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Ange Postecoglou has said that James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Radu Dragusin have big roles to play in the lead-up to and during the Europa League final, revealing what he has told the Tottenham trio about their responsibilities.

Maddison admitted that he was heartbroken to miss out on the showpiece final, but the attacking midfielder has backed his teammates to get the job done against Manchester United.

The injury would have been even more devastating for Bergvall as the final would have been the biggest game of his career by far, and the setback came for the midfielder just a day after he signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Dragusin has been out for several months with an ACL injury, but the Romanian has regularly been seen beside the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, cheering on his teammates.

Ange Postecoglou wants injured Tottenham players to be part of the group

Postecoglou has now admitted that Tottenham are making an effort to keep the injured players as close to the group as possible in the lead up to the final.

The Tottenham boss insisted that he had encouraged those on the treatment table to contribute to the group and support their teammates.

When asked what he is doing to keep the likes of Maddison and Bergvall involved, the Australian said (via Football.London): “There is always a role to play. It’s a funny one when you are injured. You don’t want to be hanging around either because you want to give the guys space to prepare and train. I have encouraged both of them, Radu the same, to make sure they stay around the group.

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“I think it is important because it can be pretty lonely when you are trying to rehab. Particularly when it is the end of the season and you know you are not playing for the rest of the season. It’s almost easier when the season ends because everyone is on a break, and you are not missing out on anything.

“The idea is to keep them around the group as much as possible over the next couple of weeks, making sure they are engaging with their teammates and a part of everything we do. For sure, they will stay involved, and I think it’s good for them and it’s also good for the group.”

Postecoglou pleased with Spurs midfield pair

Without Bergvall’s and Maddison’s injury, it is very unlikely that we would have seen Yves Bissouma come back into the side.

However, the Mali international’s return to the team appears to have been a blessing in disguise for Spurs, giving them solidity, and Postecoglou confessed that the experience of him and Rodrigo Bentancur has proven very valuable in the latter stages of the competition.

When asked about his experienced Tottenham midfield duo, he said: “With both these guys, [they bring] experience which we haven’t had a lot of this year in crucial stages. Real good game understanding.

“Both are, with and without the ball, really disciplined in terms of understanding their roles. I think particularly in Europe, it’s a different beast, and you need that real tactical understanding of what is required in that midfield role.

“They have complemented each other with the way they have both played and adapted to the roles we have needed them to in the last period. It has worked really well for us.”

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for a Manchester City starlet this summer, but they could face a battle with Nottingham Forest, who are also ready to make a move for the youngster.

The Man City academy has produced some exceptional talents over recent years, who have gone on to become stars at the highest level.

The Manchester club now have another gem on their hands in James McAtee, who has been extremely impressive whenever he has been handed an opportunity by Pep Guardiola’s side this campaign.

Tottenham reportedly made a late enquiry for McAtee in January, and they could try again to sign the attacking midfielder this summer, whose future is now up in the air.

In fact, the latest reports go as far as to say that Man City have given the green light to a McAtee sale, which could come as a huge boost to Spurs.

Tottenham could battle Nottingham Forest for James McAtee

This report comes from TBR Football, who say that Tottenham Hotspur are fans of the City youngster and confirm that they did make an approach for him in the previous transfer window.

However, the outlet says that the Lilywhites could face competition for McAtee this summer as Forest are now ready to make a move for the 21-year-old.

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The outlet claims that the midfielder is ready to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of regular first-team football, having seen how Cole Palmer has thrived since his switch to Chelsea.

Forest are expected to lose Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s men see McAtee as the ideal replacement for the England international.

McAtte is also attracting interest from Germany

TBR Football claim that an opportunity to move to the Bundesliga might also present itself for the City midfielder this summer.

This is because Bayer Leverkusen are big fans of McAtee and want to bring him in to replace Florian Wirtz, who is set to depart this summer.

Additionally, RB Leipzig are also closely monitoring the English midfielder’s situation as they consider a potential approach.

Paul Scholes has named his Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur combined XI ahead of the Europa League final, and he has made a few big omissions.

A lot has been said ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United’s Europa League showdown on May 21.

Glenn Hoddle has stated that it would be no easy feat for Tottenham to beat Manchester United four times in a single season, but the former Spurs boss would love for the Lilywhites to get over the line.

Owen Hargreaves has mentioned that Manchester United are the ones with momentum coming into the final, despite the Red Devils’ form mirroring that of Spurs, with both sides struggling domestically.

