Daily Express

Tottenham Hotspur's owners have stood firm in their stance that the north London club is not on the market, despite rumours of a record £4.5 billion takeover bid from a US consortium. Recent reports emerged that tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick is leading a consortium that has expressed interest in purchasing the club, just weeks after Spurs' owners ENIC dismissed two informal approaches to buy their majority stake in the Premier League team.

Earick, who earlier this year failed in his attempt to buy Formula E team Maserati, is said to be spearheading a £3.3 billion takeover bid from a group of 12, including NFL and NBA investors, with an additional £1.2 billion earmarked as transfer funds for head coach Thomas Frank. This total package would surpass Todd Boehly's £4.25 billion acquisition of Chelsea in 2022.

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However, insiders close to the Lewis family, who operate Tavistock, the company behind ENIC, told football.london that their position remains unchanged and Tottenham is still not up for sale. The family are also understood to have received no bid or expression of interest from Earick's consortium at this stage.

ENIC holds 87 per cent of the Lilywhites, but due to the remaining shares being publicly traded, the club is subject to the UK takeover code. This stipulates that any expression of interest or bid must be lodged with the takeover code panel and made public, which has not been the case thus far.

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Whether ENIC would reconsider their position if an actual bid were to be made, particularly one exceeding the club's valuation, remains uncertain.

The Lewis family are key players in a period of significant transformation at Spurs. Daniel Levy, a long-standing chairman, stepped down after 24 years following an internal review instigated by the family.

Vivienne and Charles Lewis, siblings, have been present in the directors' box for recent home matches against Villarreal and Doncaster Rovers in the Champions League and Carabao Cup respectively. Vivienne also joined the club on their summer tour to Asia.

Earlier this month, an Asian consortium of investors led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng via Firehawk Holdings Limited informally indicated their intention to bid for Spurs on the day Levy left his post. Amanda Staveley and PCP International Finance Ltd are also thought to have shown sufficient interest, without formally indicating a forthcoming bid, triggering takeover panel rules on disclosure.

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PCP later clarified that they would not be making an offer. In a statement prompted by the takeover interest, Spurs confirmed that ENIC had "received and unequivocally rejected separate preliminary expressions of interest" to acquire their entire stake in the club.

They declared at the time: "The board of the club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the club."

Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham emphasised this month: "There's been a lot of newspaper articles and a lot of media speculation around a takeover, so I can be really clear on this. So the Lewis family are really clear. They see their involvement in Tottenham Hotspur being long-term and they see their involvement continuing through the generations.

"We made a statement very late last night and a statement I hope was unambiguously clear that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale."

The report regarding Earick's bid also references a £250million stadium naming rights agreement having been secured by the consortium, though that sum would represent the lower end of such arrangements unless it covers only a relatively brief period.

The Staples Center in Los Angeles, home to NBA sides the Lakers and Clippers amongst other sporting franchises, was rebranded as the Crypto.com Arena in 2021 under a £565million 20-year naming rights agreement.

Similarly in LA, the SoFi Stadium, which houses the Rams and Chargers NFL franchises, opened in 2020 with naming rights valued at £504million across 20 years.

Given the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium's worldwide recognition for football and NFL alongside other sporting occasions and concerts, anticipation had always been that any naming rights agreement would mirror its standing as amongst the globe's premier venues.

Tottenham could boast an unstoppable XI next season if their proposed billionaire takeover goes through ahead of next summer. The north Londoners have been owned by ENIC and the Lewis family for a quarter of a century, but reports suggest that could soon change. Former DJ and tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick is heading a 12-man group who are said to have launched a world-record takeover bid.

The consortium have reportedly offered £3.3billion to buy out the entire club while putting another £1.2bn aside to spend on new players. This sort of money would make Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in next year's summer transfer window. If spent wisely, there is every chance they could turn into Premier League title challengers within the next couple of seasons.

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Express Sport looks at the line-up Tottenham could deploy in a dream scenario for 2026/27...

Goalkeeper - Kobel

While a new goalkeeper won't be at the very top of the shopping list, a billion-pound transfer budget would allow Tottenham to improve in almost every position.

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They could do far worse than to sign Gregor Kobel, who has proven himself as a top-class operator during his time at Borussia Dortmund. He was linked with a £60m move to Chelsea over the summer but Spurs could secure his signature for themselves.

