tottenham sale

In the early days of the Ange Postecoglu era, Solomon showed flashes of creativity, but injuries have prevented him from building momentum at Spurs.

With Fiorentina holding a buy option, believed to be around £8.7m, it is very likely that Spurs allow the move to become permanent and reinvest elsewhere.

Price tag: £9m

Alejo Veliz’s Spurs exit is already lined up

Veliz was a promising prospect when he was first signed, but injuries and a lack of first-team opportunities have meant that the 22-year-old Argentine has never settled in North London.

Reports suggest Spurs have already agreed a deal to sell Veliz to Brazilian club Bahia in the summer for around £7.8m

Veliz’s departure would be a pragmatic decision, with the club not losing out significantly on the £13m invested in him and allowing him to play regular football elsewhere.

Price tag: £8m

Dane Scarlett needs a permanent chance away from N17

The 21-year-old academy product remains a talented striker, but it may now be time for him to secure a permanent move in order play consistently. A sale could benefit both parties, contributing a small amount to reinvestment funds while kickstarting Scarlett’s actual senior career.

Price tag: £5m

Tottenham could earn up to £200m

If Tottenham were to part ways with all of the players listed, the club could raise in excess of £120m in transfer fees, while significantly reducing the wage bill. If you add a big-name sale like Cristian Romero to the equation, that could climb to just short of £200m.

£200m only really gets you three or four ready-made stars these days, but it’s more about rebuilding a new project for Spurs this summer. For a squad that has fallen massively short of expectations this season, decisive action is required for the future of the club.

The next 6 months feel pivotal in North London. Getting these decisions right could be the difference between another disappointing campaign and a genuine push towards the European places.

Tottenham Hotspur are awaiting their Champions League Round of 16 opponent, with the play-off first legs now complete.

The sides that failed to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Champions League are currently battling for a Round of 16 spot via the play-offs.

Tottenham Hotspur, however, secured a top-four finish under Thomas Frank in the Champions League and, as such, have avoided the extra games.

Still, eyes remain on happenings in the play-off rounds as Tottenham remain eager to see who they will face in the Round of 16.

Tottenham will have a keen eye on Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge

Spurs already know their round of 16 opponents will be one of four teams – Juventus, Galatasaray, Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid.

Last night, Galatasaray put a foot in the round of 16 thanks to a 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of their play-off tie at RAMS Park.

Tonight, Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge played out the first leg of their play-off tie, and it ended in a stalemate with both sides drawing 3-3.

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Goals from Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman and an own goal from Ordonez, were cancelled out by Brugge, who showed some fight coming from two goals down with Onyedika and Tresoldi drawing them level, before Tzolis made it 3-3.

Spurs watch knockout permutations unfold

Spurs will no doubt be hoping to avoid any of the European heavyweights and will be hoping for Brugge to turn the tie around and secure a win in the second leg.

However, that in itself is a big ask given that the return leg will take place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Nothing is certain as of yet, as Tottenham will play either the winner of Galatasaray vs Juventus or the winner of Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, while Liverpool will play the other.

Tottenham take on Arsenal this weekend, and Igor Tudor’s first game in charge of the Lilywhites will be one of his biggest challenges to date.

Going into this game, Spurs are a whopping 28 points behind their North London rivals in the Premier League table. While Arsenal look destined to win the title, Tottenham could well end up being relegated.

There can be no question that Arsenal are the better team right now, but, anything can happen in a North London Derby. With home advantage and (hopefully) a new manager bounce, Spurs will still fancy their chances.

Igor Tudor has a plan for Arsenal, insisting he will set the team up to play the way Spurs fans have wanted all season. However, the Lilywhites’ recent record against the Gunners does not make for happy reading.

Tottenham are on a three-game losing streak vs Arsenal

It’s actually been a while since Spurs hosted Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the last meeting there was not a fun one for the home side. Ange Postecoglou was in charge, and a Gabriel goal just after the hour mark was enough to separate the two teams.

We saw a far more entertaining game earlier in 2024, but it was still a defeat for Tottenham and Postecoglou. Spurs were actually three goals down at half-time here, but a fightback after half-time saw Cristian Romero and a Heung-min Son penalty give the Lilywhites a glimmer of hope.

Things weren’t much better under Antonio Conte, at least towards the end of his reign. The Italian suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat against Mikel Arteta at the start of 2023, with a Hugo Lloris own goal and a Martin Odegaard strike sealing the win for Arsenal after just 36 minutes.

