Football FanCast

For so much of the season, relegation has felt an alien prospect for Tottenham Hotspur. Surely not, fans will have said at the pub after another defeat. Nah, one ardent supporter might have remarked when asked if he truly thought Spurs could be endangered in the Premier League.

But time is running out for the Londoners. With only five games of the season remaining, Spurs find themselves 18th, two points behind West Ham United.

The Londoners play Wolverhampton Wanderers today, and if they don't defeat the relegated Wolves at Molineux, Roberto De Zerbi can surely wave goodbye to Premier League survival, especially if West Ham win at home against Everton. Nottingham Forest's 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland has effectively pulled them out of the relegation battle.

Tottenham need to make a change, with the performance against Brighton an improvement, though still ending in a 2-2 draw.

The forwards are still misfiring, and Randal Kolo Muani surely needs to return to the bench.

Why De Zerbi needs to drop Kolo Muani

When Tottenham signed Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, it felt as though Thomas Frank's side had shrewdly completed their frontline, adding a dangerous and dynamic attacker.

Tottenham need to get one win on the board, having last claimed three points in December. It may well be that that would shatter the mental barrier and allow Spurs to ascend from the relegation zone over the final few weeks.

However, De Zerbi will need total commitment to the cause, and the French loanee is not playing with the intensity and passion that could be the difference in preserving top-flight status.

Against the Seagulls, the 26-year-old took one wayward shot and failed to create a single chance.

Kolo Muani is clearly a talented forward, but he's failed to put in the hard yards and now needs to be dropped. However, with options so slim on the right wing, this will be something of a risk.

That said, De Zerbi may have a wildcard at his disposal, a player who has impressed invariably at Tottenham despite playing a range of different roles.

De Zerbi could start Spurs talent in new role

There aren't many Tottenham players who can hold their heads high at the business end of the campaign, but Archie Gray certainly can, the 20-year-old having played with a maturity and intensity that has avoided many of his teammates.

To say that Gray has been chucked in at the deep end would be an understatement, but he's been strong in the duel and efficient when playmaking this season, and there's no question that his passion fair outweighs that of Kolo Muani.

Still, while Gray hasn't played that much football in the middle of the park (considering he is a natural centre-midfielder), he has impressed across a range of roles. Last year, the teenager did a job as a makeshift centre-back for Ange Postecoglou; now, aged 20, Gray has played all over.

He hasn't operated as an out-and-out winger, though, and that's something that could pay off for De Zerbi's side against a compact Wolves team who might stumble against the youngster's combative and tenacious attacking approach.

Gray is a promising technician. He has completed 33.3% of his crosses in the Premier League this term, putting him in the top 205 bracket there. Given that he's not really a wide player, this is an impressive metric, and it could be used to service the likes of Dominic Solanke or Richarlison in the danger area.

The one and only Harry Redknapp even said that he can see Gray as a "future Tottenham captain", so while interest abounds, it's imperative that he remains at N17 for the forthcoming campaign.

In order to do that, De Zerbi has to show that he trusts the young midfielder, and starting him against Wolves will be a sure-fire way to show the up-and-comer that he has his belief.

It would not be a call of sympathy, though. Gray is that good, one of the only bright sparks during a miserable campaign for the club. Tottenham cannot afford to blunder once again at Molineux. If they do, they will surely fall into the Championship with the Old Gold, relegated for the very first time in the Premier League.

For Tottenham Hotspur, every match has carried more weight than usual over the past several months, but Sunday's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers feels the most significant one yet.

Tottenham last won a Premier League match in December, and they sit in 18th place with only five games left to play. Wolves have been relegated already, so more dropped points at Molineux will make staying in the top flight a desperate task.

If Spurs fail to finally end their drought, hopes of a comeback will evaporate like a puddle under a baking sun. And hope in north London is shallow right now, with the last-gasp equaliser conceded against Brighton last weekend a crushing blow.

Roberto De Zerbi will take solace in the improved display, and he has already made it clear that he will brook no wallowing from his team.

At Molineux, Tottenham have to win. Here's the cast who could be tasked with getting the job done.

Guglielmo Vicario is sidelined, though he is nearing the end of his recovery from a hernia operation, so Antonin Kinsky may deputise between the sticks once again.

