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Tottenham Hotspur have just learned that a young centre-back who is on their radar is keen on a summer transfer, but it turns out that the Lilywhites are not the front-runners to land the player as things stand.

Based on the transfer speculation over the last couple of months, it very much looks like Tottenham Hotspur are going to persist with their transfer policy of signing young gems and giving them a platform to fulfil their potential.

A few weeks ago, it emerged that Spurs are pushing to sign PSG academy graduate Axel Tape, whose future in the France capital is thought to be in doubt.

The 17-year-old centre-back made his senior bow for the Parisians back in January, but it was revealed that he may not sign his first professional contract with the club, with Tottenham ready to pounce on the youngster.

Boost for Tottenham as Axel Tape responds to PSG

A report in Sports Zone (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now also credited Tottenham with an interest in Tape, stating that the Premier League side ‘highly value’ the teenager defender.

The outlet states that the Parisians made another attempt to convince the centre-back to remain at the club and sign a long-term deal.

However, it is revealed that Tape made it clear to his club that he will not reverse his decision, having already made up his mind to leave when his contract runs out next month.

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Interestingly, Spurs are not the only ones interested in the centre-back, with two other English sides and a German side also circling over the youngster.

Tottenham are not favourites to land Axel Tape

According to Sports Zone, the 17-year-old is also on the radars of Bournemouth and Chelsea, who are both keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, the outlet says that the Premier League trio are not at the front of the queue at land Tape at the moment. That privilege goes to Bayer Leverkusen, who have now moved into pole position to land the centre-back.

The publication suggests that Tape is yet to make a final decision on his next destination and faces a big choice over the coming months.

Rayan Cherki, who Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their interest in over the last few days, has now made a big admission about his future, which comes as a huge boost for the Lilywhites.

While it is unclear which manager will be in charge of Tottenham this summer, the club are seemingly wasting no time laying the groundwork for some deals in the transfer window.

One of the players who has been most heavily linked with a move to N17 is a versatile Lyon attacker who has been turning heads with his performances at the Groupama Stadium over the last two seasons.

Regular readers of Spurs Web will know that a number of outlets over recent months have claimed that Tottenham are now in pole position to land Rayan Cherki.

Last week, an update from France suggested that Spurs are already at the table taking information on Cherki, ahead of a potential summer move, and the 21-year-old has just made a huge admission ahead of the transfer window.

Rayan Cherki finalises his plans for the summer window

The France Under-21 international has just one year left on his contract, which means that Lyon will be taking a big risk if they do not cash in on him this summer.

The big question on everyone’s lips was whether Cherki would change his mind and commit himself to a new deal at the French club, but the player has now ruled out that possibility, making it clear that he wants a new challenge.

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Cherki has now said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I’m ready to try a new chapter in my career. Thanks to OL, the coach, the staff, the president, my teammates and all people at the club.”

Tottenham have stepped up their pursuit of Cherki

Just a few days ago, it was reported by GiveMeSport that Spurs are upping the ante in their efforts to win the race for Cherki.

The report claimed that the Lilywhites had entered into fresh discussions regarding a deal for the winger, describing Tottenham Hotspur as ‘prime contenders’ to land the player.

The outlet further explained that Liverpool are prioritising other alternatives, thus concluding that a move to North London is now a ‘serious possibility’ for Cherki this summer.

Tottenham’s new chief executive officer, Vinai Venkatesham, has already started looking for new staff to work with him at Spurs this summer, and he has now advertised for one of those roles publicly.

It was announced last month that Venkatesham will join as Tottenham’s new CEO at the end of the season and will be the latest addition to the club’s board.

The 44-year-old held the same position at Spurs’ fierce rivals, Arsenal, for over a decade before resigning last year, and Venkatesham is expected to take charge of operational matters on and off the field at Tottenham.

It remains to be seen how Venkatesham’s arrival will affect the role of senior Spurs figures, with some reports stating that Scott Munn may leave Tottenham this summer.

Vinai Venkatesham takes to social media to advertise Tottenham opening

According to Football.London, the new Tottenham CEO has taken to LinkedIn to promote a new role working alongside him at Tottenham.

His post reads: “Looking for an exceptional individual to fill an exciting role. This person will work closely with me and other colleagues to help deliver the club’s key priorities.

“The role is ideally suited to a high-performing strategy consultant (or similar) with three to four years’ experience and excellent interpersonal skills. This individual will support the delivery of the key priorities of the CEO, across both football and business operations, with a focus on the latter.

