Daily Express

Mathys Tel has revealed that Tottenham's players have held frank discussions among themselves - and are now confident they will avoid relegation. Tottenham meet Nottingham Forest on Sunday in what has developed into a crucial relegation battle with Spurs merely one point above the drop zone. However, Tel insists there is a renewed sense of determination and resolve among the players, who wish to demonstrate they remain a "big team" despite their catastrophic season.

Tottenham are at last showing signs of recovery following their draw at Liverpool and, subsequently, the hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. Despite departing the Champions League, Spurs did at least secure their first triumph in nine matches, it also delivered interim manager Igor Tudor his maiden win since assuming control and it has revived some confidence for the remainder of the campaign.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

When questioned about what has altered and is the distinction, Tel added: "I think conversation in the dressing room. After every loss we just keep talking to each other and something changed. I would say we are together, we are more and more together.

"We are talking because maybe before we didn't speak enough. But now with the situation we talk more, more, more, more, more, and we are more about the details. So, you know, in football details make the difference and now I'm very happy about this difference.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"We're together. We're just a team now. A team. And I can feel it. We felt it also against Atletico. So, yeah, keep going. Of course we believe, we believe. We have to believe and we will do it. I believe we will do it. I trust my team-mates, I trust the manager, I trust everybody. If we stick together, if we show that we will do it together, we will do it.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tottenham's Champions League form has been in direct contrast to their domestic results. They qualified automatically for the knockout phase in Europe and yet have not won in the Premier League since December 28.

It has been hard to fathom and yet the last two games have given Tel hope that they can turn their season around. The Spurs forward says they had a point to prove against Atletico - and showed they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Tel continued: "It means that we can be a big team. We can show to every team that it's not easy to play against us. So, yeah, we showed a big, big, big mentality against Atletico Madrid."

"I would say we're happy, but we're still not happy because we didn't win both games. But the second game was a big performance from us. We showed a great mentality. Something different than the first game.

"So that means a lot for us because it showed that we can play well, we can give everything for the club, for the team. So I would say I'm happy about the performance from the team.

"This is a Champions League game, so when we go to the Premier League game, we have to play with the same energy, the same mindset.

"Of course. Confidence just going up. Going up. We just need to stick together, stick to the plan and keep working. At the weekend, make sure we are ready for the game."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Tel insists Tudor has given him and the team extra belief they can stay up. He added: "I can feel the manager put confidence that was needed before. So we can see on the pitch I have got more confidence, I can create situations. So, yeah, I mean, he gave me some things that I didn’t have before.

"We can do everything on the pitch, but we need plus one. And the plus one is the fans. We need them all the time. So we can do everything, but we need people pushing you every time, every minute. So this is what they did. And we won. Liverpool the same. So I hope we will do the same thing on Sunday."

Tottenham are left searching for answers as to how a season of such promise has unravelled so dramatically.

This is a club that can still point to a European trophy, world-class training facilities and a stadium widely regarded as among the finest in the game. The squad comprises established Premier League performers with international experience.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Yet those advantages have not translated into results. Tottenham are out of all cup competitions despite beating Atletico Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday night and find themselves entrenched in a relegation battle that few would have expected at the start of the season.

Dropping into the Championship would represent one of the most significant failures in modern top-flight history. For Chris Waddle, the former Tottenham winger and the club’s Player of the Year in 1988, the roots of the problem lie in recruitment.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“Unfortunately, they don't invest in the team,” Waddle told Express Sport with Ozoon. “And they can turn around and say: ‘We've spent so many millions over the last two or three years.’ But it's on potential. So let's get it right.”

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Waddle argues that Tottenham’s approach in the transfer market has lacked conviction, particularly when compared with their domestic rivals.

He said: “Until Tottenham start buying players who people go: ’Wow, what a signing,’ Man City are going to buy Antoine Semenyo, they're going to buy Marc Guehi from [Crystal] Palace.

“Two internationals, two good players, bang on the game, bang on form. Why are Spurs not buying those two? Straight away, why?”

Manchester City moved decisively in January, signing Semenyo and Guehi for a combined £82.5m after both had impressed at the highest level.

Tottenham, by contrast, committed £47.5m to Conor Gallagher and the young left-back Souza, neither of whom has yet made a sustained impact.