Defence - Kounde, Van de Ven, Romero, Robinson

Two more injections of star quality could arrive in defence if Tottenham decide to refresh their full-backs. Jules Kounde would be a great addition on the right, having emerged as one of La Liga's best operators during his time at Barcelona.

A move for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson would add a new dimension on the left, given the American's tendency to bomb forward at every opportunity. He deserves the chance to test himself at a top club while he is still at the peak of his powers.

Midfield - Palhinha, Mainoo, Bergvall

Tottenham could secure a permanent move for Joao Palhinha next summer following his electric start to life in north London. He has done brilliantly since joining on loan and Spurs would be missing a trick by not bringing him back next season.

He could be paired in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United and has been linked with Tottenham recently. Lucas Bergvall, meanwhile, has incredible potential and will only continue to get better.

Attack - Simons, Rashford, Kane

Harry Kane returning to Tottenham under new billionaire owners is a move that every fan would be desperate for. He remains one of the deadliest strikers in world football and would surely love to win a trophy back where it all started.

Tottenham could also pursue a move for Marcus Rashford, who has enjoyed a productive start to his Barcelona loan spell. He would be an excellent choice to partner Xavi Simons in what would be a formidable front three to strike fear into opposing defenders.

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It had looked at one point that Tottenham Hotspur would break the bank and secure the services of Manchester City winger Savinho. The Brazilian international was open to the move down south, with City reportedly keen to facilitate a deal.

In the end, a move to Spurs didn’t transpire for Savinho, who ended the transfer window as a City player and has since been reintegrated into the first-team squad. He netted his first goal of the campaign on Wednesday night during a Carabao Cup clash against Huddersfield Town - a goal which sparked a passionate celebration from the 21-year-old.

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Savinho was spotted kissing the City badge after finding the back of the net, but he looks set to take his commitment to the club up a level by signing a contract extension with the Blues. That’s according to Fabizio Romano, who states a new deal is on the verge of being agreed between the player and the club.

According to the same outlet, Savinho was very much open to joining Spurs just a month ago, representing a very quick U-turn on his future plans.

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It’s a stark contrast to the situation Savinho found himself in this summer, when it appeared his brief stint as a City player would be coming to an end. The forward initially joined last summer when he joined from City’s sister club ESTAC Troyes after an impressive loan stint with another side in the City Football Group (CFG) web, Girona.

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Guardiola has praised Savinho extensively in the past, and the Catalan even told reporters he was keen to see him stay at City amid the Spurs rumours. Speaking in the summer, he explained: “The only thing I'm concerned about today is that Savinho will be with us all the season, and hopefully for many, many years.

"Because at 21-years-old with the potential he has, playing a lot of minutes, he has to improve in final decisions, he's an extraordinary player. But at the end, as always, the desire of the player prevails above everything, and after that there has to be an agreement with the club. If you don't make an agreement, the player will be here."

Savinho is yet to start a Premier League match for City this term, having made successive substitute appearances during their win against Manchester United and last weekend’s draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. He might get that opportunity this weekend when City welcome recently-promoted Burnley to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Brooklyn Earick, a former DJ turned tech mogul, is reportedly spearheading a consortium of 12 that has tabled a record-breaking £4.5billion bid to acquire Tottenham. Earick and his associates have proposed a staggering £3.3bn to take over the entire club from current proprietors ENIC and the Lewis family, with an additional £1.2bn set aside for player investments.

The 41-year-old entrepreneur has rallied support from NFL and NBA investors to endorse his ambitious plan for the North London outfit. Earick's 'Tottenham 3.0' strategy includes significant financial injections into the squad. He is claimed to be on the verge of securing a lucrative £250million stadium naming rights agreement also. This offer would surpass the £4.25bn record sum paid by Todd Boehly's consortium for Chelsea in 2022.

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An insider told The Sun: "Brooklyn and his team think everything is in place at Tottenham already. Spurs has a world class stadium and training ground, the infrastructure is all in place. But with the investment they are ready to make, it will be the final step to turn the club into winners on the pitch as well."

Earick is said to have initiated preliminary talks with the Tottenham hierarchy, including ex-chairman Daniel Levy, a few months ago.

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Despite the recent departure of Daniel Levy, ENIC, Tottenham's majority shareholder, has firmly stated that the club remains off the market. Spurs made it official on September 4 that Levy has relinquished his duties as Executive Chairman, a post he held for a quarter of a century.

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Levy reflected on his tenure in a heartfelt statement: "I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level."