His Tottenham career looked done and dusted after that error-laden Champions League disaster, but he's got some mental fortitude about him, this one, confident enough during the draw to Brighton last week.

Pedro Porro has not had a good season, and yet, he is still one of Spurs' most creative players, and that could be crucial in breaking down a Wolves side who will entrench themselves and look to pounce on any loose Lilywhite defending.

Last weekend, Kevin Danso made a mistake. Had he shown more composure when dealing with a Seagulls flurry in the final moments, Tottenham might be approaching this one with a measure more confidence, already a point ahead of West Ham United and above the relegation zone.

Cristian Romero will not miraculously return from injury, though, so start again he shall.

It has been sad to watch Micky van de Ven's confidence ebb away over the course of the campaign, but he remains a top defender and one of the key components of De Zerbi's squad.

Doubly so with Romero out.

£15m man Destiny Udogie is injured once again, his incessant fitness problems symptomatic of a wider problem at N17. Injuries have played a central role in Tottenham's demise over the past several years, and he looks set to miss the trip to Molineux.

Djed Spence enjoys moonlighting as a left-back, though, and his pace and energy could cause Wolves any number of problems.

Poor Rodrigo Bentancur. Injuries have ruined much of his Tottenham career, but he's back now and could provide the stability needed to create a more fluent passing base.

However, let's not lean too heavily toward revisionism. He was abject in the early knockings of the campaign, and must improve over these final few weeks.

Scant few Spurs stars can hold their heads high after such a dismal campaign, but Archie Gray certainly can. He didn't start against Brighton, but here he must, even if that means Lucas Bergvall needs to return to the bench.

It's funny that Gray has played so little in central midfield, even though that's ostensibly his best position.

Projected to be a "future Tottenham captain" by one Harry Redknapp, his influence could make a world of difference this weekend.

Conor Gallagher has had a torrid time since leaving Atletico Madrid and joining Tottenham for £35m in January, but he probably put in his best performance against Brighton, completing all three of his dribbles and winning seven duels.

Tottenham are short on options at right wing, but Mathys Tel needs to get the nod here, with Randal Kolo Muani flattering to deceive each and every time he plays.

Tel is a passionate player who has more in his locker than we've seen, whereas loanee Kolo Muani seems to be waiting for his contract in north London to expire.

Pandemonium. It was quite something, a rush of relief that was sparked from the ball hitting the back of the net in the later stages. But Xavi Simons' joy was short-lived.

That said, the diminutive playmaker has something about him, and he could be the one to make things happen at Molineux.

Roberto De Zerbi is facing a number of issues in his defence ahead of Tottenham's clash against relegated Wolves on Saturday, and could now unleash a rarely seen youngster for just his third Premier League start.

Spurs vs Wolves team news

Tottenham are two points from safety after 17th-placed West Ham shared the spoils with Crystal Palace on Monday, but De Zerbi retains faith they can avoid a catastrophic first relegation since 1977 before they head to Molineux.

The manager has lost left-back Destiny Udogie due to a muscle problem and Guglielmo Vicario is still not available after hernia surgery, which means Antonin Kinsky will deputise in goal again.

James Maddison was an unused substitute against Brighton and even though he is set to travel to Wolverhampton, the playmaker does not appear ready to contribute but De Zerbi urged his team to play without pressure.

“It’s a tough game because they have nothing to lose. It’s an important game for us, for sure, but we have to be able to play with not too much pressure,” De Zerbi insisted.

“Sometimes when one team is losing too many games the rumours are not nice and behaviour and the people speak about not too much serious players, but no, it is not like this in this case.

“I found good players, good guys, serious players and they follow me. They believe in my words because I am able to recognise the eyes of the players.

“We are suffering, they are suffering because it is not easy to play in Tottenham in this condition of the table, but I said they have to be stronger and they have to live to win a game.

“We have to live every part of the day waiting for a win and preparing for a win because I think with a win we can change this part of the season.”

It was revealed on Friday that Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Spurs captain Cristian Romero during De Zerbi’s debut loss in charge, and the Argentina international will also miss out.

“Can we play that game again or not? I think not. It was clear but no problem. We have to move on.” - De Zerbi on Brobbey controversy

With issues across his backline, the Italian hinted he could unleash Brazilian youngster Souza, who has played just 144 Premier League minutes this season and none under the new boss.