Paul Scholes picks a Manchester United-heavy combined XI over Tottenham players

Paul Scholes stated that Tottenham are favourites going into the Europa League final, but believes that United’s European pedigree gives them an edge.

Ahead of the Europa League final, the former Manchester United midfielder has now picked a combined XI for TNT Sports from Manchester United and Tottenham players.

Scholes’ combined XI features seven players from Manchester United and four from Tottenham.

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In goal, Scholes chose Guglielmo Vicario over United’s Andre Onana. In his back four, the Man United legend opted for Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu as his full-back pair over Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, while giving the nod to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in central defence.

In midfield, Scholes picked Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, leaving out James Maddison.

While the front three included Alejandro Garnacho over Heung-min Son, Dominic Solanke instead of Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo over Dejan Kulusevski.

The full XI was as follows: Vicario; Dalot, Romero, Van de Ven, Dorgu; Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes; Diallo, Solanke, Garnacho.

Spurs must block out the noise before the San Mames showdown

Ange Postecoglou has urged his players to remain focused ahead of the final at San Mames.

The Australian boss has made it clear that every match leading up to the Europa League final against Manchester United should be seen as an avenue for his players to prepare for the big tie.

The media’s coverage might be in favour of the Red Devils, but the Tottenham players cannot allow that to distract them from what they are to do come Wednesday.

Postecoglou still has a few players sidelined, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall set to miss the final, but Heung-min Son is back fit and should be in contention to start on Wednesday, May 21.

Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to choosing their Europa League winner between Tottenham and Man United.

As we build up to the final, many pundits appear to be siding with Man United only because of the weight of their history.

Jamie Carragher has said Tottenham have “no chance” of lifting the Europa League, given their recent history of struggling in the finals.

Gary Neville pointed to Man Utd’s habit of winning trophies even during poor seasons, insisting that he is confident Rubem Amorim’s side will get the job done against Tottenham (BBC Sport).

Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant disagree on Europa League final

Jermaine Pennant agrees with the consensus that United will up their game in the final, as they have done throughout their history.

However, O’Hara pointed to the fact that Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Man United three times already this campaign, and believes we will see them do it for the fourth time in Bilbao.

Here is the transcript of the pair’s conversation on talkSPORT:

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O’Hara: “I think we’re going to give you a whupping. We’ve pumped you three times this season, let’s just put it out there. I know it’s a final, it’s different, it’s a final, but we’ve pumped you, three times, destroyed you!”

Pennant: “In all fairness, I think Man United will topple Spurs. I think United now are a lot better than when Spurs played them.”

O’Hara: “Yeah (we’ve got their number), but I do worry about Man United in the final. It’s just something about Man United in finals. You know what, though, Ruben Amorim, I thought Man United played brilliantly (vs Athletic Club).

Pennant: “That just goes to show you how strong the Premier League is – 16th and 17th beating the top five in their own leagues. But, I think Man United are going to do Spurs. I just can’t see anything else, unfortunately.

O’Hara wasn’t having that and said: “You’re an idiot.”

Tottenham fans will not be confident ahead of the final

Given all the heartbreak that Tottenham have put their supporters through over the last two decades, one either has to be an extreme optimist or delusional as a Spurs fan to be bullish about their side’s chances in the final.

On paper, Tottenham are arguably a better side than United, and we have already beaten them three times this season.

While that should fill the Tottenham players with confidence, the fans will undoubtedly get increasingly nervous as the match draws closer, and many of them will feel that O’Hara is tempting fate by making such a confident prediction.

An England international, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, is also on Man United’s radar, with the Red Devils potentially set for a transfer battle against the Lilywhites for the midfielder.

Free transfers always tend to attract the most interest ahead of the transfer window, and unsurprisingly, one top-class Ligue 1 star, who is out of contract next month, appears to be on the radar of several big clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Those who follow Spurs Web’s coverage would be aware that Tottenham have been installed as the favourites to land Angel Gomes on a free transfer.

It was reported by TBR Football last month that the Lille midfielder has been approached by around a dozen clubs, but Spurs are confident of winning the race for Gomes’s signature.

Man United considering entering race to sign Angel Gomes

CaughtOffside have now revealed that Man United are now contemplating putting themselves right in the thick of the race to land Angel Gomes.

The midfielder came through United’s academy, and with Rubem Amorim’s side looking to make reinforcements in the middle of the park, they are thought to be keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old’s situation.

However, the outlet confirms that Spurs are still the frontrunners to land Gomes, with Ange Postecoglou said to be pushing for the England international to be signed.