He continued to highlight the sense of community fostered during his time: "More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years."

In expressing his gratitude, Levy added: "I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

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Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will host current FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The fourth round draw threw up plenty of mouthwatering clashes when it was made on Wednesday evening following the conclusion of all third round matches.

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Newcastle will host Tottenham at St James’ Park, while Arsenal will welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium in another all-Premier League encounter. And Cardiff will travel to Wrexham for a Welsh derby after leapfrogging their rivals in the football pyramid earlier this year when they were promoted to the Championship at the same time the team from the capital were relegated to League One.

But, of course, six-time League Cup champions Manchester United weren’t in the draw after being knocked out of the competition by League Two side Grimsby in the second round following a penalty shootout. Grimsby were in the hat for the fourth round draw and will host Brentford as they go in search of yet another giant killing. Chelsea, meanwhile, will face Wolves at Molineux, while Pep Guardiola will take his Manchester City team to Swansea.

Reigning Carabao Cup champions Newcastle overcame League One table-toppers Bradford at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening to book their place in the fourth round.

Eddie Howe’s team defeated Liverpool 2-1 in last season’s final at Wembley, with Alexander Isak netting the Magpies’ second goal before completing a blockbuster transfer to Anfield this summer.

Liverpool, meanwhile, scraped through to the fourth round after beating Championship side Southampton 2-1 on Tuesday evening.

The Reds left it late to secure the victory as summer signing Hugo Ekitike scored the winner in the 85th minute after coming on at half time.

But the striker was then sent off for a second bookable offence after removing his shirt to celebrate. The Frenchman ultimately apologised for his actions and will miss this weekend’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

Chelsea and Arsenal were also unconvincing in the third round as the Blues edged past League One side Lincoln on Tuesday evening courtesy of a 2-1 win, before the Gunners defeated Port Vale 2-0 a day later.

The fourth round matches will be played on the week of October 27, with the quarter-finals then due to take place just before Christmas. The final will be played at Wembley on Sunday, March 22.

Lucas Bergvall has revealed the bizarre circumstances behind his decision to reject Barcelona in favour of joining Tottenham instead. The 19-year-old sealed his switch to north London from Djurgarden for £8.5million last year. However, the transfer was anything but simple, as Spanish heavyweights Barcelona had also been chasing his signature.

A fresh BBC documentary sheds light on Bergvall's reasoning for spurning the Catalan club, with The Athletic's Spurs correspondent Jay Harris detailing the 'hectic' situation surrounding the midfielder's decision. "They fly over, they meet their sporting director Deco in the mountains," he said. "This is when things get a little bit hectic, they were in a restaurant, they are around 150 fans, paparazzi, trying to get in the restaurant, trying to get a glimpse of him."

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Bergvall added: "Yeah, it was strange and I never seen that ever before. Many paparazzi and such a stressful day." Ultimately, the player and his representatives concluded that Tottenham represented the ideal destination for his development.

Former Brommapojkarna sporting director Peter Kisfaludy disclosed that ex-manager Ange Postecoglou proved crucial in securing the deal.

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"I think Postecoglou was really important, when he met him," he said. "If you come here, trust me, you're going to play."

The youngster required several months to settle into Premier League life but, after finding his feet, he established himself as a vital cog in the Tottenham machine. One teammate, in particular, proved instrumental in easing his transition to England's elite division.

"It was a really big moment for me, for my family, for everybody around me," the youngster said about the move to Spurs. "I still remember the day completely.

"In the beginning it was a bit strange, new culture, a lot of traffic. Everybody was so kind to me and helpful and especially [Dejan] Kulusevski. He helped me to come into the group and to learn - and I'm really grateful for that.

"He's been great since the beginning to help me with everything. Not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. He's the example you want in the team. He's top."

Tottenham had to fight back to secure a draw against Brighton, with the equaliser coming late in the game. The match kicked off with an electrifying start from Fabian Hurzeler's team. Yankuba Minteh put them ahead just eight minutes into the game, and Yasin Ayari added a second goal before half an hour had passed.

However, Spurs refused to be defeated so easily and managed to claw back some respect before half-time - Richarlison netted his third goal of the season from a classic poacher's position. A determined effort in the second half finally paid off when Mohammed Kudus' cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Jan Paul van Hecke.

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In a Premier League clash filled with dramatic moments like this one, it's inevitable that some incidents will go unnoticed, particularly when they involve a rule that isn't enforced every week.