"We have (Djed) Spence, Souza is available to come with us," he said about the injury to Udogie (via Football London). "It's not a big problem, I hope Udogie could be back for next week at Villa Park."

The 19 year-old may have to settle for a place on the bench behind Spence, but it certainly sounds like he will get his first chance to impress De Zerbi in some capacity.

Souza was arguably one of the bright spots in the 1-1 draw at Anfield - Igor Tudor's only point as Tottenham manager - and has been praised for his versatility and speed on the flank.

Signed from Brazilian club Santos for a fee of around £13m, he could be one of those in line to receive increased opportunities is Spurs are relegated.

Tottenham have made one Bayern Munich star an offer to join them this summer, alongside their pending deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Tottenham verbally agree Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi signings

Spurs are doing their summer planning in uniquely pressured circumstances.

With five Premier League games remaining and a relegation battle still very much alive, Roberto De Zerbi's side cannot think purely about next season, but the activity happening behind the scenes suggests the club still mean business.

The most significant work done so far has centred on two free agents.

Robertson will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Spurs have a verbal agreement in place with the Scotland captain over a move to north London.

Similarly, Bournemouth centre-back Senesi — who confirmed he is leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer — is understood to have agreed terms in principle with Tottenham.

Both deals are conditional on the club avoiding relegation, and with Spurs still three points adrift of safety, those conditions remain unmet.

De Zerbi's side face Wolves away on Saturday afternoon before a run-in that includes Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton.

There is still every realistic chance of survival, especially with West Ham's run of tough games, but every point from here is essential.

What happens on the pitch in the next three weeks will determine whether the summer business already being lined up comes to fruition.

In the meantime, yet another name is in the frame to join Spurs if they survive 25/26.

Tottenham make offer to Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka

Calciomercato's Daniele Longo reports that Tottenham are among the clubs pursuing Leon Goretzka, the Germany international who will leave Bayern when his £298,000-per-week contract runs out in June.

Bayern confirmed back in January that the 31-year-old would not be offered an extension, bringing an end to an eight-year association with one of the most decorated clubs in Europe.

Goretzka's record speaks for itself.

He joined Bayern from Schalke in 2018 and went on to win seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League under Hansi Flick in 2020. This season he has made 42 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and four assists.

In his prime, the box-to-box midfield 'machine' was one of the finest in Europe, combining physical power with an eye for goal that made him a constant threat from midfield.

The issue for Spurs is that their offer may not be competitive enough.

According to the report, Tottenham, Napoli and Atlético Madrid have each put a two-year contract on the table — but Goretzka is understood to want a three-year deal to secure the next significant chapter of his career.

AC Milan are the frontrunners.

Max Allegri has personally pushed for the signing, and the Rossoneri have already offered that desired three-year contract.

The one obstacle holding Milan back is a £9 million signing-on bonus that the club are struggling to fund.

That complication keeps Tottenham in the picture, but only if they are willing to raise their offer to three years. Whether they do so may depend on where they are playing next season.

Leeds United are set to submit a club record £50m bid to sign a Premier League star who was recently approached by Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.

Leeds on brink of FA Cup glory

Daniel Farke expects Chelsea to be back to their “free-flowing best” after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior just four days before facing Leeds in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.

When asked if he would have preferred Rosenior to have still been in the Wembley dugout on Sunday, Farke said: “I mind my own business and don’t take decisions for other clubs.

“First of all, you feel also for a colleague and a really good human being and a promising young manager like Liam.

“I’m pretty sure he will still have a big career in management and let’s not forget how young he is. He will also take this as a big experience and grow.

“You always feel for a manager and you don’t want a manager to lose his job, that’s for sure. But, on the other hand, we take it as it is.”

Leeds have fared well against the Premier League’s ‘big guns’ this season and beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road in December before fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February.

Many Chelsea fans are pointing the finger at club co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, whose management they blame for disharmony and instability at Stamford Bridge.

Farke added: “Stability and unity and confidence and to be clear in your values, in your identity, in your principles, how you want to play, is always important.

“But this doesn’t take anything away from the fact that we play a side which is packed with top-class players, with unbelievable potential.

“Chelsea have one of the most talented squads in world football I would say. So many exciting players, exciting young players, who can develop.

“Of course, they are probably not happy with their recent results, but I think in this game, an FA Cup semi-final, it doesn’t play so much of a significant role what happens in the league.

