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Tottenham Hotspur are expected to look at forwards in the summer transfer window and one former player of Ange Postecoglou could be a strong addition to the Spurs squad.

Tottenham have favoured signing players capable of operating as both a striker and a left winger in recent times. Heung-min-Son and Richarlison both possess this capability and Ange Postecoglou has continued this transfer trend.

Since he arrived at Hotspur Way, Spurs have completed the loan signings of Timo Werner and Mathys Tel, both of whom have played up front and on the left flank. However, Werner is unlikely to remain at Spurs next season, while there are some doubts over Tel’s Tottenham future.

Richarlison has also been linked with a move away from Spurs, while Son’s extended contract expires next summer. It is therefore important that Tottenham sign adequate replacements and one potential option is a player Postecoglou has worked with in the past.

Tottenham should look to sign Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda was first linked with a move to Spurs shortly after Postecoglou made the switch from Celtic to Tottenham. This month, Tottenham are said to once again be monitoring Maeda. The Japan international has had an outstanding season and was recently named the PFA Scotland Player of the Year.

This is in stark contrast to the player Maeda was when Postecoglou signed him for Celtic. His breathtaking work rate was second to none. However, his lack of end product was a major problem, which often saw Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi start ahead of him.

This is no longer an issue, as Maeda has registered 33 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, including four goals in the Champions League. His decision-making has vastly improved, while his finishing is much better than in previous seasons.

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What can Spurs supporters expect from Daizen Maeda?

Maeda is a versatile player who not only fulfils his attacking duties, but makes darting runs back to assist in defence. His electric pace and non-stop running are useful as he makes runs behind the opposition’s backline and always looks to press and put them under pressure.

Former Spurs defender Cameron Carter-Vickers revealed how Bayern Munich’s players heaped praise on Maeda after the Bundesliga champions played Celtic in this season’s Champions League (BBC). Eric Dier told the American international that his Bayern teammates commented on Maeda’s running and how much energy he put into the game.

In the current Tottenham first-team squad, only Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall come close to Maeda when it comes to athleticism and stamina.

How would Maeda fit into Tottenham’s squad?

There is a possibility that Postecoglou will depart Spurs at the end of the season. Even if he does, Maeda would be a good signing. After all, he has looked a far better player under the management of Brendan Rodgers than when he played under the current Tottenham boss.

Maeda has impressed as a striker this season, but it is unlikely he would be chosen to start ahead of Dominic Solanke. However, his chances of playing regularly as a left winger look promising, considering Tottenham’s potential summer departures. Also, many to have played in that position during the current campaign have underperformed.

The only negative with Maeda is that he turns 28 in October. However, he does not look like the kind of player who will slow down anytime soon. One only has to look at former Celtic free kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura, who retired aged 44, and Kazuyoshi Miura, who astonishingly still plays at the age of 58. Slowing down is seemingly almost non-existent in Japan.

Recent rumours have now hinted that there is a chance Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall could feature in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur are no strangers to an injury crisis, having endured one of the most relentless spells of unavailability across the entire division earlier this season.

While many supporters had hoped that the worst was behind them, the club now finds itself navigating a mini crisis once again, just days before their biggest match of the campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski is currently a doubt for Wednesday’s Europa League final after picking up a knee injury during Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

James Maddison, meanwhile, has already been ruled out for three months after damaging his knee in the semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt, leaving Ange Postecoglou with further selection headaches.

Lucas Bergvall fitness rumour gives Tottenham late hope for Europa League final

Lucas Bergvall is also expected to miss the final, with reports confirming he is set to be sidelined for at least eight weeks due to injury.

Ange Postecoglou admitted that had the final taken place a fortnight later, the midfielder may have had a chance of featuring, which underscores just how tight the timeline is for a potential return.

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However, Marcus Buckland of The Tottenham Way podcast has now shared a glimmer of hope, claiming he has heard a rumour suggesting Bergvall may yet be involved in some capacity.

Buckland said, “Lucas Bergvall, how I would love to wake up on the morning of the final and he’s okay. I heard a rumour yesterday – and I do not know if there is any substance to it – suggesting that Bergvall may have a chance to be involved in the final, but that is hearsay.”

Spurs midfield options if Bergvall misses the Europa League final

Ange Postecoglou has recently spoken about the presence of a potential mole within the Tottenham camp, which raises the question as to how such rumours continue to circulate. That said, there may be some truth to the suggestion that Bergvall could recover in time.

Should the Swede ultimately miss out, however, Tottenham will need to turn to their depth in midfield, with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr all capable of stepping into the pivot role.