The context around those decisions has also shifted. Daniel Levy, the Premier League’s longest-serving executive, departed after 24 years in charge, removing a figure who had often been the focal point for criticism.

Responsibility now sits more squarely with the club’s current leadership, and Waddle suggests that without a rethink of priorities, they are doomed to repeat the same failings that allowed their captain and talisman to leave in another grave mistake.

“Until they start thinking about the football side before the commercial side, they will always be a nearly team,” Waddle added.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“And unless they start buying players and making statements of: ‘Wow, what a signing’, until they start doing that, there'll always be a chance that, yes, they could finish top four, but there's a great chance they could finish bottom four.

Few Premier League champions have ever experienced a 180 quite as sobering as this. Last April, Liverpool thrashed Tottenham to confirm their 20th title in the Anfield sunshine. It was the greatest day the iconic stadium has ever seen. While the sun was out again against Spurs yesterday as the Londoners returned to L4 for the first time since, the outlook at full-time was so much gloomier for Liverpool after a 1-1 draw. For Arne Slot, the dark clouds loom overhead.

After 30 games last season, Liverpool had won 22, drawn seven and lost once. The gap to second-placed Arsenal stood at 12 points. Four games later, the Reds were champions. At the same stage this season, they're fifth, a chasmic 21 points behind the league-leading Gunners. Slot's side have won 14 of 30, drawing seven and losing nine. Since September 20, the record worsens to W9, D7, L9. The drop-off from 12 months ago - for multiple reasons - is stark. And the harsh reality is that Slot does not look like he can turn the tide.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

This Liverpool team aren't losing as regularly as they were in October and November, he might argue. But their actual performances have changed incredibly little since then. This latest showing was so far beyond the standard required. No wonder there were boos at full-time. There was plenty of empty seats too. Many fans gave up as soon as Richarlison scored.

The belief and optimism that was Anfield's heartbeat under Jurgen Klopp is fading - fast. This Liverpool are far likelier to throw away points in the final stages than they are to win them. What a change that is from the side that started the season with late winners in all of their first five fixtures.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

This latest slip-up was against a Spurs team desperately low on confidence. Their morale was on life support thanks to missing 13 players due to injury and suspension, winless in 2026 and scrapping for their lives in the Premier League relegation fight.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

A feeble Liverpool team gave them confidence. And they deservedly conceded a game-changing goal in the 90th minute for the eighth time in the Premier League this season. That is pathetic. It has cost them 11 points. It was the 21st goal this season, across all competitions, that Liverpool have let in after the 75th minute. They've gone from mentality monsters to mentality midgets.

The draw against Spurs was unacceptable on multiple levels. Liverpool were at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead. The game opened up in the second half, which should have suited a team who have struggled against low blocks all season, and who brought on Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike on the hour mark. Tottenham are on a historically bad run of form and Liverpool had the chance to move fourth, and take advantage of slip-ups from their top-four rivals.

Yet 16th-placed Spurs, off the back of a six-match losing streak, created more big chances and had more shots on target. It is the worst low yet of a campaign that has been full of them. There is no excuse for failing to beat Igor Tudor's charges.

The Anfield fear factor so key to the club's success under Klopp is all but gone. On top of this, Ruben Amorim's Man Utd won here, as did Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest 3-0. PSV finished 28th in the final Champions League table yet smashed the Reds 4-1 on their own turf. All three newly-promoted teams - Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley - left with a point.

In the Premier League home table, Liverpool are fifth with 28 of a possible 45 points. The maximum they can finish the campaign with is 37 from 54. With fans in the stadium you have to go back 10 years for a tally that low. The lockdown season aside, the lowest Klopp mustered was 43 in 2017-18.

Goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai went as far to say post-match: "We have to wake up because if we carry on like this, we should be happy with the Conference League [next season]." For the champions to miss out on Champions League qualification would be like taking a punch to the jaw from prime Mike Tyson.

This is a team who had a massive summer transfer window. It was exciting, too, at the time. Granted they lost several key players, but the signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz and co. were meant to elevate the team; to take them on to another title and European glory too. Isak, watching from home, probably cannot believe what he's watching. "Intensity is our identity," said both Klopp and his No.2 Pep Lijnders in 2019. What even is the identity now?

