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Romero's two transfers on his mind as Postecoglou sends Spurs message

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Cristian Romero has two moves on his mind in blow to Spurs amid Ange Postecoglou message - Daily Express
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Cristian Romero insists he wants to play in La Liga and Argentina before he retires from football in what could be a huge blow to Tottenham Hotspur. Romero, 27, joined Tottenham from Atalanta in a £42.5million move in the summer of 2021 – however, the Argentinian World Cup winner still harbours ambitions of playing in La Liga and has previously been linked with Atletico Madrid, who are sitll coached by fellow Argentine Diego Simeone.

The central defender is now at the peak of his powers, and with only two years left on his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it's difficult to see how he could remain at Spurs while also fulfilling his personal ambitions. An exit would be a huge blow for the north Londoners, who have heavily relied on his experience and quality at the back. However, his recent admission would serve as a concern for Ange Postecoglou – should he even remain as manager.

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The Australian manager has been hitting back at questions over his own future, with Daniel Levy considering a change in the dugout after their 17th-place finish, despite silverware ultimately being delivered.

In terms of Romero's position at the club, while answering questions about his immediate future in football, he told to Los Edul: “I still need to play La Liga. I would love it because it’s the league I’m missing."

When asked if he intends on returning to Argentina, he added: “If I return, it will be to Belgrano. It will be a family decision. God willing, I have several years left in Europe and will think about it later, but yes, I would like to return.”

Romero was vital during Spurs' Europa League final victory and was named as the player of the tournament after they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final. Postecoglou recently stated he wants to hold on to Romero, saying: "He is a winner. You saw that in all the big games we’ve had and the lads certainly respect him very highly.

"He makes them walk a bit taller, so yeah from my perspective it is a no-brainer that making sure players like him (stay), because if he goes, who do you replace him with? There is not too many out there like him."

Meanwhile, the Spurs manager made it abundantly clear that he feels he deserves to remain at the club, despite their dismal Premier League campaign. However, French outlet Foot Mercato recently claimed Spurs have opened talks with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, with the north Londoners plotting to replace Postecoglou after qualifying for the Champions League.

Football London stated that Daniel Levy will be implementing some huge changes, starting with the introduction of new CEO and ex-Arsenal boardroom chief Vinai Venkatesham, while ex-managing director of football Fabio Paratici is expected to return, after his 30-month ban for irregularities at Juventus came to an end.

Despite all of the changes, Postecoglou made it clear in his final post-match interview of the campaign that he expects to stay. He said to ABC's The Australian Story, ahead of a new documentary that was televised on Sunday evening in Australia: "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment. I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

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Back when the season finally concluded last weekend, he also said: "I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented. I have had to answer the questions because no-one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.

"I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club, because wherever I have been, I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while. You just have to look at those clubs’ trajectory even after I left, they are still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis.”

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Tottenham chief Johan Lange ‘reignites pursuit’ of £25m star who snubbed him in January

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Tottenham chief Johan Lange ‘reignites pursuit’ of £25m star who snubbed him in January - Daily Express
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Tottenham technical director Johan Lange is reportedly ready to revisit his pursuit of AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori this summer. Spurs were snubbed by the 27-year-old after agreeing a £25million fee with the Rossoneri in January, but a change in circumstances could help them thrash out a deal the second time around.

Tomori has completed four-and-a-half seasons at the San Siro, racking up nearly 200 appearances after signing from Chelsea on an initial loan deal in 2021. The centre-back became a full England international in 2019, but his appearances for the Three Lions have been sporadic ever since, and a return to home soil may help him prove his worth to manager Thomas Tuchel.

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Spurs could give him the opportunity to do so. According to The Times, Lange and co. have retained an interest in Tomori, and they could launch another attempt to sign him during the current transfer window.

Seemingly working in Tottenham's favour is the recent appointment of Max Allegri as the new AC Milan manager. The Italian is believed to be eyeing up Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic as his preferred centre-back duo, which risks leaving Tomori out in the cold.

Furthermore, six months on from Tomori's Spurs snub, he is now entering the final two years of his Milan contract. The north London club could therefore capitalise by offering him the security of a long-term deal.