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However, a return to Old Trafford cannot be ruled out for the midfielder at this stage, according to this update.

Tottenham and two Italian clubs also keen on Angel Gomes

CaughtOffside reveal that apart from Tottenham and Man United, Gomes has two other serious suitors in the Premier League.

It is claimed that Everton and Crystal Palace are both plotting the signing of the Lille man, but neither club have contacted the player’s representatives so far.

Additionally, Napoli and Juventus are also said to be keen on landing Gomes and are trying to tempt him to Italy.

Finally, the publication says that there is also a chance that Marseille could make a late move for the midfielder and try to persuade him to remain in France.

A new report has shed light on Cristian Romero’s transfer stance on Atletico Madrid’s interest and whether the centre-back could remain at Tottenham if they beat Manchester United to lift the Europa League trophy.

The experienced defender’s future has been the subject of much speculation over the last couple of months, with Romero thought to have verbally agreed to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

Some sources have even claimed over recent weeks that Atletico are already preparing an offer for Romero, even though we are still several weeks away from the opening of the transfer window.

Last week, one Spanish outlet stated that Diego Simeone’s side have already agreed personal terms with Romero, although the negotiations with Tottenham are expected to be the harder part.

Will Cristian Romero’s Tottenham future be affected by Europa League success?

GiveMeSport have now claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to be able to convince their vice-captain to stay, even if they win the Europa League and secure passage into next season’s Champions League.

The centre-back has already decided to undertake a fresh challenge this summer, and he views a switch to Atletico as the perfect move at this stage of his career.

The Argentine has already given indications to his employers that he wants to move to the Metropolitano Stadium, and it is asserted that he is not poised to alter his stance irrespective of the result of the Europa League final.

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However, the publication adds that for the moment, the 27-year-old’s entire focus is on having a strong end to the season with Tottenham.

Lengthy negotiations may be needed for Atletico to sign Romero

GiveMeSport say that despite Romero’s desire to join Atletico, lengthy negotiations may be needed for the La Liga side to secure the centre-back.

This is because there is a big difference between the valuation of the two clubs, with Spurs wanting £65m for the former Juventus man while Atletico are only willing to pay around £40m.

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to get a bidding war going for Manor Solomon this summer after the latest update coming out of Leeds United.

While there has been a lot said and written about potential incomings at Tottenham, there is also expected to be a lot of departures, with reports indicating that Spurs have to sell before buying this summer, due to their financial constraints.

One man who appears certain to leave is Manor Solomon, who has been outstanding all season for Leeds, playing a key role in their Championship title win.

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Leeds are keen to sign Solomon permanently, but the newly promoted club are expected to face some competition, with Everton and Southampton also credited with an interest in the Tottenham winger.

Leeds United’s stance on Manor Solomon revealed amidst competition

Football Insider have now become the latest outlet to confirm that the 25-year-old will leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer following his successful loan spell at Elland Road.

The report says that several Premier League sides, including Everton, are also eyeing Solomon, but Daniel Farke is determined to bring him through the door.

The outlet says that Leeds could make as many as ten new additions to their squad before their return to the top flight. The Israeli international is alleged to be a ‘priority’, right at the top of the Yorkshire club’s wishlist.

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Tottenham’s asking price and Solomon’s stance on his future

According to some sources, Tottenham are hoping to get £20m for Solomon’s sale this summer, while Leeds are looking to sign him for around £15m.

Solomon is also thought to be of interest to Marseille, but it looks like the player might have already made up his mind on who he wants to join.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering bringing a manager who left the Premier League last summer back to these shores as they continue to scour the market for a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

The speculation over Postecoglou’s future has died down a bit over the last week, with Tottenham’s sole focus on lifting the Europa League.

However, a big decision will have to be made regarding the Australian this summer, and it turns out Tottenham are looking far and wide for Postecoglou’s replacement.

A former Premier League manager has now been put forward as a potential option to take over from the Australian at the end of the season.

Tottenham eyeing move for Roberto De Zerbi

This update comes from Gianluca Di Marzio, who says that Tottenham will have to beat Man United in the Europa League final for Postecoglou to keep his job.

Apart from the usual names we have heard over the last couple of months, Di Marzio suggests that Roberto De Zerbi is also on Spurs’ wishlist.

The Italian made a big name for himself at Brighton, and since swapping the South Coast of England for Marseille, his reputation has only continued to grow, with his side currently sitting in second place in Ligue 1.

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It remains to be seen if the 45-year-old will be open to an offer for Spurs, especially just a year on from taking on a new project at Marseille.