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That loss ended a brilliant home run against the Gunners, during which time Tottenham had avoided defeat in seven games. Here’s how that all played out.

Spurs were unbeaten in seven against Arsenal

Conte was in charge for a comprehensive 3-0 win at home, with a Harry Kane brace giving Spurs a nice cushion at the break. Heung-min Son scored immediately after the interval to secure a big win that pushed Tottenham to Champions League qualification.

It was that dynamic duo who delivered once again back in December 2020, with Kane and Son grabbing a goal each to help Jose Mourinho record the win over Arsenal. That Son goal, in particular, was an absolute beauty, as you can see below.

Prior to that, with no fans in the stadium due to Covid, Tottenham and Mourinho got another win, this time in more dramatic circumstances. Alexander Lacazette actually gave Arsenal the lead after 16 minutes, but Son levelled things up just three minutes later. The scoreline stayed that way for more than an hour, before Toby Alderweireld popped up with the winner with ten minutes to go.

This was a huge game for Spurs, with the chance to record a third successive home victory over Arsenal for the first time since 1961. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, with the spoils shared. Arsenal had taken the lead early on through Aaron Ramsey, but a Kane penalty evened things up in the 74th minute, gaining a point for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Playing at Wembley, this North London Derby actually broke records, with a bumper crowd of 83,222 being the highest attendance in Premier League history. It was Spurs who rose to the occasion, and that man Harry Kane once again who proved the difference.

Sad times, as this was the final North London Derby to be played at White Hart Lane. But, a wonderful Dele Alli goal and another Kane penalty ensured it was a happy ending, and allowed Tottenham to finish above their rivals for the first time since the 1994/95 campaign.

A thrilling encounter at White Hart Lane here saw Arsenal take a narrow lead into half-time thanks to an Aaron Ramsey goal. Spurs then bounced back quickly, with Alderweireld and Kane bagging in the 60th and 62nd minutes. It wasn’t enough, though, as Alexis Sanchez rescued a point for the Gunners with around 15 minutes to go.

Tottenham Hotspur might be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer, with Inter Milan sniffing around Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League table and are currently in a relegation battle. Five points is the difference between them and 18th-placed London rivals West Ham United.

Signing players who will bolster their squad and keep them competitive on all fronts next season will be vital, but Tottenham could also lose a few of their top stars.

Club captain Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from north London, while his defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, has also attracted interest from sides in Europe. Radu Dragusin, only just recovering from an ACL injury, is said to be on the radar of AS Roma.

Tottenham target James Trafford opens up on Manchester City future

Guglielmo Vicario is also another player attracting interest from Italy, and a move in the summer has not been written off.

Should the Italian depart north London, Tottenham will be looking to secure a replacement for the 28-year-old, and one of their past targets could well be available.

James Trafford was linked with a Tottenham move back in the winter window, but those reports were quickly dismissed by Pep Guardiola, who stated the Englishman was set to stay put.

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However, a lack of game time has now left the former Burnley man frustrated, with Donnarumma clearly the preferred number one goalkeeper, leaving Trafford limited to cup appearances.

Speaking in a recent interview following City’s FA Cup victory over Salford, the English goalkeeper vented his frustrations, as quoted by The Guardian.

“I did not expect the situation [with Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it. So it has happened so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot,” he said.

“So it is what it is. It is football, you have got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.”

Spurs goalkeeper planning and summer outlook

When asked if he could stay at Manchester City this summer, the City goalkeeper added: “Who knows, it is football. Let us take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.

“I have obviously got a contract, so do not know what happens next season. I just know that I will just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”

On his World Cup hopes, he added: “No, obviously everyone knows what is going on with me. So I have just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can. I have not spoken to them about if that is enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it is just down to me.”

With the 23-year-old seemingly unhappy, Tottenham could well return for him in the summer as they carry out a rebuild.

Tottenham Hotspur have a tough task ahead of them when they take on Arsenal on Sunday, but there are three players who could make the difference for the hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur have never looked more like underdogs going into a North London derby than they do right now, but that does not mean a victory is off the cards.

Igor Tudor just so happens to be the mid-season specialist, and he will be looking to make an instant impact at Spurs with a big result at the weekend.

However, the Tottenham first-team squad has more than its fair share of injuries, so big performances are needed from those set to take to the pitch. Here are the three Spurs players who could have what it takes to get their team over the line.