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Liverpool live in a world where, when Brentford face Wolves tonight, they're hoping for a favour from the team bottom of the league against a team who finished 10th last term. If the Bees win, they're two points behind Liverpool and all of a sudden seventh is a plausible finish this season. For the reigning champions of the country. Who spent hundreds of millions of pounds in pre-season.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

The sad truth is that even if Liverpool do get a top-five finish, there are major question marks about whether Slot can make this team great again. He is not solely to blame for all of the team's troubles. The players must accept plenty of criticism too. But this team is less than the sum of its parts.

The performances and results being served up by a team of title-winning players, and expensive summer signings, is unacceptable. It is not a bad group of players. But it is a group of players who aren't being coached well. Liverpool still need another big transfer window but it is not Slot who should be overseeing it. He's too far gone to save himself.

Arne Slot says the frustrations of the Liverpool crowd are "completely normal" after the Reds slumped to a draw at home to struggling Tottenham. The full-time whistle was greeted with jeers at Anfield after Richarlison's 90th-minute equaliser dealt the latest gut punch to Liverpool's hopes of Champions League qualification. It also improved Spurs' chances of avoiding an embarrassing relegation to the Championship although they still remain without a win in 2026.

This was the eighth different occasion this season that Liverpool have thrown away points in the 90th minute of a Premier League game but just the second time at Anfield. Their stoppage-time woes have cost them 11 points. If not for all those collapses, Slot's champions would be second in the league, above Manchester City. Instead, they are 12 behind City - who they lost to late on at Anfield in February - and are scrapping desperately for a top-five finish to compete in Europe's premier competition again next term.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Liverpool end the weekend in fifth but could have gone fourth, above Aston Villa, with a win over Spurs. Villa and Chelsea's defeats presented an ideal opportunity for the Merseyside club but they produced another poor performance and paid the price at the death. Spurs had lost six in a row before their trip to Liverpool, with the hosts' failure to beat them sparking anger inside Anfield.

Asked about the booing by Sky Sports, Slot admitted: "It's completely normal. If the team you are supporting so many times is dropping points against teams you don't expect them to drop points against, if so many times this happens in the last seconds of a game, then I think we all feel a lot of frustration.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"They definitely [feel it], because they've experienced this far too many times than they are used to, and that's completely normal that they show their frustration, the frustration that is felt by me, by the players and also by our fans.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"And I'm 100 per cent sure that if they show up Wednesday, they will be supportive again from the start, but if the team doesn't perform to the standards they are used to, I think it's completely normal that they are frustrated."

Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool in front with another Kop end free-kick in the first half. But after he and his team-mates failed to cling on to victory, the Hungarian was scathing in his own post-match interview with the same broadcaster.

"We have to wake up. If we keep going like this, next season we should be happy if we play Conference League," Szoboszlai said. "In the first half, we played very well. We controlled the whole game, they hardly created many chances.

"Second half, I don't know, we just don't do the same things like in the first half. The question is why? We will sit down together. This is the most difficult time. We have to stick together.

"I didn't hear the boos [at full-time] but I can understand because last season we became champions and this season we are not performing in the way that we should be. They should stay behind us because last season, when we were champions four games before the end, everybody was happy. Support us now when we're in difficult times."

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher laid into his former club's performance, calling it "an absolute disaster". The Sky Sports co-commentator said on air: "They have actually made Tottenham look like a decent team. The defending was absolutely shocking from Liverpool. I've been saying all half that Liverpool have been sleepwalking into this. It was an awful performance.

"No disrespect to Tottenham but they are the worst team in the Premier League now, probably for the last couple of months. They are exactly who you want to play, playing at home, the incentive of your results this weekend and to put in a performance like that.

Liverpool FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

"But it's been like that all season. And the big question on everybody's lips is that down to the manager or the makeup of the squad? Could a new manager completely revitalise these type of players and bring that energy and sort of intensity back into this team? I'm not sure.

"I think a lot of it goes back to what happened in the summer, the profile of the players that came in and there's just too many players who just want to play when the ball's at their feet. They don't want to dig in and make it difficult. That's why it's so easy to play against this Liverpool team."