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“They will support the CEO in various ways across those priorities, including analysis, project management, strategic direction and by being a trusted, independent sounding board in his decision making. This role will suit an individual who thrives in fast-paced environments, loves orchestrating organisational excellence and has exceptional emotional intelligence as well as relationship-building skills.”

Football.London say that the new job posting is for someone at a graduate level, with approximately three to four years of experience in strategy consulting or similar strategic and analytical roles, with the applications for the role closing on May 29.

Summer of change expected at Spurs

Scott Munn and Ange Postecoglou may not be the only two who leave Spurs this summer, with reports indicating that Tottenham could be set for wholesale changes at the top this summer.

It has been claimed that departments like medical, sports science and analytics are all under review as the club look to correct their wrongs from this season and turn a new page.

This job posting from Venkatesham is perhaps proof that we are indeed likely to see some big changes behind the scenes at Tottenham.

Even though Tottenham Hotspur are in a difficult financial situation ahead of the summer, Michael Dawson believes it is imperative for the club to reinforce their squad with some top-quality additions in the summer.

When Tottenham released their financial numbers back in March, Daniel Levy warned the fans that Spurs’ current transfer spending is unsustainable.

Over the last two weeks, various outlets have claimed that Tottenham have to sell players before they can buy this summer after spending large amounts in previous transfer windows.

It was revealed that Tottenham Hotspur’s net transfer debt currently stands at £279.3, thus making it impossible for them to spend big this summer unless there is a significant injection of cash from ENIC.

Michael Dawson identifies areas Tottenham need to strengthen

Given Tottenham’s financial troubles, many financial experts have said that qualifying for the Champions League is imperative for Spurs to invest in their squad this summer.

Dawson believes that if Tottenham are able to beat Man United in the Europa League final, it would be a must for the club to bulk up their squad in order to be able to cope with the demands of Champions League football next season.

The former Tottenham captain identified the wide areas as a priority for the North Londoners to strengthen this summer.

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When asked what areas of the squad Tottenham should prioritise strengthening, Dawson told Gambling.com: “That’s a big question. Defensively, when everyone is fit, they’re as good as anyone. I think they need another player in a wide area, because if you have Champions League football next year, you saw how challenging this year has been [with European football as well as domestic fixtures].

“Last year was pretty plain sailing. The Tottenham team picked itself the majority of the time, when they only had Premier League football. It’s been a hindrance, to be honest, the European challenge. But then on the flipside, they’re in a final. The amount of injuries they’ve picked up, [to players] like Maddison and Kulusevski, I think you need the squad depth when these challenges come.

“If they were only playing in the Premier League, you’re probably not looking at too many changes – I really believe that. But when you’re playing in the Champions League, that’s when you see the challenges, like [Aston] Villa this year and Newcastle a few years ago.”

Europa League final could be a major crossroads in Spurs’ history

Not only would another final loss have a demoralising effect on the whole club, but it would also lead to major challenges for Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham would not have the funds to compete for top players, nor will they be a particularly attractive destination for those players, given where they are set to finish in the Premier League table.

On the other hand, winning the Europa League would galvanise the whole club and give Tottenham the prestige and the resources necessary to make a statement in the summer transfer window.

The result of Wednesday’s game could thus potentially shape Spurs’ trajectory for many years to come.

A fresh update from one of France’s most highly reputed outlets has revealed that Tottenham are currently in a four-horse race to sign a striker who has found the back of the net 25 times across all competitions this season.

One of the most reliable goal scorers in Europe’s top five leagues is available on a free transfer this summer, and given the dearth of top-class number nines across the continent, he is unsurprisingly set to be one of the hottest contested signings of the summer transfer window.

Many of you would have already guessed that we are talking about Jonathan David, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham over the past few months.

However, according to various sources, Spurs are expected to face a lot of competition as many clubs across Europe have asked for information about David ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham are battling three other clubs for Jonathan David

A report from L’Equipe has now confirmed that the Canadian international will leave Lille when his deal runs out, but it is not clear as of now where he will end up.

The outlet says that the 25-year-old is expected to be ‘one of the most hotly contested properties’ of the upcoming transfer window, with several European giants stepping up their pursuit of the player.

The report asserts that Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Napoli and Aston Villa have already begun negotiating with David’s representatives ahead of the summer transfer window.

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However, L’Equipe do not say who among the four is currently leading the race to land the Canadian international.

Tottenham are confident of landing David’s Lille teammate

David is not the only Lille man that Spurs are eyeing a move for, with his teammate also looking set for a free transfer to the Premier League.

Over the last few months, Tottenham have been installed as the favourites to land Angel Gomes by several publications.