“We are a bit the underdog anyhow, but also the underdog who has a chance.”

Leeds lining up marquee summer move for Joao Gomes

With Premier League safety all but secure, Leeds chiefs are set to reward Farke with a new club record signing this summer, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, who reports they have already 'taken action' to sign Wolves star Joao Gomes.

Gomes, who was approached by Tottenham recently and is thought to be one of Roberto De Zerbi's first major targets in North London, will leave Molineux this summer after Wolves' relegation was confirmed.

Vidal claims Leeds have already been in talks and have 'clear intent to seal the deal'.

A £50m offer, which would blow their current record arrival out of the water, is expected in the coming weeks.

Leeds have reportedly held talks for a number of Wolves players, but Gomes is arguably the pick of the bunch.

At 25, the Brazil international, labelled a 'super talent' by former boss Gary O'Neil, has played 31 times in the league this season, averaging a whopping 2.9 tackles per game.

That would place him top of the pile at Elland Road, where Ethan Ampadu currently leads the way on 2.4 tackles per game.

As a lover of 'what if' moments, it's difficult not to look back upon that night against Chelsea as a defining crossroads in Tottenham Hotspur's modern history, as the Lilywhites slipped to a first Premier League defeat in Ange Postecoglou's 11th match at the helm.

Depleted following two red cards and a raft of injuries, the hosts creditably stood firm until the closing stages, having seen Eric Dier volley home what looked to be a remarkable equaliser on the 78-minute mark.

Alas, it was not to be, as Nicolas Jackson converted one of the least impressive hat-tricks going to seal a 4-1 win, halting Postecoglou's early momentum and potentially setting the wheels in motion for the decline that has followed.

Indeed, since that defeat back in November 2023, Spurs - who started the season unbeaten - have gone on to lose a further 49 league games, 16 of which have come in 2025/26.

Roberto De Zerbi, now two games into his Tottenham tenure, needs to stop the rot, and swiftly, to avoid this two-year slump reaching a new nadir.

What we learned from Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Brighton

Igor Tudor chopped and changed, both in terms of personnel and in tactical set-up, although in De Zerbi's 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, there is a clear plan emerging, with Conor Gallagher leading the press in what was a high-octane performance from the home side at N17.

The Englishman, polarising he may be, appears set to be central to the Italian's approach based on these first two games, having hunted down Brighton and Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen in one notable act at the weekend.

Gallagher is key, it would seem, and so too should be Xavi Simons, the Dutchman restored to the starting lineup and taking his chance with both hands, having teed up Pedro Porro for the game's opener, while rifling in what looked set to be the winner late on.

Criticism of his euphoric celebration, considering what followed in stoppage time, is to be expected, but such a reaction from the 22-year-old was understandable after a season in which he has been starved of consistent minutes under a succession of managers.

Positives too can also be seen in Antonin Kinsky's quietly calm performance again for the second weekend in a row, the Czech 'keeper shaking off his Madrid woes to emerge as one of the brightest performers of De Zerbi's tenure thus far.

Having missed much of 2026 thus far, Spurs evidently appear a better side with Rodrigo Bentancur in it, after failing to win without him, while lessons have also been learned with regard to those who weren't in the starting XI on Saturday.

The new Eric Dier could be on the periphery now under De Zerbi

Dier was denied his magic moment against the Blues, and was subsequently denied much of a role too under Postecoglou, departing in January 2024 after making only four Premier League appearances in the first half of the season.

Once a valued member of Mauricio Pochettino's youthful side, the England international had drifted toward liability territory in his latter Spurs days, notably making three errors and giving away two penalties in 2020/21.

A persistent issue was also the uncertainty over his best position, be it at right-back, defensive midfield, centre-back or part of a back three, as the now 32-year-old never truly nailed down a consistent role.

That appears to be an issue also plaguing compatriot Djed Spence in the current ranks, the former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough man having flitted between a variety of roles himself in his turbulent Tottenham career to date.

The £20m signing, to his credit, has overcome a peripheral start under Antonio Conte to emerge as a regular fixture since Postecoglou's time at the helm, even now in contention for a World Cup place despite the wealth of full-back options at Thomas Tuchel's disposal.

Hopes of heading to the United States might well be hampered by a quiet end to the campaign under De Zerbi, however, with Spence failing to start either of the last two games, as the new boss favoured a more conventional full-back pairing of Porro and Destiny Udogie.

