Football FanCast

It feels like everything that could have gone wrong for Tottenham Hotspur this season has gone wrong.

Granted, there have been more than a handful of games in which either Ange Postecoglou has got something terribly wrong or his players have massively underperformed, but one thing has ravaged their campaign this year: injuries.

For example, there have been plenty of occasions in which the club have had just a single centre-back fit or no striker to play up top, and it has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on a side who have it in them to beat anyone on their day.

This terrible misfortune with injuries struck again recently, as Dejan Kulusevski is now set to miss the rest of the campaign, meaning that with no James Maddison either, Posetcoglou is going to have to make a bold decision on the midfield ahead of this weekend's game and next week's Europa League final.

Spurs' injury crisis

While there have been points in which Spurs have had even more players out with injury, the current situation can fairly be described as a crisis due to the number of players who play in the same position who are out and the simple fact that the biggest game in the club's recent history is right around the corner.

The two biggest misses are undoubtedly Maddison, who injured his knee in the first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt and will be out until pre-season at the earliest, and Kulusevski, who came off against Crystal Palace on the weekend with what first looked like just a knock to his knee, but then turned out to require surgery, meaning he too will be out for a few months.

Worse still, the North Londoners will be without the incredibly impressive Lucas Bergavll, with the manager confirming yesterday afternoon that he has only just "taken his first tentative steps on the grass."

Other than those three key players for the Lilywhites, Radu Dragusin is also out of contention due to the ACL injury he picked up in February, and now Timo Werner is confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury in the same month, which is why he hasn't featured since then.

In all, Spurs are not in great shape for the next two games, with their lack of natural attacking midfield options a serious concern.

However, with tonight's game not mattering all that much in the grand scheme of things, Postecoglou has the chance to try something a little unorthodox to solve this problem ahead of the final next week.

Spurs' Kulusevski & Maddison solution

So, the truth of the matter is that Spurs do not have an ideal solution for the lack of a natural attacking midfielder at the moment, but there are at least a few unusual solutions that Postecoglou could try ahead of next week.

Perhaps the most realistic is bringing Son Heung-min back into the starting lineup and playing him in the most attacking midfield role.

Now, it is true that the South Korean international hasn't got the speed or agility he once did, but he still has excellent technique and an evidently high football IQ.

We can see this in some of his underlying numbers, as according to FBref, the "incredible" ace, as dubbed by Postecoglou, sits in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers for expected assisted goals, goal-creating actions from his live passes, the top 6% for shot-creating actions from his live passes, the top 7% for goals plus assists and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

So, with his ability to play dangerous passes still undeniable, playing him in the middle with rapid runners on either side of him, like Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson, could be the key to unlocking Aston Villa's defence tonight and Manchester United's on Wednesday.

Finally, on top of his technical brilliance, the former Bayer Leverkusen star remains the club captain, and with how important and pressurised this next week will be, his presence in the team may be needed more than ever.

Ultimately, it's not an ideal situation that Spurs find themselves in, but with what is practically a dress rehearsal for next week tonight, Postecoglou can try and solve the team's injury crisis by playing Son in attacking midfield.

This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club's Europa League final next week.

Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they're going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.

Tottenham transfer news

Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.

It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.

However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner's supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.

While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi's ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.

Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet

So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?

Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he's also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.

For example, across his career to date, the "exceptional" centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic's Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.

On top of that, the 6 foot "tank," as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country's backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.

Furthermore, while the Lilywhites' Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.

Finally, if that's still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.

According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.

A "world-class" player has now announced he's set to leave his club this summer, which follows reports that he's held talks over a move to Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou makes trophy claim ahead of Europa League final

Next week, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has a golden chance to make good on his early-season suggestion that he "always" wins silverware during his second season in charge.

This quote, while arguably taken out of context, was quickly picked up by the media and used to take aim at Postecoglou on more than one occasion. Following a season of record-breaking lows in the Premier League, where they've tasted defeat on 20 separate occasions, the Australian could now make that statement a reality.

The Lilywhites play Man United in a crunch Europa League final which could rescue their season. Spurs have an opportunity to both end their trophy drought and qualify for the Champions League in just 90 minutes of football, so the pressure is well and truly on Postecoglou's squad.

Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are all set to miss their clash in Bilbao through injury, with Tottenham facing an uphill battle akin to the majority of their 2024/2025 campaign.

Postecoglou, though, appears determined to end Spurs' long wait for a winners' medal and isn't lost on the significance of May 21.

"For me personally, well you know great, it’s another trophy I can reminisce in my old age about, but more importantly what it means for the club," said Postecoglou on the Europa League final.

