Football London

Antoine Semenyo was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, only to sign a new deal with Bournemouth which should keep him at the Vitality Stadium until 2030

Antoine Semenyo is reportedly 'annoyed' by suggestions that he's keen on leaving Bournemouth.

The forward has enjoyed an excellent campaign this season, scoring six Premier League goals for the Cherries. With only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago boasting better scoring records than Semenyo this term, speculation surrounding his future on the south coast has intensified.

A host of top clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation, including Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, prompting supporters nationwide to question whether Semenyo will still be at Bournemouth for 2026/27.

However, Sky Sports report that Semenyo is happy at the Vitality Stadium and is 'annoyed' by suggestions he has requested a transfer.

When pressed by Jamie Redknapp about his future earlier this month, the Ghanaian responded: "I don't think about it too much. I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I'm not oblivious, but I try to keep focused.

"I'm enjoying my football here. If I'm not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens. When they [his former team-mates] all left [in the summer], there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club.

"But I knew in my head that the manager's got something up his sleeve this year. How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we've bought in as well.

"I wasn't too sure at the start but we've kicked on like a house on fire. I'm glad I committed to staying here because I'm enjoying every moment," reports the Manchester Evening News.

Following a 13-goal haul across all competitions last term, Semenyo was heavily linked with a blockbuster switch to Spurs during the summer transfer window. The move ultimately collapsed, with the Lilywhites instead snapping up Mohammed Kudus in a £55million move.

It appears as though Spurs are settling into life under Thomas Frank, after luring the head coach away from Brentford this summer. The Dane stepped in as Ange Postecoglou's replacement after he was sacked following a lacklustre 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

And it's clear that the tactician has already had a major impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings after 11 games, with five wins, three draws and three losses to show for their efforts.

EXCLUSIVE: Cristian Romero behaviour towards Tottenham stars backed as Arsenal pair snubbed

EXCLUSIVE: Cristian Romero has formed a solid centre-back partnership with Micky van de Ven this season under Thomas Frank, and former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has now had his say on the pair

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has snubbed Arsenal when delivering his verdict on the Premier League's best centre-back partnership.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership at the Gunners in recent seasons. Arsenal's centre-back duo have conceded a meagre five goals in the English top-flight so far this season, with their performances playing a key role in Mikel Arteta's side having a four-point lead.

The Gunners' partnership in defence is widely viewed as the best in the Premier League as Arsenal chase a first league title since 2004. But Sandro has a different view.

Speaking exclusively to football.london, via football odds, the Brazilian was asked if Tottenham's Romero and Micky van de Ven partnership is the league's best. He admits to enjoying how Romero deals with referees and Tottenham's players.

"I think so, I believe that it is the best defensive partnership in the Premier League, because you can see the quality that Van de Ven has and his speed," he said.

"Yes, he made a mistake against Chelsea, but who doesn't make a mistake? Everybody does, and if you balance the mistakes and the good things that he does, he’s amazing."

Discussing Romero's behaviour, Sandro added: "The leadership that Romero has, it's unbelievable. You can see straight away the way he manages the game, the way he talks with the referees, with the midfielders. I love Romero. Proper leader.

"And I think he's now reading the game a little bit more to get into positions, where he used to get stupid yellow cards and red cards. But now, I think he has learned a little bit. Okay, he's never going to change, he goes for the ball, but I think he's now a bit calmer."

Sandro's view contrasts that of Arsenal legend Martin Keown. The ex-England defender has previously proclaimed that Magalhaes and Saliba are the best defensive partnership in Europe.

“Gabriel and Saliba are the best partnership in Europe; they’re aggressive, contact players," he told TNT Sports in 2024.

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand agrees. "I think they are the best pairing in Europe," he said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

"They complement each other, their styles are perfect for each other. A good mix and blend."

Arsenal and Tottenham will have a chance to prove which partnership is best when both teams face off in their first fixture after the international break on Sunday, November 23.

Marcus Rashford's future beyond his loan at Barcelona remains uncertain

Marcus Rashford already had a friendly relationship with James Maddison prior to reports linking the England attacker to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Barcelona star is on loan at the Spanish giants until the end of the season from Manchester United. With Ruben Amorim not wanting the 28-year-old as part of his plans at Old Trafford, Rashford's future beyond next summer remains up in the air.