Utilising the right-footer at left-back doesn't appear to be in the mind of De Zerbi, while that man Porro appears to suit the inverted, creative role that the former Marseille boss is keen on on the right.

Spence - who has also operated as a makeshift centre-back or as a winger this season - is perhaps suffering now from not nailing down either full-back role, left in something of flux just like Dier before him.

Equally too, there are questions to be asked of his defensive contribution - just like Dier - having been singled out by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher against the Seagulls for ambling back in the build-up to Georginio Rutter's last-gasp equaliser:

"But Djed Spence, I don't like this. You've got to sprint back. He's walking. He was a sub. He's only been on 15 minutes."

Considering the 25-year-old hasn't even scored or assisted either in the top-flight, it's hard to see what he's offering in either direction, putting his long-term future into doubt under De Zerbi.

Having seen one Italian manager over look him at the start of his time in north London, another could now bring it to a conclusion.

Mohamed Salah's summer exit is dominating the headlines, but Liverpool are going to lose a number of mainstays at the end of the season.

Following Milos Kerkez's arrival last year, Andy Robertson's playing time has diminished, and he will leave on a free. Now, chatter concerning Alisson Becker's future is getting louder, Juventus keen on landing the veteran goalkeeper in a few months.

Curiously, Arne Slot is not expected to be among the departed, with the under-fire manager extended the ultimate hand of faith by Michael Edwards and FSG, even as so many call for time on the Dutchman's tenure.

If Slot is here to stay, it's important that the fanbase gets behind him. He won the Premier League last season, and Liverpool are going to need stability as they prepare for another big-money rebuild.

Liverpool begin work on Salah replacement

Salah is irreplaceable, but in regard to the attacking right wing, Liverpool are going to need to find someone who can supplement Alexander Isak and bring goals and assists to Anfield.

As many as Salah has clinched over the years? It's unlikely.

Still, Liverpool have a number of exciting targets in mind. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise is FSG's dream target, though signing him this summer is a pipe dream.

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is probably the new top target, with the £87m-rated Ivory Coast international, who is only 20 years old, valued at £87m.

If Liverpool plan on being a touch more cost-efficient, they may accelerate a bid for Paris Saint-Germain outcast Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

That's according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, who reveal that Juventus (where Kolo Muani thrived on loan last season) have been joined by Slot's Liverpool in a race for the French forward.

The 27-year-old has suffered in London this season, but FSG officials believe that it has not been a fair reflection of Kolo Muani's skillset and are showing 'strong' interest in a player who many cost around £30m.

His versatility across the frontline could combat the long-term injury sustained by Hugo Ekitike, but this might actually turn out to be a disaster akin to that one-time signing of Mario Balotelli.

Why Kolo Muani could be Liverpool's new Balotelli

Ah, Balotelli. There was a sort of nervous excitement when Liverpool welcomed the notorious Italian to the club in 2014, but it quickly became clear that the transfer team had made a mistake.

As with Salah, replacing Luis Suarez was always going to be an impossible job, but Liverpool still managed to spectacularly fumble the replacing of the deadly Uruguay striker, with Rickie Lambert and Balotelli and co hardly thriving in the No. 7's spot.

From the horse's mouth, it was "the worst mistake" of Balotelli's career, and Kolo Muani could very well be a repeat of that blunder. Kolo Muani is, of course, a talented attacker, but he hasn't impressed at Spurs, who are albeit in the deepest pit of their lives, and he was even branded as "lazy" by journalist Kyle Freegard during one phase of play in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, failing to chase down a loose ball.

His dynamism is all well and good, but Kolo Muani simply doesn't hold the keys, and with such a mammoth task in front of them, FSG would make a big error in signing a winger who has only scored one goal from 25 appearances in the Premier League.

The France international, who is on £607k-per-week at PSG, simply isn't a tenable solution for Liverpool. Balotelli, remember, arrived at Anfield with a prolific spell in Italy with AC Milan behind him, as well as Premier League experience with title-winning Manchester City.

On the pitch, off the pitch, in the boardroom - it's been a hellish season as far as Tottenham Hotspur are concerned, with a string of decisions having led the club to the brink of relegation.

With the glare no longer centred on the polarising Daniel Levy, it is the ENIC regime under the microscope, having overseen such a nosedive in the last few years in north London.