Tottenham reportedly want to sign a left-sided centre-half, and although Tomori is right-footed, he is comfortable with both feet and often plays on his weaker side. He could also fill in on the right if Cristian Romero leaves, with reports linking the Argentine to Atletico Madrid.

Micky van de Ven and Romero are the undisputed first-choice partnership under Ange Postecoglou but both players missed large spells of last season through injury. Spurs have signed Kevin Danso for cover, while fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin suffered an ACL injury in February.

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It remains to be seen whether, or how, Postecoglou's future influences the club's pursuit of Tomori. The Aussie masterminded Tottenham's first trophy for 17 years by winning the Europa League, but they finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League.

A decision is expected to be made over the next week, when Postecoglou and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy jet back from their respective trips overseas. Thomas Frank and Marco Silva are two managers in the frame to replace him.

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Tottenham chief Daniel Levy risks dressing room backlash with call on Ange Postecoglou

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Tottenham chief Daniel Levy risks dressing room backlash with call on Ange Postecoglou - Daily Express
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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly contemplating the future of Ange Postecoglou, as he faces a pivotal decision regarding the club's direction. According to football.london, Levy is set to introduce significant changes within the club this summer, starting with the appointment of new CEO Vinai Venkatesham. The former Arsenal executive has been highly praised for his work at the north London rivals and has long been on Levy's radar.

His arrival is anticipated to instigate a shift in the power dynamics at Spurs. There are also whispers within Tottenham about the potential return of ex-managing director of football, Fabio Paratici. However, due to an ongoing civil trial concerning irregularities during his tenure at Juventus, Paratici may initially serve in a consultancy role.

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The trial involving Paratici, former president Andrea Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved, and other members of the Juventus hierarchy commenced two weeks ago after a Rome tribunal judge dismissed a request to annul proceedings in April.

Should Paratici officially return, it could pose challenges for Spurs' technical director Johan Lange, given the Italian's proactive involvement in the transfer market.

Despite the impending upheaval at the club, Postecoglou seemed destined for an exit until he steered Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years with a Europa League victory - marking the club's first European triumph in 41 years. The Australian coach not only ended this trophy drought but also secured Spurs a coveted spot in next season's Champions League and a place in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG in August.

The win in Bilbao has complicated matters, as has the robust support Postecoglou enjoys within the squad. Unlike many of Levy's previous managerial casualties, the 59 year old continues to receive strong backing from his players.

His efforts to shield them from media scrutiny during a challenging Premier League season, particularly during a three-month injury crisis, did not go unnoticed by the team, and he subsequently led them to victory.

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Some within the club were puzzled by Postecoglou's decision to focus on the Europa League once it became clear that his injury-plagued Spurs side could neither make significant strides in the Premier League nor face relegation, leading to suggestions that he was putting all his eggs in one basket. However, the players never lost faith in his promise that they would make history by the end of the season, and ultimately, the Australian coach was vindicated.

The club's internal structure has reportedly seen significant improvements since the head coach took over, following the somewhat tumultuous conclusion to Antonio Conte's reign.

In a touching gesture ahead of the final in Bilbao, Postecoglou arranged for the players' families to record video messages. This surprise was kept under wraps until the Australian coach unveiled the heartfelt videos during an emotional team meeting at the hotel prior to their journey to the stadium.

There are concerns within Spurs about potential dressing room unrest if Postecoglou were to be dismissed, especially after bringing tangible success to the north London club. Such a decision would likely incite a reaction from the majority of fans, many of whom believe the head coach deserves the chance to fulfil his promise that the third season will surpass the second - a statement that elicited a thunderous cheer from the estimated 220,000 supporters at last month's trophy parade.

Media scrutiny would undoubtedly intensify, given the years of ridicule Spurs endured for missing out on silverware, only to potentially sack the manager who finally broke that cycle. The club has been actively sharing social media content featuring Postecoglou's inspiring dressing room speech before the Bilbao final, as well as his poignant interactions with the team post-match on the pitch and in the dressing room.

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Several homegrown contenders tipped to succeed Postecoglou have had a middling Premier League season, free from the pressures of European football, albeit at smaller clubs with less demanding expectations. Meanwhile, potential foreign replacements failed to secure any trophies this season, unlike the Australian.

Any replacement could be a hard sell to a fanbase that has finally tasted success.