He's enjoyed a return to form in Spain, with 15 goals and assists combined in just 16 games across all competitions for Barcelona. The Catalan club possess a reported £26million option to buy at the end of his temporary spell.

However, there could be a return to England for Rashford, with reports in Spain claiming that his agent and brother, Dwaine Maynard, has held initial talks with Spurs and Chelsea over a possible transfer.

Should Rashford make the move to north London, it'll see him reunite with several international team-mates, including Maddison, whom he shares a friendship with. The pair have regularly looked pally when meeting up for England duty and have exchanged complimentary messages to each other on social media.

It was after Rashford's brace for United in a Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea in 2019 that saw the pair take to Instagram. The attacker netted a penalty and wonderful free-kick at Stamford Bridge and posted a photo of himself celebrating in front of the Blues fans on social media.

He wrote the caption: "Class win. Class support. Class night. Hope you enjoyed your birthday Dwaine Maynard (Rashford's brother and agent)" which saw Maddison respond: "Nah that free-kick," alongside a shocked-face emoji. Rashford then replied back with: "Maddison [I've] been watching you mate."

One of their more recent interactions came this past summer when speculation surrounding Rashford's future was rife. It was in June when he went on holiday and posted several snaps from his break on Instagram with the caption: "The lost files. Summer 25" which the Spurs star liked.

Maddison - who is expected to be out of action for most of the season following an ACL injury in pre-season - would surely be an advocate of Rashford signing for Spurs, but the forward has waxed lyrical about his time so far in Barcelona.

Speaking to ESPN last month, Rashford said: "Oh yeah, for sure," when asked whether he wanted to remain at Barcelona. He added: "I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour."

Calling it a "perfect scenario" where he's playing alongside the top players in the world, Rashford had special praise for two of his team-mates in particular. "Lots of players have lots of qualities but probably the standouts are Lamine Yamal. And, for me, Pedri is unbelievable," he explained.

"I knew he was good before I played with him. But to play with him everyday is unbelievable. Relationships on the pitch, the ones I am still learning, are very important. When it comes to the matchday, these are things which make small differences. They have such high quality. It's the perfect scenario to play with players like this."

Tottenham are likely to welcome back a number of faces to the matchday squad for the North London Derby

Thomas Frank has had to contend with a number of injuries during the opening months of the 2025/26 season and that has seen Tottenham's form remain inconsistent.

The 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break has left Spurs in fifth place in the Premier League, with the Lilywhites winning five, drawing three and losing three of their 11 games. James Maddison, Dejen Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin have not played a single minute this campaign due to injury, while Frank has also been without Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Archie Gray for large periods.

Solanke, seen as a player who could thrive in Frank's system, has only racked up three appearances this term. In fact, the 28-year-old has only been on the pitch for 49 minutes.

An ankle injury disrupted much of the England international's pre-season and the striker ended up having "minor surgery" to try and rectify the issue at the end of September. It means Solanke has not led the line for Tottenham for nearly three months.

Solanke made the move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from Bournemouth last summer, with the club agreeing a deal worth £65million with the Cherries. The Englishman scored 16 goals and grabbed eight assists in his first year with the Lilywhites but there was a general consensus he could do more.

Frank has instead had to rely on Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, but there is hope Solanke could make his return after the international break. Speaking at the end of October, Frank said: "We're very aware of when we get Dom back, we hope - touch wood - we have him back and no setbacks, so we are very aware of doing it the right way, so it's going in the right direction, he will not be available before the international break, so that's the status right now."

The Dane provided a further update last week: "Yeah, I think the international break will be the big deciding factor because we have two weeks there to push in the next steps. As I say, it's going forward. Just to take it instead of the questions every single time because it was clearly that he was not ready before the international break.

"It's more, we look after the international break, that's what we're aiming for. I think we always want to get it right, but I think it's important to get it right so he's out there, can help the team and we need him back."

So, there is general hope that Solanke could return to the Spurs matchday squad for the North London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday, November 23. Spurs then travel to Paris to face Champions League holders PSG three days later before welcoming Fulham to north London on November 29.

The back end of November and December will see Tottenham play nine games in all competitions and Frank will want as many of his players fit as possible. While Solanke may not start against league leaders Arsenal in just over a week's time, he certainly could come off the bench to make an impact instead.

A lot will depend on what Solanke does training wise over the next week. Frank and Tottenham, though, will soon be able to call upon Solanke once again and his return has arguably come at the perfect time.