"I’ve always said it’s the significance of what it does to people that really impacts you. A lot of the success I’ve had has been stuff that’s pretty significant. It’s been at clubs where Yokohama hadn’t won a Championship for 14 years, Australia had never won a continental championship, Brisbane had never won one, South Melbourne - my first job – hadn’t won in seven years, Celtic had been one year but trust me that’s a long time in Scotland.

"When you look at the historical backdrop of this club and what it’s been through in the last 20-odd years, I feel like it could be a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived, but also more how it perceives itself, which I think is the biggest thing."

Jonathan David confirms Lille exit after rumoured talks with Tottenham

Off the field, chairman Daniel Levy appears set for a 'sell to buy' summer as things stand, meaning the free agent market could be very useful to him as Spurs look to reinforce the squad for next term.

One of 2025's most coveted Bosman deals comes in the form of free-scoring Lille star Jonathan David.

The Canada international has bagged over a century of goals for Lille since joining them five years ago, with Tottenham among the clubs to have spoken to David's representatives about a potential free transfer.

David, branded a "world-class" player by ex-Canada boss Iain Hume, is set to be a man in demand, and he's now confirmed an imminent Ligue 1 departure.

Making a statement on social media, David announced that he'll be leaving Lille when his contract expires on June 30.

“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye," said the striker, via LW.

"I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy. Notably the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions and I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy."

The 25-year-old is a big-game player as well as a prolific marksman in France. This season, David boasts Champions League strikes against the likes of Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus, showcasing how he can cut it against Europe's most elite opposition.

In truth, it is curious why he hasn't sealed a move until now, and there's no doubt he'd be a stellar capture for Spurs on a free.

Tottenham Hotspur could strike a summer reunion with one of their former players, and one who Mauricio Pochettino rated "very highly", according to an update this week.

Spurs await season-defining Europa League final in Bilbao

Ange Postecoglou will soon face a blockbuster 90 minutes in Bilbao, which has the power to define his potential final season in charge of the Lilywhites.

Spurs play fellow Premier League strugglers Man United in the Europa League final on May 21, with the club's first piece of major silverware in 17 years and qualification for next season's Champions League all on the line.

After Tottenham broke their record for most Premier League losses in a single season last weekend, Postecoglou could save face by clinching a precious trophy for Spurs, amid reports that the 59-year-old is likely to leave once the campaign has concluded (David Ornstein).

Unfortunately, following news of Dejan Kulusevski's knee surgery, Postecoglou will be without a trio of his star midfielders, with the Swede joining both James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall on the injury list.

Injury absences have been a thorn in Tottenham's side throughout 2024/2025, and they've seriously exposed the lack of depth in Postecoglou's squad whilst emphasising the need for chairman Daniel Levy to acquire fresh faces.

Spurs will need to be clever when the summer window reopens, though, as they're apparently likely to adopt a 'sell to buy' policy amid their lack of funds (The Telegraph).

The free-agent market could be a fruitful pool of talent for the club, with ex-Spurs defender Kyle Walker-Peters currently set to leave Southampton on a Bosman once his contract expires on June 30.

A host of English sides are showing interest in Walker-Peters, who has arguably been one of the better performers in an otherwise dismal Saints side this term. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in an interview with Leeds United News, Postecoglou's side are among them.

Bailey states that Tottenham have held talks with Walker-Peters' camp, but the competition for his signature will be rife.

“I’m told no decision just yet," said Bailey on the Englishman's future.

"Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton, there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”

While Spurs eventually let the right-back, described as a "beautiful" footballer by ex-Saints boss Russell Martin, depart in 2020 for around £12 million, Pochettino did shower Walker-Peters with praise during his time in the English capital.

"For me, he's one of the best options," said the Argentine about Walker-Peters in 2018.

"Like always, who deserves it more is going to play -- you know me. I'm so happy with his performance. I'm so happy and so proud of how he managed the pressure. I'm very pleased and I talk very highly of him."

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy personally wants a striker who's been tipped for great things in north London next season, with the Lilywhites board chief contemplating how best to reinforce Spurs' squad this summer.

Tottenham set for 'sell to buy' transfer window

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, Spurs won't exactly be flush with cash to spend on their top transfer targets.

According to their information, courtesy of journalist Matt Law, Tottenham are facing a 'sell to buy' summer and could have to green-light the sales of top players in order to facilitate their own recruitment plans.

Atlético Madrid are seriously keen on Cristian Romero as one nominee to raise funds, and the Argentine is believed to be seriously pursuing a potential move to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (Marca).