Jamie Carragher cast doubt on the mentality of Liverpool's squad and explained why he thinks Arne Slot's team have become so straightforward to compete against. Jeers echoed throughout Anfield at full-time after Richarlison's 90th-minute leveller secured Tottenham's embattled caretaker boss Igor Tudor a vital point.

Liverpool entered the match at Anfield having witnessed both Chelsea and Aston Villa falter in the race to qualify for Champions League football next season. And despite the Reds scarcely bursting into life early on, they went ahead through Dominik Szoboszlai's excellent free-kick after merely 18 minutes. However, they were uninspiring to say the least in the second period and following Richarlison's well-earned equaliser for Spurs, the Reds were ultimately forced to accept a draw.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Carragher, commenting immediately after the final whistle, not only suggested that a managerial change would fail to reverse his former club's fortunes but also siad that Liverpool's players lack the capacity to battle and make life challenging for opponents.

He said: "It was an awful performance. No disrespect to Tottenham, but they are the worst team in the Premier League now, probably for the last couple of months.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"They are exactly who you want to play, playing at home, the incentive of your results this weekend, and to put in a performance like that. But it's been like that all season.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"And the big question on everybody's lips is that down to the manager or the makeup of the squad? Could a new manager completely revitalise these type of players and bring that energy and sort of intensity back into this team? I'm not sure.

"I think a lot of it goes back to what happened in the summer, the profile of the players that came in, and there's just too many players who just want to play when the ball's at their feet.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"They don't want to dig in and make it difficult. That's why it's so easy to play against this Liverpool team."

Speaking following Richarlison's equaliser, Carragher stated: "Well, it was coming. I've been saying all second-half, Liverpool have been sleepwalking into this result.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"And it was always going to be him, he's looked the most dangerous Tottenham player. And Liverpool just don't challenge for the long ball.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Andy Robertson doesn't challenge for the long hopeful ball. Does the jump, gets in-between, not sure where Van Dijk's going - doesn't react quickly enough and then Liverpool are all over the place.

Liverpool FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

"But I can't say Tottenham don't deserve it, they've had chances in the game. The majority fell to this man, but this was definitely their best one.

Beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor will be without 11 players for his side's clash against Liverpool. Spurs head to Anfield aiming to halt a dismal 11-match winless streak in the Premier League and a six-game losing run across all competitions.

They have slipped to 16th in the top flight table, just one point above Nottingham Forest in 17th and 18th-placed West Ham, who occupy the final relegation spot. With Tottenham not having tasted a Premier League victory since Decemberthey need a positive outcome at Anfield this weekend to bolster their survival prospects. However, Tudor's team will have to achieve this without several players due to injury, after the Croatian confirmed a significant double setback on Friday.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

During his pre-match press conference, Tudor disclosed that Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha have been ruled out after they clashed heads with each other in the 5-2 loss at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. When questioned whether Romero and Palhinha would be fit for the trip to Liverpool, Tudor responded: "No, no, no they (Romero and Palhinha) are out.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"I don't know how much (they will be out), I think, they will be back for sure, for the Nottingham Forest, maybe even for the Champions League."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Yves Bissouma is unavailable after sustaining a muscle problem, whilst Tudor confirmed that Conor Gallagher should be fit despite battling a fever. Micky van de Ven will complete a one-match ban following his dismissal against Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

£49 £35 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Destiny Udogie had been anticipated to recover from a hamstring complaint for the fixture at Anfield, but Tudor acknowledged the Italian should be ready for selection against Nottingham Forest next weekend. Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall continue as long-term casualties.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Odobert is facing a spell until late 2026 on the side-lines after damaging his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) last month. Maddison, meanwhile, is targeting a comeback for the beginning of next season following his ACL rupture last pre-season.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Kulusevski has not appeared for nearly 12 months now owing to a knee issue, but the Swede is making headway and could feature before the conclusion of the current campaign. Bentancur is eyeing a potential May comeback following a serious hamstring setback, whilst Kudus could be available in April after suffering a thigh injury.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Davies had ankle surgery and there is optimism he could return in April, whilst Bergvall may be ready to feature next month after damaging his ankle in January.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Premier League legend Harry Redknapp is back in the spotlight with speculation connecting him to a return to Tottenham Hotspur. The 79-year-old's horse, Jukebox Man, is competing in today's Cheltenham Gold Cup – and he stands a significant chance of winning. The former West Ham and Portsmouth manager is among English football's most recognisable personalities.