Retaining Postecoglou despite a disappointing Premier League performance, offset by a trophy win, could be seen as a risky move. However, replacing him also carries financial risks with no guarantee of securing the consistent Champions League football that Tottenham yearns for.

It's widely believed that Levy, who has been seeking investment for the club, is eager for a trophy win. The impending decision could provide more insight into the Spurs chairman's ambitions.

The future of the Australian manager remains uncertain, with most key figures currently enjoying their post-season break after an intense 60-match season. A mini transfer window opened on Sunday, keeping all eyes on the chairman and whether Spurs will revisit their strategy.

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Tottenham ‘set deadline’ for Ange Postecoglou sack decision as two replacements ruled out

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Tottenham ‘set deadline’ for Ange Postecoglou sack decision as two replacements ruled out | Football | Sport - Daily Express
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Ange Postecoglou will reportedly discover the fate of his Tottenham future within the next seven days. The Aussie led Spurs to Europa League glory, and consequently Champions League qualification, but the club's Premier League season was so dire that his position is still believed to be in serious jeopardy.

Tottenham finished 17th in the table, failed to reach the 40-point mark traditionally associated with avoiding relegation, and suffered more defeats (22) over the course of a 38-game campaign than any other Premier League team that survived in the history of the competition. Chairman Daniel Levy and under-fire manager Postecoglou have both been overseas since the season concluded, allowing time for a decision to be carefully considered.

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And according to The Telegraph, a final verdict will arrive at some point next week. Postecoglou's position is said to be 'under extreme risk', and Levy has been 'looking at other managers'.

But of Tottenham's ideal list of candidates, two have seemingly been ruled out. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has admirers in north London but the report adds that he is 'expected' to stay at the Vitality Stadium.

Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner's stock has gone through the roof since leading Crystal Palace to an FA Cup win, beating Manchester City in the final. But Eagles co-owner Steve Parish said after the Wembley triumph: "He will stay here for some period of time."

Even with Iraola and Glasner out of the equation, there are two other Premier League bosses believed to have taken Levy's fancy. Brentford manager Thomas Frank has earned plaudits for his integration of young players in the English top flight, and attention is also being paid to Fulham head coach Marco Silva.

Despite overseeing a season of dismal Premier League form, Postecoglou is adamant that his future should not even be a point of discussion.

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"I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented," he said after the Europa League victory. "I've got to answer the questions because nobody else is in a position to do so. Part of me is thinking, 'Why am I even being asked the question?' I've got no doubt this could be a really defining moment for this club."

The 59-year-old added: "We won a trophy, which we haven't done for 17 years, and we're in the Champions League. Ask anyone at this football club at the start of the year if they'd take that and I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be a person in the house that wouldn't."

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Tottenham announce 13 departures and confirm £21m transfer as Postecoglou begins clearout

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Tottenham announce 13 departures and confirm £21m transfer as Postecoglou begins clearout - Daily Express
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Tottenham have opted not to sign out-of-favour forward Timo Werner after confirming his return to RB Leipzig - however, a £21m deal to bring in Austrian international Kevin Danso will be officially finalised on Sunday.

Spurs had the opportunity to purchase the German international for £8.5m at the conclusion of his loan, but this option has not been exercised, with the Europa League champions listing him as one of six senior players leaving the club. Werner, 29, failed to find the back of the net in 18 league appearances this season and was sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. He leaves having scored three goals in all competitions across 41 appearances over a season and a half.

Goalkeepers Fraser Forster, 37, and Alfie Whiteman, 26, are both set to be released at the end of their contracts this month, while left-back Sergio Reguilon, 28, will also become a free agent.

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Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd medical, Liverpool £154m double deal

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Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd medical, Liverpool £154m double deal, Delap to Chelsea - Daily Express
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Another update on Kevin De Bruyne. He is due to undergo a Napoli medical potentially as early as Monday.

The documentation for his transfer will be exchanged tomorrow between Napoli and the player's lawyers, per Sky Sports.

If he does not have a medical on Monday, the Serie A champions will wait until the midfielder has completed international duty for Belgium in mid-June.

Bruno Fernandes has only seven days to decide whether or not he will quit Manchester United to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hilal are ready to pay £100million to United to take the Portuguese captain to the Saudi Pro League, and will pay him wages of around £650,000 a week.