However, Spanish media are also reporting that there is a large gap in valuation between the clubs as things stand. Meanwhile, another key first-teamer who could depart is right-back Pedro Porro.

Some reports suggest Tottenham are prepared to sell Porro this summer and value the ex-Man City defender at £50 million. Everton are also expected to open talks for Richarlison, who could potentially leave Spurs in the event of a reasonable bid, following a 2024/2025 campaign blighted by injuries.

It will be intriguing to see which notable players could make their way out of the N17 exit door, as Levy and co look to reinvest funds into the squad whilst erring on the cautionary side of PSR.

One player who they already have an agreement to sign permanently for 2024/2025 and beyond is striker Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman is on loan from Bayern Munich, with Spurs possessing an option to make his stay indefinite for around £51 million.

Levy personally wants Mathys Tel at Tottenham next season

That is according to Sport Bild, who also report that Ange Postecoglou's side are keen to whittle that price tag down after Tel's mixed start to life at the club.

However, Levy is personally keen on signing Tel permanently and re-negotiating a deal with Bayern. Vincent Kompany's Bavarians, for their part, are also willing to restart talks and settle on his final price at a cheaper value, which is good news for the Europa League finalists.

While the 20-year-old boasts just three goals and a single assist from 18 Spurs appearances to date, Tel has displayed flashes of brilliance since his arrival in the Premier League, with ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann once backing him to eventually score "40 goals a season" and sharing an expectation that he could become of the world's best.

"He could become one of the best strikers one day," said Nagelsmann. "I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season.

"He's a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He's very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal."

If there is one thing that has come to define this season for Tottenham Hotspur, it's injuries.

It's undeniable that Ange Postecoglou's side have massively underperformed over the last nine months, but the number and severity of the team's injuries cannot be ignored.

For example, Archie Gray, an 18-year-old midfielder, has made 19 appearances at centre-back, nine at right-back and five at left-back this season, as there were simply no other options at certain points.

Unfortunately, this rotten luck with injuries has struck the North Londoners once again, and they will be without Dejan Kulusevski for their game this weekend and the Europa League Final next week.

Kulusevski's injury disaster

Likely in a bid to keep him fresh and to try and help rediscover some of his incredible form from earlier this season, Postecoglou opted to start Kulusevski against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, it was a decision that quickly came back to bite him, as just 19 minutes into the game, the Swedish international hobbled off the pitch, clearly in some discomfort.

After the game, the manager told the press that it was "just a knock" and that "he should be ok," although this has since been proven very wrong indeed.

Just yesterday evening, the club announced that the former Juventus star had "suffered an injury to his right patella" against the Eagles and has now "undergone surgery", which will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.

With James Maddison out for the rest of the campaign as well, it wouldn't be hyperbolic to say that Tottenham are now in an injury crisis when it comes to the number ten position.

Unfortunately, there are simply no perfect solutions at the moment, but Postecoglou could be bold and start one of his most exciting options there on the weekend, ahead of the final.

The Spurs player who should start for Kulusevski

While some fans will want Postecoglou to play the kids this weekend, it's probably better that he plays something close to the team that'll take on Manchester United on Wednesday, at least for the first half.

Doing this should avoid any players getting a little rusty, and it will give the manager a chance to see how Mathys Tel fares in the number ten position.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we know this is an unorthodox suggestion, but as things stand, there aren't many other options.

Moreover, while the young Frenchman - who could sign permanently in a £45m deal this summer - is primarily a winger and striker, he has shown himself to be quite a creative attacker, especially with Bayern Munich last season.

For example, FBref placed him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last year for goal-creating actions, the top 2% for goals plus assists and medium pass completion, the top 4% for long pass completion, the top 6% for carries into the penalty area, the top 9% for assists and more, all per 90.

On top of that, FBref considered Florian Wirtz to be the eighth most similar player to the Sarcells-born gem last season and Jamal Musiala to be the tenth.

So, if he's statistically similar to two of Germany's most technically gifted number tens, then there must be something in his game worth exploring this weekend, which, if successful, could see him start there again next week.

Moreover, if Ange plans to start Dominic Solanke up top, then the "generational talent," as Spurs themselves described him internally, could almost act as a second striker at points, dovetailing with the Englishman and giving the Red Devils' backline a real headache.

Ultimately, there simply isn't an ideal solution to Spurs' current injury crisis, but in Tel, Ange has a promising youngster who at least has the parts to his game that could see him do a job in attacking midfield.

Therefore, the Australian should start the Bayern Loanee there this weekend as a test case for the final next week.