Two clear favourites emerge for the Spurs job

Di Marzio also names Andoni Iraola as an option Tottenham are looking but he says that the number one name on the Lilywhites’ wishlist is Marco Silva.

The Portuguese coach is expected to emerge as Spurs’ main target if they do decide to part ways with Postecoglou after the Europa League final.

The journalist adds that Al-Hilal are also showing interest in Silva, but the 47-year-old is thought to be keen on remaining in the Premier League.

Gary Neville has revealed that one factor which gives him confidence that Man United will beat Tottenham in the Europa League final, even though they have had a poor season.

Tottenham Hotspur and Man United both find themselves in a very similar situation. They have both had disastrous campaigns domestically and need to win the Europa League to salvage their campaign.

Additionally, Postecoglou also needs to win the trophy for his own future. While winning the Europa League may not guarantee Postecoglou will stay, losing it will almost certainly mean his time at Spurs will run out this summer.

There is also the small matter of Champions League football on offer to the winner, with the extra revenue from the competition being crucial to both clubs ahead of the summer window.

Gary Neville is confident but has a ‘sickly feeling’ about the final

Given how big the stakes are, Neville admitted that he is nervous ahead of the showpiece event in Bilbao.

However, the pundit expects the Red Devils to get the job done on the night of the final, pointing out that United have a habit of winning silverware even during tough seasons.

When asked for his thoughts on Tottenham vs Man United, the pundit told BBC Sport: “Roy Keane called it a great game the other day. That is what Roy would think. My mentality is different. I was a right-back.

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“You know the only thing you can do is lose your team the game. Unless you are Trent Alexander-Arnold, you are unlikely to win your team a game as a right-back.

“It is a huge game. The consequences are massive. I have a sickly feeling in my stomach about this game as a United fan, purely because of what is at stake.

“But I am confident. Manchester United have an uncanny knack, even in difficult times and bad times – and this has been a really bad season – of picking up trophies.

“That is not a bad habit to have as a football club. They still get to finals and do things even though the league form has been awful – and it has been a terrible season.”

Does history matter for Tottenham vs Manchester United?

A lot of pundits seem to be basing their opinion on the contrasting records in the finals of Spurs and Man United over the last two decades.

However, that might have very little bearing on the game, as the current sets of players do not necessarily carry the scars or the winning legacy of old Tottenham or United sides.

One can be sure that it will be a very intense affair at San Mames, with both teams appear to be peaking at the right time.

UEFA have made a major call ahead of the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, confirming a controversial referee set to take charge in Bilbao.

The countdown begins, as Tottenham Hotspur are eight days away from either finishing the season on a high or ending what could go down as one of the most disappointing campaigns in the history of the club.

The Europa League final tie against Manchester United is a clash of huge significance for the Lilywhites. It holds the potential to either cap off a difficult season with silverware or deepen the wounds, especially with how it could influence transfer business going into the summer.

With the showdown set for May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, UEFA have now made their referee decision public ahead of the final.

UEFA appoint Felix Zwayer as referee for Tottenham vs Manchester United

Football.London has confirmed that Felix Zwayer has been appointed as the referee for the Europa League final between Spurs and Manchester United.

The German official has overseen close to 700 matches in his career and was most recently in charge of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

That game saw a touch of controversy, after a penalty was awarded following a VAR check for a handball by Miles Lewis-Skelly.

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While his vast experience at the top level cannot be denied, Zwayer’s career has not been without blemishes, with past controversy surrounding his officiating history.

Back in 2005, Zwayer served a six-month ban after allegedly accepting a bribe of over £200, a punishment that followed his decision to report a match-fixing scandal to the German football authorities.

Felix Zwayer’s refereeing history with Tottenham and Manchester United

His name again drew attention in 2021, when Jude Bellingham publicly criticised him following a Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund clash. The comments led to Bellingham receiving a fine, but also reignited scrutiny around Zwayer’s reputation.

This will be the first time the referee has taken charge of a European club final, though he did oversee the 2023 Nations League final between Croatia and Spain, and has also been appointed for domestic German Cup and Super Cup finals.

Zwayer has previously officiated two Tottenham matches. The first came in the 2015/16 Europa League away draw against Fiorentina, where he issued five yellow cards, four of them to Spurs.

He later took charge of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stage defeat to Barcelona at Wembley Stadium, in which he handed out six bookings, again four to Spurs players.

He has overseen four matches involving Manchester United, with the Red Devils remaining unbeaten across those games.