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A former Tottenham midfielder has revealed he had the option to stay at the North London club during the summer when he was sold.

The squad that Mauricio Pochettino had at Tottenham had several players who were very popular with the fan base, with there being a strong connection between the team and the fans during that era.

Even flops such as Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Vincent Janssen and Kevin Wimmer were seen as cult heroes by parts of the fan base.

However, one player who not many Tottenham Hotspur fans will have fond memories of is Benjamin Stambouli, who only spent a solitary season at White Hart Lane after arriving from Montpellier in the summer of 2014.

Benjamin Stambouli reveals why he left Tottenham

The Frenchman made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites in his solitary season in North London before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2015.

The 35-year-old, who now plays for Metz, has admitted that the allure of joining PSG was too big for him to turn down.

When asked why he left Spurs after just one season, Stambouli told Le10 Sport: “At that point, I had the choice of staying at Tottenham and other options. But after thinking it over, I went for it.

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“I went to England because I consider it to be the best league in the world. By signing with PSG, I had the opportunity to join a club with the ambition to become number one in the world.”

Stambouli had little room at Spurs under Pochettino

Tottenham had Mousa Dembele, Etienne Capoue and Eric Dier in their ranks during Stambouli’s only season at Spurs.

One can understand why Stambouli was keen to leave, as there was not much of a path for him to become a regular in Tottenham’s starting eleven.

Julian Alvarez has made an interesting revelation about Atletico Madrid’s failed pursuit of one Tottenham Hotspur star.

In the first half of the summer transfer window, it was widely reported that Diego Simeone was desperate to take Cristian Romero to the Spanish capital.

In fact, it was claimed that Atletico Madrid were prepared to break the bank for the Tottenham star, but the North London club refused to budge.

Eventually, Romero signed a new long-term contract with Spurs, becoming the highest-paid player at Tottenham, before being handed the captain’s armband.

Julian Alvarez spoke to Cristian Romero about leaving Tottenham

Back in May, Alvarez fueled the speculation by stating that he is hopeful Romero will link up with him at Atletico, and suggesting that the Tottenham Hotspur man will be a great addition to the Colchoneros.

Now, the former Man City star has admitted that he did speak to his international teammate in an effort to convince him to come to the Metropolitano Stadium.

When asked if he would have liked to play with Romero at Atltico, Alvarez told Marca (as relayed by Sport Witness): “Yes, yes. Obviously, I would have liked to. Cuti is one of the best defenders in the world.

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“I spend time with him for the national team, and I really think he’s a star, a competitive animal, very strong defensively. And yes, I had a few conversations with him, and it didn’t happen for various reasons, but hopefully one day we’ll be able to play together.”

Spurs want to tie down Romero’s centre-back partner

Tottenham signed seven new players in the summer, but their best piece of business was undoubtedly convincing Romero to sign a new contract.

According to reports, the Lilywhites are now trying to repeat the trick with the Argentine centre-back partner Micky van de Ven.

A Premier League club are stepping up their pursuit of Tottenham target Yan Diomande, but this may not be all bad news for the Lilywhites.

Diomande has proven nearly unstoppable in the Bundesliga and the Champions League this season since his switch from Leganes to RB Leipzig in the summer.

Tottenham have scouted Diomande extensively this season and are thought to be plotting a sensational January move.

In fact, some sources have claimed over recent weeks that Spurs and Liverpool have held advanced talks over a deal for the Leipzig winger, and it appears that the Reds are now stepping up their pursuit.

Liverpool consider paying huge fee for Tottenham target Yan Diomande

Fichajes now claim that Liverpool are prepared to spend big on the Ivory Coast international in an effort to move ahead of the competition.

The Merseyside club are said to be accelerating their efforts to land Diomande after Mohammed Salah’s fallout with Arne Slot.

Their interest in the Leipzig staff has gone from ‘exploratory to urgent’, with the club seeing the 19-year-old as a ‘long-term solution’.

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Liverpool staff believe that Diomande fits their side’s style of play, and they are now seriously considering meeting Leipzig’s €100m (£87m) asking price for the attacker.

Could the door open for Spurs to secure Antoine Semenyo?

Liverpool’s intensifying interest in Diomande may have a silver lining for Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been reported by multiple sources that while Spurs are prepared to meet Antoine Semenyo’s release clause, they have one concern in the pursuit of the Bournemouth man.

Tottenham fear that Liverpool will beat them to Semenyo’s signature, which is why they are thought to be eyeing other alternatives.

However, if Slot’s men prioritise a move for Diomande, that may open the door for the Lilywhites to secure the Cherries star.

Liverpool and Man City have now taken a big step towards signing Antoine Semenyo, although not all hope is completely lost for Tottenham.

Spurs Web has relayed several reports stating that Tottenham have intensified their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo over recent days and that they are prepared to pay his £65m release clause.

Even though Semenyo is thought to prefer a move to the likes of Man City or Liverpool, the Lilywhites do not appear to be throwing in the towel just yet.

However, the latest update regarding the Bournemouth star comes as a body blow to Thomas Frank’s men.