There may be a European final to play next week, but that hasn't stopped a mountain of players being linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

One of the most exciting links to come out this week has been to Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who could reportedly be available for as little as £19m.

The young Frenchman has been on fire for Lyon this year, racking up an impressive haul of eight goals and ten assists in 29 league appearances alone.

However, he's not the only wide player touted for a move to Spurs, and if recent reports are to be believed, Daniel Levy and Co may be planning to go with an incredible alternative.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it's worth looking at a couple of other wingers linked with Spurs, such as Daizen Maeda and Jamie Gittens.

The former could be available for just £25m this summer, which might end up being an incredible deal, as in just 49 appearances for Celtic this season, he's scored a staggering 33 goals and provided 12 assists.

Gittens hasn't been quite as prolific, but the fact he's managed to rack up an impressive tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 games at just 20 years old suggests he'd be worth the £59m he'd reportedly cost.

Yet, if Spurs really want to ensure they take a step forward in attack next season, they'd do well to act on their interest in Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs are planning to launch a bid to sign the Crystal Palace star this summer.

Interestingly, while the Englishman has a £68m release clause in his current deal, the North Londoners plan to make an offer lower than that.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but given Eze's incredible ability, it's one worth fighting for, especially as he'd be a dream Cherki alternative.

Why Eze would be a great Cherki alternative

So, in an ideal world, Spurs would go out and sign both players, but if they can only get one, or Cherki is signed by another team, why would Eze be a perfect alternative, if not the better option overall?

Well, first and foremost, the Palace star is a known quantity with an abundance of experience in English football and, most importantly, the Premier League, making 144 appearances in the competition thus far.

This is important, as while the Frenchman could be something really special, we already know the Englishman is a sensational player and someone who can thrive in arguably world football's toughest league.

Furthermore, he'd be joining the North Londoners off the back of another stellar campaign with the Eagles.

For example, in 40 appearances, totalling 3142 minutes, the 26-year-old "magician," as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.

That means the former Queens Park Ranges gem is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 136.60 minutes.

Finally, on top of being able to play off the left and in attacking midfield, the full England international has shown he can thrive in the big moments, as it was his sensational strike from outside the area that opened the scoring in Palace's FA Cup Semi-Final triumph over Aston Villa last month.

Ultimately, Eze is an undeniably incredible footballer, and if Spurs have the chance to sign him this summer, they have to take it, regardless of what happens with Cherki.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over signing an "outrageous" forward as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team consider a potential bargain summer deal, with his mooted price tag called "too good to be true".

Tottenham target new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Ange Postecoglou's full focus is on their looming Europa League final clash against Man United on May 21 - an encounter which could single-handedly rescue Spurs' season from the depths of despair.

Qualification for next season's Champions League, not to mention Tottenham's first major trophy in over 17 years, is on the line against United with both sides looking to end their dismal campaigns in the best possible fashion.

Reports claim Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Spurs regardless of whether they win the final in Bilbao (David Ornstein), but the Australian could still etch his name into history by becoming the first Lilywhites boss to win a trophy in nearly two decades.

He could also fulfill his early-season pledge of 'always' winning silverware during his second season in charge, so a lot is personally riding on the line for Postecoglou, even if a departure from N17 seems more and more inevitable.

The 59-year-old's future will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Levy's transfer plans for the fast-approaching summer window, and it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new forward among their recruitment priorities.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is apparently attracting interest from Spurs, while Man City playmaker James McAtee is another attacker admired by Tottenham. Both players are not expected to break the bank in terms of cost, amid claims Tottenham are set for a 'sell to buy' summer (The Telegraph).

However, one very highly-rated forward, and one who could be one of the bargains of 2025, is Lyon star Rayan Cherki.

The Frenchman has bagged 12 goals and 18 assists across his total appearances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this term, marking himself out as a star player for Lyon, but his contract is said to include a tantalising £19 million release clause.

That is according to Le Parisien, who also report that Tottenham have made contact over a move for Cherki, alongside some Premier League rivals.

The 21-year-old falls into Spurs' recruitment policy perfectly, given he's young with world-class potential at a very reasonable value. Cherki will surely be a player in very high demand this summer, with journalist Dean Jones previously explaining why clubs need to consider swooping for him.

"Rayan Cherki, who is just absolutely unbelievable,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast (via TBR). "You see figures around Cherki and there’s like 25 million pounds talked about, which just seems like too good to be true. He’s just different, this player.

“If you haven’t seen Cherki play, then just either stop the pod and go and watch him on YouTube for 10 minutes and then come back or just go watch him while we’re talking right now. Because his skill level is outrageous. He feels like he could become one of the best players in the world.”