Thomas Frank looks to have been handed yet another Tottenham injury concern with Lucas Bergvall leaving Sweden camp

Lucas Bergvall is set to make an early return to Hotspur Way having departed the Sweden national team camp. It has been officially confirmed by Sweden that Bergvall has left Graham Potter's first camp in charge with Newcastle's Emil Krafth replacing him.

The midfielder has missed Spurs' last two games having suffered a concussion in the opening minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.

In line with protocols, Bergvall was required to sit out of the Champions League win over Copenhagen and the Premier League draw with Manchester United. Despite this, Potter still called up and stated that Bergvall would attempt to train fully on Thursday, however he was seemingly unable to do so.

A statement confirming his departure read: "Lucas Bergvall will not be available to play in the men's national team's next two matches due to the consequences of the concussion he suffered in connection with Tottenham's league match against Chelsea on November 1."

Stefan Pettersson, head of the Men's National Team for the Swedish Football Association added to Sport Bladet: "We had agreed with Tottenham's doctor to do some tests during the week and then run at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don't want to take any risks."

The Lilywhites have been battered by injuries over the last few weeks with Randal Kolo Muani the latest to pick up a problem having fractured his jaw this past weekend.

Like Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus also missed the two matches before the November international break but is expected back for the North London Derby against Arsenal.

Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke are at the other end of the spectrum with all three recovering from surgery.

Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies and Kota Takai are others that have been dealing with issues.

One positive was Radu Dragusin taking a huge step towards a return, with Maddison supporting him, as he played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Wednesday.

A number of Tottenham players could benefit from these injury blows over the coming weeks with Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel as two on the fringes that took advantage against Man United.

Frank will almost certainly want as many of his big hitters back as soon as possible with such a tough run of fixtures on the horizon alongside the busy Christmas period. Solanke and Kulusevski are two that would be greatly welcomed back, but it is unclear if either will be able to play before the end of the year.

When asked specifically about having Solanke back before 2026 begins, Frank said: "I do hope so. We want him back and no setbacks. I would say let’s see what happens after the international break. We are still [making] steps forward. It’s on track so far.”

On Kulusevski, he added: "Deki is still not on the grass. We're working very hard to get him fit as quickly as possible."

Tottenham's Justin Cochrane is one of English football's most promising young coaches but had to deal with personal tragedy last year as his wife sadly passed away

England and Tottenham Hotspur coach Justin Cochrane has spoken openly about the devastating death of his wife, Leeanne.

Cochrane, who currently serves as assistant coach to Thomas Frank at Spurs, tragically lost his wife in November 2024, when she was just 40 years old.

The 43-year-old was still working at Brentford under Frank at the time, before accepting his role as part of Thomas Tuchel's backroom staff for the England national team in February 2025.

But, while continuing to build his promising coaching career, he has been forced to navigate the unbearable grief of losing the mother of his three sons to a rare form of thyroid cancer.

The couple were initially told by doctors that she had a very slim chance of survival. Despite receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden hospital in London, Leeanne tragically died ten months later.

Cochrane bravely opened up about her passing in a recent Sky Sports interview, explaining: “Going from everything going smoothly sailing to being a solo parent and organising everything around my family. Dealing with the shock while maintaining my work, it is difficult to put into words what I have experienced this last year.

“She was an incredible wife and mother, she was perfect for me and she brought balance to the family. She supported my journey in coaching and did whatever she could for the boys. My life was pretty much perfect and she was a massive part of that.

“Leeanne, although she did not have many symptoms of illness, after ten months she was no longer here. The decline was pretty quick and very tough to see as her husband and to manage as a father.

“It was incredibly tough, I had the support of the club [Brentford] and all the staff. I told the players quite early on as there would be times I would be away and they were all supportive. Christian Norgaard, the captain, was incredible throughout.

“That period was tough because there was hope that maybe she could beat this. But there was also realism if she did go and what would happen, I had less sleep then. After she passed, I probably slept five hours but before when she was ill and I was dealing with those thoughts, it was three hours.”

Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of Leeanne's death, the former QPR and Millwall centre-back continued: “It was a bit of a daze, I was in shock, it felt like I was knocked out but I was still on my feet. I went into a mode to provide for my three sons, Leeanne spoke about me looking after them and myself.