Fernandes is thought to be seriously considering the proposal after a dismal season at Old Trafford.

But the Saudis have given Fernandes just seven days to make his decision ahead of the Club World Cup, and will withdraw their offer if they do not hear back before then.

His agent has already held talks with Al-Hilal representatives at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh.

Dwight Yorke is desperate for Manchester United not to sell Alejandro Garnacho - but appears unlikely to get his wish.

The Argentine has been told to find a new club by Ruben Amorim but Yorke told SambaSlots: "Manchester United would be crazy to think about selling Alejandro Garnacho.

"He is so young and is a super young player, there is a high expectation at United so it’s normal to see a dip in his form.

"The issue is that there isn’t really the squad to rest him because the replacements aren’t up to the same level, he is playing too much for his age and I sympathise with that.

"If he was rested he would come back with more fire in his belly, he needs that learning curve and it’s up to the manager to help that. But he’s not getting enough rest because United cannot afford to rest him.

"I think he looks a little bit burned out rather than anything else, but I think that United would be crazy to even think about getting rid of him."

Part of why Florian Wirtz decided to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich or any other club is because of Arne Slot's detailed plans for him.

That's per The Times who say Slot spelled out to the German why his development would skyrocket on Merseyside.

It is unclear yet where the player will play for the Dutchman. Wirtz can operate centrally, as a false nine or a No.10, or on the left-hand side.

Andrey Santos has made it clear he wants to play for Chelsea next season after enjoying a productive loan at Strasbourg.

The Brazil international, 21, scored 11 goals and added five assists while captaining his loan club on multiple occasions.

Santos told the Daily Mail: “Everyone knows about my love, my desire to play for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca was very sincere with me.

“I went to Strasbourg to get minutes. Now we’ll see how it goes at the Club World Cup. The affection from Chelsea fans is something very special as well.

“Ever since the news broke that I was going to Chelsea, they started sending me a lot of messages. Back when I was at Vasco, too. And I had the spell at Nottingham, where I didn’t play, but they sent me messages there too, I’d see some posts, they’d tag me on Instagram and Twitter.”

Having conceded defeat to Liverpool in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich could now get revenge on the Reds - by pinching Cody Gakpo.

The Dutch winger is one of four wide-men on Bayern's radar as they look to respond to missing out on Germany international Wirtz.

As well as Gakpo, Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze - a former team-mate of right-sided winger Michael Olise's - are also liked.

Nico Williams of Athletic Club is another possible option, says Bild's Christian Falk.

Manchester City are planning to make an opening offer for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki next week.

City have identified the Frenchman, 21, as their next best option to add creativity to their attack after withdrawing their interest in Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz.

Cherki produced 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions for Lyon this season and could be available for as little as £30million.

City also want to get a deal over the line for AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders who could cost £59m.

Having announced the signing of Jeremie Frimpong last night, Liverpool's attention now turns to securing two more acquisitions.

They are in the final negotiations, per BBC Sport, for Florian Wirtz after a bid worth a total of £109million was submitted to Bayer Leverkusen for the 22-year-old German attacker.

Wirtz has already made it clear he wants to follow Leverkusen team-mate Frimpong to Merseyside.

After him, Liverpool are also wrapping up a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez expected to be in the region of £45m.

The Hungarian is eager to join compatriot Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield.

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Tottenham star gives Thomas Frank green light as Ange Postecoglou replacement

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Tottenham star gives Thomas Frank green light as Ange Postecoglou replacement - Daily Express
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Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon has already approved the man in line to replace Ange Postecoglou if the Aussie boss leaves this summer. Despite last week’s Europa League final win, speculation remains over Postecoglou’s future with chairman Daniel Levy yet to publicly state that he’ll be remaining as manager.

Aside from European glory, Spurs have endured a wretched domestic campaign. Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat against Brighton left them 17th in the Premier League table, just one place above the relegation zone. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been linked with a switch to North London if Postecoglou does depart, having guided the Bees to 10th in the table.

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Frank managed Reguilon last season after the 28-year-old joined on loan in January. He played 16 times for the club, and has since struggled for game time since returning to Tottenham.