Given Cherki's mooted fee has now dropped below £25m to £19m, it makes Jones' statement all the more relevant, and we wouldn't be at all surprised to see him emerge as a top target for Levy.

Tottenham Hotspur face a significant summer of changes, both in the dugout and at squad level, with the future of a key player seeming far away from north London.

Ange Postecoglou facing Spurs exit after dismal campaign

Spurs could still qualify for the Champions League next season by winning their first major trophy since 2008.

All eyes are on the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21, which has the potential to save Tottenham's season in a crunch, all or nothing encounter against Premier League rivals Man United, who've also endured a horror-show season.

Ange Postecoglou led Spurs to their 20th top-flight loss of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, breaking their all-time record for most recorded Premier League defeats in a single campaign, with the 59-year-old under intense scrutiny.

More and more credible media sources are reporting that Postecoglou could leave Spurs regardless of whether they win the Europa League, and he's likely to be joined by some big-name players.

Cristian Romero linked with Spurs summer exit

One of them, star defender Cristian Romero, is a top target for Atlético Madrid and Diego Simeone.

Some reports even suggest that Romero has already agreed terms on a move to Atletico, but both the Lilywhites and La Liga side are yet to find any common ground when it comes to the 26-year-old's final price tag.

According to information from Marca, there is still negotiating to do when it comes to Spurs and Atlético shaking hands on a fee.

Cristian Romero clear he wants Atletico move amid £84m plan

As per the Spanish newspaper, relayed by Sport Witness, Romero is clear he wants a move to Atlético from Tottenham, but the Premier League side value him at around £59 million and are very unlikely to go anywhere below £42 million.

It is unclear whether Simeone's men will reach their minimum figure, but they're set to open talks, and are planning a spending spree worth up to £84 million this summer.

Taking into account they wish to use this cash on a host of other targets, despite Romero's obvious quality when at his very best, Atlético want to whittle his price down as much as possible.

"He’s the best centre-half at the club," said pundit Paul Robinson about Romero in 2022, to Football Insider.

“I think they probably tried to get one in during the window but it didn’t work out. But in Romero they have got a phenomenal defender. He makes others around him better.

“What they have got isn’t enough. They need more, but he is certainly the best that they have got. He could play in any side in the top four of the Premier League. He is a Champions League player, a top player.

“If Spurs are going to go places Romero is the type of player they will need to keep and build around."

Tottenham Hotspur are on the look-out for new managers to replace the under-fire Ange Postecoglou this summer, with widespread reports claiming the Australian is likely to walk regardless of their success in the Europa League final.

Postecoglou has now led Spurs to 20 Premier League defeats in a single campaign, breaking the club's record which was previously held by former Lilywhites boss Ossie Ardiles, who oversaw 19 top flight losses in the 1993/1994 season.

While Postecoglou has an all-important Europa League final on the horizon, which could well save Tottenham's season, the 59-year-old's future remains uncertain.

Even if Spurs win the competition and end their 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware, all while qualifying for next season's Champions League, there is still absolutely no guarantee that Postecoglou will be in charge next term.

As per the reliable David Ornstein and other media sources, Postecoglou remains likely to be replaced by Tottenham this summer in the event they're victorious in Bilbao against Man United come May 21.

"I think the direction of travel is for Spurs to make a change in the summer, irrespective of the outcome of this match," said Ornstein on the Sky Sports Back Pages podcast this week (via GiveMeSport).

"I do take the point on the emotion, and we saw what happened with Manchester United [under Erik ten Hag], although that may serve as a warning why clubs shouldn't repeat what they did.

"The view of the club seems to be that he hasn't got what he should've out of the team this season, and that's putting it politely. And therefore, whatever happens in this Europa League campaign, I think that a new coach coming in over the summer is a very high possibility."

In terms of Tottenham's reported managerial targets, the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) have all been linked in recent weeks.

Tottenham hold talks with ex-Barcelona manager Xavi

Now, as per ex-Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, via his personal website, former Barcelona boss Xavi has also attracted interest from N17. The Camp Nou legend guided Barça to a La Liga and Spanish Super Cup title in 2023, but later parted company, telling any future manager that they'd "suffer" in the job.

He's been out of work ever since, with Keys sharing information from a "very good source" of his that Tottenham have held talks with Xavi over becoming their new manager.

However, as things stand, it is believed the 45-year-old is not looking to make a Premier League move just yet. This comes as a dampening blow for Spurs, with Xavi arguably the most exciting free agent coach available for hire right now.

Unlike Postecoglou, Xavi has also been praised for his in-game tactical switch ups and versatility when it comes to making substitutions.