That includes an incident involving Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who was making his fourth start under Thomas Frank at the Amex Stadium.

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During the first half, Spurs were awarded a corner kick. The 19-year-old could be seen sprinting from the back post to the near post, but with one key difference - Bergvall ran behind the Brighton goal instead of across the front.

His attempt at stealth didn't go unnoticed, with referee Chris Kavanagh halting play to have a word with the grinning teenager.

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Under Law 11 of the FA rulebook used by English top-flight officials: "A player who deliberately leaves the field of play and re-enters without the referee's permission and is not penalised for offside and gains an advantage, must be cautioned."

Kavanagh failed to brandish the yellow card, meaning Bergvall escaped punishment.

The Swedish midfielder hadn't been cautioned prior to this unauthorised manoeuvre, nor afterwards, so a booking from this incident wouldn't have led to a dismissal and resulting one-match ban.

If it had occurred, he would have returned to league duty straight away next weekend against Wolves as the suspension would have been fulfilled against Doncaster Rovers in midweek Carabao Cup action.

Spurs' most recent point propelled them past fierce North London rivals Arsenal into second place in the Premier League table.

The Gunners possess the opportunity to leapfrog them when they take on Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as do Bournemouth when they welcome Newcastle.

Harry Kane swapped the Premier League for the Bundesliga two years ago after Bayern Munich shelled out just over £86million to prise the striker away from Tottenham. And one member of the German media has apologised to the player after initially criticising the transfer.

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Kane has been one of the most potent strikers in Europe since breaking into the Spurs first team towards the end of the 2013/14 campaign. The 32-year-old netted 280 goals in 435 games for Tottenham and has gone on to bag 98 goals and 29 assists in 103 appearances for Bayern. On Saturday, the England captain scored his second Bundesliga hat-trick of the season, just three days after notching two goals during his side’s Champions League victory over Chelsea.

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Kane was named in attack for Bayern’s trip to Hoffenheim on Saturday as his side attempted to retain their 100 per cent winning record this season.

The Englishman struck either side of half time, before adding a third with 13 minutes remaining as Munich claimed a 4-1 victory.

And following the game, BILD Sport reporter Alfred Draxler apologised to Kane and went on to write: “I was one of those who viewed the €100m transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in 2023 rather critically.

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“I thought: too much money for a then 30-year-old who had never won a title. There are cheaper options. Niclas Fullkrug, for example, had scored 16 goals for Werder Bremen the previous season.

“He's (Kane's) never injured! That's not just luck. It speaks volume about strict discipline and hard training.

“I don't think Harry Kane is vacationing in a hotel where you have to reserve your lounger in the morning. If I ever meet him, I'd get up really early and put a towel on his lounger for him. I wouldn't do that for any English person!”

Meanwhile, German football expert Raphael Honigstein has claimed Kane could head back to the Premier League in the coming years.

“It's no big secret that people in Germany don't expect Harry Kane to see out his career at Bayern,” he told talkSPORT. “I think Bayern are braced for the possibility that he will leave slightly earlier than his contract, which runs until 2027.

“One way or the other, he and the club need to take a view on this fairly soon. There is absolutely no chance that [Nicolas] Jackson (who joined Bayern in the summer) will displace Kane. He will have to play alongside him, ahead of him or give Kane a rest in a game or two.”

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Tottenham claimed a valuable point on the south coast on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Brighton. The result saw Thomas Frank’s team pick up their 10th point of the season as they climbed to second place in the Premier League table.

Tottenham started well but fell behind just eight minutes into the match after Yankuba Minteh dispossessed Wilson Odobert close to the edge of his own penalty area before finishing off the move by rounding Guglielmo Vicario and firing the ball into the back of the net. And the hosts doubled their advantage after Yasin Ayari fired the ball past the Tottenham keeper from long-range after Lucas Bergvall had given the ball away in a dangerous area. Richarlison halved his team’s deficit before half time, with Spurs eventually getting their equaliser as Jan Paul van Hecke turned the ball into his own net late on. And Express Sport rates and slates the Tottenham players.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Brighton (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario: 4

Made a couple of saves but was taken by surprise by the power of Ayari’s long-range effort and will be bitterly disappointed not to have kept it out. Was nearly caught out by an audacious free-kick from Lewis Dunk in the second half and failed to instil confidence.

Pedro Porro: 5

Attempted to join in with his team’s attacks but his crosses lacked direction as he failed to create opportunities for the forwards. Struggled defensively as well.