“That gave me my strength, although the days were tough and the nights were long. Every time I got out of bed I had to find a way to get to the end of the day and some days were harder than others of course.

“Football was able to give a release and was able to help, a good training session with laughs and joy or a win on the weekend could give you a little lift. But then the reality sets in again and you keep going and you find a little way.”

Cochrane, who has had a community bench made in his wife's memory close to their home, is due to travel to the World Cup with England next summer. However, he recalled breaking down in tears on the team coach early in his Three Lions career, when a certain song played on the speakers.

He explained: “I was on the way to Wembley and a song came on the coach and I had been with the staff maybe five days.

“I just started crying, I was sat opposite Henrique Hilario, and in that moment he just knew and gave me a hug.

“He just saw what was required but it had just hit me, I had been fine for a few days but it hit me that she was not going to be with me that day.”

Ivan Toney has been linked with a return to the Premier League in January, with Tottenham among the clubs reportedly interested in the Al-Ahli striker

Ivan Toney is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League in January, amidst rumours of a potential transfer to Tottenham. The 29-year-old has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for the past 15 months, having signed for Al-Ahli from Brentford in August 2024.

Since his move to the Middle East, Toney has been in scintillating form, netting 41 goals and providing eight assists in 59 appearances. With the former Peterborough striker scoring 11 of those in just 15 matches this season, talk about a possible return to English football has intensified.

Sky Sports reports that Toney is contemplating a Premier League comeback following his departure from Brentford last summer. It's suggested that several top-tier clubs have made enquiries about a January deal, with Everton and Tottenham among the interested parties.

Manchester United are thought to be another club linked with Toney, with Ruben Amorim's side keen on the striker before his move to Saudi Arabia.

Toney found the back of the net 36 times across 83 top-flight outings for Brentford before securing his £40million switch to Al-Ahli in 2024. His finest Premier League season arrived in 2022/23 when he bagged 20 goals in 33 appearances, with only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (36) and Tottenham's Harry Kane (30) surpassing his tally.

He flourished under the management of Thomas Frank at the Bees, with the Dane now the current boss at Tottenham. Reflecting on his choice to leave Brentford for the Saudi Pro League, Toney revealed in December 2024: "I came here and the training ground was good, the stadium was nice and the quality in the team was good also. People look at this league differently, but I stepped into it knowing it's still a high standard.

"I wanted something a bit different. It's a different culture, but I can blend in anywhere. I've been at Peterborough, Brentford, now out of the UK. I'm excited to be on this journey. I believe it's the right move at this stage of my career."

After an outstanding maiden campaign at Al-Ahli, netting 30 times in 44 appearances, Toney secured his England return during the summer. The call-up represented his first selection since Thomas Tuchel took over from Gareth Southgate as England's new boss at the beginning of 2025.

Despite Toney featuring for just two minutes in a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal, the pathway remains available for him to secure his World Cup berth next summer. Nevertheless, a Premier League comeback might prove necessary to cement his international prospects.

Barcelona are looking to sign Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane to replace Robert Lewandowski in the summer and coud try to take advantage of his relase clause

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move that could see English football stars Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford team up next season. The Catalan giants are said to have identified Kane as their top choice to fill the boots of Robert Lewandowski, whose contract is nearing its end.

The reigning La Liga champions have yet to agree on new terms with Polish star Lewandowski and might revisit Bayern Munich in an attempt to secure their next seasoned striker. Importantly, due to a clause in his contract, Kane could be available if he wishes.

The ex-Spurs striker, who became the quickest player to score 100 goals for a single club in one of Europe's top five leagues this century since his move to Germany, joined Bayern in an £86. 4million deal in 2023. However, the bundesliga powerhouses may be compelled to let him go for £57m in the summer.

Kane is contracted to the Bundesliga champions until 2027, but they are required to accept such an offer provided they are notified of his intention to leave before the January transfer window closes. Spurs have the first option to re-sign him, having made it a condition of Kane's sale.

According to The Guardian, Barcelona view 32-year-old Kane as the 'perfect younger replacement' for Lewandowski. It's hardly surprising, given the England international has already netted 23 goals in just 17 appearances this season.

A successful move for Kane could result in a second English international playing their football in Catalonia, with Rashford currently impressing during his loan spell from Manchester United. If they so choose, Barca can make his deal permanent in the summer.