During his stint at Brentford, Reguilon spoke highly of the Dane, telling The Times: “Thomas is a very honest person. I love the way he talks to everyone, to you, the players. I love him.

“He told me, 'It's a win-win. We love you, we need you and at the same time you need a manager who trusts you, believes in you, puts you on the pitch every weekend. It's a moment in your career you need that stability’.”

The Spaniard, who had been on loan at Manchester United for the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, was also impressed by Frank’s man-management. The right-back was sent off in a Premier League game against Arsenal, and revealed how Frank dealt with him following his dismissal.

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Reguilon added: "He showed me clips and said, 'I know you are a top player and I also know you are emotional. It's just one game. You made mistakes but every player does'. It means a lot. Two words can change everything."

Reguilon could also be hopeful that the arrival of Frank might salvage his Spurs career. He’s played just six times under Postecoglou this season and was expected to leave the club when his contract expires in June.

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Thomas Frank private text emerges as Brentford boss backed for Tottenham job

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Thomas Frank private text emerges as Brentford boss backed for Tottenham job - Daily Express
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Thomas Frank’s plans for next season appear clear with the Brentford boss continuously linked with a move to Tottenham, where he would replace Ange Postecoglou. The Aussie continues to feel the heat over his position, despite leading Spurs to Europa League glory, as he remains left in the dark regarding his future.

Even though Postecoglou presided over Spurs’ first European trophy in over 40 years, a 17th-placed Premier League finish is far below the club’s standards. Chairman Daniel Levy omitted Postecoglou’s future in his end-of-season message to supporters, with concerns still lingering that the current head coach could be dismissed.

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Frank, alongside Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola, have been the leading contenders to replace Postecoglou. Since securing promotion to the top flight with Brentford, the Danish coach has impressed with his adaptability and a second top-half finish in four years.

However, Frank appeared to confirm that he would be staying at Brentford next season. TalkSPORT host and passionate Bees fan Natalie Sawyer shared a text exchange she had with the manager after their final game of the season, a 1-1 draw at Wolves.

She explained: "All I'm going to say is, I exchanged a little message with Thomas yesterday and this is what he said. I said, 'Well done on the season', because it has been a good season. He said, 'Enjoy the summer and soon we go again.'"

Frank also added a bee emoji at the end of his message, hinting that he aims to take Brentford to new heights once again, which would see the 51-year-old spurn any potential approach from Spurs.

Should he move across London, Frank would have an ally already at the club in technical director Johan Lange. The two Danes worked together in their early coaching careers at Lyngby, in Copenhagen.

Football.london claim that Lange is advocating for Frank’s appointment, having remained a strong admirer of his work, and would put his former colleague forward again if Postecoglou departs.

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Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, prior to the Europa League final, claimed that Frank would be the ideal candidate to take over for next season. Backing the Brentford boss, he told Tottenham News: “My personal preference would be Thomas Frank. I think he’s an excellent manager. I’ve met him maybe once or twice. Every time I’ve met him, I’ve been extremely impressed with him, the way that he is, everything you hear about him, the way that he handles himself with players, with families, his man management skills.

“He just seems a genuine type of character who deserves a step up to the next level. That’s no disrespect to Brentford, because they are at the next level at the moment to Tottenham. But on the size of football clubs, Tottenham are a much bigger football club. And for him to come into somewhere like Tottenham, it may need somebody like that who can manage the whole club. And I think that’s what he can do. He’s good at that.

“He’s not just the manager of the football team. He manages the whole club. He manages the people, the staff, and the expectations in a similar way to what [Mauricio] Pochettino did. So, for me, Thomas Frank would be the one that I’d like to see there.”

But the Aussie is getting fed up with constant talk of his future. After Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Brighton, he said: "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.”

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Harry Kane completely ends Van Dijk or Terry debate on best defender

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Harry Kane completely ends Virgil van Dijk or John Terry debate and picks best defender - Daily Express
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Harry Kane has gone toe-to-toe with some of the greatest defenders in footballing history, including Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos. However, he snubbed both icons when asked to name the toughest opponent he has come up against.