Celebrated for his shrewd transfer dealings and for steering Spurs into the Champions League, Redknapp enjoyed a professional career that began with playing for the Hammers in 1965 and concluded in 2017, when he managed Birmingham City. The ex-QPR manager is also well-known for his passion for horse racing and for stepping up to manage England for Soccer Aid, the celebrated charity fixture. From his net worth to his wife, Sandra's health battles and speculation of a return to Premier League management, Express Sport rounds up all you need to know about Redknapp...

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Redknapp's net worth

Before establishing his reputation as a charismatic and commercially astute manager, Redknapp enjoyed an extensive playing career for clubs including West Ham and Bournemouth.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Nevertheless, it's owing to his many years as a leading manager and to his various endorsements since retiring that he has increased his net worth. Some reports suggested that his final contract with Spurs was valued at close to £3million annually.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Upon assuming control at QPR, his contract was reportedly valued at approximately £10m. Redknapp's total wealth is now estimated to be around £13.4m, as per Celebrity Net Worth.

His wife's health scare

The ex-football manager and his wife, Sandra, have been married since 1968. Redknapp described it as "very scary" when Sandra was urgently admitted to hospital in 2018 with a severe case of sepsis, a type of blood poisoning.

"Luckily, we did [go to hospital]. Otherwise, she could have been in a lot of trouble," he disclosed to the BBC. "It was a big shock. It really is a killer."

The couple first crossed paths when they were 17 in their local pub. Discussing their relationship during his stint on reality TV Show, I'm a Celebrity, Harry stated: "Even when I'm out I ring her ten times a day. She's my life. I'm a bit scared actually, getting older.

"I do love her too much, if anything happened it would just kill me. We just get on so well, I only want to be with her. I can never wait to see her."

He subsequently initiated a sepsis awareness campaign after his wife Sandra survived the condition. Back in 2022, Harry also revealed his concern for Sandra after she had difficulty breathing following a bout with Covid earlier that year.

He told The Mirror: "The symptoms weren't good, if I'm truthful. You start to think about all kinds of sinister things."

Potential return to Spurs

With Spurs in chaos, speculation about Redknapp returning to stabilise the club and help avoid relegation has intensified. However, he has conceded that a comeback to Tottenham is improbable - even if the club opts to dismiss Igor Tudor.

Tudor has had a catastrophic beginning at Spurs, suffering defeats in all four of his initial matches. Yet speaking to the Press Association at the Cheltenham Festival, Redknapp distanced himself from the role, should it become vacant.

"I've been asked a few times if I'd go back to Spurs and it's probably not going to happen, is it?" he stated. "Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it's going to happen."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

He continued: "They've got it all on to stay up, it's going to be hard. I'm looking at their fixtures and Nottingham Forest are playing alright, West Ham are playing very well, it's going to be tough for Tottenham.

"My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man in the Gold Cup, I'm nothing to do with Spurs any more. They haven't been in touch, not at all. I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up."

Robbie Keane is reportedly leading a three-man shortlist to become the next permanent Celtic head coach, with the Ferencvaros boss being considered for a stunning return to Parkhead. The former Ireland striker has been creating quite an impression in Hungary, guiding his side to the top of their domestic league whilst also securing progression to the Europa League last 16.

His name was widely discussed for the Hoops position prior to Wilfried Nancy's appointment, and following that ill-fated tenure, the club turned once again to Martin O'Neill, who has subsequently restored stability. However, the search for a permanent manager continues behind the scenes and the Guardian claim that Keane has emerged as the preferred candidate amongst the Celtic hierarchy.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Such an appointment would prove divisive amongst the Celtic faithful. Keane remains a contentious figure in his native Ireland following his association with Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, whom he managed between summer 2023 and November 2024, and similar reservations exist among substantial sections of the Celtic fanbase who would require considerable persuasion.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Competition for Keane's signature is expected to be fierce, with another of his former clubs, Tottenham, also closely monitoring his managerial progress.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

It's believed Keane was approached regarding the caretaker role following Thomas Frank's dismissal, but declined any short-term arrangement.

The same report indicates that Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou and Wales boss Craig Bellamy remain under consideration. For Askou, there are reportedly concerns amongst Parkhead officials about whether he's prepared for such a significant step following only one campaign in Scottish football.