Micky van de Ven has admitted that he and his teammates are extremely determined to become the side that breaks Tottenham’s long-standing trophy drought, thereby shedding the ‘Spursy’ tag.

Tottenham’s record in cup finals and semifinals over the past two decades does not make for encouraging reading for Spurs fans, with the Lilywhites making it a habit of falling at the final hurdle or two.

In fact, many have installed Man United as the favourites for the final because of the weight of history, but that will not deter Ange Postecoglou, who has a fabulous record in finals.

The Australian is looking to maintain his run of always winning trophies in his second season at clubs, and he would need to do that to have a chance of saving his job.

Micky van de Ven keen to change the narrative around Spurs

Van de Ven admitted that there is a determination within the Tottenham dressing room to change the way the club is perceived, with the Dutchman admitting that winning the Europa League would be the best place to start.

The centre-back said (via Hayters TV): “Everybody talks about Spurs not winning trophies, they talk about the ‘Spursy’ thing, and it would be a big thing to change that. The most important part is that we are the guys and the staff that change everything for this club, ending the long drought with no trophy.”

Van de Ven credited Postecoglou for keeping everyone at the club together when things were going wrong earlier this season, and the defender is keen to silence Tottenham’s critics.

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He added: “The gaffer made sure we stayed together every time, it has been a tough season for us, everybody was doubting us, and now we are proving them wrong.

“The gaffer kept believing in us every time, over and over again, and we made sure we stayed together. You can see that on the pitch and off it we are a really tight group and we want to make sure we can bring this trophy home.”

Van de Ven on Tottenham’s record against Man United this season

Spurs can take heart from the fact that they have already beaten United three times across different competitions this season.

However, Van de Ven does not believe that Tottenham Hotspur have a psychological advantage over their opponents, pointing out that the occasion of a cup final is very unique.

When asked if Spurs have the advantage due to their results against the Red Devils this season, Van de Ven responded: “I would not say the previous wins are an advantage because it is games in the past. This is a final, and I know in a final, anything can happen. We have won three times against them, so hopefully we can do the same thing in the final.”

Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie has admitted that this season has been a tough one for him personally and has provided an interesting response to the speculation linking him with a move to Man City.

Udogie has not had the best of seasons, with his campaign being interrupted by injuries, but the left-back has come into form just at the right time as Tottenham set their sights on Europa League glory.

Over recent weeks, reports have indicated that Destiny Udogie has emerged as a target for Man City ahead of the summer.

However, various outlets over the last few days have claimed that Tottenham have no intention of letting Udogie go this summer, with the Lilywhites instead thought to want to add further reinforcements at left-back.

Destiny Udogie responds to Tottenham future rumours

Destiny Udogie has now been directly asked about the transfer rumours, but he refused to comment on the speculation, insisting that he remains fully focused on finishing the season strongly.

The Tottenham Hotspur left-back also admitted that this season has not been the easiest one for him, given his own fitness and form issues.

When asked if it is a nice feeling to be linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s side, Udogie said (via Hayters TV): “No, I think personally it’s been a tough season, with injuries, and everything, including my form, but at the same time, I’m trying to finish the season strong, I’m trying to help my team, that’s it.”

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Man City warned they have to break the bank for Udogie

Spurs certainly see the Italian as a long-term option, with Postecoglou backing Udogie to be one of Tottenham’s most important players over the coming years.

With Destiny Udogie still having five years left on his Tottenham contract, the North Londoners are in a very strong position going into the summer.

Paul Robinson has warned Man City that they would have to overpay for Udogie, backing Daniel Levy to make the negotiations for the full-back difficult.

Tottenham Hotspur have fallen behind two of their Premier League rivals in the race for a centre-back, who the Lilywhites have made a firm offer for, and to make matters worse, Arsenal are one of the clubs that have leapfrogged them.

If reports over the last couple of weeks are to be believed, Tottenham are likely to lose their vice-captain Cristian Romero amidst strong interest from Atletico Madrid.

If that is the case, the Lilywhites would be expected to prioritise signing a marquee centre-back to fill the void left by the Argentine’s departure, and they might turn their attention to a teenager centre-back, who is going from strength to strength in the Premier League.

It has been widely reported over recent months that Tottenham are big fans of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who is having a stellar first season in England following his move from Juventus last summer.

It was even claimed by Cadena Sir a couple of days ago that Spurs have already made a firm offer for Huijsen, but a fresh update suggests that Ange Postecoglou’s men are now falling behind in the transfer race.

Arsenal and Liverpool are at the front of the queue to sign Dean Huijsen

Florian Plettenberg has now taken to social media to name the Reds and the Gunners as the two leading contenders to win the race for the Bournemouth star’s signature.