Micky van de Ven is the ultimate threat

It is rare for a player to be his club’s best available defender and their most dangerous attacking threat too, but here we are.

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Micky van de Ven will be crucial to Tottenham, as he uses his pace to make recoveries and win duels, but that is just one aspect of his game.

The Dutchman is an aerial threat at set pieces, and he also has an eye for goal whenever he finds himself on the edge of the opposition penalty area.

If Spurs are to claim a surprise victory over Arsenal, van de Ven will surely contribute in some shape or form.

Xavi Simons can unlock Arsenal’s defence

Tottenham fans were left red-faced when Eberechi Eze hammered home a hat-trick in the North London derby earlier this season. Then there was Xavi Simons, who was signed instead of the England international, yet looked like a massive flop.

Plenty has changed since then, with the 22-year-old silencing those who chose to disrespect him with some tremendous attacking displays.

Simons can create moments of magic with just one pass, and his innovation could be the difference between Spurs winning or losing their upcoming derby fixture.

It will be very interesting to see whether the attacking midfielder looks even more dangerous under the management of Tudor, as Frank’s system appeared to hold him back.

Dominic Solanke has been scoring goals for Tottenham

There have been a number of attacking players at Spurs who have failed to perform this season, but Dominic Solanke has gone the opposite way.

The 28-year-old struggled in front of goal during his first campaign at Tottenham, but he has already netted four times since his long-awaited return from injury.

Solanke is really impressive as a link-up player, and he looks even better as a goalscorer, although he has not scored in his two most recent appearances.

Can the Englishman rediscover his shooting boots and get Spurs a goal or two on Sunday? Let us hope so.

Tottenham Hotspur have been eyeing a move for a Championship starlet since last summer, but they will face Man United competition.

One would expect Spurs to bolster the middle of the park in the summer, with Tottenham keen on adding a top-class creative passer to their midfield.

Adam Wharton has been described as Tottenham’s dream midfield target, but the North Londoners may have to set their sights a little lower as they look set to miss out on European qualification.

Spurs were reportedly considering a move for Middlesbrough’s £30m Hayden Hackney in January before they signed Conor Gallagher, but a deal for the Boro star may not be easy to complete in the summer.

Tottenham face Manchester United competition for Hayden Hackney

TEAMtalk have now claimed that Tottenham also explored an approach for Hackney last summer, but ultimately, Boro were not willing to sell their midfield starlet.

The London club may have more competition to contend with in the summer, as the report says that Man United are now monitoring the 23-year-old ahead of the summer window.

The Red Devils allegedly view the England U21 international as someone who can bolster their midfield depth and as part of their long-term succession planning.

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The belief at the Manchester club is that the Championship star is capable of developing into a Premier League regular.

Middlesbrough’s fate this season could dictate Hackney’s future

TEAMtalk say that Boro priced Hackney out of a move in the January window after Nottingham Forest showed ‘serious interest’.

The report says that the belief is that the midfielder will be playing Premier League football next season, either through his boyhood club being promoted or by making a big move.

Boro are currently sitting in second place in the Championship table, and the publication adds that they will be in a strong position to retain their academy graduate should they get promoted to the top flight.

Ramon Vega, who was one of Thomas Frank’s biggest critics, believes that Igor Tudor will instantly fix one of the Dane’s mistakes at Tottenham

Multiple times over the last few months, Vega insisted that the Spurs job is simply too big for Thomas Frank.

The former Tottenham defender even suggested that the Spurs players did not respect Frank, claiming that the Dane was too nice for the role.

The 54-year-old may feel that he has been proven right, given the reports that have come out since the former Brentford boss departed Tottenham Hotspur.

Ramon Vega says Igor Tudor will demand discipline from Tottenham players

It was reported by The Athletic last week that Frank struggled to get the Tottenham players to work hard in training and that the intensity of the sessions under the Dane dropped compared to those under Ange Postecoglou.

Vega believes that the new interim Spurs head coach will not allow standards to drop and will demand full discipline from the Tottenham squad.

He wrote on X about Tudor: “One thing is for sure about him. He is a no-nonsense manager. He will demand 100% discipline and character from the players. This dressing room needs to be after no respect for Frank to keep us up.”

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Tudor has told Spurs fans what to expect

In his first interview as Tottenham boss, Tudor revealed that he has asked each Spurs player to give something more than they have recently as the club attempts to get out of the difficult spot they are in.

The Croat has also expressed a desire for Spurs to play positive and offensive football, which would be music to the supporters’ ears.