The England captain was presented with eight centre-backs that he has faced so far in his career: Van Dijk, Ramos, Gerard Pique, Antonio Rudiger, John Terry, Ruben Dias, Giorgio Chiellini, and Mats Hummels. Many might have thought that Liverpool defender Van Dijk would have got the nod, given their titanic efforts against one another in England over several years.

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But Kane instead told Goal that Chelsea icon Terry was the toughest player he faced in his career, while also giving a telling insight into the two former Spain defenders.

"It was more difficult against Ramos than against Pique," Kane said. He also named Ramos over Van Dijk in glowing praise of the former Real Madrid skipper.

In the other half of the bracket, Terry got the nod over Dias and then Chiellini, reaching the final with Ramos.

The Bayern Munich forward deliberated heavily between his two finalists, saying: “That's difficult. It was difficult against both of them."

He ultimately chose Terry, however, despite facing his compatriot on only four occasions. Between 2014 and 2016, and Terry’s later retirement, Kane scored three goals and provided two assists. Though Tottenham claimed just one win.

Terry being Kane’s hardest opponent was a statement first brought up by the 31-year-old in 2022. On his Instagram Q&A, the England talisman said: “There are a few who have been the toughest I have faced in my career. Early on facing John Terry, [he was] just a really smart defender, knew where to put his body, knew how to stop my runs, so that was a great learning curve.”

Just a few months later, Terry aimed a brutal dig at Tottenham, claiming that Kane would never realise his ambition of winning major silverware if he remained at the club.

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He told beIN SPORTS: “I think Harry Kane has got ambitions to go and win trophies – he’s clearly not going to do that at Tottenham is he?

“Let’s be honest. He’s not, clearly. Let’s be honest with ourselves. He’s one of the best strikers in the world. He wants to win trophies. He wants to play for the best and biggest teams.

“Spurs are not that, Spurs are not going to give him what he wants. He wants to finish his career with some trophies.”

Kane left Spurs for Bayern in 2023 and won his first crown this year, the Bundesliga title. However, he was left watching on from afar as Son Heung-min lifted the Europa League in Bilbao.

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Alejandro Garnacho absence explained as Man Utd boss stops star going on holiday

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Alejandro Garnacho absence explained as Man Utd boss stops star going on holiday - Daily Express
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has spoken about Alejandro Garnacho’s absence after leaving the winger out of the matchday squad for the Red Devils’ final game of the season. United are in action against Aston Villa as they aim to avoid a 19th league defeat of the campaign.

United went into the clash off the back of European disappointment after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening. Garnacho came on as a late substitute in that match but then described United’s season as “s***” in the aftermath of the encounter after he was angry he was left out of the starting XI. He has reportedly been told by Amorim to find a new club this summer, with his partner alluding to an exit ahead of the clash with Villa by writing “last match” on social media along with a crying emoji and a heart emoji.

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After being asked by TNT Sports whether people had seen the last of Garnacho in a United shirt, Amorim exclaimed: “No, Garnacho is a Manchester United player who is not in the squad today, but he continues to be a Manchester United player.”

The manager then revealed he would deny Garnacho the opportunity to jet off on an early holiday following the conclusion of the Premier League season after confirming the Argentine would be included in the United squad for their post-season tour.

United will fly to Kuala Lumpur to take on an ASEAN All-Stars side on Wednesday, before playing against Hong Kong in the special administrative region of China two days later.

“Everybody’s going because we have to go to meet our fans and to give something to our fans on the other side of the world,” added Amorim.

Read more... Ange Postecoglou omitted from Daniel Levy's message after being left in the dark

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Garnacho, who is contracted to United until the summer of 2028, has featured in 58 matches this season in all competitions and has contributed 11 goals and 10 assists.

He was a regular under previous manager Erik ten Hag but has fallen out of favour under Amorim and has been omitted by the former Sporting boss in the past.

However, the winger was widely expected to start the Europa League final and lashed out at his club after being overlooked against Tottenham.

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Garnacho wasn’t the only casualty for the clash with Villa, with Amorim also omitting Andre Onana, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Joshua Zirkzee for the showdown.

Onana, Yoro and Shaw all started against Tottenham on Wednesday night, with the trio replaced by Altay Bayindir, Ayden Heaven and Victor Lindelof respectively against the Villans.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, was left out after coming off the bench during the defeat to Spurs.

Source