He backs up what we have heard over recent weeks from other sources by stating that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also have their eye on Huijsen.

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However, Plettenberg explains that a move to the Allianz Arena is unlikely for the Cherries defender at this stage.

Further, the journalist adds that a decision from Huijsen on his next destination is expected soon and reveals that the centre-back’s £50m release clause can be paid in three instalments.

Why Huijsen’s release clause stipulation may give Tottenham a chance

It has been widely reported that Tottenham have to sell players before they can buy this summer as the club are not in a strong financial position.

However, the news that Huijsen’s £50m release clause can be paid over three stages makes the deal affordable for the Lilywhites.

If Spurs do lose Romero, one would expect them to push ahead with a move for the Bournemouth man, but Tottenham may struggle to convince the Spain international, given the other clubs interested.

Liam Delap reportedly prefers joining one of Tottenham’s Premier League rivals this summer as the race for the Ipswich Town striker intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Ipswich man is undoubtedly likely to be one of the most-sought-after players this summer window, with Delap available for just £30m due to a relegation clause in his contract.

Over the last couple of months, we have regularly heard that Tottenham are expected to make a move for Delap this summer, with the Lilywhites thought to be admirers of the 22-year-old.

A few days ago, it was claimed by GiveMeSport that Spurs are confident of beating both Man United and Chelsea to Delap, but a fresh report has now contradicted that claim.

Liam Delap prefers joining Man United over Tottenham

It has now been claimed by talkSPORT that the England Under-21 international is certain to leave Portman Road Stadium this summer following Ipswich’s relegation.

However, the outlet names Chelsea and Man United as the two leading contenders for Liam Delap’s signature, making no mention of Tottenham Hotspur at all in their report.

It is asserted that as things stand, Delap is leaning towards a move to Old Trafford despite United’s struggles in the Premier League this season.

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The publication states that this is because the Man City academy graduate wants to return to the North West this summer.

How Spurs can move ahead of Man United in the race for Delap

It is claimed by talkSPORT in this report that the Red Devils’ chances of winning the race for Delap will be boosted if they win the Europa League and secure Champions League qualification.

That could mean that Tottenham may have an advantage over United in the race for Liam Delap if they are the ones who get their hands on the Europa League trophy.

It is thus very much possible that the result of the big clash at San Mames next Thursday could decide where the 22-year-old ends up this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed another major injury blow to Dejan Kulusevski and fans are not taking it lightly, just one week before the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have not been able to catch a break this season, with more and more trains steaming out of the tunnel whenever there seems to be the slightest bit of light.

Dejan Kulusevski is now out of the UEFA Europa League final, after Tottenham confirmed that he suffered an injury to his right patella during the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend.

The midfielder has undergone surgery today and is set to commence his rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff immediately, in a race to return in time for the start of next season.

Tottenham fans left frustrated as Dejan Kulusevski’s injury rules him out of Europa League final

This is a major blow for Tottenham, who are now set to be without any of their creative midfielders come Wednesday, May 21, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall also sidelined.

Tottenham wrote in their announcement: ‘We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend. Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation.’

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been quick to react on social media following the update on Dejan Kulusevski’s fitness. Many fans have had enough of this season, given all they have had to endure.

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One fan wrote: “Nothing will ever come close to this season. Absolute insanity. Our luck is just awful.” Another added: “Get well soon 🫡”.

One supporter suggested a complete rotation ahead of Friday’s fixture: “Should be easy to know who is starting the EL final, because those players should be nowhere near the pitch on Friday.”

A different fan bluntly said: “This club is cursed.” In response to Dejan Kulusevski’s injury, another Tottenham supporter questioned: “Why can we not have nice things?!”

One fan was critical of Ange Postecoglou’s selection: “Ange is an absolute joke. Should have wrapped Kulu and Maddison in cotton wool like he did with Van de Ven and Romero.”

Another simply said: “Devastated.” One final comment read: “The Spurs curse. Now it is in the young lads’ hands to break that curse and write their own glorious destiny. COYS.”

What next for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs ahead of the final?

Ange Postecoglou will now need to get creative as he looks for a solution to Tottenham’s lack of midfield inventiveness.

We have highlighted four ways the Tottenham manager could cope in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski. While it is a big blow ahead of the Europa League final, we all wish Deki a speedy recovery ahead of next season.

With players dropping like flies ahead of the final, Postecoglou has a major decision to make on Friday – whether to start his best eleven to help them find rhythm, or to wrap them in cotton wool and avoid further injuries.