The Tottenham Hotspur stars and backroom staff have today boarded their Europa League final flight to Bilbao, but which players were seen on the coach to the airport?

Focus swiftly switches to the Europa League final for Tottenham Hotspur this week, where they will face fellow English side Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

It is a must-win clash for Spurs, who have endured a dismal domestic campaign, but could finish the 24/25 season on a high by winning the Europa League.

The North Londoners will train at the Lazema training centre later this evening, with Ange Postecoglou also due to hold his pre-match press conference.

The Lilywhites head into this clash with an injury-hit squad. James Maddison is out for three months after picking up a knee injury, while Lucas Bergvall is also set to miss the final because of an ankle problem.

Fellow Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski is also injured and is expected to miss the remainder of this season after undergoing surgery on his patella.

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Which Tottenham players have flown to Europa League final?

The players spotted boarding the coach to the airport included: Micky Van de Ven, Heung-min Son, Mikey Moore, Damola Ajayi, Callum Olusesi, Will Lankshear, Antonin Kinsky, Dane Scarlett, Mathys Tel, Richarlison, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence.

Of course, James Maddison is out injured but it appears the Tottenham vice-captain has travelled for support.

The players not spotted on the coach included: Guglielmo Vicario, Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, Alfie Whiteman, Brandon Austin, Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie, Radu Dragusin, Timo Werner, Kevin Danso, Sergio Reguilon.

Tottenham fans should not worry too much as plenty of the regular first-team stars simply did not appear in the video. Kinsky, Werner, and Reguilon are ineligible to feature in the Europa League, while Kulusevski, Bergvall and Dragusin are out injured.

With everything now set for the final, Tottenham Hotspur would be hoping to make it four wins in a row against Manchester United this season, and clinch their first ever trophy since 2008.

Ben Davies has claimed that one Tottenham man, who is expected to miss out on the starting eleven for the Europa League final, is almost as fast as Micky van de Ven.

The Dutchman arrived at Spurs with a reputation for being quick, but he surprised everyone with just how rapid he is, which is not common for a 6ft 4 centre-back.

Last season, Van de Ven became the fastest Premier League player on record, beating Kyle Walker’s previously held record.

Despite spending much of this season on the treatment table, Van de Ven still has the fastest recorded speed over the campaign, with the Tottenham defender being clocked in at 37.38 km per hour.

Ben Davies claims Tottenham full-back is as quick as Van de Ven

However, Davies believes that there is one man at Tottenham who could give the Netherlands international a run for his money in a sprint.

The Welshman insisted that Djed Spence would not be too far behind Van de Ven in a straight race.

When asked who is most likely to win a 100-meter race at Tottenham Hotspur, the experienced defender told UEFA’s YouTube channel ahead of the Europa League final: “It’s Micky van de Ven or probably Djed Spence wouldn’t be too far behind. I think between those two would be my bets on that one.”

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Micky van de Ven is being cautious with his sprints

Since returning from injury, the Dutch defender is seemingly a little reluctant to turn on the after-burners, which is understandable, given the number of times his hamstrings have given way of late.

There have even been reports suggesting that Van de Ven has worked with specialists to modify his running style in order to reduce the impact of injuries.

Perhaps, the defender would be wise to only turn his afterburners on as a last resort if he is stuck in a direct footrace with a quick forward.

That is perhaps the only way to ensure that Van de Ven’s body does not get in the way of his quest to evolve into one of the best centre-backs in world football.

West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has emerged as an unlikely defender of Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger suggested that the Lilywhites do not deserve a place in next season’s Champions League.

While Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that winning the Europa League will be a huge achievement for Tottenham by itself, there is also another huge prize for the team that emerges victorious on Wednesday in Bilbao.

The winners of the Europa League get direct passage into the group stages of next season’s Champions League, and both clubs could certainly do with the extra revenue and prestige that comes with being part of Europe’s premier club tournament.

Two weeks ago, Arsene Wenger opined that neither Spurs nor Man United are worthy of a place in next season’s Champions League, insisting that the winners of a certain tournament should only qualify for that tournament so that they can defend their title.

Karren Brady dismisses Arsene Wenger’s Tottenham claim

The main contention for some appears to be the fact that both Spurs and Man United sit just above the drop zone, with many struggling to get around how teams who are in 16th and 17th places deserve a place in the Champions League.

However, Brady has now argued that Tottenham’s and Man United’s league performance suffered as a result of their European adventure this season.

Responding to Wenger’s argument, she wrote in The Sun: “Critics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.

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“I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly. Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.