Antoine Semenyo has agreed on personal terms with Man City and Liverpool

CaughtOffside have now revealed that Man City first agreed personal terms with Semenyo ahead of the January window, and this prompted Liverpool to act.

Now, the Reds have matched the offer from Pep Guardiola’s side for the 25-year-old, and they too have agreed terms with the player.

With personal terms now out of the way, all both clubs have to do is to activate his release clause, which they have until January 10 to do.

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This has left Semenyo with a direct choice to make between a move to the Etihad Stadium and a switch to Anfield.

Semenyo is still open to other offers

Despite agreeing personal terms with the Reds and the Cityzens, CaughtOffside claim that the Bournemouth star has not yet made a final decision on his future.

The winger does not want to be rushed into a decision, and it is suggested that he may want to wait and see if other clubs come in for him.

The publication adds that there is still time for the race for Semenyo’s signature to turn into an even bigger battle as we approach the January window.

A big selection announcement has seemingly confirmed that a Tottenham star, who has not kicked a ball for the Lilywhites this season, is now nearing full fitness.

The numbers suggest that Tottenham have been the most injury-hit club across Europe’s top five leagues, and that is something that Spurs fans have become used to over the last couple of seasons.

In fact, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma have not made a single appearance this term, while Dominic Solanke has been restricted to just two substitute appearances.

However, it turns out that one of those players is expected to be fully fit over the coming weeks.

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma selected for AFCON

Bissouma picked up a knee injury in his first game back for Mali during October’s international break and had to have surgery.

It turns out that the 29-year-old is not far away from returning to fitness. We know this because the Tottenham Hotspur man has now been named in the Mali squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Mali’s first game is on December 22nd against Zambia, and it is unclear if the former Brighton man will be involved in that match.

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Bissouma may have played his final game for Tottenham

The midfielder’s alleged laughing gas controversy last week could be the final nail in the coffin of his Spurs career.

Reports indicate that Tottenham have decided to sell Bissouma in January and that the midfielder is now facing disciplinary action for being a repeat offender.

Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to push the boat out in a big way to win the race for Antoine Semenyo, but the Lilywhites have one major stumbling block.

Tottenham face an uphill battle to land Semenyo, with the news of the winger’s £65m release clause attracting a lot of interest.

However, the Lilywhites are certainly not throwing in the towel in their pursuit of the Ghana international.

In fact, it has emerged over recent days that Spurs have intensified their pursuit of the Cherries star ahead of the January window as they try to unite the 25-year-old with his international teammate, Mohammed Kudus.

Tottenham are willing to offer Antoine Semenyo the most lucrative package

A new report in BBC Sport suggests that Spurs are willing to pay more than any of their other Premier League rivals to get a deal for the Bournemouth man over the line.

It is suggested that the Lilywhites are ready to meet Semenyo’s £65m clause and will offer him ‘the most personally lucrative package’ of any of the clubs in England.

However, that does not mean that Tottenham are favourites to land the Cherries star in January.

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It is explained that Semenyo is prioritising sporting achievements as he weighs up his next move, and is thus likely to be more tempted by a move to clubs at the top end of the table.

Liverpool or Man City named as Semenyo’s most likely destinations

BBC Sport say that Arsenal and Man United hold a degree of interest in Semenyo, but the duo are happy with the attacking options at their disposal.

The real interest is coming from Man City and Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola’s men expected to be in the mix, given that it is a fixed release clause.

Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Semenyo, and the uncertainty over Mohammed Salah’s future could convince them to push through a deal in January.

The publication concludes that, as things stand, the Bournemouth star is more likely to move to the North West than North London.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new ownership structure is planning to take a significant step in the upcoming transfer window.

We have heard repeatedly since the departure of Daniel Levy that the Lewis family wants to usher in a new era of on-pitch success at Tottenham.

Several sources have claimed over recent months that Spurs are prepared to make some ambitious moves in January to signal their ambition.

According to a recent update by The Telegraph, Tottenham will focus their efforts on making signings that would improve their starting eleven rather than adding squad players or project players to the squad.

Big funds will be made available by Tottenham hierarchy in January

A new report in BBC Sport has now claimed that Tottenham Hotspur’s financial power is growing in light of the change in the ownership structure.

It is asserted that the Lewis family will make ‘substantial funds available in the forthcoming transfer windows’ as Spurs aim to close the gap with the best sides in the Premier League.

The goal of the Tottenham hierarchy is to spark a sustained spell of on-pitch success, which has eluded the North London club for a long time.

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The quality of Spurs’ recruitment will dictate how successful they are

There is no doubt that spending money on transfers and wages is a prerequisite for success, but we see time and again that spending alone is no guarantee of success.

In fact, Tottenham have one of the highest net spends in the Premier League over the last five years, and the team has actually regressed in that time.

In fact, the club’s most expensive signings in that period, such as Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Tanguy Ndombele, have not moved the dial much.

The club’s most impressive additions have been ones like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Archie Gray, and Dejan Kulusevski, who did not cost a fortune.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major blow in their quest to bring Harry Kane back to the club at the end of the season.

Tottenham have a first refusal option on their former striker, giving the club the right to match any bids that arrive for the forward.