Bellamy's circumstances prove even more complicated. Wales are participating in the World Cup play-offs, which means he will be unavailable for discussions until April at the earliest.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Should they progress beyond Bosnia-Herzegovina and subsequently triumph in a final to qualify for the tournament in North America, he would probably require considerable persuasion to abandon the opportunity to manage at a World Cup.

Gary Neville has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur's relegation would be "very good for the Premier League". Spurs are precariously perched just one point above the relegation zone with nine league matches left to play.

The Lilywhites' performance has nosedived further under temporary head coach Igor Tudor, who has suffered defeats in his first four games at the helm. The pressure has intensified on the former Juventus and Lazio manager following Tuesday's 5-2 drubbing at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tudor is now poised to lead his team to Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday, with Tottenham potentially slipping into the bottom three by then if West Ham and Nottingham Forest secure victories in their preceding matches.

And former Manchester United defender turned pundit Neville has offered his opinion on The Overlap podcast - expressing his belief that Spurs facing relegation could benefit the English top-tier.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He said: "I refuse to predict relegation. I hated it, the idea of seeing a club go down.

"But I must admit seeing Tottenham go down wouldn't be great for Tottenham fans and I think Tottenham are an amazing club, but it would be very good for the Premier League from a competitive perspective and the idea of Leeds staying up, of Sunderland staying up.

"I'll tell you what I was more worried about at the start of the season, that every club which came up was just going straight back down again.

"I think the Premier League doesn't necessarily need Tottenham to go down, but it needs clubs other than the ones that come up to go down.

"It would be sad to go down, but maybe they've had it coming."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Despite expressing his thoughts on Spurs' potential relegation to the Championship, the 51-year-old does not foresee such a scenario unfolding for the Lilywhites.

He added: "I don't think they will go down. If you're going to make another change, that for me will probably need to be today or tomorrow because you don't wait."

One Tottenham player has reportedly told his teammates that he is 'not too concerned' about the club's potential relegation from the Premier League, as he believes he can and will leave this summer.

Spurs are currently embroiled in a battle to avoid demotion to the Championship following a disastrous 11-match winless streak that has seen them plummet to 16th, just one point above Nottingham Forest in 17th and 18th-placed West Ham, who occupy the final relegation spot.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Igor Tudor's team next face Liverpool and could well find themselves in the bottom three by the time of their game at 4:30pm on Sunday, as both West Ham and Forest play before them.

However, the threat of relegation does not faze one Tottenham player, who has allegedly told his teammates that he is not worried about the prospect of falling out of the Premier League as he is confident he will secure a new club come the start of next season, according to The Athletic.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, it's added that some players who are committed to steering Tottenham away from the relegation zone have expressed dissatisfaction with the effort of others, who they feel are not motivated to dig deep and help the club maintain its Premier League status this season.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tottenham's troubles intensified following Tuesday's 5-2 battering at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and football.london reported post-match that the club's squad believes Tudor has imposed himself too aggressively since his arrival at the club last month.

Tudor succeeded Thomas Frank as Spurs' head coach until the end of the season, but the Croatian has suffered a catastrophic start to life in north London, losing each of his opening FOUR fixtures. They were defeated by Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before the devastating loss in Madrid.

And Tottenham's players feel that Tudor's methods since his appointment have appeared 'disrespectful' and 'borderline mocking'. The former Marseille and Juventus manager selected Antonin Kinsky in goal for the journey to Atletico but withdrew him in the 16th minute after making a couple of early mistakes to leave Spurs 3-0 down.

The choice to drop and then introduce Guglielmo Vicario, the club's regular No.1 goalkeeper, marked another example of Tudor's questionable team selection decisions.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

His attempts to impose discipline have dramatically backfired, and this has generated frustration and doubt amongst the playing staff concerning his authority.

After the final whistle at Atletico, Tudor then seemed to disregard Kinsky as the 'keeper left the pitch, opting not to speak to him about either the substitution or what his calamitous 16-minute display could mean for the remainder of his Tottenham career. It has subsequently emerged that Kinsky is expected to pursue a temporary switch away from Spurs during the summer transfer window, as he aims to rebuild his confidence and secure crucial playing opportunities.