“A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering! Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago (in the Europa Conference League final) triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.

“If supporters love it, who are we to criticise? While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table. Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal. For Spurs and Manchester United, this game effectively decides their summer spending budget.”

Brady says the two managers are desperate for European glory

Reports indicate that Postecoglou is likely to be sacked even if Tottenham win the Europa League, with the decision makers at Spurs thought to be of the opinion that the Australian should have got more out of this squad this term.

However, Brady believes that there is still a lot riding on Wednesday’s results for both managers, who are looking to protect their reputation and maintain their trophy-winning record.

The member of the House of Lords added: “For both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim, this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.

“Whether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season. It could define the future of European football.”

Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has thrown his weight behind Ange Postecoglou’s men to go all the way in the Europa League, beating Manchester United to lift the trophy in Bilbao.

There is one thing on the mind of every Tottenham Hotspur fan, and that is the Europa League final set to take place in Spain at the San Mames Stadium.

Tottenham will be locking horns against fellow English side Manchester United in what will be the sixth all-English European final in history.

For the Lilywhites, it would represent the perfect ending to an otherwise bleak campaign that has seen them firmly placed in the bottom four of the Premier League table.

Harry Redknapp backs Tottenham to beat Manchester United in Europa League final

Ange Postecoglou stated earlier this season that he usually wins things in his second season, and with Tottenham in a European final, the Australian is now on the verge of delivering on that promise.

While beating Manchester United in a final will be no easy task for the Lilywhites, the north London club can draw confidence from their head-to-head record against the Red Devils, where they remain unbeaten in their last six outings.

In fact, this season alone, Tottenham have beaten United three times – twice in the Premier League and once in the Carabao Cup.

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Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has now made his prediction about the final. Redknapp has backed Tottenham to beat Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.

Writing in his column for The Sun, he stated: “I fancy Tottenham to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final – because they have got a much better squad.”

Europa League final win and the impact it could have on Postecoglou’s Spurs future

Ex-Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has also given his prediction of the Europa League final, and it is one Spurs fans would love.

Indeed, given that Postecoglou has endured a horrid second spell at Tottenham, his future remains uncertain. It has been revealed that Postecoglou could very well leave Spurs this season, irrespective of the outcome of the final.

However, Redknapp feels otherwise. The former Tottenham boss believes the club will keep the Australian, and he has urged Ange not to walk away from the club after winning the trophy.

He added: “If Spurs do win, I think they might keep Ange Postecoglou… and he would be silly to walk away.

“Even though some people think that he will because he has had enough. You can see a difference in him but that comes with losing. When you are winning, you can have a laugh and a joke.

“Now you can see an edge to him because he is being asked questions about his future and he is getting beat week in, week out.

“It is going to change his persona. That is for sure. I did not really have a bad time like that at Spurs. So I understand how Ange feels…

“If they won this competition, and could add a couple of good players, they could have a really good season. Ange just needs to survive to have the chance to work with that team again. And I think he would probably survive if he wins the final.”

Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Luka Vuskovic has now earned his first senior international call-up, with the youngster set to be in contention for Croatia in June’s World Cup qualifier games.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic, currently on loan at Belgian side Westerlo and set to join Spurs this summer, looks to be bursting onto the scene, Micah Richards style.

Vuskovic was recently included in Goal’s next-gen talents list and has turned heads at Westerlo with not just his defensive acumen but also his eye for goal.

Given the level of his performances this season, Luka Vuskovic has spoken about his ambitions at Tottenham, openly expressing a desire to be part of the first team squad when he arrives.

Luka Vuskovic earns Croatia senior call-up while on loan from Tottenham

While a decision regarding his immediate Spurs future is yet to be made, the youngster has now taken another significant step in his development – and this time it is on the international stage.

Croatia have announced their national team squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June, and they have named Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic in their 24-man squad.

The young centre-back is set to be in contention for Zlatko Dalic’s side when they take on Gibraltar and Czechia in June.

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Back in March, during the last international break, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic spoke about just how close Vuskovic was to a senior call-up.

Dalic admitted that he had been tracking the Tottenham man’s progress and even stated that while it might have been too early back then, Vuskovic was firmly on his radar.

Fast forward a few months, and the centre-back has now officially received his first senior international call-up.

Luka Vuskovic pushing for Spurs breakthrough next season

As the teenager continues to make a name for himself, it is clear that the next major step in his development would be to earn a place in the Tottenham backline at some point in the near future.

There could well be an opening next season, especially with Cristian Romero’s long-term future at Spurs still uncertain amid transfer interest.