According to reports, Spurs are hoping to pull on Kane’s heartstrings by selling the prospect of a fairytale return to N17, but it remains to be seen if that would appeal to the striker.

In fact, the England captain has played down talks of leaving Bayern Munich, and has suggested that he could stay in Bavaria beyond the end of the season.

Harry Kane makes the final decision on Tottenham return next summer

TEAMtalk confirm that the €65m (£56.8m) release clause in Kane’s contract at the end of the season continues to attract interest from England.

Not only Tottenham, but also Manchester City and Man United are thought to be keeping an eye on the 32-year-old’s situation.

However, the report claims that the clause must be triggered by January 31 for clubs to sign Kane in the summer.

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It is revealed that Spurs’ record goalscorer has now decided not to activate that release clause and is instead willing to sign a one-year extension at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich are confident Kane will sign a new deal

The outlet also spoke to journalist Graeme Bailey about Kane’s situation, and he confirmed that the striker is happy at Bayern.

In fact, he added that the Bundesliga club are confident that the centre-forward will put pen to paper on an extension before he links up with the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.

Bailey told TEAMtalk: “Bayern Munich want Harry Kane’s new deal signed before he jets off to the World Cup finals with England. The England captain and his family are ‘very happy’ and settled in Bavaria, but his camp are doing due diligence on potential options.

“Barcelona are one of those to speak to his camp and confirm their interest in a possible deal, whilst there a number of options back in England, including Manchester United and former club Tottenham Hotspur.

“Kane also has the option of seeing out his deal with Bayern until 2027 – when he would be a free agent, if he decides not to sign an extension. However, sources tell us Bayern are ‘confident’ that Kane will agree to an extension.”

A teenage midfield starlet has now reacted to the rumours linking him with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

Tottenham boast of some outstanding teenage talent in their squad in the form of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Luka Vuskovic, and Mikey Moore.

They are reportedly looking to add to their stocks by pushing ahead with a move for a 17-year-old, who is turning a lot of heads with his performances in Belgium.

It has been revealed that Spurs have set their sights on Anderlecht starlet Nathan De Cat, who is showing maturity beyond his years in the base of the Belgian club’s midfield.

Nathan De Cat sets the record straight amidst Tottenham transfer rumours

According to some sources, Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange is pushing for the signing of the teenager, with the Dane said to be a big fan of the Anderlecht man.

Reports indicate that Brighton and Aston Villa are ready to challenge Spurs for De Cat, but the 17-year-old has now made it clear that he is going nowhere in January.

When asked about the speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, De Cat told Nieuwsblad (as relayed by Sport Witness): “I have no intention of leaving in the winter.

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“I’m not personally concerned with the interested clubs, nor with that contract extension. My parents are looking into that and are keeping me well away from it.

“A career plan? I’m not the type to think I have to achieve this or that within a year or so. My only concern is getting better every day, always raising the bar.

“My role models are Declan Rice of Arsenal and Rodri of Man City. To reach that level, I have to work hard. Again: the only thing that matters is the next match.”

Spurs prioritising readymade signings in January

Reports indicate that Spurs are pursuing signing established players who would improve their starting eleven.

This has been confirmed by a club official as well, with Tottenham’s head of scouting, Rob Mackenzie, stating that readymade signings will be prioritised under Thomas Frank.

Harry Redknapp believes the margins will be far tighter than when Tottenham Hotspur takes on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Thomas Frank’s side have enjoyed an upturn in results in recent weeks, with back-to-back wins arriving across the Premier League and the Champions League, easing some of the pressure that had been building in north London.

However, the Premier League offers little margin for error, and this weekend Spurs travel to the City Ground to face a Nottingham Forest side sat in 17th place, desperate to drag themselves away from trouble.

Over the last month, Tottenham’s top-four ambitions took a noticeable hit after a winless league run, but a strong set of performances this month could see Frank’s side get back on track.

Harry Redknapp predicts score for Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has weighed in on the weekend’s action, and while acknowledging Spurs’ timely return to form, he has stopped short of backing them to take all three points away from home.

Speaking to BetVictor, he said: “Forest 1-1 Spurs,” Redknapp said. “Sean Dyche was disappointed with the result and performance at Everton last week. That was out of character for Forest of late, they have looked good.”

“Boy did Spurs need that win over Brentford, they were having such a tricky month. This will be a real test of them though. I am picking the draw.

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“One to watch – Elliot Anderson is having the best season of his career, and this is the sort of game he can make a real impact in. Ironically, he is the sort of player Spurs could do with in midfield.”

Thomas Frank faces tactical test at the City Ground

Thomas Frank’s team selection could quickly turn a 1-1 draw into a victory for Tottenham at the City Ground, particularly if Spurs approach the contest with confidence rather than caution.

The Dane may be tempted to set his side up to neutralise Forest’s strengths, but an overly conservative plan risks blunting Tottenham’s own attacking threat.

Tottenham are at their best when they dictate games with aggression and tempo, and if Frank can get his side playing with that attacking edge on Sunday, Spurs will believe they can leave Nottingham with more than just a point.