Dismissing Ange Postecoglou following last season's 17th-place Premier League finish was understandable, even after the club's Europa League triumph, although what has transpired since has been simply headscratching.

Be it with regard to recruitment or managerial appointments, it's been one mistake after another for the likes of Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange, with further costly decisions potentially in the works at N17.

The key reasons behind Tottenham's decline this season

It would be foolish to overlook what has been an unprecedented injury crisis, with key figures like Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison having not featured at all this season, after previously missing that night in Bilbao.

Changes in the medical department over the past year or so don't appear to have helped matters, leaving new boss Roberto De Zerbi with a depleted, threadbare squad to work with for this crucial final stretch.

Linked to that is also the club's long-standing, questionable recruitment record, stretching back to the decision not to sign an immediate replacement for Harry Kane in the summer of 2023.

A year later, at a time when Spurs could have kicked on under Postecoglou, the club hierarchy went for a youth-centric approach, gambling on long-term targets like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, rather than handing the Aussie ready-made solutions.

As noted by BBC Sport, that summer had also seen Desire Doue come close to joining, after even visiting the club's training ground, yet the Frenchman went on to Paris Saint-Germain instead, setting the tone for further missed opportunties last summer, with regard to Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo.

In the dugout too, the pendulum swung too greatly from the kamikaze style of Postecoglou, to the pragmatism of Thomas Frank, before souring the mood even further with the appointment of disciplinarian Igor Tudor.

In Tudor and Frank's defence, there is a sense that no manager can truly flourish in this current set-up, ensuring the choice of the next sporting director has to be correct.

Spurs could make another mistake with next sporting director

On a shoestring budget, Mauricio Pochettino worked wonders in north London, as the chaos of the last seven years has highlighted.

Spurs, in the managerial department, have tried it all, from the serial winners of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, to the Premier League-proven options of Frank and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nothing has truly worked to date, ensuring fingers must be pointed at those above them, be it the departed Fabio Paratici, or the aforementioned Lange this season.

On the face of it, that might appear an exciting move, with Kehl notably handling the sale of a certain Jude Bellingham in 2023, after taking on that director role at Dortmund a year earlier.

Scratch under the surface, however, and the club's recruitment record under his watch isn't too appealing. Indeed, this isn't the Dortmund that once plucked Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland from across Europe.

Only last summer, for instance, Kehl oversaw the £20m signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers flop, Fabio Silva, the Portuguese netting just a solitary Bundesliga goal this season, after netting only five times in total back at Molineux.

As the tale of Bellingham showcased, the German can sell high-profile figures for sizeable fees, although that is unlikely to be too great of a concern at Spurs, with the club - even in their current plight - boasting a raft of attractive options for other clubs, be it Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero.

It is with regard to incomings that Spurs are in need of an upgrade, and Kehl doesn't necessarily leap out in that regard, while he would represent - like Tudor - another key arrival who doesn't have prior Premier League experience.

Equally too, the last four years at Dortmund have seen the club endure their own managerial turbulence under the 46-year-old's watch, even while reaching the 2024 Champions League final, with Edin Terzic, Nuri Sahin and now Nico Kovac all taking the job following Marco Rose's dismissal in 2022.

The club are likely to finish second in the Bundesliga, as they did in 2022/23, although in between there have been fourth and fifth-place finishes, not exactly the most fruitful campaigns for the team that typically rivals Bayern Munich at the summit.

As already stated, any manager, be it Postecoglou, Frank or Tudor, is likely to struggle under the wrong regime, ensuring that getting the next sporting director right is imperative if Spurs are to look to a brighter future.

On the evidence of his mixed time at Dortmund, his lack of prior experience in England and his reported falling out with his superior, Lars Ricken, Kehl might not be the solution Tottenham are in need of.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi could soon be boosted by the return of James Maddison, as well as the emergence of three rising stars.

Maddison backed to star in relegation run-in

Maddison was surprisingly named on the bench by new Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi for Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Brighton and even though he was not used, it provided a boost to a disgruntled fanbase.

The England playmaker has not played for Tottenham this campaign after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage last summer, but his presence in the dugout has raised the possibility of a key role in the club’s final five fixtures.