Cristian Romero: 7

Aggressive, assertive and offered a threat from set-pieces. But the Tottenham defence was exposed more than they had been in any other Premier League game this season.

Micky van de Ven: 7

Tried to use his speed to get Tottenham out of trouble but pressed in the lead up to the opening goal as Minteh took advantage of the extra space. Will need to stay fit if Tottenham are to enjoy a strong season.

Destiny Udogie: 6

Sparkled in the Brighton half as he tried to push forward and get involved in attacks. Covered plenty of ground but lacked an end product.

Joao Palhinha: 7

Made crucial interceptions and tackles as he displayed his talents at times. But needs to offer more on the ball in possession. Will be important for Spurs this season to protect their defence.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 6

Played a role in the lead up to Richarlison’s goal but was overrun in midfield as he failed to get a grip on the game. Too similar to Joao Palhinha sometimes and Spurs would benefit from more creativity in the middle of the pitch.

Lucas Bergvall: 4

Was pushed further forward but was sloppy at times. Gave the ball away ahead of Brighton’s second and then appeared to lose concentration later on.

Mohammed Kudus: 7

Clearly has plenty of talent and provided two assists but still needs to make better decisions around the penalty area.

Wilson Odobert: 4

Was dispossessed far too easily by Minteh and then failed to track the Gambia international later in the move as Brighton turned defence into attack to score the opening goal. Struggled to make an impact in the final third as Spurs were thwarted far too often.

Richarlison: 7

Carved out a decent chance for himself midway through the first half but fired his effort off target. Was down injured when Brighton netted their second goal but worked tirelessly to make something happen. And he was rewarded with a goal just before half time.

Substitutes

Xavi Simons: 6

Came on for Rodrigo Bentancur just after the hour mark as Frank attempted to spark his team into life. Had a decent chance after coming on but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Brennan Johnson: 6

Always impressed when called upon and will be disappointed that Wilson Odobert started ahead of him.

Archie Gray: 6

Came on for Bergvall just before the end of the match.

Djed Spence: 6

Replaced Pedro Porro with minutes remaining.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Brighton on Saturday, with manager Thomas Frank hoping to maintain Spurs' strong start to the season. The Danish manager's team has secured victories in three of their first four matches. However, after gaining six points from Burnley and Manchester City, they suffered a surprising home defeat to Bournemouth. Despite this setback, Spurs managed to bounce back after the international break.

They triumphed over West Ham 3-0 and beat Villarreal 1-0 in their Champions League return midweek, marking Frank's team's first appearance in Europe's top competition since the 2022-23 season. On the other hand, Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton were defeated 2-1 by Bournemouth in their last game, despite having previously stunned Man City. The Seagulls did manage to thrash Championship side Oxford United 6-0 in the League Cup, but this followed a 2-0 loss at Everton and a last-minute draw against Fulham on the opening day.

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Last season, Spurs were defeated twice by the Seagulls. Hurzeler's team also trounced them 4-1 in the final game of last season when Spurs were under the management of Ange Postecoglou, before he was sacked by the club.

When does Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur kick-off?

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, September 20. It will take place at the Amex Stadium.

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Is Brighton vs Tottenham on TV?

No, the game will not be televised due to the traditional 3pm blackout rules in the UK. However, fans can catch highlights on Match of the Day, which will start at 10:50pm on Saturday evening.

You can view highlights of the game on the BBC Sport website from 8pm. Sky Sports will also release highlights of the game on their app and website following the final whistle.

Highlights will also be available on the BBC Sport website from 8pm. Sky Sports will likewise post highlights on their app and website after the final whistle.

Team News

Franks' major concern is Dominic Solanke. The striker missed out on the win against Villarreal in midweek with an ankle injury and Randal Kolo Muani is now pushing for his first start, battling Richarlison for a place in the first team.

Spurs have been riddled with a series of long-term injuries already this season. James Maddison, Radu Draugsin, Dejan Kulusevsi are all out. Kota Takai looks set to return to training after returning from injury but will most likely miss out.

For Brighton, Adam Webster and Solly March are sidelined with knee injuries. Mats Wieffer could also miss out with his own knee problem. Left-back Maxim de Cuyper was brought off with an injury concern against Bournemouth. Diego Gomez missed the Oxford clash through sickness while Jack Hinshelwood could also be set for a lengthy spell out due to an ankle concern.