Hansi Flick has expressed his admiration for Rashford's performances so far, and the 28-year-old seems content to prolong his stay.

However, convincing Kane might be a tougher task. Last month, the forward stated his full commitment to Bayern and dismissed any immediate plans of a Premier League return.

"In terms of staying there longer, I could definitely see that," the ex-Spurs ace revealed. "I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation.

"Obviously, it depends on how the next year or so goes and what we achieve together. Right now, I would say we are in a fantastic moment and I am not thinking about anything else.

"In terms of the Premier League, I don't know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back.

"Now I have been there a couple of years, I would probably say that has gone down a little bit, not so much, but I wouldn't say I would never go back.

"What I have learnt in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point with Bayern right now, I am fully all in with Bayern."

Joe Lewis, who handed ownership of Tottenham to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading - but he will now be pardoned

Former Tottenham Hotspur owner, Joe Lewis, is poised to receive an official pardon from US President Donald Trump. Lewis, who transferred ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was slapped with a £4million fine after admitting to insider trading – but he won't be making a return to the north London club.

Lewis managed to dodge prison in 2024 when a judge in the States took into account pleas for leniency from both the prosecutor and the 88-year-old's legal team, due to his frail health and guilty plea in January.

The US president has been handing out a series of pardons since reclaiming the White House after succeeding Joe Biden, and the former boss of the Premier League club is tipped to be the next recipient, as reported by The Telegraph.

In the US, a pardon is a presidential act that legally absolves a federal crime, which can halt further punishment and restore civil rights. According to federal guidelines, the crimes can warrant a sentence of up to two years in prison, but Lewis won't be seeing the inside of a cell.

The announcement of Lewis' pardon is expected to be made public by the White House today and the British billionaire expressed: "I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark."

The Lewis family assumed complete ownership of Tottenham this year following Daniel Levy's exit, with the club continuing under the Lewis name whilst the previous owner remains in retirement.

Tottenham's leadership now comprises Joe's daughter Vivienne, son Charles and Vivienne's husband Nick Beucher.

Eric Hinson was appointed as a non-executive director last month, working alongside non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

Levy's tenure as chairman in north London concluded in September after almost 25 years at the helm.

Reports at the time suggested his exit would enable the club to adopt a more conventional organisational structure, rather than one dominated by a single individual.

In a statement confirming his departure, former chairman Levy said: "I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

"I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years.

"It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

Manor Solomon could return to England in January with the Tottenham star struggling for game time at Villarreal

It's been a tricky start to the 2025/26 season for Manor Solomon. The 26-year-old was tipped for big things after impressing on loan at Leeds United last campaign, with the winger scoring 10 goals and assisting 13 more in 41 appearances for the Whites.

Thomas Frank did not see the exciting winger in his plans at Tottenham, though, so it was decided the Israel international be sent out on loan. A move to Crystal Palace collapsed on deadline day and the former Shakhtar Donetsk star ended up moving to Villarreal on loan instead.

Solomon has only made six appearances for the La Liga side, though. In his 221 minutes on the pitch he has scored once and assisted his team-mates four times, but in truth he has failed to impress Villarreal boss Marcelino García Toral.

While he came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Pafos in the Champions League on November 5, he was not included in the matchday squad for the 2-0 win at Espanyol three days later due to a back problem. That same back problem has kept him out of international duty with Israel this fortnight but he is expected to return to action soon.

It's unclear, though, whether Solomon will get the game time he needs once he does return. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the winger is currently unhappy and his loan deal in Spain could be cut short in January.

The report states that West Ham United have shown interest in the Israeli, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to add extra attacking quality into a struggling Hammers squad. Another spell at Leeds can probably also not be ruled out, given the success the player had there last season.

Solomon opened up about his move to Villarreal after it was confirmed and admitted his desire at the time was to stay in England. Speaking to Sports Walla, Solomon said: “Those were the craziest 24 hours I’ve had in football.

"I left London around six in the morning knowing that I was staying at Tottenham, and when I landed, chaos began until midnight.

“In normal situations, you think more, analyse and talk to whoever you need to, but yesterday it was different and quick decisions had to be made. I kept saying that my goal was to stay in England.

“I was supposed to stay. I was already close to Crystal Palace, but if I’m going to an amazing place like Villarreal, which plays in the Spanish league, which is the second best, a strong team, I’m very happy.”