Tottenham Hotspur have just confirmed the severity of Dejan Kulusevski’s injury, and it is not the news that Ange Postecoglou would have wanted a week away from the Europa League final.

Spurs have dealt with major injury crises this season, but it looked like their luck started to turn, with Ange Postecoglou having nearly a fully fit squad to choose from a few weeks ago.

However, since then, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall have both succumbed to injuries, and many Tottenham fans would have had their heart in their mouths when they saw Kulusevski come off with a knee problem in the first half against Crystal Palace.

The initial prognosis of Kulusevski’s injury seemed promising, but the updates have got progressively worse over the last 24 hours, and the worst has now been confirmed.

Dejan Kulusevski’s Tottenham season is now officially over

Tottenham have now confirmed that the Swede suffered an injury to his right patella after coming together with Marc Guehi on Sunday.

The attacking midfielder has had surgery to fix the issue today and has now embarked on his recovery as he looks set to be fit for the start of next season.

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This comes as a major blow to Ange Postecoglou’s men, who lack creativity in the middle of the park, with Dejan Kulusevski, Bergvall, and Maddison sidelined.

Who will start in Kulusevski’s place in Bilbao?

Postecoglou can tweak his system and has different tactical options to make up for Kulusevski’s loss, but the injury means that the Australian may have to move away from his initial game plan.

The onus will now be on Tottenham’s wide players to create for the side, and with Heung-min Son also only recently returning from injury, it is far from an ideal situation for the Lilywhites.

Kulusevski was the last player that Postecoglou would have wanted to lose on Sunday, and perhaps the Spurs boss’ decision to hand him a start against Palace should be scrutinised.

Tottenham Hotspur could potentially lose one of the best young talents in their squad this summer, with Mikey Moore now attracting interest from other Premier League clubs as well as from Germany.

The current Spurs squad is full of exceptional teenage talents, but perhaps the one that many at the club are most excited about is Mikey Moore.

The winger is considered by many to be a potential generational talent, and he showed exactly why there is so much hype around him when he got first-team opportunities earlier this season during Tottenham’s injury crisis.

However, following the return of some injured players and the arrival of reinforcements in January, Moore has struggled to get a look-in in the club’s matchday squad over recent months.

Tottenham’s Mikey Moore is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now taken to social media to reveal that Borussia Dortmund have added the Tottenham Hotspur youngster to their summer shopping wishlist.

He claims that the Bundesliga side are now monitoring Moore’s situation and have already reached out to the player’s representatives.

However, the journalist makes it clear that Dortmund are yet to make a concrete move for the 17-year-old and added that the Spurs youngster is more likely to join another Premier League club this summer.

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Spurs will fight hard to keep hold of Moore

Given how highly Moore is thought of by many in the game, it does not come as a surprise that several top clubs are keeping their eye on the winger.

Plettenberg’s revelation about a potential move being on the cards to another Premier League club suggests that the Tottenham academy graduate is open to leaving Hotspur Way.

One would hope that Spurs can convince the youngster that his development will be best served by remaining at N17, especially since he has played a lot of first-team football this season.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has now revealed what the situation is with Dejan Kulusevski and how likely he is to be fit for the Europa League final.

The last thing that Ange Postecoglou wanted against Crystal Palace was another key player to go down injured, which is why he made eight changes to the Tottenham side from the one that started against Bodo/Glimt.

However, as luck would have it, Kulusevski, who was one of just three players to keep their place in the side, went off with an injury on 19 minutes after a strong challenge from Marc Guehi.

Ange Postecoglou was initially optimistic that Kulusevski’s injury was just a knock, but there has been some bad news regarding the Swede over the last 12 hours.

Paul O’Keefe reveals the latest regarding Dejan Kulusevski

Earlier today, news broke that Kulusevski is a doubt for the Europa League final, with the 25-year-old in a race against time to be fit for the clash at Bilbao next Wednesday.

Paul O’Keefe, who remains well connected with figures at Hotspur Way, has now revealed that the Swede is having pain-killing injections in his knee to play the final.

He claimed that the attacking midfielder is a major doubt to feature in Bilbao, but he is not yet 100 per cent ruled out of the game either.

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Tottenham will try everything they can to get Kulusevski on the pitch

Kulusevski’s absence will be a particularly big blow for Tottenham since they are already without their other two creative midfielders: James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, who have also been sidelined through injury.

Spurs will thus do their utmost to get the Swede out onto the pitch, even if it means potentially risking aggravating the knee injury.

One would imagine that Kulusevski is also desperate to be involved, as European finals do not come around often in a player’s career.