Ben Dinnery, an injury expert and founder of the widely-renowned Premier Injuries website, has admitted expectations should be low given his eight-and-a-half-month absence, but Maddison should be able to show flashes of his best even ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wolves.

“As far as the medical department, the sports science department and everyone involved in his recovery and rehab, James Maddison is in the best possible physical place to be able to contribute to the team.

“The next question is does Roberto De Zerbi believe that James Maddison can start a game and contribute to the success of Tottenham from the first minute or is James Maddison in a place where realistically we’re looking at him being an impact player from the bench?

“Ideal scenario you’re doing that careful reintegration, you’re maybe doing some bounce (warm-up) games, some under-21 games, you’ll maybe be doing 10, 15 or 20 minutes coming off the bench for the first team and then you’re gradually building it up.

“However, given the demands and the pressure and limited amount of time Tottenham have to try and maintain their Premier League hopes, then nothing would surprise me! It is whether or not they feel Maddison can contribute from kick-off for 45 minutes or for 60 minutes.

“James Maddison is a leader, players will be looking up to the likes of Maddison for that moment of brilliance and is he capable of doing it in a one-off moment in games? Absolutely. It is just those levels of consistency optimally over long periods.”

If Maddison can help keep Spurs up, De Zerbi is expected to overhaul his squad in the summer, and the manager will have three rising stars to choose from, according to a report from The Standard.

Mikey Moore

Moore has played just 21 times for Tottenham's first team and not since May 2025 having joined Rangers on loan for the season.

The winger has been a huge hit at Ibrox and the Gers are keen to keep him on a permanent basis, but the report claims Spurs want to give him a 'prominent first-team role next season'.

For his part, the youngster has admitted he would be happy to stay put in Glasgow next year, but it seems De Zerbi may have other plans.

Luka Vuskovic

Vuskovic has been sensational on loan at Hamburg this season, scoring five times from centre-back and emerging as one of the top young defenders in Europe despite a recent injury scare.

He is under contract at Spurs until 2030, but will not want to play in the Championship amid interest from Bayern Munich.

With doubts surrounding the futures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Vuskovic could become a stalwart in De Zerbi's set up despite barely featuring for his parent club so far.

Ashley Phillips

Phillips, like Vuskovic, has had a top season out on loan despite making little impact in Tottenham's senior set-up so far in his career.

The 20 year-old has spent time at Stoke City, Blackburn and Plymouth, and the report claims he could be seen as a depth option next season if van de Ven and Romero leave.

Manchester United are now eyeing a double deal to raid Tottenham Hotspur for both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero this summer.

Man Utd planning defensive signings

Despite Harry Maguire putting pen to paper on a new contract, which extends his stay at Old Trafford to the end of next season, Man United are looking to rebuild their defence in the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have received the green light to sign Romero, with Tottenham now prepared to cash-in on their captain, who has already suggested he is open to leaving, having found himself in a relegation battle this season.

Less than a year on from winning the Europa League, it is looking like Romero and Van de Ven could be on the move, with the Netherlands international also looking to leave, having delayed talks about a new contract.

According to a report from The Athletic, Man United are now plotting a move for the Dutchman, with a departure 'potentially on the cards' regardless of what division Spurs find themselves in next season.

United's interest in signing a new defender stems from Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez struggling injury-wise at times this season, and they want to bring in an 'imposing, left-footed' centre-back.

The news hasn't gone down particularly well with Mark Goldbridge, who took to X to slam the recruitment team.

However, the £90k-a-week defender has caught the eye at times in a Spurs shirt, with journalist Suleyman Ozturk saying during the 2023-24 season: "He was also impressive against Manchester City a week and a half ago and now this match against Everton. It is unbelievable what kind of development he is going through now; he is a Superman in a Rolls-Royce."

Signing Van de Ven perhaps makes more sense than Romero, given that he is left-footed, whereas Romero favours his right, but the Argentinian has outperformed his centre-back partner in a number of key areas this season.

Cristian Romero stats

The 27-year-old was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury, which is a blow for Tottenham, given that he has been one of their better players in a poor campaign, averaging a 7.06 FotMob match rating, the highest in the squad.

Cristian Romero's Premier League statistics

Micky van de Ven stats

Van de Ven has also been a key player for Spurs, playing the most minutes of any outfield player, but Romero has gotten the better of him across a number of key defensive metrics.

Micky van de Ven's Premier League statistics